Terrible Hip Pain

kp90 · January 2016

I know there are lots of threads on back pain and our typical achey pains but I wanted to specifically talk about hip/butt pain. Not sure how else to pin point it because it literally ends up encompassing my whole hip, thigh and sides of my butt/cheeks (sometimes it feels like sore muscles after working out plus a burning sensation). It starts when I lay on one side for too long and then I switch to the other but recently even after switching it's taking too long for the pain to subside and I'm left with no good hip to lay on. I do have a body pillow and it does not help because my hips still rest on the mattress. I sleep with tons of pillows to help position me and even a support pillow for my belly but nothing is fixing this hip pain and it is causing sleepless nights and I wake up in tears. I know hip pain and body changes are normal and part of pregnancy but this is hard to deal with. Is anyone else going through this and what is helping you sleep, what takes the pain away or what position do you find comfortable? I'm desperate here and in turn I make my SO sleep terrible when I'm moaning and groaning and turning to get comfy at night. HELP!

mrstmoose · January 2016

I'm also having hip pain at night when I sleep. I do what you do, switch sides and I try to rub mine to make the pain go away. I don't have any magical tips for making it go away; from what I hear, it's here to stay until we can sleep on our stomach again (Stomach Sleepers Unite!).

kbrands7 · January 2016

I had this last pregnancy and occasionally this time after sitting down after I've already overdone it for the day. Deep squats have helped tremendously to keep this at bay-- and to lessen the tight/splitting sort of pain once it has already appeared. This pose/squat helps me the most out of the ones I have tried:

Image: https://fitbodyhq.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/yoga-improve-posture-garland-pose.jpg

Random picture, but I figured it was easier to show it than explain it. If you can't balance with your hands together at first, hold onto something right in front of you, then work towards supporting yourself entirely. This has helped my lower back too. I'll squat down into it, hold for anywhere from 30sec to 5min, then stand back up slowly and stretch my arms above my head. I do it a few times per day intentionally...and much more often when I'm playing with DS because he naturally squats similarly to this when we play cars, so I just copy that.

kp90 · January 2016

kbrands7 said:

I had this last pregnancy and occasionally this time after sitting down after I've already overdone it for the day. Deep squats have helped tremendously to keep this at bay-- and to lessen the tight/splitting sort of pain once it has already appeared. This pose/squat helps me the most out of the ones I have tried:
Random picture, but I figured it was easier to show it than explain it. If you can't balance with your hands together at first, hold onto something right in front of you, then work towards supporting yourself entirely. This has helped my lower back too. I'll squat down into it, hold for anywhere from 30sec to 5min, then stand back up slowly and stretch my arms above my head. I do it a few times per day intentionally...and much more often when I'm playing with DS because he naturally squats similarly to this when we play cars, so I just copy that.

Considering I'll actually be able to flex into this position in the first place... and then pray to God I can stand back up! Haha. But thank you, I'm willing to give anything a try at this point. Tonight when I get home from work I will try this out and see what happens.

kbrands7 · January 2016

@kp90 Hold onto the side of the couch or something at least the first time you try it-- it'll probably hurt some at first, then once the hips open up, it feels good. It helps to plant your feet firmly and relax your leg muscles once you're in the squat.

doozer1345 · January 2016

I'm also having this. I just switch back and forth waging on how much pain I'm in for each side lol. It's miserable.

Pascal86 · January 2016

kbrands7 said:

I had this last pregnancy and occasionally this time after sitting down after I've already overdone it for the day. Deep squats have helped tremendously to keep this at bay-- and to lessen the tight/splitting sort of pain once it has already appeared. This pose/squat helps me the most out of the ones I have tried:
Random picture, but I figured it was easier to show it than explain it. If you can't balance with your hands together at first, hold onto something right in front of you, then work towards supporting yourself entirely. This has helped my lower back too. I'll squat down into it, hold for anywhere from 30sec to 5min, then stand back up slowly and stretch my arms above my head. I do it a few times per day intentionally...and much more often when I'm playing with DS because he naturally squats similarly to this when we play cars, so I just copy that.

