Many women experience hip pain during pregnancy. The pain is most common during the second and third trimesters, but it can start as early as the first trimester.

Read on to find out why pregnant women are prone to hip pain and how they can find relief. We also explain when it is best to see a doctor.

Is it normal?
Pregnancy often goes hand in hand with various aches and pains. Hip pain during pregnancy is a common occurrence.

The findings of a 2018 study suggest that about 32% of pregnant women report hip pain at some point during the pregnancy.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), hormones that the body produces during pregnancy relax the joints, which make them more mobile and prone to injury.

The hips are prone to pain due to the role that they play in supporting the body and movement. Standing for long periods, doing certain exercises, and sitting or lying down in particular positions can aggravate the hips during pregnancy.

Causes
The main underlying causes of hip pain during pregnancy include:

the release of a hormone called relaxin
weight gain
changes in posture
Although hip pain can occur during any trimester, it is most likely to develop in the second and third trimesters. novel online

Relaxin is a hormone that causes changes to various parts of the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system comprises bones, ligaments, and other connective tissues.

Relaxin alters cartilage and tendons, making them looser. It helps the hips spread and widen in preparation for delivery. These stretched muscles and ligaments can cause the following:

dysfunction of the sacroiliac joints, which are weight-bearing joints in the hips
pain in the round ligaments, the thick fibers on either side of the abdomen that run from the pubic region
symphysis pubis dysfunction, which is pain and reduced mobility due to the separation of the pelvic bones
A natural effect of pregnancy is weight gain. A woman starting at a healthy weight can expect to gain between 25 and 35 pounds during pregnancy. As pregnant women gain weight, it can place additional stress on the hips.

As the majority of pregnancy-related weight gain tends to occur in the midsection, the body’s center of gravity can start to shift. This change can lead to poor postural alignment, which can put additional strain on the hips.
When to see a doctor
Hip pain during pregnancy is normal, and women do not need to talk to their doctor unless the pain has become so severe that it interferes with their daily routine.

It is best to talk to a doctor if the pain is recurring or constant. Preterm labor may cause additional pain in the hips, or it might lead to lower back pain.

It is also a good idea for a woman to talk to her doctor if she experiences any sharp pain during pregnancy.