If you experience groin pain during pregnancy, you are far from alone. Groin pain can come on gradually or feel like a sharp stab with certain movements, and it can affect everything from walking to getting into bed at night. Fortunately, groin pain during pregnancy is often due to completely natural changes in the body and pelvis. At the same time, it is important to know when you should contact your midwife or doctor.

Groin pain is often related to the body gradually adapting to pregnancy.

During pregnancy, ligaments and joints become more pliable, and the pelvis needs to be able to stretch. This can cause soreness or sharp pain in the groin area, especially when climbing stairs, turning in bed, getting in and out of the car, and during long walks.

As your belly grows, your posture changes, as does the strain on your hips, pelvis, and inner thighs. This can feel like a "pull" in the groin or soreness that comes after activity.

Groin pain can be part of pregnancy-related pelvic pain. The pain can be located at the pubic bone, in the groin, in the buttocks, or radiate towards the inner thighs. Many experience that it gets worse with asymmetrical movements, where you put more strain on one side than the other.

A practical guideline is whether the pain is clearly provoked by specific everyday movements (e.g., standing on one leg to put on pants). If so, it may indicate a pelvic-related strain, which you can typically get help for with advice on gentle movement patterns and possibly guidance from a physiotherapist.

Groin pain can occur throughout pregnancy, but the sensation can change.

Early on, some may feel pulling and sharp pain in the groin, which can be related to changes in the uterus and tissue. If you are unsure whether the pain is "normal changes," it is always okay to discuss it with your midwife or doctor.

Later in pregnancy, the pain is often due to increased strain around the pelvis and hips. Here, it can help to plan breaks, avoid heavy lifting, and keep movements more symmetrical.

The goal is typically to relieve and soothe the area without stopping all movement.

• Take shorter steps and avoid "wiggling" your hips when walking.
• Keep your knees together when turning in bed or getting in and out of the car.
• Distribute your weight evenly on both legs when standing still.
• Take breaks from activities that provoke pain, instead of pushing through.

Some pregnant women find that extra support around the abdomen and pelvis can make everyday movements more comfortable. A support belt may be relevant if you need relief when walking and standing. You can see Support Belts or a specific Maternity Support Belt.

Seek assessment if you are concerned or if the pain changes character. Contact your midwife or doctor sooner if, for example:

• Suddenly occurring, severe, or increasing pain
• Fever, malaise, or impaired general condition
• Bleeding or persistent abdominal pain that worries you
• Redness, warmth, pronounced swelling, or pain in the leg
• Problems bearing weight on the leg or significantly reduced function

It is better to get an extra assessment than to feel uneasy.

If your groin pain is related to strain around the pelvis, a support belt can be a practical aid during periods when you need to walk or stand more.

Sundhed.dk (pregnancy-related pelvic pain) and Babyverden (groin pain during pregnancy).