This is exactly what our teacher had us do at our most recent prenatal workout class. She said we'll be working into holding this pose for repeats of 90 seconds, since that's how long a contraction lasts - so apparently an all around good exercise to do for everyone.

gamommyx3 · January 2016

No advice, just co-misery

I was happy to see that I wasn't the only one experiencing this. You're exactly right, it feels like I've just done a long workout.

araecasey · January 2016

I do that exact same pose @kbrands7 posted. I also do this pose to stretch my butt and hips, which feels so good.

Image: https://www.sundancekayak.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/seated-piriformis-stretch-300x199.jpg

And I make hubby massage my derriere. Everyone wins there!

Edit: picture fail

mrstmoose · January 2016

I'm going to have to partake in these stretches/poses because now the joint from my leg to my socket is in pain.

LadySamLady · January 2016

kbrands7 said:

I had this last pregnancy and occasionally this time after sitting down after I've already overdone it for the day. Deep squats have helped tremendously to keep this at bay-- and to lessen the tight/splitting sort of pain once it has already appeared. This pose/squat helps me the most out of the ones I have tried:
Random picture, but I figured it was easier to show it than explain it. If you can't balance with your hands together at first, hold onto something right in front of you, then work towards supporting yourself entirely. This has helped my lower back too. I'll squat down into it, hold for anywhere from 30sec to 5min, then stand back up slowly and stretch my arms above my head. I do it a few times per day intentionally...and much more often when I'm playing with DS because he naturally squats similarly to this when we play cars, so I just copy that.

This pose should come with a fart warning.

kp90 · January 2016

@ladysamlady HAHAHA. Omg. I busted out laughing... thank you for that. But yes it should. I'll try this tonight BEFORE my SO comes home. Eeek.

hollyjones2 · January 2016

I was having horrible hip pains and cramps. And I got a pregnancy pillow.... Best 60 dollars spent. I will support your back, hips, belly, and help with leg cramps too. Now I just have problems getting comfortable with my little man, since he is more active at night.

gamommyx3 · January 2016

LadySamLady said:

kbrands7 said:

I had this last pregnancy and occasionally this time after sitting down after I've already overdone it for the day. Deep squats have helped tremendously to keep this at bay-- and to lessen the tight/splitting sort of pain once it has already appeared. This pose/squat helps me the most out of the ones I have tried:
Random picture, but I figured it was easier to show it than explain it. If you can't balance with your hands together at first, hold onto something right in front of you, then work towards supporting yourself entirely. This has helped my lower back too. I'll squat down into it, hold for anywhere from 30sec to 5min, then stand back up slowly and stretch my arms above my head. I do it a few times per day intentionally...and much more often when I'm playing with DS because he naturally squats similarly to this when we play cars, so I just copy that.

This pose should come with a fart warning.

But basically every pose these days comes with a fart warning!!

dshannah · January 2016

Also--can you afford one of those Tempur-Pedic mattress-toppers? They allow you to sleep on your side without putting any pressure on your hips (or shoulders or arms).

My sister used one and swears by it.

KidShrink · January 2016

I've been getting prenatal massages, and she's been pretty good at working on my hips. My left hip tends to be lower than my right if lying on my back. So I also work with a pelvic health physiotherapist who gave me some exercises to do to realign my pelvis (which she says will be awesome in labour to help make the way more open apparently). I can't get to my emails now, but I'll try to post what she sent me later tonight.

dshannah · January 2016

Alternately: you can sleep sitting up with wedged pillows. My OB told me that was fine, and a way I could remain on my back mostly.

ayeshaohara · January 2016

I have the same thing. The burning pain may be from your tight muscles putting pressure on your sciatic nerve...which is exactly what is happening to me. My glutes, hip flexors and piraformis (muscle that extends kinda into the hip) are super tight...I'm limping a lot from it. I get my husband to massage and to do some pressure point stuff. It hurts like hell but feels better a few days later. The deep squat is awesome for loosening up your bum! Some great advice on here...thank you everyone.

