As your due date gets closer, your body begins preparing for birth in many noticeable ways. One of the most common signs is a heavy, achy pressure low in your belly.
Pelvic pressure is the most common complaint in the final weeks of pregnancy. Most of the time, it’s just your body doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. But sometimes it can signal something that needs medical attention.
Here’s what you need to know about pelvic pressure during the third trimester, what is normal and when to see your health care provider.
Why does pelvic pressure happen in late pregnancy?
If you’re in your third trimester, there are several reasons you may be feeling more pressure “down there.”
“Experiencing pelvic pressure is a very common symptom late in pregnancy,” said Colleen Cagno, MD, a family medicine obstetrician with Banner - University Medicine. “Most of the time, pelvic pressure is nothing to be concerned about because it represents the normal changes that take place in the weeks leading up to your due date as the baby drops lower into the pelvis.”
A few common causes include:
Baby dropping
One of the most common reasons for increased pelvic pressure near the end of pregnancy is lightening, also called baby dropping. This happens when your baby settles lower into your pelvis in preparation for birth.
You might notice:
- Heaviness or pressure low in your pelvis
- Your belly looks lower than before
- Less shortness of breath
- Less heartburn
- You need to pee more often
Not everyone notices when their baby drops and it’s completely normal. It also doesn’t mean labor is about to begin. Some babies settle into the pelvis weeks before delivery, while others don’t drop until labor starts.
Your growing baby
Even if your baby hasn’t dropped, they’re getting bigger every week. As they grow, they put more weight on your pelvis, pelvic floor muscles and bladder. This extra weight can cause a sensation of fullness, heaviness or aching, especially after standing or walking for longer periods.
Hormonal changes
The hormone relaxin softens the ligaments around your pelvis, allowing it to widen for delivery. This can cause achiness or pressure and sometimes a condition called pelvic girdle pain, which feels like pressure or pain around the pubic bone and hips.
Braxton Hicks contractions
These “practice” contractions can feel like tightening or pressure that comes and goes and is mostly felt across the front of your abdomen. They are more likely to improve with rest, movement or hydration.
Constipation and bloating
Pregnancy hormones slow down digestion and a growing uterus can push on your intestines. This combination can cause pelvic pressure, especially if you are straining while having a bowel movement or if your stools are hard.
Learn ways to relieve constipation during pregnancy.
Urinary tract infections
The increased weight and pressure of your uterus can press on your bladder and block urine from flowing. This creates a good environment for bacteria to grow and can raise your risk of infection. A UTI can cause pelvic pressure, a burning feeling when you urinate, frequent urination or changes in the smell or look of your urine.
Does pelvic pressure mean labor has started?
Usually, no. Pelvic pressure alone does not reliably indicate that labor has begun.
“Generally, pelvic pressure lasts longer and is more constant than Braxton Hicks contractions or true labor,” Dr. Cagno said.
Braxton Hicks contractions tend to be irregular and may feel like your belly tightening. Some people find them uncomfortable, while others barely notice them. True labor feels different.
“True labor involves regular, painful contractions that get closer together and more intense over time,” Dr. Cagno said. “The pain often becomes strong enough that you have to stop what you’re doing during each contraction.”
Signs and stages of true labor include:
- Contractions that happen at regular times
- Contractions that get closer together
- Increasing pain and strength
- Contractions that don’t go away with rest or drinking water
If you have regular contractions and more pelvic pressure, labor might be starting.
[Also read: Braxton Hicks Contractions vs. Labor Contractions.]
When should you call your provider?
Pelvic pressure is common in late pregnancy but some symptoms should never be ignored. Call your OBGYN, midwife or health care provider right away if you experience:
- Vaginal bleeding
- A gush or steady leak of fluid
- Regular, painful contractions
- Severe or sharp pelvic or abdominal pain
- Fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Burning or pain while urinating
- Noticeable decrease in your baby’s movements
- Pelvic pressure before 37 weeks of pregnancy
If you are unsure about any symptoms, contact your provider. They can check your symptoms, see how your baby is positioned and find out if you are in labor.
How can you relieve normal pelvic pressure?
If your doctor says your pelvic pressure is normal during pregnancy, there are several simple steps you can take to feel more comfortable.
Dr. Cagno recommends:
- Safe activities like walking or swimming
- Gentle stretching
- With your provider’s permission, practicing Kegel exercises to strengthen and relax your pelvic floor muscles
- Avoiding sitting or standing in one position for long periods
- Changing your position often throughout the day
- Following your provider’s recommendations for healthy pregnancy weight gain
- Wearing a maternity support belt
- Sitting on an exercise ball for added pelvic support
- Staying hydrated and eating foods rich in fiber to prevent constipation and bloating
- Asking your provider if pelvic floor physical therapy could help.
Bottom line
Feeling more pelvic pressure during the third trimester can be uncomfortable but it’s usually normal and shows your body is getting ready for birth. Common reasons include the baby dropping, your growing baby and hormonal changes.
However, pelvic pressure should not be ignored if it is severe, comes with regular contractions, vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, fever, decreased baby movement or occurs before 37 weeks.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and call your doctor. It’s better to ask questions than worry. Find a Banner Health maternity specialist near you.
FAQs
Is pelvic pressure normal in late pregnancy?
Yes, mild pelvic pressure is common late in pregnancy as the baby grows or moves lower. Contact your health care provider if the pressure becomes painful or sudden or if you notice warning signs.
How do I know if my baby dropped?
You might feel more pressure low in your pelvis, urinate more often, breathe easier or see your belly look lower.
Does pelvic pressure mean labor is near?
Not always. Pelvic pressure can happen weeks before labor starts. Labor is more likely when contractions become regular, stronger and closer together.
When should I call my doctor for pelvic pressure?
Call your doctor if pressure starts before 37 weeks, comes in waves or is accompanied by contractions, bleeding, leaking fluid, less movement of your baby, fever or severe pain.
Can pelvic pressure be a UTI?
Sometimes. Call your provider if pelvic pressure comes with burning when you pee, fever, urgency or cloudy, strong-smelling urine.
Is pelvic pressure the same as contractions?
No. Pelvic pressure often feels like steady heaviness. Labor contractions happen regularly, get stronger over time and do not improve with rest.
