Vaginal pain during pregnancy: What causes this common symptom and how to get relief

Pain and pregnancy seem to go hand in hand. Every part of your body, from your lower back to your abdomen and chest, can hurt while you expect it. Another common symptom that many women experience is vaginal pain during pregnancy. Any hormonal changes or pressure from the growing uterus can contribute to this pain. The cause usually depends on the second trimester. It is generally normal for predictions to feel normal pain, but sometimes it may bring bad news like miscarriage. Regardless of whether your vagina hurts a lot or a little, be sure to consult your doctor instead of ignoring it.

What causes vaginal pain during pregnancy?

“Vagina pain during pregnancy is often a normal part of the process,” says Dr. Vinatha Puri, gynecologist and obstetrician. In a 2010 study published in the International Gynecology and Obstetrics Journal, researchers found that the prevalence of vaginal pain generally increased during pregnancy and postnatal improvement. Some of the causes of the pain there are:

1. Early pregnancy

• Implantation convulsion: In early pregnancy, fertile egg implants can be implanted into the uterine wall, causing mild convulsions and vaginal discomfort.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly elevated progesterone, can lead to pelvic pain and sensitivity, including vaginal pain during pregnancy.
• Cervical sensitivity: “In early pregnancy, increased blood flow to the cervix makes you more sensitive,” says experts. This can cause mild pain and discomfort.

2. Second trimester

• Round ligament pain: When the uterus expands, the ligaments that support it stretch, causing sharp or dull pain, often felt in the lower abdomen or vagina.
• Pressure from the growing uterusThe growing uterus can push the pelvic area and can exert discomfort and pressure around the vaginal area.
• Cervical changes: Continuing to soften the cervix and preparing for delivery can cause mild convulsions and vaginal pain during pregnancy.

3. Third period

• lightning: It is a fast, sharp pain that you may feel in areas like the vagina or rectum. This vaginal pain during pregnancy is mainly due to the baby getting bigger and more settling in the pelvis before giving birth.
• Cervical exhaustion and expansion: The cervix becomes softer and begins to dilate thinly (effectively) at the later stages of pregnancy.
• Vaginal varicose veins“Increased blood volume during pregnancy can lead to varicose veins around the vaginal area, causing local pain and pressure,” says Dr. Puli.

What are the complications of vaginal pain during pregnancy?

There are potential complications associated with vaginal pain during pregnancy.

1. Premature birth

“It can occur when contractions allow the cervix to open very early, which can lead to the birth of a baby 37 weeks prior,” the expert explains. If you experience frequent contractions or vaginal pain 37 weeks prior to pregnancy, contact your doctor immediately, especially if you experience bleeding or changes in hospital discharge.

2. abortion

It refers to the loss of pregnancy before completing 20 weeks. A 2009 study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found an association between vaginal pain and severe bleeding during the first gestational period at a high risk of miscarriage.

3. Ectopic pregnancy

In ectopic pregnancy, the fertilized egg is often implanted into the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. “This condition should not be underestimated as it can be life-threatening if left untreated,” experts say. In such cases, you may experience severe local pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding, especially during early pregnancy.

4. Sudden placenta

“It occurs when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before birth, which is dangerous for both the mother and the baby,” experts say. Sudden vaginal pain, abdominal pain, and severe vaginal bleeding are all signs of this. Sudden placenta can lead to premature birth or maternal bleeding.

How to relieve vaginal pain during pregnancy?

Here are some tips to relieve vaginal pain during pregnancy:

1. Practice pelvic floor exercises

Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can reduce pelvic pressure and discomfort. In a 2022 study published in the International Urogynecology Journal, the researchers found that vaginal pain levels in pregnant women who exercised pelvic floor muscles were significantly lower than those who did not move. These exercises with narrowing and relaxing the pelvic muscles can improve blood flow and provide relief for vaginal pain.

2. Use a warm compression or heating pad

Apply a warm compression or heating pad to relax the muscles and relieve cramps and tension that may cause vaginal pain. “I do that for 10-15 minutes while trying to relieve vaginal pain during pregnancy and use only warm water,” says the expert.

3. Take a warm bath

Without a heating pad, you can soak your body in a warm bath, soothe painful muscles and relieve pelvic pressure. This helps reduce vaginal pain during pregnancy. All you have to do is fill the bathtub with warm water and relax for 10-20 minutes.

4. Change the position frequently

Standing or sitting for a long period of time can put more pressure on the pelvic area, including the vagina. “Changing your posture frequently or using cushions and pillows for support can reduce discomfort and pain,” experts say. Don’t stand for a long time and move around every 30 minutes.

5. Maintain hydration and maintain a healthy diet

Dehydration and constipation can worsen pelvic discomfort. “Drinking large amounts of water and eating a high-fiber diet can help prevent these problems and reduce pressure on the pelvic area,” experts say. To prevent constipation and support digestion, eat about 8 glasses of water a day and eat fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

If vaginal pain during pregnancy is severe or persistent, reach out to your doctor. In this way, they can figure out the cause and provide a solution accordingly.