According to the American Pregnancy Association, there are many factors that contribute to discomfort and pain during pregnancy. The increasing abdomen, hormones and changing posture may create stress to your joints. Supportive devices, proper sleeping positions and exercise may help during and after your pregnancy.
Anatomy
Your hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball is at the end of the femur, or thigh bone, and the socket is part of the pelvis. Your pelvis attaches to the sacrum or tailbone, which is the base of your spine. Your hip is able to flex, extend, rotate, abduct and adduct. It is also involved in accessory motions such as bending over and standing upright.
Joint
During pregnancy your pelvis adjusts to allow your baby room to grow. During delivery the pelvis spreads, creating room for passage. The joints of the hip may become dysfunctional through hypo or hyper mobility during and after pregnancy due to this movement. The joints of the hip are your sacroiliac, or SI joint, which is where the tailbone meets the pelvis, the pubic symphysis, where your pelvis meets in front, and the actual hip joint. Lying on your back, squeeze a ball between your bent knees to help normalize these joints.
Soft Tissue
According to Women's Health Care Topics, hormones that are produced during pregnancy that allow the muscles and ligaments to stretch, may also create stress to these soft tissues. While some muscles relax, others tighten, creating postural changes and muscle soreness. Stretches will decrease the muscular tightness, allowing a return to normal posture.
Stretches
Gentle stretches should include the hamstrings, piriformis and gluteal and quadriceps muscles. The piriformis is often a culprit in restricted him movement which illicit pain. An easy and effective piriformis stretch includes lying on your back with your right knee bent, and your left foot resting on that knee. Lift your right leg off the ground bringing it toward your chest. Use your hands to increase this stretch.
Core Strengthening
Your core is your trunk strength. Weakness during pregnancy can increase pain in your hip by decreasing proper bio-mechanical function and support. The pelvic tilt and lift exercise is a basic exercise that you can begin with. Lying on your back with your knees bent, flatten your back to the floor, rocking your pelvis back. Hold for three to five seconds and release.
Considerations
If your pain does not decrease, seek the advice and assistance of a medical professional in normalizing your joint and muscular function.