Pregnancy is a beautiful and exciting time in a woman’s life. However, it’s no secret that it can also come with its fair share of challenges. Pregnancy has a significant impact on your body in a variety of ways. From your growing belly to fluctuating hormones, your body is working hard to support the new life growing inside of you. One of the most common discomforts a woman may experience during pregnancy is hip pain. Hip pain affects approximately 32% of pregnant women, and most frequently during the third trimester. As your body adjusts to your changing center of gravity and the weight of your baby, your hips may experience increased stress and strain, causing you to experience pain. The good news is that there are effective ways you can manage and alleviate hip pain, and for the majority of women, hip pain goes away after delivery. 

Symptoms of hip pain during pregnancy

Hip pain during pregnancy can manifest in a variety of ways. Just as every woman’s body is different, every pregnancy is also different. You may experience some or all of these symptoms at different stages during your pregnancy:

• Aching or stiffness in your hips — This can be worse after long periods of sitting, standing or lying down.
• Sharp or shooting pain — You may feel this type of pain in your hips, lower back or legs, especially when you are walking, climbing stairs or changing positions. 
• Limited range of motion — You may find it harder to move your hips or legs as freely as before. 
• Pain that radiates — Sometimes, hip pain during pregnancy can extend down into your legs, which can be a sign of sciatica or another nerve-related issue. 
• Pain that gets worse at night — Hip pain can be more intense at night, especially if you lie on one side for an extended period. 

If you’re noticing these symptoms, it’s a good idea to start thinking about what may be causing your hip pain and how you can manage it effectively. 

Causes of hip pain during pregnancy

Several factors can contribute to you experiencing hip pain during your pregnancy, including:

• Diastasis recti — Diastasis recti is a condition that refers to the separation of the abdominal muscles. This can happen as your belly expands to make room for your growing baby. The weakening of core muscles can cause instability in your pelvis and contribute to hip pain. 
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain — The SI joint is located where your pelvis meets your spine and can become misaligned during pregnancy due to added weight and postural changes. This misalignment can lead to hip and lower back pain. 
• Relaxin — Relaxin is a hormone that your body produces to help your ligaments and joints become more flexible as your body prepares for childbirth. While these changes are essential for labor, your joints, particularly those in your hip and pelvis, are more prone to pain and discomfort as they become less stable. 
• Sciatica — Your sciatic nerve runs from your lower back down through your legs. As your baby grows, pressure on this nerve can cause shooting pain in your hips, lower back and legs. Sciatica is a common cause of hip pain during pregnancy. 
• Pelvic girdle pain — Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) can cause pain that comes from the joints in your pelvic area, including the hips, sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis. PGP can make everyday movements like walking or climbing stairs uncomfortable. 
• Round ligament pain — The round ligaments support your uterus, and as it grows, these ligaments stretch, sometimes causing sharp pain in your hips or lower abdomen. This pain can come on suddenly during movement and can be quite uncomfortable. 

When to see a doctor due to hip pain during pregnancy

Hip pain can be common during pregnancy, but there are times when it’s crucial to seek immediate medical advice. Contact your doctor if:

• Your pain is severe or doesn’t improve.
• You experience sudden swelling, redness or warmth in your hips or legs.
• You have difficulty walking or moving your hips.
• You notice signs of a UTI, such as painful urination, fever or back pain. 
• You have pain in your lower back that radiates to your front or sides and doesn’t ease when you change positions.
• You experience abdominal pain, discomfort or cramping.
• You notice unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding. 

Treatments for hip pain during pregnancy

While hip pain during pregnancy can be uncomfortable, there are several options available to help you alleviate the discomfort and find relief. If you have any questions or uncertainties about a treatment option, it’s essential that you discuss them with your doctor or OBGYN. Options that can help you find relief from pregnancy hip pain include:

• Pain relievers — Certain over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage hip pain. Always check with your health care provider before taking any medications during pregnancy.
• Heat and cold therapy — Using a heating pad on the affected hip can help relax tight muscles and increase blood flow to the area, promoting healing. Be careful not to overheat the area, as this can cause burns or make the pain worse. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected hip can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing temporary pain relief. Always use a barrier around the ice pack to help prevent frostbite or nerve damage. 
• Physical therapy — Physical therapy is a safe and effective treatment approach for pregnancy-related concerns, including hip pain. Your physical therapist can design a personalized treatment plan based on the underlying issue causing your hip pain. 
• Pregnancy belt/pelvic belt — Wearing a support belt around your hips can help stabilize your pelvis and take some of the pressure off your hips. 

Pregnancy-safe physical therapy techniques for hip pain 

Physical therapy can be a valuable tool to help you manage hip pain during pregnancy. Here are some pregnancy-safe techniques your physical therapist may use:

• Manual therapy — Manual therapy is an umbrella term for a variety of hands-on techniques your physical therapist can use to relieve pain and improve mobility, including:
• Soft tissue manipulation — Your physical therapist will use their hands to apply pressure and movement to the soft tissue in your body, including muscles, tendons and ligaments. By kneading and stretching the tissue, soft tissue manipulation can help release muscle tension, increase blood flow and promote healing in the affected area. It can help alleviate muscle knots and tightness around your hips and pelvis. 
• Joint mobilization — Your physical therapist will gently move your joints through their natural range of motion to help improve mobility and reduce stiffness. By applying slow, controlled movements, joint mobilization can reduce pain and boost overall function. This can help realign your hips and sacroiliac joints, which can become misaligned due to postural changes and weight gain. 
• Aquatic therapy — Exercising in water can be a great way to help relieve pressure on your joints while still gaining the benefits of movement. The buoyancy of water supports your weight, reducing strain on your hips and allowing you to move more freely. During aquatic therapy, your physical therapist will guide you through exercises that focus on strengthening the muscles around your hips and pelvis while minimizing discomfort. The warmth of the heated pool can also promote muscle relaxation. 
• Therapeutic exercises — Your physical therapist may create a personalized exercise program tailored to meet your specific needs. These therapeutic exercises focus on helping to strengthen your hips, core and pelvic muscles, which can help improve your stability and reduce pain over time. Exercises may include:
• Gentle stretches
• Resistance training
• Mobility work to promote muscle strength and flexibility
• Pelvic floor exercises — Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles can give you additional support in your hips and pelvis. These exercises are safe and highly recommended during pregnancy. They not only can help alleviate hip pain, but also prepare your body for labor and delivery. Your physical therapist will teach you specific techniques to properly and safely engage and strengthen these essential muscles. 

Find relief from hip pain during pregnancy with Lattimore PT

At Lattimore PT, we understand how challenging dealing with hip pain during pregnancy can be, and we’re here to provide you with safe and effective treatment options. Our compassionate team is dedicated to offering comprehensive care tailored to meet your specific needs. With a personalized treatment plan, we can address your pain while keeping the well-being of both you and your baby in mind. Our expert physical therapists, many of whom hold their Certification in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy, are experts in managing pregnancy-related pain. You can trust Lattimore PT to help you find relief through expert care, so that you can enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.