In the 2nd trimester, as the baby’s size grows, symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), or pelvic girdle pain (PGP) affects some women.

The hormone, ‘relaxin’ is released in pregnancy to prepare the pelvis for loosening and opening to get ready for childbirth. When the ligaments become too relaxed and stretchy it could get painful.

As you reach your third trimester, something called ‘Lightning crotch’ could be the main reason for pelvic and butt pain.

Lightning crotch?

Shooting sensations begin in the crotch and go down the inner thigh. These twinges occur at random but are most likely when you haven't moved in a long time (like while you're sleeping or sitting).

Feel like electric shocks or burning twinges. It lasts for 15–60 seconds. You may also feel it in the vagina, rectum, or uterus.

This crotch pain is abrupt and might make the mum temporarily immobile. Many compare the feeling of discomfort to suddenly being jolted by a bolt of electricity from within, giving the condition its peculiar name. It doesn’t come in a pattern - it is erratic.

Other causes of pelvic pain

‍Baby movement

Stretching, turning, or kicking by the baby during pregnancy might stress a nerve. It may produce acute pelvic, vaginal, or rectum pain. The pain might increase as the kicks grow stronger towards late pregnancy.

Dropping

Dropping occurs when the baby moves into the lower uterine lining during the preparation for birth. The baby's head may pressure the bladder and pelvic floor, damaging the nerves. Nerve pressure may cause a twinge that may give a burning sensation.

Round ligament pain

Thick ligaments support the uterus. The developing belly puts additional strain on these ligaments, causing them to stretch. A certain action may cause the ligaments to stretch too far or too fast, causing discomfort.

Varicose veins

Varicose veins in the vulva may also cause discomfort but are different from lightning crotch, which refers to sharp, shooting pain and discomfort in your genitals.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP)

When vaginal pressure is intense, it could be a sign of POP. POP happens when organs in or near the pelvis move down, sometimes into the vagina or rectum.

POP is treatable but can cause incontinence, intense pain, and severe complications.

Women who suddenly feel intense pressure, have difficulty controlling their bowel or bladder, or notice that something seems to be pushing down into their vagina, should consult a doctor.

How to relieve pelvic pain in pregnancy?

Stay active

Staying active can assist you a lot throughout your pregnancy. It will help you lose weight and keep your joints open and flexible, which is vital as your baby grows. Concentrate on a mix of exercises that relieve the back, pelvis, and cervix. Try yoga (for example, Uttana Shishosana or extended puppy pose) and stretching exercises, particularly around the hips.

Pregnancy massage

Back and sacral massages by a certified masseur or a therapist help relax the muscles around the hips. Relaxing the muscles helps relieve the pain.

Swimming helps

The lightning pain might be challenging to deal with at times. Swimming in the last weeks of pregnancy helps a lot in a trouble-free delivery.

Wear a support brace

Supportive clothing and braces for pregnant women come in many varieties. They help in reducing pelvic and hip pain by providing additional support. They support and elevate your belly, reducing strain on your joints, hips, and even cervix.

Do yoga

Baddha konasana (the butterfly pose) eases the pelvic girdle pain by strengthening the thigh, groyne and pelvic floor muscles.

Pillow between the legs

Sleeping with a pillow between your knees will keep your pelvis aligned and will take the ‘pull’ off your hip and pelvic muscle. One leg will be slightly elevated, helping in easing the pain.

Shooting butt pain in the third trimester

The baby might be resting on the sciatic nerve directly in your buttocks area causing shooting pain that extends down the leg. This could be sciatica pain.

Try wearing a supportive belly band to reduce the pressure.

Haemorrhoids which are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus could also be the cause.

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