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Week 40 · Third Trimestermoderate

Hip Pain at 40 Weeks Pregnant

Hip pain is a common pregnancy complaint, affecting many women from the second trimester onward. It is primarily caused by the hormone relaxin loosening hip and pelvic joints in preparation for childbirth.

👶 What's Happening at Week 40

Your baby is now the size of a small pumpkin.

  • The baby is fully developed and ready for life outside the womb.
  • Lungs are producing enough surfactant for independent breathing.
  • The skull bones are soft and can mold for passage through the birth canal.

🔬 Why You're Experiencing Hip Pain at Week 40

  • Relaxin hormone loosens ligaments throughout the pelvis and hip joints
  • Shifted center of gravity changes how weight is distributed through the hips
  • Growing uterus strains hip flexors and surrounding muscles
  • Sleeping on one side for prolonged periods puts pressure on the hip joint
  • Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction — common in pregnancy

💊 Relief Tips for Week 40

1
Pillow Between KneesSleeping with a pillow between your knees aligns your hips and significantly reduces hip joint pain overnight.
2
Prenatal YogaHip-opening poses (modified pigeon, cat-cow, child's pose) relieve hip muscle tension.
3
SwimmingBuoyancy removes weight from the hip joints, providing significant relief.
4
Pelvic Support BeltA maternity belt stabilizes the SI joint and reduces hip joint strain.
5
PhysiotherapyA pelvic physiotherapist can treat SI joint and piriformis dysfunction with manual therapy and targeted exercises.

📋 Other Week 40 Symptoms

Extreme pelvic pressureStrong Braxton Hicks or early laborCervical dilationExhaustion and impatienceLoose stools
See full Week 40 guide →

⚠️ Call Your Doctor If…

  • Hip pain that makes walking very difficult or impossible
  • Pain in both hips with a clicking or grinding sensation in the pubic symphysis
  • Hip pain accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg
  • Pain after a fall or trauma

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does hip pain get worse at night during pregnancy?

Sleeping on one side places sustained pressure on the hip joint. As pregnancy progresses, the weight on the hip increases and the hip ligaments are more lax, making the joint more sensitive.

What is the best sleeping position for hip pain in pregnancy?

Sleeping on your side with a full-length pregnancy pillow or a regular pillow between your knees is the most effective position for relieving hip pain.

Is hip pain a sign of SPD (symphysis pubis dysfunction)?

SPD causes pain specifically at the pubic bone in the front of the pelvis, often with a clicking sensation. Hip pain can accompany SPD but is usually felt at the side and back of the hip.

Will hip pain in pregnancy cause long-term damage?

In most cases, pregnancy-related hip pain resolves within weeks to months after delivery. In rare cases of significant joint instability, postpartum physiotherapy is helpful.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your OB/GYN or midwife about symptoms during pregnancy.