Groin pain during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you may experience pain in the left or right groin area.

What is groin pain during pregnancy?

Groin pain can be different from one woman to another. It can flare up when you cough, sneeze, or make a sudden movement.

Usually the pain is intense but brief. You may feel a burning sensation, cramping, or muscle spasm. Sometimes it feels like an electric shock shooting from the groin to your pubic bone, even travelling to your lower back. In some cases, you’ll feel a tugging or tingling sensation.

What causes groin pain?

As the baby grows, the two round ligaments supporting the uterus stretch. When this happens, the right or left ligament may pull suddenly, causing pain in the groin area between the abdomen and upper thigh.

The hormonal changes and increased blood flow that occur during pregnancy can also lead groin pain, as can Braxton Hicks contractions, constipation, and urinary tract infections.

When do pregnant women experience groin pain?

Groin pain can be occasional or frequent and usually starts in the second trimester as the baby becomes larger.

It can also onset in late pregnancy when the baby’s head becomes engaged. In some cases, groin pain persists right up to delivery.

How can groin pain be prevented?

The following tips can help prevent groin pain.

• Avoid sudden movements and changes of position, such as getting out of bed quickly.
• Lean forward when sneezing or coughing.
• Take breaks, avoid standing for too long, and maintain good posture. This will minimize the pressure on your pelvic area.

How is groin pain treated?

Here are some suggestions for reducing groin pain.

• Lie on the side that hurts and bring your knees toward your chest.
• Place a pillow between your knees when lying down. This reduces tension in your abdomen.
• Crouch down while holding the back of a chair.
• Use a support belt to reduce the weight on your uterus. Spending time in a swimming pool can also help reduce the weight on your uterus.
• Take a warm bath. Water temperature should not exceed 38°C. Applying moderate heat to the groin area or lower abdomen can also help. To do this, use a hot compress or heat pack.
• Do some gentle stretching. Certain stretches can relieve ligament tension and improve pelvic flexibility, which can reduce groin pain.
• Try prenatal yoga. Prenatal yoga classes are adapted to pregnancy. They often feature poses that relieve groin pain.
• Consult a physiotherapist who specializes in prenatal care if your pelvic pain persists or is severe. They can recommend exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles and reduce pain. An osteopath can also help with pain relief.

Things to keep in mind

• Groin pain during pregnancy is normal. It is usually intense but short-lived.
• It often starts during the second trimester of pregnancy.
• Groin pain is often triggered by coughing, sneezing, or sudden movement.

Scientific review: Paméla Farman, M.Sc., nurse clinician and lecturer at the Université Laval faculty of nursing Research and copywriting:The Naître et grandir team Updated: April 2026

Photo: GettyImages/stefanamer