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The bottom line: Trying to figure out what's going on with your body might be stressful, but it's always best to stay on the side of caution and see your doctor. In the meantime, if you're experiencing pressure or vaginal discomfort during pregnancy, read on to find out what's causing it and what you can do about it.
What Causes Vaginal Pain While Pregnant?
There are many reasons why you may suffer vaginal discomfort during pregnancy; the underlying cause is determined by you, your body, and your stage of gestation. Much of what you're experiencing is due to your ligaments stretching to suit the baby's development.
The most prevalent reasons for vaginal discomfort during pregnancy are:
- Round ligament pain
- Bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection
- Urinary tract infection
- Symphysis pubis dysfunction
- Fibroids
- Problems with pregnancy: Vaginal pain could potentially signal miscarriage or preterm labour
- STD
When Does Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy Begin?
Discomfort may occur at any point throughout your pregnancy, but it is more likely to occur in the late second or early third trimester when your uterus and placenta are much larger and the quantity of fluid you are carrying is larger, stretching out all of your pelvic floor muscles.During early pregnancy, pressure or discomfort in the vaginal region may occur, particularly as relaxation begins to flow from the placenta. That's when you may experience the stabbing pains—or, for others, dull yet intense sensations—associated with round ligament discomfort. And if this is not your first pregnancy, you are more likely to experience this pain early on since your muscles may still be separated—especially if you have just given birth.
How To Reduce Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy?
The treatment for vaginal discomfort during pregnancy is determined by the cause. If the problem is urgent, such as an infection, you will need antibiotics. However, if it is a chronic problem throughout pregnancy and not just a consequence of your body expanding, you may need to come up with some creative remedies to alleviate the pain.Experts Suggest Trying
- A maternal support belt: A maternity belt or pregnancy belly band may help support your uterus and provide relaxation
- Warm baths: A warm (but not hot) soak may provide relief. Davis recommends adding Epsom salts to the water
- Physical treatment: It's a wonderful benefit during pregnancy—and outside of pregnancy—to help maintain those muscles that are utilised during pregnancy
- Light workout: A 15- to 30-minute walk at the end of the day or some sort of movement is always encouraged, and it's helpful with blood flow
- Chiropractic treatment: A chiropractor who specialises in dealing with pregnant women—someone certified in the Webster technique—might be able to help
- Stretching and yoga: Again, gentle movement might be beneficial while your body expands and changes
- Prenatal massage: A prenatal massage may help relieve certain aches and pains
When To See A Doctor
During pregnancy, women should schedule regular visits with their physicians. It is critical to utilise these visits to address any symptoms, no matter how small they seem.Early in pregnancy, women may only visit their doctor every few weeks. If they are feeling significant pressure or discomfort, or if they notice any other signs such as fever, difficulty urinating, bleeding, or a change in the baby's movements, they should seek medical attention right away.
If it's after hours, they should visit the emergency room. Prompt treatment of pregnancy complications may save both the mother and the baby.
Pressure Vs. Pain
Pain in the pelvis or vagina is one thing, but true suffering is another. The pain you experience during menstrual cramps may be comparable to the pressure in this area. Lower back soreness is another possible symptom.It is challenging to confuse pelvic pain with pressure. In many cases, the pain in this area is so intense that it makes it impossible to move or even speak. You should contact your physician right away in such a circumstance.
Other reasons to contact your doctor immediately are:
- Pelvic agony is so severe that you cannot move or speak.
- Symptoms may include severe headaches, disorientation, and abrupt swelling of the hands, cheeks, or feet.
- If you have vaginal or pelvic discomfort along with other symptoms such as a fever, chills, or vaginal bleeding, go to the hospital at once.
Vaginal pressure is one of the numerous symptoms that women may feel during pregnancy. It is typically not a reason for alarm and might be a sign that the body is producing the proper hormones and the uterus is expanding normally.
