Pelvic pain third trimester causes and best natural remedies for pregnant mothers

Tahmina Noor

Published: 12/06/2026
Updated: 12/06/2026

“Pelvic pain third trimester” is a very common issue for pregnant women, but simple steps and exercises can provide quick relief naturally.

The last three months of pregnancy or the third trimester is a special time of joy for every mother. 

pelvic pain third trimester

However, along with this joy, some new problems also start to appear in the body. Especially towards the end, many mothers and sisters start experiencing a kind of heavy and uncomfortable pain around the waist, lower abdomen and groin.

Many mothers and sisters in the village consider this problem normal and tolerate it with their mouths closed. But if you are a little aware and follow some simple rules, this pain can be reduced to a great extent. If the mother’s body is healthy, the baby in the womb will also be healthy, so it is most important to take care of yourself in these last days.

What is the real cause of pelvic or lower abdominal pain in the last three months? 

By the end of pregnancy, the uterus of mothers becomes very large. As a result, it is very normal to have pressure on the lower abdomen. However, some specific physical changes are behind the severe pain or biting sensation that occurs in the joints of the lower abdomen during this time.

Many mothers want to know from us, why did you suddenly start having so much pain in your waist and groin at this time? 

The main reason for this is that Allah Almighty has created our body in such a way that the mother’s path is easy during childbirth. And for this reason, some of the veins and bone joints inside the body start to soften.

The effect of the relaxin hormone and changes in the body’s balance 

During pregnancy, a special hormone or juice called relaxin is produced in the mother’s body. The function of this hormone is to loosen and soften the bone joints of the pelvic region, i.e. the lower part of the waist.

Many mothers feel that “pelvic pain third trimester” is shifting or increasing when they try to walk or sit.

Because these bones are soft, mothers feel severe pain while walking or moving around in bed.

Baby weight gain and extra pressure on the uterus

In the last three months, the baby in the womb starts to grow very quickly and its weight increases. As the baby slowly starts to descend, the entire pressure of its head falls on the mother’s pelvis or pelvic bones.

Pregnancy changes the whole body structure and “pelvic pain third trimester” develops mainly due to this heavy pressure on the pelvic floor.

Because of this extra weight, mothers find it very difficult to sit, stand or even walk a little.

Pubic symphysis dysfunction or SPD

This is a major cause of pelvic pain. The place where the bones on both sides of our abdomen meet is called the pubic symphysis. If this joint becomes too loose during pregnancy, even moving your legs slightly can cause a stabbing pain in the groin.

Round ligament strain or muscle spasm  

As the uterus grows, the ligaments that hold the abdomen in place put extra strain. Especially when you get up suddenly from bed or cough, you may experience a whip-like pain on one side of your lower abdomen.

What mistakes do village mothers make at home during this pain? 

There is a trend in our village that whenever pregnant mothers experience any pain, they are told, ‘It’s nothing, just bear it.’ Many times, mothers massage or apply heat incorrectly to reduce pain, which can cause harm to the unborn child.

Another big mistake is that many mothers lie in bed all day due to pain. If they do not move at all, the blood circulation in the body decreases and the muscles become stiffer. As a result, the pain increases many times more than it decreases.

Standing continuously or lifting heavy objects 

Village mothers have to do a lot of household work, such as fetching water, threshing rice or lifting heavy buckets. At this late stage, bending down suddenly or lifting something heavy can cause serious injury to the pelvic bone joints.

Expert doctors state that “pelvic pain third trimester” worsens instantly when a pregnant woman lifts any heavy object.

So you should stay away from any heavy work during this time.

Wrong sleeping and sitting habits

Many people sleep on their backs or sit hunched over while sitting. When you sleep on your back, the entire weight of the uterus falls on the large blood vessels in the back, which also prevents the baby from getting oxygen.

You must avoid wrong sitting postures because “pelvic pain third trimester” can be reduced simply by maintaining a straight back.

While sitting, you should always sit upright with a soft pillow or cushion behind your back.

Simple household chores and rulesHow to do them and their benefits
Sleeping on your backSleeping on your left side with a soft pillow between your legs reduces pressure on your bones.
Warm compressApplying a warm water bag to the back of the waist or lower abdomen for 10 minutes can provide relief.
Pelvic Support BeltSpecial belts are available in the market for pregnant mothers, which help to hold the extra weight of the abdomen.

