Hip pain during pregnancy is common. It is usually felt in the third trimester as your body prepares itself for labor. The pain and soreness are felt the strongest on the side where the baby tends to lie in the uterus.
 

 

What causes hip pain during pregnancy ?

 
Your body releases hormones that make connective tissues relax and soften. This causes the joints and ligaments between the bones in your pelvis to begin to loosen. Increases flexibility of these bones is necessary to allow the baby to move through the body during labor.

Hip pain can also be caused by increased pressure  on the sciatica nerve. As the uterus enlarges, it  put pressure on these nerves causing pain, numbness, or a tingling sensation in the buttocks, hips, and thighs. You may get relieve from sciatica nerve pain as your due date draws closer and your baby changes his position.

Round ligament pain  which is common in the second trimester is also another possible cause of hip pain. Round ligament pain will intensify with rapid movements or changes in position.

How to manage hip pain during pregnancy.

 
Exercises that strengthen both the back and abdominal muscles  may reduce hip pain. You may get relief by elevating your hips above chest level while lying on your back for a couple of minutes

You can also take a warm bath or  apply warm compressions  to the sore area to relieve pain.

Massaging the affected area may also ease the soreness.

You should also sleep on your side and keep your legs and knees bent as you draw close to your due date. You can also use  pillows to support your abdomen and upper leg to make you more comfortable as you sleep.

If lying on your side makes hip pain worse, place a pillow or blanket at  your back and sleep leaning against it.  This will reduce the pressure on the hip you are sleeping on.

Call your doctor if  you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and experience hip pain that is accompanied by pressure in the pelvic area that radiates towards the thighs . It could be a sign of preterm labor.

Other symptoms that may indicate preterm labor include the following :

• you are experiencing contractions which occur every 10 minutes
• abdominal cramping in the lower abdomen
• lower backache  that extends to  the front and sides of your body without relief when you change positions
• clear, pink or brown discharge from the vagina