Vaginal pain during pregnancy is a common condition for many women. Women go through many inconveniences throughout their pregnancy, and vaginal pain is one of them. This vaginal pain can be due to any reason such as infection in the vagina, intense vaginal sex, rashes, STDs, etc. While other complications like lower abdomen pain, breast pain, and lower back arise at the beginning of the pregnancy period, vaginal pain happens at a later stage. By later stage, we mean the second trimester and, in some cases, till the last stage of pregnancy.
However, if you are suffering from any kind of bleeding from the vagina or constantly having pain in the vagina, you must immediately consult your gynecologist. In this blog, we are going to uncover the causes of vaginal pain and types of vaginal pain, among other issues. So, let’s read on and know more about it.
In This Article
- Causes of Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy
- Getting Rid of Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy
- Impact of Vaginal Pain on Daily Life
- Seeing a Doctor For Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy
- Difference Between Vaginal Pain and Vaginal Pressure
- Types of Vaginal Pain
- FAQ’s
Causes of Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy
There are ample reasons behind the actual cause of vaginal pain during pregnancy. Stated below are some causes. Have a look and analyze which reason might be your cause of vaginal pain.
1. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, also known as STDs, can cause vaginal pain during pregnancy. The semen that releases during sex can enter the vagina can cause itchiness and result in a burning sensation. This burning sensation can get severe if you do not take timely precautions. So, ensure to clean the vaginal area after indulging in sexual intercourse with your partner to avoid any kind of vaginal pain during pregnancy.
2. Dryness on the Vaginal Part
Stress and anxiety can cause vaginal dryness during pregnancy. In this condition, the vagina loses its lubrication and causes pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse. You can consult your gynecologist and apply lubrication or lotions before intercourse to avoid such dryness.
3. Changes in Hormones
Hormonal changes are quite common during pregnancy. Due to these changes, vaginal drying can happen. You can consult your gynecologist to safely deal with dryness and itching that happens due to hormonal imbalances.
[Read : What Is Vaginal Thrush During Pregnancy?]
4. Vaginal Infection
Vaginal infections are common in many women during pregnancy. Timely detection and treatment are vital. The most popular form of vaginal infection is candida, which affects the immunity of pregnant women. Recovering from this particular infection takes time and proper medication. If your gynecologist prescribes some medication to treat the infection, do not skip it. Medication will ensure that the infection gets treated, and the vagina stays healthy for the rest of your pregnancy.
Getting Rid of Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy
Vaginal pain can cause discomfort in an expecting mother,, and it’s better to treat it before it gets worse and unbearable. The below listed tips will ensure instant and rapid relief from vaginal pain during pregnancy.
1. Keep Your Feet Elevated
While you are sitting, do not put your feet on the ground, rather put a couch or a chair in front of you and place your legs onto that. This will ensure relief from the pain as the pressure will release.
2. Lie Down
Proper blood circulation is essential if you are suffering from vaginal pain. You can improve circulation by lying down on your left side and allowing the vaginal pressure to reduce. As a result, your pain and discomfort will go down, too.
3. Warm Water Bag
A warm water bag, when placed on the affected areas, might prove to be useful. Warm water is known to be a healing agent and takes away the pain from the vagina and helps you with instant relief. Ensure that the water in your bag is warm and not too hot.
4. Perform Yoga
Yoga is known to be the remedy for almost all problems. Vaginal pain during pregnancy can also be treated with the help of performing yoga. This is because yoga improves the blood circulation in your body and strengthens your muscles, thereby releasing the pain.
5. Swimming
Now, this is something that you should not do without the consent of your doctor. Swimming also ensures good blood circulation and hence can help expectant mothers with instant relief from vaginal pain. Perform this step only with the help of your doctor.
Impact of Vaginal Pain on Daily Life
Vaginal pain during pregnancy can be worse at times and can cause discomfort during pregnancy in performing normal household chores. It also restricts you from smooth walking, driving, or even climbing up the stairs.
Along with that, it can also cause a serious problem at the time of delivery, and hence it is better to prepare yourself beforehand for the pain. At this point, you could do nothing but just take precautions, and consult a doctor when needed. With proper care and attention, you will be able to overcome your vaginal pain and have a successful pregnancy.
Seeing a Doctor For Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy
The doctor’s help must be taken only when the situation goes unbearable and the vaginal pain gets intense. If that is restricting you from smooth living, it’s better not to waste time and book an appointment with your doctor.
In some cases, vaginal pain can be accompanied by symptoms such as swelling on the face, constant drowsiness, non-stop urination, swelling of hands and feet, etc., which can be painful for both mother and baby. When faced with these symptoms, you must immediately consult a doctor to avoid further complications.
Difference Between Vaginal Pain and Vaginal Pressure
For those who confuse pain with pressure, we want to clarify that both of these terms are different. Whenever you tend to witness difficulty in walking, sleeping, or even climbing up the stairs, these are the signs of pain. However, if you are experiencing aches or cramps in the lower back, this would be a sign of pressure.
Types of Vaginal Pain
There are a few types of vaginal pain which expecting mothers might feel during pregnancy. Let’s have a read of them.
1. Nagging Vaginal Pain
When inflammation of the pelvic organs occurs, nagging vaginal pain happens. It can occur in both pregnant and non-pregnant women.
2. Mild Stabbing Vaginal Pain
This type of vaginal pain is caused when there’s a formation of gas in the lower abdomen section of the body. This pain can also be caused by upcoming labor pain.
Vaginal pain can be a difficult issue during pregnancy. This is because it not just causes discomfort among pregnant women, but also leads them to anxiety issues. It can harm the mental state of the women right before delivery, which is a bad sign. Hence, to curb all these issues, it’s better to take serious actions before letting them grow.
[Read : Over Anxiety During Pregnancy]
FAQ’s
1. Is Vaginal Pain Normal During Pregnancy?
In most cases, vaginal pain is normal during pregnancy. But if it grows severely, you need to consult a doctor.
2. Why Do I Have Pain Down There While Pregnant?
You might feel pain down there while pregnant due to the baby’s movement, which is quite normal.
3. What is Pregnancy Pelvic Pain Like?
Pregnancy pelvic pain is like cramping, which is similar to menstrual cramps.
4. Where is Pelvic Pain Located?
Pelvic pain occurs in the lower abdomen area of the body and can restrict you from performing daily chores.
Read Also: Itching During Pregnancy: Causes, Home Treatment and When to See a Doctor