Pain in the genital area is a relatively common phenomenon in women. But if this condition occurs during pregnancy and occurs frequently, the pregnant mother will develop anxiety because of concern that the pain shows something serious.
For the most part, vaginal pain isn't a sign of any serious complications. So why do you encounter it and how do you feel better? The following article, aFamilyToday Health will help you answer these questions, let's find out.
If you're experiencing genital or pelvic pain during pregnancy, it could be because your body hasn't adapted to the new changes brought by your baby. On the other hand, the following are the causes that make pregnant women uncomfortable:
The fetal development will put pressure on the pelvic region, tightening ligaments and muscles, thereby causing pain in the genital area. This pain can last for a few seconds or minutes, or even longer.
It occurs in the second trimester when the baby gets closer to the pelvic area and also in the third trimester, when the baby moves lower down the cervix.
During pregnancy, blood flow towards the uterus increases, thereby causing soreness in the vaginal area. In addition, this sensation can appear every time you lightly touch your vagina or use the bathroom.
If vaginal soreness occurs frequently, especially later in pregnancy, it may be due to dilation of the cervix. The cervix will dilate for a few weeks before labor, and that sometimes causes pain along with bleeding.
Vaginal soreness during pregnancy can also result from a yeast infection around the vagina. Sometimes a pelvic / vaginal infection will cause pain along with other symptoms such as vaginal discharge, nausea, diarrhea, or back pain. Vaginal yeast infection is a common infection among pregnant women.
Vaginal pain is one of the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy , which is often difficult to diagnose. Signs accompanying pain include: bleeding, chest pain, dizziness, back pain, and low blood pressure.
Genital pain can also be caused by other causes such as constipation, sexual activity or if the mother is under stress.
Severe vaginal pain associated with bleeding may indicate a miscarriage . Therefore, if you experience genital discomfort, try to determine the type of pain to understand if this is normal or severe, and don't forget to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Observing and determining the type of pain will also help you explain your symptoms to your doctor in more detail:
A stinging sensation is very common in pregnant women. This occurs due to elongation of the uterine muscle around five to eight weeks or by gas formation.
If you experience stinging pain around 37 weeks , it may be because the time of labor is approaching. Pregnant mothers do not need to worry too much if the pain does not last long and the pain is only mild. However, if pregnant women suffer from vaginal pain accompanied by bleeding, you should see your doctor for prompt examination, diagnosis and treatment.
This pain can occur in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. This is caused by an infection in the fallopian tubes or cervix. If the pain is associated with the contractions or is increasing in intensity, you should see your doctor.
In most cases, cutting pain occurs because of the growing uterus. It can also be a symptom of cystitis. If the pain gets worse later in pregnancy, you may experience premature placenta removal .
Talk to your doctor regardless of the type of pain in your genitals. They will conduct testing and counseling to eliminate harmful risks to mother and baby.
Pain in the vaginal area affects the joints, bones, and muscles. On the other hand, actions like walking, driving on uneven roads and climbing stairs can also aggravate pain.
Pregnant mothers will feel the pressure on the vagina gradually increase as the day of labor approaches. Pain and pressure also get worse as the baby enters the pelvic area. However, home remedies can help ease your discomfort.
In most cases, vaginal pain will be relieved with simple measures, such as:
Practice some kegel exercises
Raising your legs while sitting will help relieve the pain somewhat
Soak in a tub of lukewarm water or rinse a shower over your back area
Use a pregnancy belt designed to support your abdomen, lower back, pelvis, and hips
Lie on your left side to improve blood circulation and reduce pressure on the vaginal area.
Also, avoid sudden jerky and twisting movements in the waist. Pregnant women are not allowed to take pain relievers on their own without prescription from their doctor.
If the vaginal pain is only mild, you can mention it at the next prenatal visit so your doctor can suggest a solution. If the pain becomes severe and accompanied by fever, headache, dizziness, bleeding, painful urination, swelling of the face, hands and feet ... pregnant mothers should come to the clinic immediately to promptly treat to help avoid possible complications. happening.
Often times, pregnant women tend to confuse pain with feeling pressure on the genitals. The pain is strong enough to make it difficult to move with each move. Meanwhile, the pressure in the vaginal area is quite similar to the menstrual cramps and will also spread to the lower back.
In most cases, vaginal pain does not result in any emergency during pregnancy. If the pain is mild to moderate, try following the pain relief methods suggested above to ease the discomfort. But if the pain starts to get worse and occurs more often, pregnant women should not take it lightly, but go to the doctor immediately to limit possible bad condition.
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