Pain in the genitals during pregnancy is generally caused by the work of the hormone relaxin which makes the pubic bones stretch at the end of pregnancy to prepare for the birth of the baby.
Pain is usually felt around the pubic, precisely above the pubic bone. Some pregnant women also feel pain in the lower abdomen, lower back, in the area between the vagina and anus, to the thighs.
The pain from the aches can become worse when you walk, go up and down stairs, stand on one leg, get out of bed, or get out of the car.
Factors Triggering Pain in the Pubic During Pregnancy
Here are some factors or conditions that generally make women more at risk of experiencing pubic pain during pregnancy:
Pregnant with twins
Pregnant with second child or so
Containing a very large baby
Have had pelvic pain in a previous pregnancy
Have a history of low back or pelvic pain
Doing strenuous work or physical activity
Excess weight before pregnancy
Have a history of pelvic injuries, for example from a fall or accident
How to Relieve Pubic Pain During Pregnancy
Pain in the genitals can make pregnant women sleepless and uncomfortable with activities. To help relieve it, there are several ways that can be done, including:
1. Avoid certain movements or positions
Pregnant women can reduce pubic pain by avoiding certain body movements or positions, such as:
Standing on one leg or standing too long
Cross legs
Pushing or lifting heavy objects, especially if lifting them with one hand
Sit on the floor
2. Change the way of doing things
To relieve pain in the genitals, pregnant women also need to do several activities in different ways, for example:
Dress while sitting and don’t stand on one leg while wearing pants
Keeping your knees close together when getting on and off the car
Lying on your side with a pillow between your thighs when sleeping
Climb the stairs one by one
Find a position that feels most comfortable and does not cause pain during sexual intercourse
Choose to sit at the end or edge of the chair with both thighs open, if sitting while leaning it still hurts
Using a special belt to strengthen the pelvic muscles
3. Doing Kegel exercises
Doing 5 sets of Kegel exercises every day can also help relieve pubic pain during pregnancy. The purpose of this exercise is to strengthen the muscles of the bladder, uterus, and large intestine.
Kegel exercises are a good type of exercise for pregnant women that are easy to do yourself at home, namely by tightening the lower pelvic muscles, hold for about 5 seconds, then relax the muscles again, and repeat 10 times each set.
The pain in the genitals during pregnancy usually subsides after the baby is born. If it does not subside for several weeks after delivery, consult a gynecologist for proper examination and treatment.