Lightning Crotch During Pregnancy
By Sara French, ACSM CPT, NASM CNC
November 22, 2024
What is Lightning Crotch?
Lightning crotch is a very common sensation during pregnancy, especially toward the end. It is often confused with round ligament pain, though there are some distinct differences of which to make note. Women who experience lightning crotch describe the feeling as a sudden sharp or burning pain in the pelvic or vaginal area. Not fun! Round ligament pain is a more dull, aching pain that typically lasts longer than a second. While lightning crotch may happen at any point during pregnancy, it is most likely to occur during the third trimester. Unfortunately, the severity and frequency of lightning crotch varies among women. So if you were hoping to gauge when it would happen for you and how long it would last, I can’t help you there, my friend! Personally, I started experiencing it infrequently around the second trimester. It has definitely ramped up now that I am in my third trimester, and I have noticed that it happens more frequently when my baby goes through growth spurts. It helps to identify patterns like this, so that I can know what to expect and remind myself that it is temporary; it won’t last forever. A moment of pain for a lifetime of glory!
Why Does Lightning Crotch Happen?
Now that we have identified what lightning crotch is and how it is different from round ligament pain, let’s discuss why it even happens to a lot of women! If you are one of the lucky few who has never experienced this during pregnancy, I tip my hat to you. If you have experienced lightning crotch, you may be wondering why it happens! As the baby grows, she puts an increased amount of pressure on the cervix, as well as the nerves surrounding the cervix. This makes sense, as I tend to notice more bouts of lightning crotch during my baby’s growth spurts. The further along you progress in your gestation, the more your baby will “drop” in your pelvis to prepare for labor. This is precisely why it is a more common sensation toward the end of pregnancy. Be aware that it is not a sign of active labor! Additionally, you can still feel lightning crotch sensations even if your baby is breech and not head down.
How to Relieve Lightning Crotch
Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to prevent lightning crotch. Your baby might just be in a wonky enough position or low enough in your pelvis for you to experience this feeling. However, there are some tips and tricks that might help to alleviate lightning crotch when it comes on!
- Try changing positions
- Take a warm shower
- Perform gentle exercises
- Wear a belly band
- Hydrate
- Get a prenatal massage
- Slow down and rest
If you experience lightning crotch, that is normal and nothing to worry about. However, it would be prudent to contact your birth team if the pain becomes persistent and worsens over time. It is better to be safe than sorry!
Sources
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/lightning-crotch