Do you wake up at night in pain when you turn over in bed? You’re certainly not the only one. Many pregnant women experience this, especially in the second and third trimester. It can feel like a sharp stabbing pain in the pelvis, lower back, or around the pubic bone. Fortunately, this pain is easy to explain — and often also possible to relieve.
Why does turning over hurt during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, your body is constantly changing. Hormones such as relaxin make ligaments and joints more flexible, so your body can adapt to the growing baby and childbirth.
This affects:
- the pelvis
- the SI joints
- the lower back
- the muscles around the pelvis
When you turn in bed, your body weight suddenly shifts. If the pelvis or spine isn’t working together optimally, this can cause sharp, stabbing, or pulling pain.
Common causes
Pelvic pain or early pelvic instability
Pain when turning over is one of the most typical complaints with pelvic instability. Especially:
- pain around the pubic bone
- pain low in the back
- pain at the level of the SI joints
Turning over requires a small but quick movement — exactly what an unstable pelvis tends to react to.
Changed sleeping position
During pregnancy you often (or have to) sleep on your side. As a result:
- muscles are loaded on one side
- tension in the hips and lower back increases
- stiffness develops more quickly
When turning, your body suddenly has to absorb that tension.
Reduced coordination between the pelvis and spine
If your pelvis doesn’t move freely or symmetrically, the rest of your body has to compensate. That can cause pain when:
- turning
- getting out of bed
- getting out of the car
When does this complaint usually occur?
- Often from the second trimester
- Regularly worse in the third trimester
- Especially at night or with the first turn after lying still
Sometimes it starts subtly and gradually becomes more intense.
What can you do yourself?
A few practical tips that often help:
- Turn with your knees together (not apart from each other)
- Use a pillow between your knees
- Gently tighten your abdominal and glute muscles before you turn
- Turn in small steps rather than one big movement
- Make sure you have a mattress that provides enough support
This can reduce the pain, but it doesn’t always solve the underlying cause.
When is it wise to seek help?
Contact a specialist if:
- the pain keeps you awake
- turning over becomes increasingly difficult
- you also experience pain when walking, climbing stairs, or standing up
- the symptoms increase rather than decrease
Continuing to push through the pain isn’t necessary — and it isn’t wise either.
What can chiropractic care do for you?
Chiropractic treatment during pregnancy focuses on:
- the improvement of pelvic function
- the reduction of tension in muscles and ligaments
- supporting a stable posture
- relieving pain during everyday movements (such as turning over)
Treatment is always carried out with gentle, tailored techniques, adapted to your stage of pregnancy.
At Chiropractie Blaauw we use special treatment tables and techniques that are safe during pregnancy.
Summary
- Pain when turning over in bed is common during pregnancy
- It is usually related to pelvic strain and changes in stability
- Small adjustments can help, but they do not always address the underlying cause
- Chiropractic care can reduce symptoms and help your body work better together
Do you have questions about your specific symptoms, or would you like to know whether chiropractic care can help you?
Feel free to get in touch via the contact form or call 0182 – 570124.
We are happy to think along with you—calmly, carefully, and tailored to you.
