Groin pain in the third trimester: what to know

As the abdomen grows, your posture, walking pattern, and pressure through the pelvis can change. The inner-thigh muscles, hip flexors, and tissues around the pelvic joints may become sore, especially after stairs, turning in bed, standing on one leg, or spreading the legs. Pain may feel aching, pulling, burning, or sharp. Hip conditions such as hip impingement or a labral tear can also cause groin symptoms, although pregnancy-related changes are a separate possibility. The symptom alone cannot identify its cause.

Reduce movements that clearly trigger the pain without staying still all day. Take shorter steps, keep your knees closer together when getting out of a car or turning in bed, and use support when dressing. Rest on your side with a pillow between your knees if that is comfortable. Ask your maternity clinician or physiotherapist about pregnancy-adapted exercises, pelvic support, and safe pain relief. Do not begin forceful stretching or sports training while the cause is unclear.

Contact your maternity unit promptly for severe or worsening pain, pain after a fall, vaginal bleeding, fluid leakage, regular tightening, fever, faintness, painful urination, or reduced fetal movement. Seek urgent help for sudden severe pain, inability to walk, chest symptoms, or feeling seriously unwell. If discomfort is mild but keeps returning or limits walking, arrange an assessment so the hip, pelvis, muscles, and pregnancy-related causes can be considered.

Ask: Could this be pelvic girdle or muscle pain? Which movements should I modify? Is a support belt suitable for me? What pain relief is appropriate during pregnancy? Should I see a physiotherapist, and which warning signs should send me to maternity triage?