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Hip Pain in Pregnancy: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and When to Get Help

Pregnancy brings many changes, and for many women, hip pain is one of them. Although common, that doesn’t mean it should be dismissed. At PelviCare, we believe women deserve to feel their best at all stages of life, both physically and emotionally. 

In this article, we break down what kind of hip pain is typical during pregnancy, and when to seek professional help.

Why Does Hip Pain Happen During Pregnancy?

As your body prepares to grow and carry your baby, several physiological changes take place. Hormones increase joint mobility, especially around the pelvis. This natural loosening can shift the alignment of your hips, putting extra strain on surrounding muscles and ligaments.

Meanwhile, your centre of gravity shifts and your posture changes. Your growing bump places additional pressure on your spine and pelvis. All of this can lead to pain around the hips, buttocks or groin.

What’s Considered Normal Hip Pain?

Mild discomfort, especially at the end of the day or after long periods of standing or walking, can be a normal result of musculoskeletal strain. Common symptoms that fall within the ‘typical’ category include:

  • Aching on one or both sides of the hips
  • Discomfort when turning in bed
  • Feeling stiff when standing up from sitting
  • A pulling sensation in the groin or side of the buttocks

These symptoms often fluctuate and should ease with rest, gentle movement or changing positions, but if they do not ease with the rest, please contact us immediately as untreated symptoms may lead to pelvic girdle pain.

When Hip Pain Isn’t ‘Just Pregnancy’

If your hip pain is sharp, persistent, or affecting your ability to move comfortably, it may indicate a deeper issue. Some of the most common conditions we see at PelviCare include:

  • Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP): Affects the joints of the pelvis, especially the sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis. Pain may radiate to the hips, lower back, or thighs.
  • Sciatica: Compression of the sciatic nerve, leading to shooting pain down the leg.
  • SIJ Dysfunction: Instability or inflammation in the sacroiliac joints, often causing one-sided hip or lower back pain.

These conditions are not a part of pregnancy you should just endure. Left untreated, they can worsen over time and impact how active you are, your sleep, and mental wellbeing.

When to Seek Help

You should book an appointment with a women’s health physiotherapist if:

  • Your hip pain is persistent or worsening
  • You struggle with daily tasks like walking, climbing stairs or sleeping
  • You feel unstable or unbalanced
  • You notice clicking or grinding in your pelvis
  • Pain spreads into your lower back, buttocks or thighs

At PelviCare, we take a whole-body approach. That means we don’t just treat the pain: we look at your posture, core strength, pelvic alignment, and movement habits to create a personalised, evidence-based treatment plan.

Don’t Wait It Out: Get Expert Support

Hip pain in pregnancy is common, but that doesn’t mean it’s something you should just live with. Safe, effective treatment exists, and the earlier you address it, the better the outcome.

PelviCare is here to support you through every stage of pregnancy with expert care that puts your comfort first.

For more information on our support for hip pain, simply contact us today.