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Pregnant women are familiar with morning sickness and Braxton Hicks contractions, but lightning crotch might be a relatively new term for expectant mums. The term refers to shooting pain in the crotch that typically occurs during pregnancy. So if a non-pregnant person experiences lightning crotch, the reasons could be different.
In this post, we discuss what is lightning crotch, the causes and symptoms, as well as home remedies for the same.
What Is Lightning Crotch? What Does It Feel Like?
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Lightning crotch refers to sharp pain in the vulva, pelvis, or rectum. It is normally experienced by pregnant women. The pain could be identified as sharp and sudden. The stabbing pain can be described as feeling a zap or electric current in the nether regions of the body. It can be random and isolated and the phenomenon varies among people. Though pregnant women have a higher probability of experiencing it toward the end of their pregnancy, some women will have no such symptoms (1).
Causes Of Lightning Crotch
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Doctors are unsure of why only some pregnant women experience these pains but not others. But there are a few potential causes that could lead to expectant mothers experiencing the stabbing pain of lightning crotch (2).
- Baby Moving
Pregnant women may feel pressure on a nerve as the growing baby starts to move by kicking, turning, or stretching in the womb. This could lead to a sudden and sharp pain near the crotch. When the baby continues to grow, the pain may intensify as the baby’s movements get stronger.
- Round Ligament Pain
A pair of thick ligaments help support the uterus and pelvis. During pregnancy, these ligaments stretch to accommodate the growing baby in the uterus. Certain movements during pregnancy cause these ligaments to stretch to a greater extent too quickly, which leads to sudden sharp pain.
- Dropping
As the due date approaches, the baby slightly moves to the lower part of the abdomen. This is known as dropping. It may cause the baby’s head to put pressure on the nerve ending near the bladder and pelvic floor, which in turn causes the stabbing pain.
What Causes Lightning Crotch For A Non-Pregnant Person?
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The shooting pain near the pelvic region could also be caused by several other reasons as follows (3):
- A ruptured cyst
- Endometriosis
- Bladder infections
- Menstrual cramps
- Ovulation pain
Natural Remedies
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You may not have much control over stopping these pains from happening since it is caused by your expanding uterus and the position of your baby in the belly. However, some home remedies may help relieve the pain. Since each body is different, what causes these pains could be different in each case. So, it’s best to try out these remedies to check what works best for you (4).
1. Change Your Position
Since your baby’s position in the uterus plays a role, you can try changing positions when the pain occurs. Try standing up or moving.
2. Get A Prenatal Massage
Book an appointment with a certified massage therapist for a prenatal massage. Though massages may not prevent the pains caused by lightning crotch, it can ease any aches and pains in your body by relaxing the muscles.
3. Indulge In A Warm Relaxing Bath
Similar to a massage, a warm relaxing bath can also help relieve any discomfort experienced during pregnancy, including round ligament pain. However, it is important to make sure that the water temperature isn’t too hot.
4. Use An Abdominal Support Band
Wearing a belly band or compression garments may take the pressure off from the pelvic region. You can find these supportive clothes in stores or online. They work by relieving pressure from the nerves that cause the shooting pain. You can wear these support bands over or under your garments.
Lightning crotch is normal among pregnant women and isn’t necessarily a cause for alarm. But if the pain occurs alongside other symptoms such as nausea, contractions, or bleeding, contact your doctor or midwife right away. Moreover, if the pain doesn’t seem to subside and gets intense over time, it’s wise to seek medical help immediately.
