Postpartum Hip Pain

Postpartum women are more likely to be affected by hip pain than women who have not given birth, according to The Journal of Family Practice. Though uncomfortable, postpartum hip pain may resolve itself without medical intervention.

Cause

• During pregnancy, the body produces a hormone called relaxin, which lubricates and softens the joints to ease delivery. This softening can cause the pubic bone to separate slightly during delivery, which may result in postpartum hip pain, according to Childbirth.org.

Risk Factors

• Women with a history of hip or leg pain prior to pregnancy are at an increased risk of developing hip pain after childbirth. Additionally, the risk of postpartum hip pain increases with age, according to The Journal of Family Practice.

Treatment

• Postpartum hip pain often heals without any medical treatment. Women may find that wearing support pantyhose or a girdle, applying heat to the area or receiving a chiropractic adjustment may help to ease their pain.

Myth

• Exercise does increase the chances of developing postpartum hip pain, according to The Journal of Family Practice. Also, regular exercise will not prevent hip pain from occurring in the postpartum period.

Warning

• Women may experience postpartum hip pain for six to eight weeks after delivery. Contact a health care professional if postpartum hip pain lasts longer than eight weeks or becomes increasingly more painful over time.