Is it normal for your tailbone to hurt after pregnancy?

Tailbone pain or Coccydynia is very common post delivery.

The tailbone or the coccyx is located just below the sacrum, which is in between the pelvic bones. The coccyx is made up of three to five bones that are fused together. There are many muscles and ligaments attached to the coccyx. When there is excess pressure or tension to these connective tissues, the coccyx can get injured, releasing pain.

During natural childbirth, the whole pelvic region undergoes stress, and there is a lot of stretching that happens around the area. Muscles and ligaments around the coccyx will overstretch resulting in the inability to support and stabilize the lower spine, sacrum, and coccyx. As the baby passes through the birth canal, the tailbone itself can undergo a physical trauma. If you have previously injured your tailbone, the risk of injuring the coccyx again during vaginal delivery is high.

The rupture or overstretching of the pelvic muscles and ligaments can put pressure on the coccyx resulting in inflammation and pain.