Light exercise and ways to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic area

In the last days, it is better to take a light walk inside the house without lying down at all. In addition, ‘Kegel exercise’ or pelvic floor exercise is very beneficial for this pain. 

You have to hold the lower muscles for 5 seconds as if you are holding back urine and then release them. Doing this several times a day strengthens the muscles in that area.

Discover more here: Dizziness in pregnancy second trimester

Using the right shoes and rules for climbing stairs

At this time, heels or high shoes should not be worn. You should wear very soft and even shoes. You should take your feet one by one very carefully while climbing stairs. 

If you follow these daily movement tips carefully, “pelvic pain third trimester” will remain under control naturally. There should be no rush.

When will you understand that this pain is not normal and you should go to the doctor?

In the last three months of pregnancy, not all pains can be cured with simple or home remedies. Sometimes, there may be signs of a major danger hidden behind this pelvic pain, which our village mothers often do not understand.

So, doesn’t the question arise in your mind that when will I understand whether this pain is causing any harm to the baby? 

Yes, if the pain is accompanied by shivering and fever, or there is a severe burning sensation and foul odor during urination, then you should understand that there is an infection inside.

Signs of premature labor pain or preterm labor

If you feel that there is a specific time or rhythm of the pain—for example, the lower abdomen tightens and hurts every 10 minutes and the waist is pinching from the back, then this may be a sign of labor pain.

Regular physical checking is essential because “pelvic pain third trimester” could sometimes blend with early labor contractions.

Neglecting this condition can lead to premature birth, which is very risky for the baby.

Signs of bleeding or water breaking

If a small amount of blood is seen with severe pain in the lower abdomen or groin, or if the water suddenly starts leaking through the vagina or breaking in large quantities at once, then you should not stay at home for even a second.

Medical emergency arises if “pelvic pain third trimester” is accompanied by any kind of vaginal bleeding.

This can be a sign of the placenta or the placenta becoming loose.

Sudden decrease in baby’s movements-

If the normal movements of the baby in the stomach (at least 10-12 times a day) suddenly decrease or seem to stop altogether along with the intensity of the pain, then it is a sign of lack of oxygen in the baby.

Excessive headache and body swelling – 

If the pain is accompanied by sudden blurring of vision, severe headache, and excessive swelling of the hands, feet, and face, then it is a major symptom of eclampsia or high blood pressure.

Responsibilities of family members during this difficult time of pregnancy and some important advice

The family has the most important role in relieving the physical pain of the pregnant mother. Especially the men of the house and the mothers-in-law should be extra careful towards the mothers during this time. If the mother is in a good mood and free from worries, many physical pains can be easily tolerated.

For your convenience, the things that the family members can do for the well-being of a mother are summarized in points below:

  • Comfort: The mother should be kept completely away from difficult tasks like lifting heavy buckets, folding clothes or bending down to wipe the house.
  • Food: Calcium and vitamin-rich foods such as milk, eggs, small fish and enough vegetables should be included in the daily diet.
  • Rest: After cooking in the afternoon, arrangements should be made so that the mother can sleep peacefully for at least two hours and at least eight hours at night.
  • Mentality: The mother should always be treated well and courage and mental strength should be provided to overcome the fear of childbirth.

How village mothers should prepare for the days of delivery in advance

In the last three months, when the pain in the waist and lower abdomen indicates that the time of the baby’s arrival is approaching, it is good to make some preparations from then on. If there is a sudden problem at night in the village, it is difficult to get a car or a doctor.

So, you should get a good midwife or midwife and the hospital number in case of emergency.

If you plan your hospital journey in advance, “pelvic pain third trimester” won’t cause extra mental panic during delivery.

It would be wise to make arrangements for a blood donor in advance, according to your money and blood group.

Some special advice from an experienced doctor that mothers need to know

Sometimes, mothers are afraid to go to the doctor or do not open up about their pain out of shame. But if you follow the doctor’s advice, this last period can be very relaxing.

Doctors always say, never sit with one leg on the other during this time.

Clinical reports show that “pelvic pain third trimester” can be greatly reduced by resting your feet flat on the floor while sitting. When getting out of bed, always tilt to one side first, then slowly rise up on your hands. Standing up suddenly can cause severe tension in the abdominal muscles.

Conclusion

The pelvic or lower abdominal pain of the last three months of pregnancy or the third trimester is a familiar experience for every expectant mother. This is mainly due to the changes in hormones inside the body and the weight gain of the fetus. 

