How to Deal With Pain in Buttocks During Pregnancy
Pregnancy and buttocks pain are no strangers to each other. Believe it or not, pain in the bottom area is not uncommon during pregnancy. Women often find themselves with all sorts of new aches during pregnancy. There is a pain in places you never thought you would have a problem with. This is completely normal as your body is going through a huge hormonal change at this time.
What Causes Butt Pain During Pregnancy
There could be several reasons why you may be experiencing pain in the bottom during your pregnancy. If you have ever had to stop and wonder, “Why am I experiencing sharp pain in my buttocks?” go through the following and you may find out why.
1. Sciatica
There is a nerve that extends from the buttocks to the leg that is called the Sciatic nerve. This sciatic nerve pain in buttocks during pregnancy is one of the reasons why women feel pain in their bottom at this time. The condition is called Sciatica.
2. Hemorrhoids
There are times when the veins in the anus or lower rectum get swollen. This condition is called Haemorrhoids. The second and third trimesters is when the fetus is really starting to grow, and this can put pressure on the anus. Due to this, hemorrhoids can develop. If you stand for a long duration of time or are experiencing constipation, you are more likely to experience hemorrhoids, and as a result, a pain in the bottom.
3. Contractions
This is a natural part of the last stage of pregnancy. Contractions usually take place when it is time for the baby to get pushed out. There are some women who will also feel this contraction pain in the buttocks.
4. Pelvic Girdle Pain
About one woman in five experiences this. The weight of the baby, along with all the movement that takes place during pregnancy causes pain for some women. This can even extend to the bottom area. This can occur at any time during pregnancy. Some women feel pain in the buttocks during early pregnancy, while other women may experience it only during the last days of their pregnancy.
How Is the Condition Diagnosed?
As there are a few different reasons why you may be experiencing pain in your buttocks area during pregnancy, there will be different ways to find relief from them as well. This is why it is always recommended that you inform your doctor about any pain that you may feel during your pregnancy. Your doctor will be able to prescribe the right treatment for you.
The first thing your doctor will need to know is your symptoms. Is there anything that may aggravate the pain or anything that brings some relief?
At other times, you may need some blood work done, or a visual examination by your doctor. There are times when buttocks pain is an early pregnancy symptom that has an easy remedy or that will go away with a few good stretches.
Treatment Given for Pain in Buttocks While Pregnant
If you are looking for a way to treat the lower back buttock pain during pregnancy, you can try some of the commonly used treatments. Here are some that you can try:
- You can get some over-the-counter painkillers that are safe to use while you are pregnant. Tylenol is one of them.
- Creams or ointments that are used to treat ointments.
- Make a request to your doctor for some prescription pain medication if it is very severe pain.
- Sign up for a prenatal massage by someone with expertise in bringing relief to different prenatal pains that women face.
- Ask your doctor to prescribe a medication that will soften the stool, this way you can reduce any pain from hemorrhoids.
Home Remedies to Get Relieved From Bum Pain During Pregnancy
Here are some things that you can try at home to find some relief from pain in the buttocks during pregnancy:
1. Apply Heat
You can place a hot water bag over the area that hurts. The heat will send some relief to the pain, especially if it is caused by Sciatica. A warm and relaxing bath can also help.
2. Use Witch Hazel
If your pain is caused due to hemorrhoids, applying a little witch hazel on your pad will help to reduce any inflammation that is present. Only a few drops are needed at one time. If you freeze the witch hazel pads before use, this will bring even more relief and help in reducing the inflammation that causes it.
3. Do Not Sit or Stand for Too Long
Whether sitting or standing, make sure that you do not do either for long periods of time. This can cause more pressure to rest on the anus. If you are doing work that requires you to stand, make sure that you sit down every 45 minutes. The same should be done if you need to sit for long periods of time.
4. Foam Roller
Foam rollers that are used gently on the buttocks and legs can be a great way to relieve the pain at home.
5. Stretching
If you indulge in a few gentle stretches, it will able to help bring relief to the pain.
6. Improve Your Sleeping Posture
Using a pillow under your tummy, and another one between your knees, while you sleep, will help a lot as it ensures that your body is in the correct position while you sleep. This will reduce the pain that is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve and pelvic pressure.
How to Prevent Buttock Pain While Pregnant
Though there is no way to guarantee that there will be no pain during your pregnancy, you can still take steps to prevent any serious aches and pains from occurring. Here are a few things that you can try out to help:
- Drinking plenty of water will ensure that the hemorrhoids do not form so easily. This is because it will reduce the risk of constipation, which is one of the main factors that cause problems with hemorrhoids.
- Ensure to have balanced meals. If you consume too much of anything, it will end up causing problems on some date or the other. The best way to keep your body healthy is to always make sure you consume balanced meals.
- Add gentle exercises to your daily routine.
- Get a massage every now and then. This will not only help to prevent the pain in the buttocks, but it will also help other pregnancy pains as well.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Though aches and pains come with the pregnancy experience, there are times when a pregnant woman needs to consult with the doctor to ensure that everything is okay. Consult a doctor if you are experiencing:
- Pain so intense you become nauseous
- Pain that persists even after attempts to find relief
- Extreme blood loss due to hemorrhoids
- Water breaking
- Loss of control when it comes to the bladder or bowels
Pregnancy can be a trying time for many women, but most treasure the experience. Aches and pains aside, it is a magical time for women. Though you might breeze through the first trimester, if you are to experience pain in buttocks during pregnancy, the second trimester is when it will most likely occur.
Should you start to feel any pain in the area, let your doctor know so that you can be put on a plan that will bring you relief. Avoid trying to self-medicate as not all over the counter medications are safe to use while pregnant. Your doctor will know best how to help you after making a diagnosis of what is causing the pain.
Also Read:
Stomach Ache During Pregnancy
Vaginal Pain In Pregnancy
Chest Pain while Pregnant