Postpartum Tailbone Pain: Why Your Coccyx Hurts After Birth and What Actually Helps

Tailbone pain after having a baby is common — but common does not mean normal. Because your pelvic floor muscles attach directly to the coccyx, tight or guarding muscles can keep pulling on that area long after delivery. Susan Winograd, MSPT explains what’s really behind postpartum tailbone pain and what actually helps.

Tailbone Pain (Coccydynia) During Pregnancy & After Birth

The coccyx, more commonly known as the tailbone is a triangular shaped bone at the end of the spine. It actually represents a vestigial tail that disappears at around 8 weeks of gestation, hence the name tailbone. There is variance between individuals in coccyx anatomy and can consist of 3 to 5 different bones connected by ligaments at the bottom of the sacrum.