The Risks of Childbirth: How Pushing Can Cause a Tailbone Injury

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Are you someone who tends to trip over air or bump into furniture? That’s me, and I’ve always been warned by my family that I might “hurt myself.” Well, after 39 years of dodging disaster, I finally did it. While navigating down the stairs in socks, I lost my footing and fell, landing hard on the step below me. I immediately knew I had broken my tailbone.

The agony was intense. I struggled to crawl back up the steps and knew I needed urgent care. An x-ray confirmed my worst fears: a hairline fracture of the coccyx. The doctor informed me that there wasn’t much to be done aside from letting it heal. That was a shock!

I was prescribed painkillers and advised to use a doughnut pillow for sitting, as hard surfaces would be impossible for weeks—maybe even months. It was overwhelming. That first night at home, my husband had to help me into bed just like when I was pregnant. I had to sleep on my side to avoid excruciating pain. I carried that doughnut pillow everywhere and preferred to stand rather than sit. Even now, years later, I occasionally feel a twinge of pain and have to lie down until it subsides. It’s a real struggle.

So, why am I sharing this painful saga? Because childbirth can put you at risk of similar injuries! Yes, when delivering a baby, the pressure of pushing can lead to a break in your tailbone. Just the thought sends chills down my spine. If you’ve given birth, you know how challenging recovery can be, and adding a broken tailbone into the mix is nearly unimaginable.

When a baby navigates through the birth canal, it can impact the coccyx. If a mother’s tailbone is aligned correctly, it tilts back, easing the process. However, if it’s tilted forward, it creates complications that might necessitate more force during delivery. This added pressure can lead to bruising, dislocation, or even fracture of the tailbone.

According to the Birth Injury Justice Center, several factors can contribute to a tailbone fracture, including:

  • The baby being born face up
  • Large baby size (nine pounds or more)
  • Lengthy or difficult labor
  • A narrow pelvis
  • Use of forceps or vacuum assist during delivery
  • Medical negligence

If a woman has previously fractured her tailbone, she has a higher chance of doing so again. “It’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any past tailbone injuries to help minimize pressure during labor,” advises Sarah Greene, a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator.

Should you sustain a tailbone injury during delivery, there are strategies to manage the pain. BabyCenter suggests resting, applying ice to the area multiple times a day, and possibly taking prescribed pain medications. Lying on your side is often the most comfortable position. A doughnut or wedge cushion can also be invaluable in the following days and weeks. Moreover, maintaining a high-fiber diet and staying hydrated can help prevent constipation, which can be incredibly uncomfortable after such an injury.

Healing from a tailbone injury can take weeks or even months, and lingering pain may persist long after. If healing doesn’t progress, a specialist may be required, and treatments such as physical therapy or cortisone shots could be necessary.

Every day, countless women give birth, performing incredible feats. Yet even the strongest bodies can face challenges. If you’ve experienced a broken tailbone, I empathize with you. If it happened during childbirth, you are a true warrior—you deserve recognition for your strength.

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In summary, childbirth can lead to unexpected injuries such as tailbone fractures, which can complicate recovery. It’s essential to be aware of the risks and communicate with healthcare providers to minimize potential issues.

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