Hip Pain During Pregnancy
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN
Content reviewed against published ACOG, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with hip pain during pregnancy, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Hip pain affects many pregnant people, particularly in the second and third trimesters. It is caused by the hormone relaxin loosening hip joints, weight gain changing your gait, the growing belly shifting your center of gravity, and the pressure of side sleeping. It is usually treatable with stretching, support pillows, and gentle exercise.
Key takeaways
- Hip pain affects many pregnant people, particularly in the second and third trimesters. It is caused by the hormone relaxin loosening hip joints, weight gain changing your gait, the growing belly shifting your center of gravity, and the pressure of side sleeping. It is usually treatable with stretching, support pillows, and gentle exercise.
- Usually normal when: Aching hips, especially at night from side sleeping
- Call your doctor if: Sudden severe hip pain with inability to bear weight, which could indicate a joint or bone issue
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to ACOG, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines, hip pain affects many pregnant people, particularly in the second and third trimesters. It is caused by the hormone relaxin loosening hip joints, weight gain changing your gait, the growing belly shifting your center of gravity, and the pressure of side sleeping. It is usually treatable with stretching, support pillows, and gentle exercise. At Second trimester, hip pain may begin in the second trimester as the hormone relaxin loosens ligaments and joints. Gentle hip stretches, prenatal yoga, and swimming can help maintain mobility and reduce pain. A pregnancy pillow between your knees while sleeping can significantly improve nighttime hip pain. It is generally considered normal when aching hips, especially at night from side sleeping. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if sudden severe hip pain with inability to bear weight, which could indicate a joint or bone issue.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
Second trimester
Hip pain may begin in the second trimester as the hormone relaxin loosens ligaments and joints. Gentle hip stretches, prenatal yoga, and swimming can help maintain mobility and reduce pain. A pregnancy pillow between your knees while sleeping can significantly improve nighttime hip pain.
Third trimester
Hip pain is often worst in the third trimester due to maximum weight and joint laxity. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees and under your belly is recommended. Alternating sides during the night, warm baths, and gentle stretching before bed can help. A physical therapist experienced with pregnancy can provide targeted exercises.
Postpartum
Hip pain usually improves after delivery as relaxin levels decrease and joint stability returns. Recovery may take weeks to months. Gentle postpartum exercises focusing on hip and core strengthening can speed recovery. If hip pain persists beyond a few months, consult your provider.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed hip pain during pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if hip pain is severe enough to limit walking or daily activities.
- Mention if pain is sharp and sudden rather than a gradual ache.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Aching hips, especially at night from side sleeping
- Hip stiffness after sitting or lying in one position
- Pain that improves with gentle movement, stretching, or position changes
- Discomfort that developed gradually alongside pregnancy changes
- Hip pain is severe enough to limit walking or daily activities
- Pain is sharp and sudden rather than a gradual ache
- Hip pain is accompanied by significant groin or pubic bone pain, suggesting SPD
- Sudden severe hip pain with inability to bear weight, which could indicate a joint or bone issue
- Hip pain with swelling, redness, and warmth in the joint, which could suggest infection or inflammation
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice hip pain during pregnancy — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that aching hips, especially at night from side sleeping — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At Second trimester, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if sudden severe hip pain with inability to bear weight, which could indicate a joint or bone issue.
Related Conditions
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD/PGP)
Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), also called pelvic girdle pain (PGP), occurs when the joint at the front of the pelvis becomes too loose during pregnancy, causing pain, instability, and difficulty walking. It affects about 1 in 5 pregnant people to some degree. It is caused by the hormone relaxin and the weight of the growing baby.
Back Pain During Pregnancy
Back pain affects approximately 50-70% of pregnant people and is most common in the second and third trimesters. It is usually caused by the shifting center of gravity, weight gain, hormonal changes that loosen ligaments, and postural adjustments as the belly grows.
Sciatic Nerve Pain in Pregnancy
Sciatica during pregnancy involves pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg. It affects roughly 1% of pregnant people and is caused by the growing uterus putting pressure on the sciatic nerve, hormonal changes loosening joints, or the baby's position.
Related Resources
Postpartum Recovery Guide
Week-by-week postpartum recovery timeline and warning signs.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is hip pain during pregnancy normal?
When should I call the doctor about hip pain during pregnancy?
When is hip pain during pregnancy normal?
What causes hip pain during pregnancy?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about hip pain during pregnancy?
Is hip pain during pregnancy normal at Second trimester?
Is hip pain during pregnancy normal at Third trimester?
Should I go to the ER for hip pain during pregnancy?
Does hip pain during pregnancy go away on its own?
References
- [1]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Back Pain During Pregnancy. ACOG, 2022. ACOG
- [2]National Library of Medicine. Pelvic Girdle Pain in Pregnancy. StatPearls, 2023. NIH
- [3]March of Dimes. Common Discomforts of Pregnancy. March of Dimes, 2023. March of Dimes
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Hip Pain During Pregnancy.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed hip pain during pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if hip pain is severe enough to limit walking or daily activities.
- Mention if pain is sharp and sudden rather than a gradual ache.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Hip pain is severe enough to limit walking or daily activities
- Pain is sharp and sudden rather than a gradual ache
- Hip pain is accompanied by significant groin or pubic bone pain, suggesting SPD
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Sudden severe hip pain with inability to bear weight, which could indicate a joint or bone issue
- Hip pain with swelling, redness, and warmth in the joint, which could suggest infection or inflammation
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of hip pain during pregnancy are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if sudden severe hip pain with inability to bear weight, which could indicate a joint or bone issue.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Maternal Concerns
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD/PGP)
Symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), also called pelvic girdle pain (PGP), occurs when the joint at the front of the pelvis becomes too loose during pregnancy, causing pain, instability, and difficulty walking. It affects about 1 in 5 pregnant people to some degree. It is caused by the hormone relaxin and the weight of the growing baby.
Back Pain During Pregnancy
Back pain affects approximately 50-70% of pregnant people and is most common in the second and third trimesters. It is usually caused by the shifting center of gravity, weight gain, hormonal changes that loosen ligaments, and postural adjustments as the belly grows.
Sciatic Nerve Pain in Pregnancy
Sciatica during pregnancy involves pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg. It affects roughly 1% of pregnant people and is caused by the growing uterus putting pressure on the sciatic nerve, hormonal changes loosening joints, or the baby's position.
Dealing with Abnormal Prenatal Screening Results
An abnormal prenatal screening result can be terrifying, but it is important to understand that screening tests are designed to cast a wide net and have significant false-positive rates. Most people with abnormal screening results go on to have healthy babies after further testing confirms the baby is fine. An abnormal screening is a reason for more information, not a diagnosis.
Pregnancy Over 35 (Advanced Maternal Age)
While pregnancy after 35 carries some increased risks (including chromosomal abnormalities, gestational diabetes, and hypertension), the vast majority of people over 35 have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. The term "geriatric pregnancy" is outdated and does not reflect reality. With appropriate prenatal care and monitoring, outcomes are excellent.
Amniocentesis Questions and Fears
Amniocentesis is a diagnostic test performed between 15-20 weeks that analyzes amniotic fluid to detect chromosomal conditions and genetic disorders with over 99% accuracy. The risk of pregnancy loss from the procedure is approximately 1 in 500-1,000 when performed by an experienced provider. Understanding the actual risks can help you make an informed decision.