Lightning Crotch in Pregnancy: What It Is and Whether It Means Labor

What is lightning crotch?

Lightning crotch is a sudden, sharp, shooting or burning pain in the vagina or pelvis during pregnancy, and Cleveland Clinic describes it as a normal symptom that usually isn't a cause for concern. It happens when the fetus presses on your cervix or on the nerves around it, according to Cleveland Clinic.

You may feel it across the whole pelvic area, in the rectum or in the vagina, Cleveland Clinic says. Some people describe a stinging or stabbing jolt that comes and goes quickly, and how strong it is usually depends on the fetus's position and size.

Pregnancy care providers don't diagnose or treat lightning crotch because it isn't a sign of anything serious, Cleveland Clinic says, but you should still tell them about it, since they may have ideas for easing it.

When does lightning crotch start?

Most people feel lightning crotch in the third trimester, weeks 28 to 40, according to Cleveland Clinic, mainly because the fetus is bigger and drops further into the pelvis before delivery. Cleveland Clinic says you may notice it more as your due date gets closer.

Any movement by the fetus, such as rolling, stretching or turning, can set it off, Cleveland Clinic says. Kicks or punches can cause it even if the fetus isn't head-down, though it is most common when the fetus is head-down and dropping into the pelvis.

Round ligament pain feels similar, Cleveland Clinic says, but sits in the front of the belly or toward the groin and is more common in the second trimester.

Is lightning crotch a sign of labor?

Cleveland Clinic says lightning crotch is not a sign of labor and that pregnancy care providers don't use it as an indication of labor. It may be a sign that labor is near, Cleveland Clinic adds, but you can also have it for weeks or months before labor starts. Lightning crotch itself does not cause contractions, according to Cleveland Clinic.

The changes ACOG lists as possible signs that labor is beginning are lightening, losing the mucus plug, your water breaking, and contractions. Lightening, which only sounds like lightning crotch, is the feeling that the fetus has dropped lower and the head has settled deep in your pelvis; ACOG says it can happen anywhere from a few weeks to a few hours before labor.

ACOG says true labor contractions come at regular intervals, get closer together and steadily stronger, last about 60 or 90 seconds each, and continue whether you rest or move around.

How long does lightning crotch last?

Each jolt of lightning crotch is brief: Cleveland Clinic says it doesn't last longer than 30 to 45 seconds and that you shouldn't have the pain all day. The pain goes away once your baby is born, according to Cleveland Clinic.

How do you relieve lightning crotch?

Cleveland Clinic says you can't cure or prevent lightning crotch, but some changes may make it less frequent or less painful:

• move slowly and deliberately, for example when you get out of bed or out of the car
• wear a belly support band or belt to relieve some of the pressure on your pelvis
• keep up gentle, regular exercise; Cleveland Clinic suggests swimming
• take a warm bath or have a prenatal massage
• change position when the pain starts

When should you call your doctor or midwife?

Call your doctor or midwife if you have cramping or constant pain, Cleveland Clinic says, and any pain with bleeding or leaking fluid may be a sign of something more serious. If sharp, shooting pains come more than a few times a day, it says it might be worth calling to talk them through. ACOG lists these as reasons to act right away:

• Before 37 weeks, any signs of preterm labor: pelvic pressure, mild cramps, a constant, low, dull backache, regular tightenings, more discharge or a change in it, or your water breaking. ACOG says not to wait: call right away or go to the hospital.
• Your water has broken and you are not having contractions, you are bleeding heavily, you have constant severe pain with no relief between contractions, or the fetus is moving less often: ACOG says to go to the hospital.