Lightning Crotch in Pregnancy: What It Is and What to Do About It

 Just imagine going about your daily routine, then without any warning, you feel like an electric bolt punching you in the crotch. Lightning crotch is a sudden shooting pain that feels like an electric zap in your pelvic pain that stops you in your tracks.

Even though lightning crotch is not uncommon towards the end of the third trimester, it’s nothing serious. The pain only lasts for a few seconds and disappears quickly. However, the pain may vary from one person to another.

Read on to learn more about lightning crotch and how to relieve it.

What is Lightning Crotch?

Lightning crotch is a burning cramp that feels like shooting pins or electric shocks in the rectum, pelvis, or vagina. The pain is sharp that lasts between 15 to 60 seconds. The feeling is uncomfortable and almost unbearable and strikes without warning.

Causes of Lightning Crotch

In the final stages of pregnancy, the baby descends into the pelvis and prepares for delivery. The baby’s head can pressure the nerve endings in the pelvic floor and the bladder. Sharp pangs of pain may result from the pressure on the nerves.

Stretching, turning, and kicking a growing baby during pregnancy can pressure a nerve. Pain in the pelvis, vagina, or rectum may occur as the baby grows due to the increasing force behind the movements.

The changing hormones during pregnancy can also cause lightning crotch, as they relax and separate the pubic bones.

Symptoms of Lightning Crotch

Lightning crotch is a pregnancy symptom that can manifest differently from person to person. It will go away once you deliver your baby, but most commonly, you will feel:

• An aching or burning sensation in the crotch area
• Short-lived, sharp pain in the vaginal or pelvic area
• Painless but intense pelvic cramps lasting less time than menstrual cramps

Relieving Lightning Crotch

Though there’s very little you can do when the lightning crotch strikes other than bearing it. Luckily, there is some relief, including:

• Switch positions frequently during the day to get the baby putting pressure on your nerves.
• Exercise through daily stretches and cardio to maintain hip and pelvic flexibility.
• Wearing an abdominal support belt relieves pelvic pressure
• Massage or warm bath to relax tight muscles during pregnancy

When to Consult a Doctor

Though lightning crotch is regular during late pregnancy, immediately contact your doctor if the pain comes with fever, back pain, blurred vision, severe headaches and bloody discharge. If the pain is intense and lasts more than a minute, it’s time to seek medical assistance.

Hang in there!

Even though it’s annoying and painful, you’ll have to endure the lightning crotch until your baby is born. Why not capture this beautiful journey with a photoshoot? At Fiesta House Attire, we will help you celebrate the beautiful pregnancy journey despite the uncomfortable challenges that come with it.