Symptoms of lightning crotch can vary, but may include sharp, radiating pain or a pins and needles sensation that often lasts 15 to 60 seconds.
This article explains the symptoms of lightning crotch, what causes it, and treatment options. It also covers when to reach out to your healthcare provider.
Symptoms of Lightning Crotch
Symptoms of lightning crotch may include:
Sharp and sudden shooting painA pins and needles sensation in the pelvic area, rectum, or vaginaA brief bolt of pain, which has been described as taking one’s breath awayDoubling over in response to the severe burst of painShooting pain that radiates down the legsA sudden painful sensation as a pregnant person moves or shiftsPain in the vagina, rectum, or pelvis in response to fetal movementUncomfortable pain that suddenly arises, then quickly dissipates
Causes of Lightning Crotch During Pregnancy
The exact cause of lightning crotch is not well known. It tends to occur in more in the last trimester as the baby grows larger and puts more pressure on the nerves around the uterus. Possible causes could include:
Movement of the fetus: This can put pressure on a nerve and cause sharp pain in the pelvis, rectum, or vagina. A growing fetus: This involves an increase in the amount of force that results from kicking and other movements. Dropping: Lightning crotch may mean the baby has dropped lower in the pelvis as labor approaches. The baby’s position may trigger this painful sensation. Pulling away and separating of the pelvic bones: This occurs as the fetus descends into the lower pelvis to get into the position for labor and delivery. Dilating: Lightning crotch may mean you’re dilating, or the cervix is opening up to prepare for labor and delivery. The pressure the baby places on the cervix may cause lightning crotch.
Only some pregnant individuals experience lightning crotch, and it may or may not occur in the same person with subsequent pregnancies.
Treatment
Treatment for lightning crotch during pregnancy may include:
Pelvic blocks: An injection of pain medication Chiropractic adjustments: Can focus on areas of the pelvis
Home Treatment
A study showed that home treatment helped provide relief from lightning crotch pain during pregnancy. This can include:
Sleeping or lying on your side Wearing a pregnancy support belt (to support the weight of the fetus) Kegel exercises, or pelvic floor exercises that strengthen the muscles around the pelvis Cold applications Staying active (keep moving, take breaks from sitting, perform daily stretching) Placing a pillow between the legs when sleeping
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Lightning crotch could be one sign of early labor, particularly when other signs are present, including:
Period-like cramps Pelvic pressure Diarrhea A burst of energy Loss of the mucus plug, which is mucus that forms at the cervix to protect the fetus from bacteria
These early warning signs do not necessarily mean you need to call your healthcare provider. But, if you experience consistent contractions that occur more frequently and increase in duration and severity—even if you are not sure you are in labor—it is time to call.
It’s especially important to call a healthcare provider when sharp, shooting pains from lightning crotch occur along with some other specific symptoms, such as:
Vaginal bleeding Fever (over 100 F) Abdominal pain Sudden swelling of your face, hands, or feet New vision problems (blurring, dimness of vision, or seeing spots) A severe headache A sudden release of fluid from your vagina (commonly referred to as your water breaking)
Summary
Lightning crotch during pregnancy is a sharp, sudden, and shooting pain that can be felt in the pelvis, vagina, or rectum. This pain may also travel down the inner thigh.
Possible causes tend to involve fetal growth, fetal movement, and nearing labor. Treatment options include medication, chiropractic adjustments, and home remedies.
Be sure to reach out to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing lightning crotch along with other symptoms.
A Word From Verywell
Experiencing severe, sudden pain during pregnancy can be very alarming. It’s good to do some research, educate yourself, and find out that what you are feeling is not a serious threat to you or your baby.
That being said, it’s always best to discuss any new symptoms you have during pregnancy with your healthcare provider and follow the treatment advice of a medical professional.
