Lightning Crotch

What is lightning crotch?

Lightning crotch is a sharp, burning or shooting nerve pain in your vaginal area during pregnancy. It’s a normal symptom of pregnancy and isn’t usually a cause for concern. It typically means the fetus is putting pressure on your cervix or the nerves around your cervix. Your cervix is the lowest part of your uterus, which is where a fetus grows during pregnancy.

What does lightning crotch feel like?

Lightning crotch is a quick, sharp and shooting pain you may feel in your entire pelvic area, rectum or vagina. Some people describe it as a stinging or stabbing jolt of pain. It comes and goes quickly — like a flash of lightning. How intense the pain is usually depends on the fetus’s position and size.

Unlike contractions, which happen when your uterus tightens and releases, lightning crotch puts pressure on your cervix and the nerves around it. It also feels different from menstrual cramps.

When does lightning crotch start?

Most people experience lightning crotch in their third trimester (weeks 28 to 40 of pregnancy). This is mainly due to the fetus getting bigger and dropping further into your pelvis before delivery.

Does lightning crotch mean labor is soon?

Lightning crotch may be a sign that labor is near. However, you can also have lightning crotch pain for weeks or months before going into labor. Pregnancy care providers don’t use it as an indication of labor.

What causes lightning crotch?

Lightning crotch is what you feel when the fetus is putting pressure on your cervix or the nerves around it. This pressure causes a sudden, sharp or stabbing pain. You may feel it radiate through your entire vaginal and pelvic area.

You may feel lightning crotch more as you get closer to your due date. This is because the fetus is getting heavier and begins to drop further down into your pelvis to prepare for birth. When the fetus is pushing on, kicking or pressing against your cervix, it can aggravate the nerves in this area. Any fetal movement such as rolling, stretching or turning can also trigger lightning crotch. If the fetus is in the right position, even the slightest movement can cause lightning crotch.

How do I know if it’s lightning crotch?

You can tell if it’s lightning crotch by how it feels and how long it lasts. It should be brief, but strong. It doesn’t feel like contractions or menstrual cramps. It feels more like a stabbing or shooting pain. Because it’s not a sign of anything serious, your pregnancy care provider doesn’t diagnose it or treat it. However, you should share your symptoms with your provider. They may have recommendations on ways to lessen your pain when you get lightning crotch pain.

Do you get lightning crotch when the baby is head-down?

Yes, but you can also have lightning crotch if the fetus isn’t in a head-down position. You can experience lightning crotch from the fetus’s kicks or punches, not just from its head. However, it’s most common to feel lightning crotch when the fetus is head-down and dropping into your pelvis.

What is the treatment for lightning crotch?

You can’t cure lightning crotch or prevent it. But, there may be things you can do to help reduce how often it happens or how painful it is.

Some of the best ways to feel better if you have lightning crotch are:

• Make slower movements. For example, when you get out of bed or out of the car, make your movements deliberate and slow. Quick, jerky movements can lead to more lightning crotch pain.
• Wear a belly support band or belt. This may be helpful because it relieves some of the pressure on your pelvis.
• Maintain a gentle and regular exercise routine throughout pregnancy. Swimming is a great option.
• Take a warm bath or get a prenatal massage to relax your muscles and joints.
• Shift positions when you feel lightning crotch pain.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Dull aches and pains are usually nothing to worry about during pregnancy. While painful, the symptoms of lightning crotch are normal. But if you experience cramping or constant pain, call your pregnancy care provider. Additionally, any pain that’s accompanied by bleeding or leaking fluid may be a sign of something more serious.

Can lightning crotch turn into contractions?

No, lightning crotch itself doesn’t cause contractions. However, lightning crotch is a sign that the fetus is on top of your cervix. The pressure of the fetus can cause your cervix to dilate (open) or efface (thin). This can ultimately lead to contractions. However, lightning crotch won’t cause contractions to begin.

How often do you get lightning crotch?

You shouldn’t have lightning crotch pain all day. It’s usually sudden, sharp and shooting, and it doesn’t last longer than 30 to 45 seconds. If you feel sharp and shooting pains more than a few times per day, it might be worth calling your pregnancy care provider and discussing your symptoms.

Is lightning crotch the same as round ligament pain?

No. Lightning crotch is different from round ligament pain. While they feel similar, where you feel the pain is different. You feel round ligament pain in the front of your belly or towards your groin area. It happens because your ligaments are becoming loose and stretchy to accommodate your growing abdomen. Round ligament pain is more common in your second trimester, while lightning crotch happens in your third trimester.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

If you’re pregnant, you know all about aches and pains. But the sharp, sudden and stabbing jolts of lightning crotch can take discomfort to a new level. Just know that it’ll go away once your baby is born. In the meantime, changing positions, wearing a support belt or getting a massage may help you cope with the pain. Let your pregnancy care provider know about your symptoms at your next appointment. They may have some ideas on other things you can do to relieve the pain.