In the second and third trimesters, the combination of a weakening pelvic floor and increased weight putting pressure on the pelvis can cause vaginal pressure. The pelvic floor resembles a sling made of muscle. It supports the organs of the pelvis, including the uterus, vagina, urethra, and bladder. Pregnancy can weaken the pelvic floor. Women who have given birth previously may have damage to their pelvic floor, which could cause it to weaken further with a subsequent pregnancy.
The extra weight of pregnancy often becomes more noticeable in the second trimester. As pregnancy progresses, the uterus puts more and more pressure on the lower body. As the pelvic floor weakens, this pressure can cause a feeling of fullness in the vagina or generalized pain and pressure in the hips and pelvis. For some women in the later stages of pregnancy, a pressure in the pelvis may be an early sign of labor.
If cramping in the stomach also occurs or they feel a sensation of something pressing down on the uterus, it could mean that they are about to give birth. Some factors can cause a feeling of vaginal or pelvic pressure in all stages of pregnancy. These include:. Many women struggle with constipation throughout their pregnancy. Constipation can cause a feeling of fullness or pressure in the vagina, especially when the stool is hard or several days have passed since a bowel movement.
For some women, pressure or pain can signify a bladder infection. Women are more likely to develop a bladder infection during pregnancy. If the vaginal or pelvic pressure occurs alongside difficulty going to the bathroom, pain when urinating, or fever , it is essential to see a doctor. Bladder infections are easy to treat, but, without treatment, they can worsen and increase the risk of health issues during pregnancy.
When vaginal pressure is intense, it could be a sign of POP. POP happens when organs in or near the pelvis move down, sometimes into the vagina or rectum. POP is treatable but can cause incontinence , intense pain, and severe complications. Women who suddenly feel intense pressure, have difficulty controlling their bowel or bladder, or notice that something seems to be pushing down into their vagina, should consult a doctor.
Some women have a weak cervix, which is sometimes called cervical incompetence or cervical insufficiency. Some women with this condition may have a miscarriage or go into premature labor because the cervix is not strong enough to support the uterus. In most cases, a weak cervix is treatable with early intervention. This is your pain-free range. To protect your joints, try not to open your legs wider than this during labour and birth.
This is particularly important if you have an epidural for pain relief in labour, as you won't be feeling the pain that warns you that you're separating your legs too far. If you have an epidural, make sure your midwife and birth partner are aware of your pain-free range of movement of your legs.
When pushing in the second stage of labour, you may find it beneficial to lie on one side. This prevents your legs from being separated too much. You can stay in this position for the birth of your baby, if you wish. Sometimes it might be necessary to open your legs wider than your pain-free range to deliver your baby safely, particularly if you have an assisted delivery for example, with the vacuum or ventouse.
Even in this case, it's possible to limit the separation of your legs. Make sure your midwife and doctor are aware that you have PGP. If you go beyond your pain-free range, your physiotherapist should assess you after the birth. It's estimated that PGP affects up to 1 in 5 pregnant women to some degree. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Between your growing baby, the increased volume of your blood, and the undeniable law of gravity, vaginal and pelvic pressure are common complaints for many moms-to-be.
Some women report vaginal and pelvic pressure in the first and second trimesters , too. The exact reason for vaginal or pelvic pressure can be tricky to diagnose. As your baby grows and becomes heavier, it puts increasing pressure on the muscles in your pelvic floor. These muscles offer support to the uterus , small intestine , bladder , and rectum. As your pregnancy progresses, your little one gets all the more snuggly against your organs, hips, and pelvis.
That puts more stress on, well, everything! Another likely culprit for all that pelvic pressure in the later months of pregnancy is the hormone relaxin.
It helps loosen your ligaments as you move closer to childbirth, but it can affect your pelvic joints, too. Some women experience pain near their pubic bone and the sensation of shaky legs. Your joints, muscles, and bones will be impacted by your pregnancy. You may notice that these feelings of pressure and mild pain happen with some kind of movement.
In the early weeks of pregnancy, your baby is likely much too small to be the reason. But there are many other things happening that could be to blame. A cramping sensation in the early weeks of pregnancy may be due to your expanding uterus. Call your doctor if you start spotting or bleeding. Cramping is a common symptom for a miscarriage. Who gets pelvic pain in pregnancy? When to get help for pelvic pain in pregnancy Treatments for pelvic pain in pregnancy Coping with pelvic pain in pregnancy Labour and birth with pelvic pain Related information on Australian websites Some women develop pelvic pain in pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of PGP in pregnancy? Symptoms can include: pain over the pubic bone at the front in the centre pain across one or both sides of your lower back pain in the area between your vagina and anus perineum pain that radiates to the lower back, lower belly, groin, hips, thighs, knees and legs Some women feel or hear a clicking or grinding in the pelvic area. Factors that may make a woman more likely to develop PGP include: a history of lower back or pelvic girdle pain previous injury to the pelvis, for example from a fall or accident having PGP in a previous pregnancy a physically demanding job increased body mass index emotional distress smoking When to get help for pelvic pain in pregnancy Early diagnosis can help keep pain to a minimum and avoid long-term discomfort.
Treatments for pelvic pain in pregnancy Treatment aims to relieve or ease pain, improve muscle function and improve your pelvic joint position and stability, and may include: physiotherapy to make sure the joints of your pelvis, hip and spine move normally exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor , stomach, back and hip muscles exercises in water advice and suggestions including positions for labour and birth , looking after your baby, and positions for sex pain relief , such as TENS equipment if necessary, such as crutches or pelvic support belts Acupuncture may also help to relieve pelvic pain in pregnancy.
Coping with pelvic pain in pregnancy Your physiotherapist may recommend a pelvic support belt to help ease your pain, or crutches to help you get around.
Be as active as possible within your pain limits, and avoid activities that make the pain worse. Rest when you can. Get help with household chores from your partner, family and friends.
Wear flat, supportive shoes. Keep your knees together when getting in and out of the car — a plastic bag on the seat can help you swivel. Sleep in a comfortable position, for example on your side with a pillow between your legs. Try different ways of turning over in bed, for example turning over with your knees together and squeezing your buttocks.
Take the stairs one at a time, or go upstairs backwards or on your bottom. Use an ice pack gel pack, frozen peas, wrapped in a pillow slip over the pelvic joints front and back 'dimples' to reduce pelvic joint pain and inflammation. Use for 10 to 15 minutes only, several times a day. If you want to have sex, consider different positions such as kneeling on all fours. You should also avoid: standing on one leg bending and twisting to lift, or carrying a baby on one hip crossing your legs sitting on the floor, or sitting twisted sitting or standing for long periods lifting heavy weights, such as shopping bags, wet washing or a toddler vacuuming pushing heavy objects, such as a supermarket trolley carrying anything in only one hand try using a small backpack Labour and birth with pelvic pain Many women with pelvic pain in pregnancy can have a normal vaginal birth.
Your 'pain-free range of movement' If you have pain when you open your legs, find out your pain-free range of movement. Back To Top.
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