Do you consider yourself a natural-born klutz? You know, the type to slip in the shower, trip on sidewalks, or bump your head into door frames? That’s definitely me. My mom often warned me that if I wasn’t careful, I might “break my backside.” Well, it took a good 39 years, but I managed to do just that in record time. While descending the stairs swiftly in my socks, I slipped on the carpet and fell hard—my full weight landing on the step below. It was clear right away that my tailbone was broken.
The pain was beyond excruciating. I struggled to even speak due to the intensity of it. After rolling onto my side, I crawled back up the stairs, finally managing to get to my feet and head to urgent care. A quick x-ray confirmed my fear: a hairline fracture of my coccyx. The doctor delivered the grim news: there’s not much you can do except wait for it to heal. Wow!
I was prescribed painkillers and advised to get a doughnut-shaped pillow to sit on, as sitting on hard surfaces would be nearly impossible for weeks, if not months. I was taken aback. That first night at home, my husband had to help me into bed, similar to how he did when I was pregnant. Lying on my side was the only way to ease the pain. I took my pain meds and just endured. I carried that doughnut pillow with me everywhere, opting to stand whenever possible, and this went on for quite some time. Even now, three years later, I occasionally feel discomfort in that area and need to lie down or stand until it passes. It’s frustrating.
So, why am I sharing this painful experience? Well, it turns out that a similar injury can occur during childbirth! Yes, while you are pushing a baby out, there’s a risk of fracturing your tailbone. Just thinking about it gives me chills. If you’ve given birth, you know how challenging recovery can be. If you’ve also suffered a tailbone injury? That’s a whole new level of misery. The thought of managing both recoveries while caring for a newborn is truly overwhelming.
When a baby moves through the birth canal, it can put pressure on the coccyx, or tailbone. If it’s properly aligned, the tailbone tilts back as the baby progresses. However, if it’s positioned forward, it complicates matters, increasing the force needed for delivery, which can lead to bruising, dislocation, or even fracture.
Factors Contributing to Tailbone Fracture During Childbirth
According to the Birth Injury Justice Center, several factors can contribute to a tailbone fracture during childbirth, including:
- A baby being born face up
- A baby weighing nine pounds or more
- A long or complicated labor
- A small or narrow pelvis
- The use of forceps or a vacuum during delivery
- Medical negligence
It’s also important to mention that if a woman has previously experienced a tailbone fracture, she may be at a higher risk of it happening again.
“It’s crucial to inform your healthcare team about any past tailbone pain or injuries before labor begins, as there are ways to reduce pressure during delivery,” notes Sarah Thompson, a certified childbirth educator.
Managing Tailbone Injury Pain
If you do suffer a tailbone injury during delivery, there are several ways to help manage your pain. According to BabyCenter, the top recommendation is to rest. Applying ice to the area multiple times a day can help as well. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication, depending on your nursing status, and will likely suggest lying on your side for comfort. A doughnut or wedge cushion will become your best friend in the initial days and weeks following the injury. Additionally, ensure you’re consuming plenty of fiber and staying hydrated to prevent constipation, as straining is the last thing you want to deal with.
Healing from a tailbone injury can take weeks or even months, but some lingering pain may persist longer. If your tailbone isn’t healing properly, you may be referred to a specialist. In some cases, physical therapy or cortisone injections might be needed.
Every day, women bring new life into the world, and our bodies perform remarkable feats. Yet, even the strongest bodies can face challenges. If you’ve fractured your tailbone, I empathize with your struggle. If this occurred during childbirth, you’re a true hero—you deserve recognition for being incredibly resilient.
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Summary:
Experiencing a tailbone fracture during childbirth is a painful possibility that can complicate recovery. The coccyx is vulnerable during delivery, especially if the baby is in a challenging position or if the mother has a history of injuries. Managing pain through rest, ice, and supportive cushions is vital for healing. If you’re dealing with this type of injury, know that you’re not alone and there are strategies to cope with the discomfort.