Hip Pain During Pregnancy: Assessment and Care Options

Hip, pelvic or back pain during pregnancy can make walking, sleep and daily tasks difficult. There are several possible causes, so speak with your midwife or doctor about new or persistent pain. This article explains questions to ask about comfort, assessment and care.

Hip Pain and Pregnancy

Pregnancy-related hip or pelvic pain varies between individuals. Published research cannot determine the cause of your pain; an assessment should consider your symptoms, stage of pregnancy and medical history.

Some changes and concerns to discuss include:

Weight Increase

As pregnancy progresses, the demands on your body and the way you move can change. Tell your maternity care provider which tasks are difficult rather than assuming that pain means your spine is out of alignment.

Postural Changes

Your usual sitting, standing or sleeping positions may become less comfortable. Note what aggravates the pain and what helps you settle.

The position of your bump or your posture cannot, by itself, establish the cause of hip pain. Your midwife or doctor can consider whether further assessment is needed.

If carrying a bag or lifting brings on pain, describe the task and ask for practical advice suited to your pregnancy.

Side Sleeping

If side-sleeping is uncomfortable, speak with your midwife or doctor about support and positioning.

From 28 weeks of pregnancy, settle to sleep on either side, including for naps. If you wake on your back, turn onto your side. A pillow between your knees may help with comfort.

Pain That Needs Medical Assessment

Severe pain, difficulty walking or pain after an injury needs prompt medical assessment. Do not assume it is a routine part of pregnancy or try to diagnose a bone condition from an online article.

Contact your maternity care provider immediately if you have vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain or your baby’s movements reduce. Seek urgent care for an emergency.

Hormonal Changes

Pregnancy involves hormonal and physical changes, but these do not establish the cause of an individual’s pain. Tell your maternity care provider about the location, severity and timing of symptoms.

Can a Chiropractor Help with Hip Pain During Pregnancy?

If you are considering seeing a chiropractor for hip pain, first discuss the concern with your maternity care provider. Suitability depends on an assessment, your health history and the technique proposed.

Manual therapy should not be presented as a guaranteed way to realign the pelvis or relieve pregnancy-related pain. Ask about likely benefits, risks, alternatives and what evidence applies to you.

Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy

Before you visit a chiropractor, tell the practitioner that you are pregnant and share relevant medical advice. Modified positioning or equipment does not remove all risk; discuss the proposed technique before deciding.

Questions to ask about any proposed care include:

• Purpose: Which symptom or activity is the proposed care intended to help, and what evidence supports it?
• Benefits and Risks: What improvement is realistic, what could go wrong, and what alternatives are available?
• Movement Advice: Which activities suit your pregnancy and symptoms, and when should you stop or seek further advice?
• Review: When will the plan be reassessed, and what happens if it is not helping?

You can decline treatment or choose another care option. Any plan should fit your needs and continue alongside appropriate maternity care.

Discussing Everyday Comfort

Your maternity care provider can help you consider practical changes suited to your symptoms.

Discuss Suitable Activity

Ask your maternity care provider about activity that suits your pregnancy and current symptoms. If exercise brings on pain or you are unsure what is appropriate, seek individual advice.

Choose the Right Shoes

Choose footwear that feels comfortable and secure for your daily activities. If pain affects walking, discuss it with your maternity care provider rather than relying on a shoe change alone.

Take Note of Your Posture

Notice which positions and tasks are comfortable and which aggravate symptoms. General information about posture is not a substitute for advice suited to your pregnancy.

Adapt Tasks That Cause Discomfort

Discuss lifting, prolonged standing or household tasks if they cause pain. Advice should reflect your circumstances, rather than a blanket instruction to avoid everyday movement.

Check Your Sleeping Position

From 28 weeks, begin each sleep on your side, whether at night or during a daytime nap. Either side is suitable. If you wake on your back, simply turn onto your side; ask your midwife about comfort if pain makes this difficult.

We’re Here to Help

At MyChiro in Bondi Junction, an initial discussion can cover your symptoms, medical history and whether chiropractic assessment is appropriate. We may recommend medical review or another care option.

New patients can book a free initial consultation with MyChiro online, or get in touch with us to ask about the visit. The consultation includes assessment and advice; treatment isn’t included. Optional same-day treatment is $125 if clinically appropriate, with no obligation to proceed. Continue your usual maternity care.