With several bodily changes happening throughout the body, it is not astonishing that most of the women notice unusual, and unexpected changes in the way their bodies feel. Pelvic or Vaginal pressure is a common phenomenon that can occur in all the trimesters of pregnancy.

In such a condition a majority of pregnant women feel pressure around the vagina. In this article, we will know more about the causes, signs, likely complications, and treatment options at different stages of pregnancy.

Causes of pelvic or vaginal pressure

If you experience vaginal pressure in 2nd or 3rd trimester, then it can be due to the growing baby. To provide adequate space to accommodate the baby, pressure is exerted on the muscles on the pelvic floor muscles that supports small intestine, the uterus, rectum, and bladder.

If you feel vaginal pressure, then it could be due to the hormone “relaxin”. The presence of this hormone, loosen up the ligaments while you move nearer to delivery. It can also impact the pelvic joints. Shivering legs, pain in the area close to the pelvic bone are some of the indications.

Factors that leads to pelvic pressure in pregnancy:

1st trimester: If you experience vaginal pressure in the initial weeks of pregnancy, then it is due to the hormone relaxin. Levels of relaxin are high in early pregnancy. This hormone relaxes the vaginal / pelvic muscles, and makes it convenient for your baby to exit through the pelvic region at the time of delivery.

2nd and 3rd trimesters: Increased body weight, and weak pelvic floor muscles are the major reasons for experiencing vaginal pressure. Also, there can be a possibility that past pregnancies have caused any damage or weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, that can increase your chances to experience pressure in pelvic floor and vaginal muscles.

Women who are at final weeks of pregnancy, exerting pressure in the vagina or pelvis can indicate “labor”. If in addition to vaginal pressure, you also experience stomach cramps, or a feeling of something getting pushed down in the uterus, then it indicates nearing of labor.

Common problems in all trimesters

There are a few more factors that can lead to vaginal/pelvic pressure in all the 3 trimesters of pregnancy. These are:

Constipation: Constipation is commonest issue that a pregnant woman faces in her pregnancy. As the stool gets hard, it can give a feeling of pressure or fullness in the vagina.

Bladder infections: Another reason for experiencing pelvic/vaginal pressure, is due to bladder infection. This is also commonly seen in pregnancy. Some of the signs for this infection is fever, pain while passing urine, and itchiness in the vaginal region. A woman who feels pressure due to infection should immediately seek medical assistance.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse: When vaginal/pelvic pressure is severe, then it can be due to Pelvic Organ Prolapse. The reason why it occurs because the organs start to move down into the rectum, or vagina.

A weak cervix: In some pregnant woman, the cervix is not very strong to support the expanded uterus. This situation can lead to premature labor, or miscarriage. If treated early, this situation can be successfully cured.

How to get relief from vaginal pressure

• Perform some pelvic exercises, such as pelvis rolls, and pelvic tilts as per the recommendation of your doctor
• Relax in a soothing warm water bath. It will loosen up muscles, and relieves you from pain.
• Wear a pregnancy support garment to support belly region, hips, lower back, and pelvis.
• Avoid jerky movements as it can aggravate the issue.
• Avail a prenatal massage
• Sit down with your feet in raised position for several moments in a day.

What is the right time to seek medical help

The sooner you consult your doctor, better are the chances to get it treated. If you feel intense pain or pressure in vaginal or pelvic region, fever, bleeding, modifications in the movement of foetus, painful urination, then you must talk to your doctor about it immediately. Quick treatment of these pregnancy conditions will assist in saving the health of the woman and the baby.

Conclusion

Pain or pressure in vagina or pelvic floor muscles at the time of pregnancy is one of the symptoms that women normally experience. It is good sign that indicates release of the pregnancy hormones by your body and expansion of the uterus.

However, if you experience pain, and pressure, you should notify about it to your doctor. Early detection and notification will save you from emergency condition and risking your pregnancy. Though, there are very less chances of anything serious, but reassurance from your doctor can definitely make your pregnancy easier.