A feeling of pressure or pain down there doesn’t seem okay—probably indicating that something is not right. In pregnancy, though, every pain and discomfort has a reason behind to make it sound normal.
Most moms can relate to the pressure they feel during their later months into the pregnancy. It could either be their moving baby, growing uterus or may indicate that the time of delivery is not so far.
Let’s look at the possible causes of the heaviness in the pelvic and vaginal region.
Reasons You Are Feeling The Pressure
It might be difficult to figure out what exactly is happening on the inside and causing the uncomfortable pressure—there are too many things into play.
The Growing Baby
In the later part of the second trimester and the third trimester, the fetal weight will add on to the muscles that are holding your uterus, bladder, intestines, and rectum—you can’t deny your baby’s weight under gravity as well as the pressure you experience.
As your baby grows, the spacing may seem cramped for her and she might push against your organs, putting them under stress.
Hormones At Play
A hormone called relaxin, as the name suggests, relaxes the pelvic joints so that at the time of birth, your baby can pass through the small space between the pelvis. Though the ligaments become loose as the mom approaches the due date, they leave it mostly to the pelvic muscles to carry the weight of the the baby and the organs, leading to lower back pain.
Body Preparing For Delivery
In the last few weeks of your pregnancy, you will, at some point feel your baby drop into the pelvic region. This descend is called lightening—it could either happen weeks before the delivery or at the time of labor. The pressure felt during this time is a bit different and distinguishable from other instances—it may cause discomfort for a few moms.
Lightening is an indication that your body is prepared for childbirth—the pressure felt during this time is completely normal. However, if you feel it is too much to bear, contact your obstetrician.
Pressure Due To Constipation
Can this pressure be due to constipation? Probably, yes. Pregnancy hormone known as progesterone causes the digestion to slow down, leading to constipation. The pressure you feel in your pelvis could be an outcome of it. Experts recommend to drink lots of water and keep your diet fiber rich by eating various fruits and vegetables, preferably raw.
Pressure Due To Jerks And Movements
Motions like climbing stairs or going over speed bumps while in a bus or car may feel as if your baby is getting jostled in the womb. It might be frightening for some as a sensation of pressure develops around the womb. However, your baby is completely safe in there. Avoid jerky movements like running or jumping.
Pressure And Pain
Pressure is one thing to deal with during pregnancy, but if it is accompanied by pain, things need to be taken seriously. Here is what you should know about pressure and pain during pregnancy.
Early Pregnancy
A pain during first or second trimester along with vaginal or pelvic pressure sensation couldn’t just be blamed on the baby weight as she is still quite tiny. Cramps during early pregnancy may indicate an expanding uterus making space for the baby to grow. However, if the pain is unbearable and you experience spotting or vaginal bleeding, call your doctor immediately.
Cramps and spotting could also be a sign of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or preeclampsia.
Prelabor Contractions
Pressure along with pain in the pelvic region could also mean contractions. Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and false contractions before the 37th week of pregnancy. There is a sudden tightening of lower abdomen muscles, which gradually relaxes and goes away—the feeling is uncomfortable that may or may not cause pain. They differ from actual contractions—they are sporadic, usually painless, less frequent, and disappear on their own.
How To Relieve Pressure From Your Pelvis
- If you feel sudden pressure in the lower abdomen, lie on your side, preferably on the left side.
- Pelvic exercises can help with the pressure as well as pain. Here is your guide to pelvic exercises.
- A warm water bath never disappoints a pregnant mom—take a warm shower and let the water fall directly on your back to relieve pain and pressure.
- Support your belly with a Belly band that can take off the pressure from the back and pelvis.
- Relax your muscles by getting yourself a good massage, provided your therapist is a specialist in prenatal massaging.
- Give a lot of rest to that hardworking body—avoid jerking or sudden movements.
If you sense no relief in the pressure that you feel or there is sudden discomfort in the form of pain, let your doctor know.