The ordinary and simple mothers and sisters of our village often endure this pain silently, which is not right at all. A little awareness, following the correct rules of lying down, light Kegel exercises and a little extra love and support from family members can make these difficult days much easier and happier. 

However, if any symptoms like water breaking, blood appearing or the baby’s movements decreasing appear outside of the normal pain, then you cannot sit at home hoping for any poetic treatment or cure. In that situation, you should quickly take the child to a government hospital or an experienced doctor. Only if the mother is healthy will our future children see the light of day in a healthy way. Therefore, it is our responsibility to pay maximum attention to the body of every mother in these last days.

FAQ – Some common questions and answers

1. Is this stabbing pain in the lower abdomen normal in the last three months of pregnancy?

 Yes, it is completely normal. This pain occurs due to the baby’s weight gain and the softening of the bone joints.

2. Can any ointment or balm be massaged for the pain?

No, you should never massage the abdomen or waist with any intense heat or forcefully in the wrong way.

3. What is the safest home remedy to reduce groin pain?

 It is safest to put a soft pillow between your legs while sleeping and apply a warm water bag to your waist.

4. What type of shoes is best to wear during this time? 

Avoid high heels or hard shoes and wear soft, flat or even shoes.

5. If the pain is too much, can you take painkillers from the pharmacy on your own? 

Absolutely not, taking any kind of painkillers without a doctor’s advice can cause great harm to the baby.

Related Articles

signs of gestational diabetes in third trimester

signs of gestational diabetes in third trimester Symptoms and current information

“Signs of gestational diabetes in third trimester” Learn about symptoms, risks, tests, costs, mistakes and things to do in easy Bangla with 2026-2027 updates for the safety of mother and baby.

Slug: signs-of-gestational-diabetes-third-trimester

signs of gestational diabetes in third trimester

The body undergoes many changes during the last three months of pregnancy. Many people ignore symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and excessive fatigue as normal pregnancy symptoms.

There are some symptoms that, if present, should be checked to see if there is a possibility of gestational diabetes.This guide discusses signs of gestational diabetes in third trimester in simple terms, so that a mother can be alerted in time.

There is no need to be afraid of gestational diabetes, but it is not right to ignore it either. According to the CDC, it usually appears around the 24th week of pregnancy and many times there are no obvious symptoms; therefore, it is important to get tested between 24 and 28 weeks.

What is it? 

If a mother’s blood sugar levels rise above normal during pregnancy and are first detected during pregnancy, it is called gestational diabetes. Even if you don’t have diabetes before, pregnancy hormones can sometimes make your body unable to use insulin properly, causing blood sugar or glucose to rise.

According to the NIDDK, gestational diabetes can only occur during pregnancy and can cause health problems for both mother and baby; however, if managed properly, the risk can be greatly reduced. The baby’s growth is rapid in the third trimester, so it’s even more important to keep your blood sugar under control during this time.

How does gestational diabetes occur? 

As the baby grows during pregnancy, hormonal changes occur in the mother’s body, and these changes can sometimes affect blood sugar control.These changes help the baby grow and maintain the pregnancy, but sometimes they can also affect the mother’s blood sugar control. But these hormones can reduce the body’s ability to use insulin. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the body’s need for insulin. Some mothers’ bodies can handle the extra demand, but some cannot produce enough insulin. This causes blood sugar levels to rise and puts them at risk for gestational diabetes.

The Mayo Clinic says that changes in hormone levels during pregnancy can make it difficult for the body to use glucose, and blood sugar can rise. This is why not only overeating, but also the normal hormone changes of pregnancy are associated with gestational diabetes.

What symptoms can be seen in the third trimester? 

Even if you have gestational diabetes in the last three months of pregnancy, the symptoms are often not very clear, so it’s difficult to be sure just by looking at the changes in your body.Many of the symptoms look like normal pregnancy symptoms.

 So if any of the symptoms seem excessive or unusual, it is safest to talk to your doctor, midwife or healthcare provider before making a decision on your own.

  • If you feel thirsty again and again even after drinking water, it is not a good idea to ignore it as a common pregnancy symptom.
  • A sudden increase in the amount of urine or a tendency to go to the bathroom frequently can also be a sign to watch out for.
  • If you feel weak even after getting enough rest or feel tired even after doing little, it is a good idea to inform your doctor.
  • If you experience blurred vision, sudden changes in vision, or difficulty seeing clearly for some time, you should seek medical advice immediately.
  • Having recurrent urinary tract infections or yeast infections.
  • Feeling very weak or uncomfortable even after eating.
  • Suspecting baby movement, body swelling, dizziness, or any other unusual changes.

