How to Relieve Pelvic Pressure During the Last Trimester of Pregnancy

The last trimester of pregnancy can be especially trying on an expecting mother. As pregnancy progresses, the baby will start to move its head downward into the mother's pelvic area to prepare for birth. As this happens, it can create a great deal of pressure on the pelvic area and make the mother very uncomfortable. Typically, the body helps by producing hormones to relax the muscles and joints in the hip area around this same time to take pressure off of the pelvic region. However, that may not be enough relief. By following some simple steps, a mother can reduce the pain and feel more comfortable.

Things You'll Need

  • Bed or couch
  • 2 to 4 pillows

Instructions

    • 1

      Lay down on your back on a flat, comfortable surface. A bed or couch is best to give your back additional support.

    • 2

      Place two to three pillows underneath your knees and calves, elevating your feet above your shoulders. Spread your legs about 12 to 16 inches apart as well. This helps reduce the strain on your lower hips.

    • 3

      Place one pillow under your right side, making your body lean slightly to the left. Laying flat on your back for an extended period of time can put stress on the baby in the womb due to the pressure and weight of your abdomen resting on your intestines and major blood vessels. Circulation also can be decreased to the baby. Sleeping and resting on your left side encourages good circulation.

    • 4

      Lay in this position for 20 to 30 minutes at a time whenever you feel pressure or discomfort in the pelvic region.

    • 5

      Sleep on your left side at night, during naps or anytime you lay down for an extended period of time. This increases circulation to both the baby and to the pelvic region.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Care for an Episiotomy or Tear
      During the course of a vaginal delivery, it is not uncommon for a woman to sustain a tear in the perineum, the area between the vagina and rectum. A doctor will sometimes help delivery along by performing an episiotomy, which is making a cut in the p
    • Normal Pregnancy Weight at 14 Weeks
      Weight is a common concern for pregnant women as they enter their second trimester. Moms to be often wonder if they are gaining enough or too much. Nothing is typical about pregnancy, not even the amount of weight gained at any given gestational week
    • How to Have a Healthy Pregnancy
      While pregnant, the womans body protects the developing baby. Everything she ingests crosses the placenta and goes to the baby. The healthier her pregnancy is, the healthier her baby will be, the better developed her baby will be and the less likely