Sore tailbone post-baby?

[Persephone1]

Hi,

I gave birth vaginally, with the vacuum, 5 weeks ago. I also had third-degree tearing. Post-natal bleeding stopped in the last couple of days. The tear seems to have healed normally, but I haven't really had a look tbh, and don't have any idea what it's meant to feel like anyway. I haven't had any pain around the tear for a few weeks. I have a gynaecologist appointment in a week to check how the healing is going.

I have noticed that my tailbone has been aching. Sometimes it's when I'm walking, sometimes when I'm carrying DS in the Carrier, and tonight, it's when I went to the toilet and (TMI) did a number 2. A couple of times the pain around my tailbone is bad enough that I've had to stop what I'm doing and sit or lie down. Is this something to do with healing from the birth? Have I damaged something during childbirth? I remember that my tailbone was sore in the few days after the birth - why is it still hurting though?

The only other thing I can think might have caused it is all the sitting down to feed DS I've been doing - perhaps the pain in my tailbone is more to do with carrying DS and putting pressure on my back? I dunno Any ideas? Has anyone else experienced this?

TIA.

[Ilithyia]

Hi Persephone!

Congratulations on the birth of Archie!

A sore tailbone is quite normal after a vaginal birth as the sacrum is pushed out of the way as the baby comes down into the birth canal. However, after 5 weeks it should be feeling ok.

I had a very sore tailbone after I had Colby but it cleared up within a week or two after she was born.

I would definately mention this to your Gynae as you may have a broken tailbone.

If in the mean time the pain gets any worse I would go to your GP and get yourself checked out.

Good luck!
x

[Persephone1]

Thanks Sara,

Would I know if I'd broken it? I haven't had any trouble sitting down, but the ache can be fairly intense sometimes . I've never had a broken bone, I don't know what it should feel like!

[Ilithyia]

I'm not sure to be honest.

If you havent had trouble sitting down it may not be broken. It may be that its just healing.

And you did say you had a vac delivery so if the baby was still quite high the whole process may have happened to quick. Meaning that rather than baby gradually pushing the sacrum and tailbone out of the way, it was forced out of the way by baby being pulled out if that makes sense.

I'd still mention it to your Gynae next week if its still giving you grief.

[*Beema*]

Aww hun I remember that pain

My tailbone was sore for quite a while after the birth of DD a lot longer then just 1-2 weeks. Natural albeit quick Delivery, episiotomy and two tears. I think in the end it was just badly bruised and took longer to heal, I don't know if there was a connection between low platelets and the time it took to heal (meant my clotting ability was low at birth). I guess these things generally heal in x amount of time, but not all of our bodies follow those timelines exactly

So it may be just a slower recovery from bruising, or it is possibly more damage, bring it up with your careprovider at your next appointment or even see your GP or a physio this week and get them to do a check if you don't want to hold off any longer.

Take care xxoo

[Persephone1]

And you did say you had a vac delivery so if the baby was still quite high the whole process may have happened to quick. Meaning that rather than baby gradually pushing the sacrum and tailbone out of the way, it was forced out of the way by baby being pulled out if that makes sense.

I'm not sure if he was sitting high (he felt low! ) but the delivery was really fast - pushed/pulled out in one contraction because he was in distress. I remember feeling a "pop" around my tailbone at the time, but nobody around me was concerned when I mentioned it later.

Thanks ladies, I'll mention it at my appointment next week.

[meow]

Maybe its dislocated? I'm not even sure if tailbones can do that but the 'pop' made me think if that.

Mine was sore as Sara described- just in the beginning. Sitting to feed was tender and I used loads of cushions.

Perhaps some chiro would be of help?

[Shanti]

I know exactly what you are going through! I cracked my tailbone during labour and pushing, DD was posterior so that didn't really help either (ouchies!!) and I tore 3rd degree too. It's normal for your tailbone to sometimes hurt after giving birth, all that pressure down there while pushing etc!! however you may have very well cracked it like i did mine. whereas some women just bruise theirs kwim?

TBH, mine is STILL pretty bad, 17mths later.... I have been seeing an Acupuncturist to help me with correcting it as she seems to be able to help with it..... sorry no advice just wanted to let you know that you're not alone!! I avoid sitting on hard chairs for very long otherwise it's just too painful.

(I also cracked it years prior so that didnt help!)

[Twin Sister]

I had tailbone pain for months after I had DS and now after having DD it's very painful again (especially when trying to go to the loo). Both babies came out posterior though and put an awful lot of pressure on it so I guess I'm not surprised. I broke my tailbone 10 years ago but that was MUCH more painful so I'm thinking it's just bruising which can take awhile to heal. Hopefully yours is just bruised and will start to feel better soon. I bought a donut cushion to sit on which helps take the pressure off when sitting.