The Best Way To Relieve Hip Pain During Pregnancy, According To Experts

Pregnancy is notorious for bringing with it tons of new aches and pains, especially the further along you get. While some women report relatively mild experiences, it's safe to say that most gestating women let out their fair share of moans and groans, and one of the most frequently felt pains? It's all in the hips (which is definitely true for me). As I begin creeping up on the start of my third trimester, I'm bracing myself for that familiar sensation of feeling 50 years older than I am while figuring out how to relieve hip pain during pregnancy. Because this time around, I knew I needed some tricks up my sleeve.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, hip pain in pregnancy may be caused by two primary factors. Hormones cause connective tissue to relax and soften in preparation for childbirth, and this can cause the joints and ligaments in your pelvis to loosen. For many women, there's also sciatica to blame, where the enlarged uterus puts pressure on the sciatic nerves.

Whatever the cause in your particular body, one thing's for sure: It's a pain in the ass. The good news is, there are simple home remedies, most that don't cost a penny, to help you alleviate the pain.

Eva Martin, OB-GYN and founder of Elm Tree Medical, says that relief is only a few simple stretches away. In an interview with Romper, Martin encourages women to reach for their toes before reaching for pain meds. She particularly recommends a daily practice of butterflies, straddles, and seated bends to keep hip pain at a minimum. Additionally, she says, adding squats to your regimen will only be to your benefit.

Michelle Howard, homeopathic healing specialist, echoes Martin's recommendation of stretching yourself back to comfort. Howard adds that doing yoga, and in particular, a regular practice of pigeon pose, is very often effective at treating hip pain. Howard also tells Romper that some pregnant women experiencing severe or chronic pain may benefit from seeing a chiropractor or getting regular massage therapy. She even adds that wearing amber jewelry is widely believed to alleviate bodily aches and pains.

If you're suffering from hip pain during pregnancy, there's plenty of reason to hope for an affordable solution, and it might be as simple as a commitment to daily stretching. Does it take a little extra intentionality? Yes. Is it worth it to not feel like a 90-year-old woman for three months? Oh yes. Stretching regimen, here I come.