Coccyx Pain Postpartum

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After childbirth, a woman’s body does not instantly go back to how it was before pregnancy, and there may be some discomfort, especially in the coccyx (tailbone) area.

1 Why does my coccyx hurt?
2 Who is most at risk of injuring the coccyx area?
3 What does it feel like?
4 Dealing with the discomfort
5 More Information

[edit] Why does my coccyx hurt?

As the baby passes through the birth canal, it places a great deal of pressure on the surrounding areas, including the coccyx. This pressure can actually bruise, dislocate, or in very rare cases, even fracture the tailbone. When a fracture or complete break of the tailbone occurs, although many women are preoccupied with the pain of labour, they may still noticeable a cracking or popping sound.

The muscles surrounding the coccyx may also be slightly bruised, which can cause some minor discomfort for a short period of time.

[edit] Who is most at risk of injuring the coccyx area?

There are certain factors that place a woman at higher risk of injuring her coccyx during childbirth. These are as follows:

If you are giving birth to a larger than average baby
If your baby is in an odd position, especially the breech position
If your pelvis is narrow or oddly shaped
If your pelvis has previously been broken or injured, you may have a higher risk of doing damage to it again during a vaginal delivery. In this case, a caesarean section may be a suitable option for you, depending on your personal preference.

[edit] What does it feel like?

Most women who have experience some degree of trauma to their coccyx area during childbirth agree that the pain that they experience is at it’s most severe whilst sitting down. Many also report tenderness when they are rising to standing, if they have been sitting in the same position for an extended period of time. A woman may also notice some discomfort when she is having a bowel movement.

[edit] Dealing with the discomfort

It is important to try and rest as much as possible, to allow this area to slowly heal and repair itself. Try not to undertake any unnecessary strenuous activity.

Holding an icepack to the affected area may provide relief, as it helps to reduce any swelling that is present.

Taking a pain reliever with anti inflammatory properties may be advised by your health care provider. Be sure to let him or her know if you are breastfeeding, as this may affect which type of medication you can use.

Many women report that lying on their side is the most comfortable position if they are having tenderness in the coccyx area.

There are some donut shaped pillows that are marketed especially for women with this problem. Many of these are wedged shaped, which encourages the woman to lean forward slightly, relieving any pressure on that area.