And on the topic of farts...anyone hit the stage where they're walking and they just slip out from no where?? Honestly shocked at how disgusting pregnancy is!!!!

kp90 · January 2016

dshannah said:
Also--can you afford one of those Tempur-Pedic mattress-toppers? They allow you to sleep on your side without putting any pressure on your hips (or shoulders or arms).

My sister used one and swears by it.

I never thought I'd be a fan of tempur pedic but DH and I may have to go check them out and see. If not then definitely thinking of a big wedge pillow to sleep kind of elevated but somewhat on my way and take pressure off my hips.

nerdymama15 · January 2016

Ugh I feel your pain. My hip pain is on my left and that is the side I sleep the best on. If I flip to my right side it is acid reflux (had that before pregnancy) and I don't breathe as well on my right side (don't know why exactly, but that was pre-pregnancy also)

wsgjmw1 · January 2016

mrstmoose said:

I'm also having hip pain at night when I sleep. I do what you do, switch sides and I try to rub mine to make the pain go away. I don't have any magical tips for making it go away; from what I hear, it's here to stay until we can sleep on our stomach again (Stomach Sleepers Unite!).

THIS! and STOMACH SLEEPERS UNITE! Boy do I miss it!

BabyL52716 · January 2016

Also experiencing this pain and leaving me in tears in the middle of the night. Its only a problem while sleeping. I hope someone has some edvice uugh!

JessicaB0627 · January 2016

nerdymama15 said:
Ugh I feel your pain. My hip pain is on my left and that is the side I sleep the best on. If I flip to my right side it is acid reflux (had that before pregnancy) and I don't breathe as well on my right side (don't know why exactly, but that was pre-pregnancy also)

I have the breathing problem too! If I lay on my right side I end up having to breathe through my mouth. I have no idea why.

Bluejay3030 · January 2016

JessicaB0627 said:

nerdymama15 said:
Ugh I feel your pain. My hip pain is on my left and that is the side I sleep the best on. If I flip to my right side it is acid reflux (had that before pregnancy) and I don't breathe as well on my right side (don't know why exactly, but that was pre-pregnancy also)
I have the breathing problem too! If I lay on my right side I end up having to breathe through my mouth. I have no idea why.

I've noticed this, too! It seems to be only a pregnancy thing, but it's so weird!! And when I lay down on my right side my heart goes crazy for a few seconds.

TXmamatobe · January 2016

I have this terribly. I've been sleeping on my back (almost) with a thin foam pillow wedged under one hip. Sleeping on my sides kills me. I have a Tempur-pedic mattress which is normally beyond amazing but it sadly has not helped with this pregnancy hip pain from sleeping on my sides. I, too, am a stomach sleeper and I miss it so much.

I've been doing hip stretches and deep squats as well and I do think they help.

ayeshaohara · January 2016

Bluejay3030 said:

JessicaB0627 said:

nerdymama15 said:
Ugh I feel your pain. My hip pain is on my left and that is the side I sleep the best on. If I flip to my right side it is acid reflux (had that before pregnancy) and I don't breathe as well on my right side (don't know why exactly, but that was pre-pregnancy also)
I have the breathing problem too! If I lay on my right side I end up having to breathe through my mouth. I have no idea why.
I've noticed this, too! It seems to be only a pregnancy thing, but it's so weird!! And when I lay down on my right side my heart goes corazy for a few seconds.

It's a blood flow thing ladies. When you lie on your right the blood flow is impinged a little bit as baby can put pressure on your vena cava which is the major blood vessel returning blood from the body to your heart. I have that "adjustment" thing too where your heart races a bit but then settles. They say sleeping on your left is best but obviously not always feasible especially when you have to keep turning because of sore hips. And don't be concerned about cutting off blood supply, your body will let you know well before that ever happens!

