Pregnancy has a knack for finding new parts of the body where we have undiscovered pain nerves. Turns out bum cheek pain during pregnancy is a real thing, and your ‘Other Half’ is no longer the only pain in your A**!
Unfortunately, many of us naïve women are unaware of the possibilities of such pains and aches. “Pfft!” We say, “THAT can NOT be a real thing.” Until the day our bodies decide to correct our views on the possibilities of pregnancy pains and humbly set the record straight. It’s a painful lesson, but one we must learn to live with—fortunately, only for a while.
But yes, bum cheek pain during pregnancy is as real as the pain you feel when you stub your toe on the corner of the table or step on a Lego. It might not sound like a big deal, but boy does it hurt!
Pregnancy and Pain
Making a baby is not easy! And bearing the pains of pregnancy is like an endurance test for what lies ahead. Are you really ready to be a parent if you can’t withstand a little morning sickness? How will you stand the smell of poopy diapers if your heightened olfactory senses can’t bear the most common smells? Do you have what it takes to endure being kicked in the bladder at 3 in the morning? Oh, you do? Okay, great!
Congratulations! Here’s a little bum cheek pain, and I’ll throw in a few hours of labour pains, some mild tears, and before you know it, you’ll have a happy and healthy baby to take home.
Why do I have bum cheek pain during pregnancy? Why Me?!?!
As is when anything tough befalls us, we turn around and ask, “Oh God, why? Why me!” Note that this outburst is actually a two-part question, which is quite valid and understandable when your bum cheek starts to hurt mid pregnancy.
While I can’t answer the second question (I.E – Why Me), and you will have to look deep within yourself to find the answer, I can answer the first part fairly simply.
So, why does my bum cheek hurt during pregnancy?
Experiencing some discomfort in the bum cheek region during your pregnancy is one of the many “joys” of becoming a mother. Thanks to the advancement in science and studies on multiple women who suffered the same fate, we can now understand some of the reasons behind bum cheek pain.
Possible explanations include pressure on the sciatic nerves, hormonal changes, or even the baby’s position. Let’s look at each in detail:
Increased pressure on the sciatic nerve
As the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the sciatic nerve, which runs through the buttocks and down the back of the leg, causing those nerve-wracking spikes of pain. This condition is more commonly known as Sciatica.
Hormonal Changes
Discomfort during pregnancy is a given. Unless your stars are aligned and you happen to be one of the lucky ones, in that case, you are a source of envy.
For the rest of us, the hormonal changes are enough to wreak havoc. Pregnancy hormones, specifically Prostaglandins are a force that cause a plethora of changes within the female body. These shifts can cause ligaments and joints to become more relaxed and loose, which can lead to pain in the buttock or hip region. It sounds scary, but it is just your bodies way of preparing itself for Birthing!
Changes in posture and weight distribution
As the belly grows, the body’s centre of gravity shifts forward, which can affect posture, reduce the support being provided by your abdominal muscles, and put more strain on the lower back and buttock muscles.
Baby’s position
Where your baby is currently snoozing is another factor in why you might be experiencing those inconsistent prickles. The baby in the uterus can also cause pressure on the buttock muscles and nerves, resulting in aches and pains in the buttocks. Your Babies Karate kicks probably won’t be helping you either!
What are the symptoms of buttock pain?
Just like every baby is different, even bum cheek pain is different for different women. Some describe it as a sharp shooting pain, while others believe it is numbness in the buttocks. Bum cheek pain can present itself in different ways depending on the underlying cause. Some of the symptoms are:
1. Pain or tenderness in one or both buttocks
2. Sharp, shooting pain in the buttocks that radiates down the leg (sciatica)
3. Numbness or tingling in the buttocks, legs, or feet
4. Stiffness or decreased range of motion in the hips or lower back
5. Difficulty standing up from a seated position or walking
6. Swelling or redness in the buttocks or the surrounding area
7. Muscle spasms or cramps in the buttocks
8. Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing.
How can I relieve buttock pain?
Nobody wants to be a pain in the ass, and even more so, nobody wants to have an unbearable pain in the A**. While buttock pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle strains, sciatica, and piriformis syndrome, these simple tips that can help alleviate or help lessen buttock pain:
Get in a good stretch
Stretching exercises can help relieve tension in the buttock muscles. Gentle exercise can help strengthen the muscles in your buttocks, which can reduce pain. Try low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga. Feel free to read more on the following post: Weight Gain during Pregnancy – 7 Fun tips to help you manage!