Both the CDC and NIDDK say that gestational diabetes can often be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, such as excessive thirst or urination. So whether you have symptoms or not, getting tested is the best way to be sure.

When to Pay Attention to Symptoms

Fatigue, frequent urination, or trouble sleeping are not uncommon during pregnancy. But if these symptoms increase suddenly, interfere with daily activities, or have never happened before, then it is important to pay attention to the matter.

It is not right to delay if symptoms such as excessive thirst, blurred vision, infection, dizziness or decreased baby movement appear at the end of pregnancy. If you have these symptoms, it is better to tell the doctor, because if you have gestational diabetes, you need to follow-up the mother’s sugar level and the baby’s health more carefully in the last three months.

Who is at higher risk and what will you need?

Any mother’s blood sugar can increase during pregnancy, but some mothers are at higher risk. Doctors usually advise you to be extra careful if you have had gestational diabetes before, have a family history of diabetes, were overweight before pregnancy, or have PCOS.

The risk may increase if you have had gestational diabetes before, have a family history of type 2 diabetes, were overweight before pregnancy, have PCOS, or had a high birth weight of a previous baby.

The Mayo Clinic lists risk factors as overweight, lack of physical activity, prediabetes, gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, PCOS, diabetes in a parent or sibling, and having a baby weighing more than 9 pounds or 4.1 kg. Therefore, if you have risk factors, it is best to inform your doctor from the beginning of your pregnancy.

Who should be more careful? 

Diabetes during pregnancy can happen to any pregnant mother, but some people are at a higher risk. For example, if you have had gestational diabetes before, it is considered a risk factor or if someone in your family has had diabetes, if you were overweight before pregnancy or have PCOS, the doctor usually tells you to be more careful. So, it is safest to confirm it through a blood test rather than just judging by the symptoms.

Pregnancy care is becoming more screening-focused in 2026–2027. The ADA’s 2026 Standards of Care have updated clinical recommendations for diabetes care, and the ADA says their Standards of Care are updated every year. Therefore, when planning a follow-up or treatment plan in 2027, you should follow the latest guidelines from your local doctor.

What to prepare before the test

A gestational diabetes test usually does not require very complicated paperwork. However, it is helpful to have a pregnancy record, previous blood sugar report, ultrasound report, medicine list, and doctor’s prescription with you. In many countries, an appointment or insurance information may be required, so it is better to find out the rules from the hospital or lab before taking the test.

What to do when you get the report

If the report is normal, you should continue with routine prenatal care. But if the report is abnormal, you should not panic and go to the doctor. Sometimes, if the first screening test is abnormal, an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test or OGTT is asked to be done to confirm. The Mayo Clinic says that if the sugar in the initial glucose challenge test is high, a follow-up glucose tolerance test may be done.

Step-by-step testing and what to do

The safest way to understand gestational diabetes is to get screened on time. According to ACOG, all pregnant women should get screened for gestational diabetes; if there are risk factors, the test can be done in early pregnancy, and if there is no risk, blood sugar is usually measured at 24 to 28 weeks.

First, during a prenatal checkup, the doctor may ask about your health history, family history, and previous pregnancy record. Then, a glucose screening test or OGTT may be given. If gestational diabetes is detected, a meal plan, physical activity, home blood sugar monitoring, and if necessary, medicine or insulin are planned.

Discover more here: Urine Leakage During Pregnancy Second Trimester

Test timing according to 2026–2027

A blood sugar test is usually done between 24 and 28 weeks to check for gestational diabetes. However, if a mother has had gestational diabetes before, is overweight, or has a family history of diabetes, her doctor may recommend testing earlier. So, even if you don’t have symptoms, it’s important to have regular prenatal checkups during this time.

The final guidelines for 2027 may not be published everywhere yet, as diabetes guidelines are usually updated regularly. So it’s good to understand the current guidance for 2026, but it’s safest to plan your testing based on the updated advice for 2027 from your country, hospital, and doctor.

Potential costs and time

The exact cost of a gestational diabetes test varies from place to place. The cost depends on the country you are testing in, whether you are going to a public or private hospital, and whether you have insurance. In the United States, if you have health insurance, you often don’t have to pay the full cost of a screening test for gestational diabetes out of pocket.