KidShrink · January 2016

So what my physio explained to me is that relaxin makes tendons/ligaments more flexible/stretchy during pregnancy so our bodies can make space for the baby. However, for at least a good chunk of us it seems, muscles will tense to compensate for that. So stretching and deep squats are definitely good. In case you want to try, here are the exercises she gave me (which have helped a lot):

Daily sequence to help with pelvic alignment, relaxation, and flexibility:
- Take note of how you feel to start, and check in again after you do this exercise.
- Lie on your back with your feet together and your knees relaxed out to the side.
- Exhale and press your feet into the bed/ground and inhale to relax, repeat this 3 times
- Bring your knees up together and exhale to gently squeeze your thighs together; inhale to relax.
Repeat this 3 times
- Separate your feet with your knees bent. Exhale and lift your pelvis slightly off the ground in a
bridge. Inhale to relax. Repeat this 3 times.
- Repeat this whole sequence 3 times
This can be done 1-2 times per day to keep your pelvis in ideal alignment.

JessicaB0627 · January 2016

ayeshaohara said:

Bluejay3030 said:

JessicaB0627 said:

nerdymama15 said:
Ugh I feel your pain. My hip pain is on my left and that is the side I sleep the best on. If I flip to my right side it is acid reflux (had that before pregnancy) and I don't breathe as well on my right side (don't know why exactly, but that was pre-pregnancy also)
I have the breathing problem too! If I lay on my right side I end up having to breathe through my mouth. I have no idea why.
I've noticed this, too! It seems to be only a pregnancy thing, but it's so weird!! And when I lay down on my right side my heart goes corazy for a few seconds.
It's a blood flow thing ladies. When you lie on your right the blood flow is impinged a little bit as baby can put pressure on your vena cava which is the major blood vessel returning blood from the body to your heart. I have that "adjustment" thing too where your heart races a bit but then settles. They say sleeping on your left is best but obviously not always feasible especially when you have to keep turning because of sore hips. And don't be concerned about cutting off blood supply, your body will let you know well before that ever happens!

I know that, but why does that prevent me from breathing out of my nose? I know when I went through EMT training we learned to always put a nasopharyngeal airway in the right nostril because the nostril and airway are bigger on that side. So I'm not sure if that has something to do with it. It's still weird though!

ayeshaohara · January 2016

@JessicaB0627 No idea...can only pass on the info that I know. I've been mouth breathing from the congestion from early days of pregnancy, so I've given up on that issue. Pregnancy is the weirdest state of being ever...it's like I don't even live in my own body anymore!

lwcbrooklyn · January 2016

I have this problem too and i find doing stretches before bed helps. Do some simple hip stretches, and for me, I try to stretch my lower back as well.

dshannah · January 2016

Bluejay3030 said:

Ugh I feel your pain. My hip pain is on my left and that is the side I sleep the best on. If I flip to my right side it is acid reflux (had that before pregnancy) and I don't breathe as well on my right side (don't know why exactly, but that was pre-pregnancy also)
I have the breathing problem too! If I lay on my right side I end up having to breathe through my mouth. I have no idea why.
I've noticed this, too! It seems to be only a pregnancy thing, but it's so weird!! And when I lay down on my right side my heart goes crazy for a few seconds.

Breathe Right Nasal Strips!! They literally hold your nose open for the air to go through. Completely pregnancy safe, and unimaginably helpful. The change in nose size while they're on is (visibly) barely noticeable, so I was pretty skeptical, but then you start being able to breathe better instantly and it's like a choir of heavenly angels flowing through your nose.

Sometimes side-dependent breathing is related to the shape of your septum, so that little bit of gravity can just close you up. The Breathe-Right Strips fix that.

RMLandy · January 2016

I do the butterfly stretch and the one pictured by @araecasey all day long. It's helped but, I don't think this will go away until we have the babies.

araecasey · January 2016

RMLandy said:
I do the butterfly stretch and the one pictured by @araecasey all day long. It's helped but, I don't think this will go away until we have the babies.

Well yeah, you're right, you're not gonna feel completely like yourself again until you're postpartum. Pregnancy is tough on a body! Our muscles and joints are constantly having to readjust to a constant, growing load. Hang in there @RMLandy !

nerdymama15 · January 2016

dshannah said:

Bluejay3030 said:

Ugh I feel your pain. My hip pain is on my left and that is the side I sleep the best on. If I flip to my right side it is acid reflux (had that before pregnancy) and I don't breathe as well on my right side (don't know why exactly, but that was pre-pregnancy also)
I have the breathing problem too! If I lay on my right side I end up having to breathe through my mouth. I have no idea why.
I've noticed this, too! It seems to be only a pregnancy thing, but it's so weird!! And when I lay down on my right side my heart goes crazy for a few seconds.

