Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, many changes occur in the body of expectant mothers. These changes can cause various pains in the body. One of the most common complaints of expectant mothers is undoubtedly vaginal pain. So, what causes vaginal pain during pregnancy or a stinging sensation in the vagina during pregnancy? You can find the details in the rest of our article.

Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy / Stinging Sensation in the Vagina

One of the benefits of pregnancy is vaginal pain. Many women complain of vaginal pain during pregnancy. These pains are usually seen in the form of aches 2-3 weeks after the menstrual delay. But it makes itself felt exactly between the 12th and 16th weeks of pregnancy. This is because your uterine muscles are stretched and shortened. For this reason, it is very normal to experience pain or stinging sensation in the vagina. In addition to the uterine muscles, increased blood flow to the vagina can also increase sensitivity, and there may be a throbbing pain in the vagina during pregnancy.

The important issue here is whether the person has experienced their first pregnancy or not. If it is the first pregnancy, the expectant mother may feel the vaginal pain in earlier weeks and more intensely because the uterus has not enlarged before. In second or more pregnancies, these pains are usually felt when the baby is getting heavier.

Other Causes of Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes are the cause of many complaints during pregnancy, including vaginal pain, throbbing and stinging sensation in the vagina. In particular, the increase in relaxin and progesterone hormones allows the pelvic muscles and ligaments to relax during childbirth. The increase in these hormones can also cause the expectant mother to feel pain in her vagina.

Implantation Pain

In the first weeks of pregnancy, pain may be felt in the area as the pregnancy tries to settle on the inner wall of the uterus. Light pink or brown, spotting bleeding can also be added to this pain. It is seen in approximately 25% of pregnant women and lasts an average of 2 – 3 days. If your bleeding is heavy, if you feel extreme pain, or if you feel any other change, you should consult your doctor.

Baby's Pressure

In the last 3 months of pregnancy, the load on the vagina increases due to the growth of the baby. However, the weight gained by the expectant mother also creates an extra burden on her body. As a result of all this pressure, pain may be felt in the vagina.

False Birth Contractions

False contractions, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions, can be summarized as the gradual preparation of the uterus for birth. These contractions can cause pain in the groin, lower abdomen, and vagina. In such a case, you should consume foods rich in magnesium and get plenty of rest. Changing positions can also help the contraction pass.

Urinary tract infection

Another cause of pain in the vagina can be a urinary tract infection. If the pain is accompanied by burning and frequent urination, we recommend that you consult your doctor. You will be able to overcome the infection in a short time with the drugs he recommends.

How to Relieve Vagina Pain?

Since reverse and sudden movements may increase your pain, we recommend that you act more slowly and cautiously. You can also relieve your pain and rest your body by taking a warm shower. If your pain is not relieved, on the contrary, it gets worse or if other symptoms such as bleeding are added, we recommend that you consult your doctor without wasting time. In addition; If you are in the last weeks of your pregnancy, your pain may herald the birth. Check to see if she's showing other signs of labor. If you are observing several symptoms at once, contact the hospital.