Normal vs Concerning Vaginal Pain
Due to many physiological changes taking place in the body during pregnancy, experiencing some amount of vaginal pain is completely normal. However, it is important to understand the difference between normal and concerning vaginal pain. Being aware of these differences can help you implement preventative measures and treatments. Additionally, some yoga stretches can help ease the pain as well.- Normal symptoms: Increased blood flow, hormonal changes and the pressure from your growing uterus can cause mild discomfort or pain in the vaginal area. Round ligament pain, which is characterised by sharp pains in the lower abdomen or groin area, is also common during pregnancy.
- Concerning symptoms: Severe pain that persists, especially accompanied by other symptoms like vaginal bleeding, fever, chills or unusual vaginal discharge can be indications of an infection or preterm labour. If you have any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical assistance.
Preventative Measures
- Regular exercise: Engaging in gentle, regular exercises can help strengthen the pelvic muscles by improving flexibility. This can eventually reduce discomfort. Do remember to consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise regime.
- Posture: Try to maintain good posture. This can alleviate pressure on the lower back pelvic area, thereby helping to reduce pain.
- Supportive garments: Wearing a supportive garment like a maternity belt can help evenly distribute the weight of the growing abdominal area, hence reducing the strain on the pelvic area.
Postpartum Considerations
It is common to experience vaginal soreness after childbirth. This is particularly true if there were tears or an episiotomy during delivery. Here is how you can manage postpartum vaginal pain.- Rest: Getting plenty of rest is crucial for healing. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity during the initial postpartum recovery period.
- Hygiene: Make sure you keep the perineal area clean and dry to avoid infections. Use a squeeze bottle with warm water to gently clean the area.
- Pain relief: You can use safe, over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but be sure to check with your doctor before taking any new medications. You could also place an ice pack over the area to find some relief.
Yoga Poses and Stretching
Yoga has a large variety of stretches you can do to alleviate pain and discomfort. You can try some of them, however, check with your doctor or a professional yoga instructor before attempting any of them.According to Ekta Jain, a yoga teacher from Mumbai, yoga strengthens the pelvic floor muscles and makes them flexible. This is necessary for holding the uterus in place. As the uterus becomes heavier a lot of stress is put on these muscles and can cause urinary incontinence. This is prevented if these muscles are strong. Flexibility of these muscles is beneficial during birth and prevents tearing
These exercises can be practised anywhere and as often as you can remember. One thing to keep in mind is that you should not be contracting any other parts of your body, including your face.
Kegel exercises are a great way to ease vaginal pain. Relaxing your body while sitting comfortably, gently contract the vaginal wall muscles upwards towards the cervix. Hold the contraction for a couple of seconds, then gradually release, feeling the muscles relax downwards.
The above exercise is the traditional pelvic floor exercise, also known as kegels, recommended by physiotherapists, doctors and midwives.
Role of Diet and Nutrition
Maintaining a well-balanced, nutritious diet throughout pregnancy is very important for overall health and can influence pain levels as well.- Calcium and Magnesium: Adequate intake of both calcium and magnesium can support muscle function and reduce the likelihood of discomfort from cramps.
- Hydration: Staying well hydrated is crucial for elasticity and the prevention of muscle cramps.
- Fibre: A high-fibre diet can prevent constipation, which puts additional pressure on the abdominal area.
Taking precautions throughout pregnancy may help uncover issues before they become crises. Never hesitate to contact a doctor, especially if the problem seems small. It is unlikely that there is a serious issue, but reassurance may make pregnancy easier. If anything goes wrong, it is preferable to identify the problem as soon as possible.
FAQs on What to Do About Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy?
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- Why am I uncomfortable down there?
Infections, injuries, health disorders, menopause, childbirth, pelvic floor difficulties, and allergies are all potential causes of vaginal pain. Vaginal discomfort is usually relieved with self-treatment and patience. - What kind of discomfort is unpleasant during pregnancy?
If you have consistent, severe stomach discomfort, potential contractions, pain while bleeding, or fever, you should contact your doctor straight away. These symptoms may suggest more serious concerns, such as placental abruption in which the placenta separates from the uterus.
