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The moment you embark on your pregnancy journey, you’re prepared for a series of changes in your pregnancy body. You gain weight, feel swollen, fatigued, cramped, etc.
With this, you’ll feel a sudden, sharp, burning, or shooting pain in the vaginal area during the early and later stages of pregnancy. A symptom that is known as the lightning crotch.
In this condition, the developing foetus exerts a lot of pressure on the nerves surrounding the cervix and the lowest part of the uterus.
Why does lightning crotch pain develop during pregnancy?
Experts describe the lightning crotch pain during pregnancy as an electrical bolt or zap from the inside. This pain may be irregular as well as occasional. But it varies from one pregnant mother to another. Healthcare practitioners may not be sure of the true reasons behind lightning crotch pain, however, some of the causes include:
The Movement of the Baby Inside
While you’re nurturing another life inside you, the baby develops and moves by stretching, kicking, or turning and putting pressure on the pelvis, vagina as well as the rectum. As the movement becomes stronger the pain tends to increase.
Baby Dropping
Before labour begins, the baby gradually drops down the pelvis. The moment the baby starts dropping, it prepares you for labour, and this position is also known as “engaged.” This process is known as “lightening.” It creates a space between the breasts and the pelvis.
The Presence of Varicose Veins
As you proceed with your pregnancy stages, the baby inside you starts developing and exerts a lot of pressure on the uterus, while accommodating the baby. Due to this, the large veins are visible to the legs. The pressure from the growing uterus can cause blood to pool in the crotch area, leading to discomfort and pain.
Round Ligament Pain
During pregnancy, the soaring progesterone, and relaxin hormones allow the ligaments, as well as the muscles in the pelvic region to relax. Such an extensive stretching of the ligaments may give rise to sudden – sharp lightning crotch pain.
Insufficient Magnesium-Intake
While you include nutrients like – proteins, calcium, minerals, vitamins, etc., in your pregnancy platter; consuming magnesium during pregnancy gives signals to the cramps or pain of the sciatic nerves. Experts from the German Nutrition Society recommend 300 mg of magnesium every day during pregnancy.
How to treat the lightening crotch during pregnancy?
Lightening crotch pain occurs randomly, and gives rise to lightening pain during pregnancy and labour. Some quick natural and medical tips can help reduce the discomfort. They include:
- Taking rest is as important as being active during pregnancy and labour. However, lying down in a comfortable position can make your cervix feel relaxed.
- Be active. Simple brisk walking and doing yogasana can keep the pain reduced.
- Getting an acupuncture and acupressure done by inserting needles with an expert’s help.