Lightning Crotch, Pelvic Pressure and Weird Third Trimester Pains
Learn why pelvic pressure and unexpected sharp sensations can happen during pregnancy, and when pain needs further attention.
Reviewed by Courtney Garland, NICU Registered Nurse, IBCLC Lactation Consultant and Paediatric Sleep Consultant
Late pregnancy comes with some very strange sensations.
I remember getting those sudden lightning zaps right through my crotch and they would literally make me stop for a second and catch my breath.
Woof.
Then they were gone.
If you have felt one, you probably know exactly what I mean.
What is lightning crotch?
Lightning crotch is the name mothers often use for a sudden, sharp, electric pain felt low in the pelvis, cervix or vagina.
It can feel like:
A zap.
A stab.
A quick electric shock.
Or a pain that makes you suddenly stop walking.
They are usually brief and unpredictable.
Pressure from baby sitting lower in the pelvis, or pressure around nerves in the area, may play a part.
Is lightning crotch a sign of labour?
Usually not by itself.
Lightning crotch tends to be sudden and over quickly.
Labour contractions are different because the uterus tightens and the contractions usually begin to form a pattern.
They become more regular, longer and stronger over time.
So one dramatic little ZAP does not necessarily mean baby is coming tonight.
Why do I feel so much pressure down there?
Later in pregnancy, as baby grows and moves lower, you can feel a lot more pressure through your pelvis.
You might notice:
Heaviness.
Pressure in your vagina.
Pressure in your bottom.
More pressure on your bladder.
Or the feeling that baby is sitting incredibly low.
That can all happen as your body prepares for birth.
But it does not give you a countdown to labour.
Some babies sit low for days or even weeks before labour begins.
When should I call?
Call your maternity team if the pain is severe, constant, getting worse or becoming regular like contractions.
Also call if it happens with:
Vaginal bleeding.
Fluid leaking.
Fever.
Feeling faint.
Reduced baby movement.
Or feeling very unwell.
If you are less than 37 weeks and pelvic pressure comes with regular contractions, back pain or leaking fluid, contact your maternity team promptly.
The one thing to know
Those sudden lightning zaps can feel intense enough to make you catch your breath, but they are usually brief.
Pelvic pressure can also be a normal part of late pregnancy.
If the pain becomes severe, constant, regular or comes with other concerning symptoms, call your maternity team.
Related articles
• Braxton Hicks Versus Real Labour
• Signs Labour Might Be Getting Close
• Is This Normal in Pregnancy? The Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
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