Apply Pressure
Applying a warm compress or cold pack to your buttocks can help ease the pain. You can also alternate between hot and cold packs for added relief. We recommend these Ice Packs as they also work wonders on Lower Back Pain, and are completely reusable. You can also use a Hot water bottle with Harness for the Opposite effect!
Take a dip
Soaking in a warm bath can help relax the muscles in your buttocks and provide temporary relief. Alternatively, Cold Water Baths have also been shown to have many benefits.
Use a pregnancy pillow
A Pregnancy Pillow, also known as the “marriage separator,” can help support your body and reduce pressure on your buttocks while sleeping.
Treat yourself
Make sure that you’re eating healthy. Future mamas need to have their vitamins and nutrition in place to be healthy, have a safe delivery, and have happy and strong babies. Fuelling yourself with the right nutrients can also help to curb or avoid bum pain during pregnancy. It will also help you effectively Manage Stress During Pregnancy.
What Helps Sciatic Pain In The Buttocks During Pregnancy?
Just like nobody wants to be the butt of a joke, nobody wants sciatic butt pain. Sciatica is a condition that can cause leg weakness or numbness during Pregnancy. This can be quite uncomfortable, and while it is rare during pregnancy, it can be triggered when the growing uterus presses on the sciatic nerve.
Fortunately, for those who do get stuck with it, here are some methods that can help:
1. Gentle stretching: Stretching the muscles of the lower back and hips can help alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve. Exercises such as pelvic tilts, seated spinal twists, and hamstring stretches may be helpful. 2. Heat or cold therapy: Applying a hot or cold compress may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
3. Massage: A gentle massage or pressure applied to the affected area can help release tension and alleviate pain, but be sure to trust experienced hands with this one.
4. Chiropractic care: A chiropractor may be able to perform adjustments or manipulations to help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. Do a little research and find chiropractors near you that can help you out.
5. Prenatal Yoga: Yoga is, jokingly, considered to be the medicine for all ailments. Prenatal Yoga, in particular, can help stretch and strengthen the muscles of the lower back and hips, which may help alleviate sciatic pain. But do make sure to run a quick check with your healthcare provider before jumping into any form of physical activity during your pregnancy.
Also, try and avoid standing for longer durations and lifting heavy loads. Seek medical attention if the pain worsens.
FAQs: Bum Cheek Pain During Pregnancy
Bum cheek pain during pregnancy is literally a pain in the bum. We answer some frequently asked questions to help you navigate your pregnancy better:
Can labour pains be felt in the bum?
It’s a question that many mamas-to-be have asked themselves, and understandably so. And the simple answer is, yes! During labour, women may experience pain in the buttocks due to pressure on the pelvic floor and nerves from the baby’s descending head.
Does walking help Sciatica?
Any activity that helps you stretch your muscles and activate them can aid in relieving sciatic pain. If your pregnancy is far along and it’s uncomfortable to go for a stroll, changing positions or walking in place can also provide some comfort.
When should I call my Doctor?
While mild bum cheek pain is normal, if the pain persists or leads to major discomfort, it is best to consult with your doctor. Remember, do not ignore any symptoms that might feel unusual, like an ache or growing pain; bleeding; unusual pressure; or continuous discomfort in the bum cheek area.
It hurts! Should I call my Doctor?
Yes, seek immediate medical attention if the pain worsens, is far too intense, or feels like contractions.
Um, I’m not pregnant, and I still have bum cheek pain. Why?
Well, unless you missed something in the past six months, which, to be honest, isn’t very likely, there are other reasons why you could have bum cheek pain. Yes, we can’t always pin the blame on the pregnancy. Possible reasons for bum cheek pain could include constipation, anal fissure, hip arthritis, and deep gluteal syndrome. So, if the pain persists, it’s best to get in touch with your healthcare provider, who can then evaluate your medical history and pain and provide the required medical treatment.
Bum Cheek Pain During Pregnancy – The Tail Ends
Pain in your Bum Cheeks during Pregnancy is perfectly normal, albeit slightly uncomfortable. Usually, it’s nothing to worry about, but it’s always worth raising with your GP and/or Midwife. If your ‘Other Half’ is the pain in your Bum, then I’m afraid we are out of advice!
