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Why does the sacrum hurt?
Pregnancy

Why does the sacrum hurt?

1 min readWeek 19
Key takeaways
1 min
  • Understand that sacrum pain during pregnancy results from hormones softening pelvic bones and causing spinal mobility changes in the lower back region.
  • Try safe relief methods including specialized pregnancy support belts, prenatal massage, osteopathy, and swimming after consulting your healthcare provider.
  • Recognize when to seek medical attention - contact your doctor if sacrum pain is severe, persistent, or doesn't improve with rest.
  • Consider that compressed sciatic nerves from pelvic deformation can cause pain radiating from the sacrum down to buttocks and legs.
  • Focus on strengthening abdominal and back muscles through pregnancy-safe exercises to support your spine and reduce discomfort.

Sacrum pain during pregnancy occurs when hormones soften pelvic bones, causing increased spinal mobility and potential nerve compression. This common condition can cause discomfort radiating to buttocks and legs, but responds well to safe treatments like support belts, prenatal massage, and swimming.

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Why does the sacrum hurt?

Sacrum pain is common during pregnancy.

Hormones can cause pelvic bones to soften and even become deformed. These changes can lead to mobility in the sacral spine, which can cause unpleasant sensations below the lumbar region. If the sciatic nerve is compressed as a result of the deformation, then the pain spreads lower to the buttocks and legs.

How to relieve sacrum pain

You can try these methods designed to help pregnant women relieve sacrum pain and strengthen their abdominal and back muscles [1]:

  • sacrum dressing (after consultation with a doctor), which is a type of wound care bandage;

  • osteopathy;

  • massage (only with a specialist trained in prenatal massage and therapy);

  • swimming.

If the pain is not sharp or strong and dissipates with rest, then you don’t need to worry. If the pain is severe and persists even with rest, however, consult a doctor.


Frequently asked questions

Yes, sacrum pain is common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that soften pelvic bones and increase spinal mobility. Mild pain that improves with rest is typically normal, but severe or persistent pain requires medical evaluation.

Pregnancy hormones cause pelvic bones to soften and potentially deform, leading to increased mobility in the sacral spine. This can compress the sciatic nerve, causing pain that may radiate to the buttocks and legs.

Safe relief methods include using a sacrum support belt (with doctor approval), prenatal massage from trained specialists, osteopathy, and swimming. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any treatment.

Contact your doctor if sacrum pain is severe, sharp, or persists even with rest. Mild pain that improves with rest is usually not concerning, but persistent pain may require medical intervention.

Sacrum pain itself typically doesn't directly harm your baby, as it's usually a musculoskeletal issue related to pregnancy changes. However, severe pain can affect your mobility and quality of life, so seeking appropriate treatment is important.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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Medically reviewed content

Reviewed by healthcare professionals · Updated June 2, 2025

This article is based on peer-reviewed research and trusted medical sources.

  1. Back pain during pregnancy. ACOG.

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