Vaginal pain during pregnancy is a normal condition. This complaint is usually felt by pregnant women when entering the third trimester of pregnancy. However, in some conditions, it can also be felt starting from the first and second trimesters.
Body changes during pregnancy can cause a variety of physical complaints, including vaginal pain. Even though it feels uncomfortable, pregnant women don't need to worry too much because actually this complaint is still fairly normal.
Various Causes of Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy
It is difficult to diagnose the exact cause of vaginal pain during pregnancy. However, this condition usually occurs due to an increase in the volume of blood in the uterus along with the growth and development of the baby in the womb.
When entering the second and third trimester of pregnancy, the baby is getting heavier and puts more pressure on the pelvic muscles. As a result, the vagina is depressed and feels increasingly uncomfortable. Pregnant women do not need to worry because this is commonly experienced during pregnancy.
Vaginal infection
Pregnancy can make a woman more susceptible to infections, including infections that cause inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis). In this condition, the inflamed vaginal tissue can cause complaints in the form of pain or stinging.
Dry pussy
Although rare, hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause vaginal dryness. As a result, pregnant women can feel pain in the vaginal area, especially during sex.
How to overcome Vaginal Pain in Pregnant Women
Vaginal pain during pregnancy usually doesn't go away completely until you give birth. However, there are various treatments that can be done to reduce the discomfort caused by vaginal pain, including:
- Get plenty of rest and reduce strenuous activities.
- Expand the consumption of foods that contain omega-3, such as salmon, eggs, and fish oil.
- Exercises to strengthen the pelvic, abdominal, back, and hip muscles.
- Look for sex positions during pregnancy that are more comfortable for women, such as the woman's position on top or women on top.
- Relax your pelvic muscles by lying down in a hot tub or taking a hot shower running down your back. Make sure the water is lukewarm, and not hot.
- Use a special belt or belt for pregnant women to lighten the load on the hips.
- Remember to move slowly and carefully with each activity.
- Sit as much as possible in the most comfortable position. If necessary, use a footstool.
If the pregnant woman has done these methods but the vaginal pain is still severe, further examination is needed to find out the cause so that more specific treatment can be carried out.
The doctor will prescribe drugs that are safe for pregnancy and adjusted to the cause of the pain and vaginal conditions. Pregnant women are advised not to take any medication without a doctor's advice if they experience vaginal pain during pregnancy.
Vaginal Pain Conditions to Watch Out for
Although generally vaginal pain during pregnancy is normal, pregnant women should remain vigilant, especially if the pain is really bothersome.
In some cases, vaginal pain can also be a sign of a serious condition, such as miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, preeclampsia, or premature labour.
Vaginal pain conditions that require pregnant women to immediately see a doctor are if:
- Spreads from or to the pelvis, making it difficult to walk or even talk
- Accompanied by a severe headache
- Accompanied by sudden swelling of the feet, hands, or face
- Accompanied by fever, chills, or vaginal bleeding
If vaginal pain during pregnancy feels like cramping and occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy, it is most likely caused by the process of the enlarging uterus. However, pregnant women need to be vigilant if they experience pain accompanied by bleeding because it could be an early sign of miscarriage.
To avoid things that are not desirable, immediately consult a doctor if the pain in the vagina does not go away or even gets worse. Tell the doctor about how pregnant women are feeling so that the doctor can determine the type of examination needed and provide the right treatment.
