She Strengthens

The Uninvited Guests: Understanding and Managing Pregnancy Pains

Pregnancy can be a wild ride, filled with unexpected twists and turns. As your body undergoes significant changes, you may experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including vaginal pain. This sudden, sharp pain can be unsettling, leaving you wondering what’s happening to your body.

The Hormonal Shift

One key player in this drama is the hormone relaxin, produced by your ovaries and placenta. Relaxin helps your ligaments and joints loosen, preparing your body for the arrival of your baby. However, this increased flexibility can also lead to pelvic pain, cervical sensitivity, and discomfort during sex or gynecological exams.

Pressure Points: Second and Third Trimester

As your baby grows, pressure from your expanding belly can irritate your muscles and nerves, causing pain in your pelvic area, lower back, and thighs. Research suggests that higher levels of relaxin may contribute to pelvic girdle pain (PGP), experienced by about 1 in 5 pregnant women.

Other Culprits: Constipation, Weak Cervix, and More

Constipation, a common issue during pregnancy, can also contribute to vaginal discomfort. Drinking more water, eating fiber-rich foods, and engaging in light physical activity can help alleviate symptoms. A weak cervix, also known as an incompetent cervix, can cause pelvic pressure, backache, and abdominal cramps, and may lead to early delivery or pregnancy loss.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Injury to your pelvic floor muscles can result in pelvic organ prolapse, where the vaginal wall, cervix, or uterus descends toward the vaginal opening. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) can also occur during pregnancy, causing symptoms like pelvic pain, fever, and abnormal vaginal discharge.

Sex During Pregnancy: The Good, the Bad, and the Uncomfortable

While sex is generally safe during pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause vaginal dryness, pelvic girdle pain, and cervical sensitivity, making intimacy uncomfortable. Additionally, hormones released during orgasm can cause mild cramping or contractions.

Finding Relief

To manage pregnancy pains, try the following:

• Change positions and take regular breaks
• Engage in light exercise, like walking or yoga
• Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation
• Take a warm bath or try prenatal massage
• Use a belly band for support
• Rest and prioritize self-care
• Consider physical therapy for PGP and strengthening exercises for your pelvic floor, abdomen, hips, and back

When to Speak Up

Remember to report any new symptoms to your healthcare provider, as they can help determine the underlying cause of your discomfort. Be aware of signs of early labor, including regular contractions, lower back pain, and bloody mucus discharge.

The Bottom Line

Pregnancy is a time of significant change, and vaginal pain is a common symptom. By understanding the causes of this discomfort and taking proactive steps to manage it, you can focus on nurturing your body and preparing for the arrival of your baby.