Groin Area Pain During Pregnancy: What to Know

Pain may be felt where the abdomen meets the thigh, around the pubic bone, or across the front of the pelvis. It can flare when walking, climbing stairs, turning in bed, standing on one leg, or moving from a chair.

Pregnancy changes posture, balance, and the way force travels through the pelvis. The supporting muscles and ligaments may become strained, while the pelvic joints can feel sore or less stable. Pain that is worse with rolling in bed, separating the legs, or walking may fit pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain.

A sudden pull after a misstep or exercise can irritate a groin muscle. Pain can also be referred from the hip or lower back. Pregnancy does not rule out other hip problems, including hip impingement or a hip labral tear, although these are not the only explanations for groin discomfort. A clinician can distinguish these patterns with an examination.

Reduce movements that clearly trigger the pain for a short period, while keeping comfortable, gentle activity if it does not worsen symptoms. Take smaller steps, sit down to put on clothes, keep your knees together when getting in or out of a car, and avoid standing on one leg when possible.

Supportive footwear, a pillow between the knees in bed, and alternating activity with rest may reduce strain. Ask your maternity clinician or physiotherapist which exercises and support belt, if any, are suitable for your stage of pregnancy. Do not start pain medicines or use heat treatments without checking that they are appropriate for you.

Contact your maternity team promptly for severe, persistent, or rapidly worsening groin or pelvic pain, especially if it limits walking or follows a fall. Seek urgent care for pain with vaginal bleeding, leaking fluid, regular tightening, fever, faintness, repeated vomiting, or pain when urinating.

Get urgent help for sudden one-sided pain, marked swelling, numbness or weakness, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms can have causes beyond a muscle or pelvic-joint strain and should not be assessed at home.

Ask: Could this pattern be pelvic girdle pain or a muscle strain? Which movements should I modify? Are there pregnancy-safe exercises, supports, or medicines for me? What changes should make me call the maternity team?