Breathe Right Nasal Strips!! They literally hold your nose open for the air to go through. Completely pregnancy safe, and unimaginably helpful. The change in nose size while they're on is (visibly) barely noticeable, so I was pretty skeptical, but then you start being able to breathe better instantly and it's like a choir of heavenly angels flowing through your nose.

Sometimes side-dependent breathing is related to the shape of your septum, so that little bit of gravity can just close you up. The Breathe-Right Strips fix that.

Oh how I wish I could use those things. I sweat too badly at night (I know tmi) which makes my face super oily and those things don't stay on my face and usually end up stuck in my hair. I have tried to use them in the past when I have had bad colds etc but they always fall off without fail. I wonder if something stronger like duct tape would work lol (I'm kidding of course).

dshannah · January 2016

nerdymama15 said:

dshannah said:

Bluejay3030 said:

Ugh I feel your pain. My hip pain is on my left and that is the side I sleep the best on. If I flip to my right side it is acid reflux (had that before pregnancy) and I don't breathe as well on my right side (don't know why exactly, but that was pre-pregnancy also)
I have the breathing problem too! If I lay on my right side I end up having to breathe through my mouth. I have no idea why.
I've noticed this, too! It seems to be only a pregnancy thing, but it's so weird!! And when I lay down on my right side my heart goes crazy for a few seconds.

Breathe Right Nasal Strips!! They literally hold your nose open for the air to go through. Completely pregnancy safe, and unimaginably helpful. The change in nose size while they're on is (visibly) barely noticeable, so I was pretty skeptical, but then you start being able to breathe better instantly and it's like a choir of heavenly angels flowing through your nose.

Sometimes side-dependent breathing is related to the shape of your septum, so that little bit of gravity can just close you up. The Breathe-Right Strips fix that.

Oh how I wish I could use those things. I sweat too badly at night (I know tmi) which makes my face super oily and those things don't stay on my face and usually end up stuck in my hair. I have tried to use them in the past when I have had bad colds etc but they always fall off without fail. I wonder if something stronger like duct tape would work lol (I'm kidding of course).

You might try the "Extra Strength" ones! They are so hard to get off it usually takes 5 minutes in the shower to even begin to loosen them. Which I, of course, discovered when I was already late for work...

rent6 · January 2016

I see a chiropractor about every other week because of hip pain. I sleep so much better afterwards and it doesn't hurt as much when I first get out of bed in the mornings.

BabyL52716 · January 2016

Just get a plain ol body pillow..I was waking up crying in so much pain a week ago. Now I am back to sleeping almost like a rock!

ginabina888 · February 2016

Go see a chiropractor! It has saved my life this pregnancy!!

okcountrygirl · February 2016

I have had problems with my hips for a while. Sounds like you might have the same problem. Look up piriformis syndrome. It's a small, deep butt muscle that connects your hip to your sacrum. Some peoples piriformis is naturally too tight or gets too tight with inactivity. There are some good stretches and a butt massage helps lol.

Bluejay3030 · February 2016

So I did a very scientific one-man study over here and noticed that when I'm at home sleeping in my bed I never have hip pain at night, but when I'm out of town, without fail I wake up with the worst hip pain, regardless of how nice the bed is.

The only difference is at home I always have a pillow supporting my bump, whereas when I'm staying somewhere else I don't. I definitely recommend even just a small pillow underneath your bump if you sleep on your side. I don't know why, but it works!

wsgjmw1 · February 2016

So I went and had a pre natal massage this weekend, let me just say it was AMAZING. My hips and back were killing me. The masseuse told me my hips were full of knots and she worked them out for me. I highly recommend pampering yourself a bit and getting a massage.

Want a personalized experience?

Terrible Hip Pain

Re: Terrible Hip Pain

Choose Another Board

Search Boards