 In some cases, insurance covers the entire cost, while in other cases, a portion of the cost is covered.However, the cost can vary depending on the insurance plan, hospital or lab, and billing system.

In countries with public healthcare systems like Europe or the United Kingdom, gestational diabetes testing is often done as part of routine pregnancy care. However, if someone gets tested at a private hospital or lab, there may be a separate cost. So it is best to check with your hospital, clinic, or insurance provider before getting tested.

TopicGeneral Concept in USA/EuropeComments
Initial glucose screeningMay be covered or reduced if you have insurance/public systemVaries by local plan
OGTTMay be used if screening is abnormalThe test usually takes a few hours to complete
Doctor follow-upDifferent according to public/private systemFollow-up is important to understand the report
Home glucose meterMay be required for diagnosisStrips and lancets may have separate costs
Dietitian supportNot always mandatoryHelpful to understand meal plan
Medicine or insulinNot everyone needsDoctor decides

According to the Mayo Clinic’s diagnostic information, if the initial glucose challenge test results are high, a follow-up glucose tolerance test may be done, where blood sugar is measured several times. So it’s important to keep in mind not only the test fee, but also the time, follow-up visits, and monitoring costs.

Cost, common mistakes

Managing gestational diabetes does not just mean reducing sugar; balancing it while maintaining the safety of the mother and baby. According to the ADA’s pregnancy management guidance, diabetes in pregnancy care may include nutrition, lifestyle, physical activity, and if necessary, medicine or insulin. Therefore, reducing your diet on your own or taking medicine after looking at online advice can be dangerous.

Mayo Clinic says that if gestational diabetes is not controlled, the baby’s high birth weight, early birth, newborn low blood sugar and the mother’s high blood pressure, preeclampsia and C-section risk may increase. However, with timely diagnosis and care, many mothers can continue a healthy pregnancy.

Common mistakes and safe decisions

The most common mistake is to completely ignore the symptoms. Another mistake is to completely stop rice, bread, fruit or carbohydrates because of fear at the slightest symptom. Pregnancy requires nutrition, so do not reduce food; rather, the amount, time and quality of food should be adjusted according to the advice of a doctor or dietitian.

Another mistake is to ignore all subsequent symptoms even if the test is normal. You should also tell your doctor if you notice any new changes in your body. Follow-up after delivery is also important, as the CDC says that about half of women who have gestational diabetes will later develop type 2 diabetes.

FAQ

Can gestational diabetes be detected first in the third trimester?

Yes, it can be detected. Many people get screened at 24-28 weeks, but symptoms may be more noticeable in the third trimester. However, tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Should I be worried immediately if I have signs of gestational diabetes in the third trimester?

There is no need to be worried, but it cannot be ignored. If I have excessive thirst, excessive urination, blurred vision, or unusual fatigue, I should talk to my doctor.

Is it necessary to get tested even if I have no symptoms?

Yes. Because gestational diabetes can often be asymptomatic. Both the CDC and ACOG emphasize the importance of screening at 24-28 weeks.

Is normal delivery possible with gestational diabetes?

In many cases, it is possible. However, the doctor plans the delivery by looking at the baby’s size, mother’s sugar control, blood pressure, and overall pregnancy condition.

Is diet alone enough to treat gestational diabetes?

In many cases, a healthy meal plan and physical activity may be enough. But some people may need medicine or insulin to keep their blood sugar in the target range. NIDDK says that insulin may be needed if healthy eating and activity are not enough.

Does gestational diabetes go away after delivery?

In many cases, sugar is normal after delivery, but the risk of type 2 diabetes increases in the future. Therefore, postpartum follow-up is essential.

Conclusion

Gestational diabetes is one of the issues of pregnancy that should not be taken lightly. Especially in the last three months, the baby grows rapidly, so it is very important to keep the mother’s blood sugar under control. If the blood sugar is high, some risks may arise for the mother and the baby, but many problems can be avoided if you take timely tests and take proper care. Therefore, knowing about the signs of gestational diabetes in third trimester does not mean being afraid; rather, understanding the changes in your body and making the right decisions in time.

Excessive thirst, frequent urination, excessive weakness, blurred vision or repeated infections during pregnancy should not be ignored as common problems. If such symptoms appear, it is safer to consult a doctor instead of starting a diagnosis or treatment yourself. Regular prenatal checkups, timely glucose screening and following the pregnancy care plan given by the doctor can keep the health of the mother and the baby much safer.

Scroll to Top