Vaginal pain at 35 weeks pregnant is quite common. At 35 weeks gestation, your body changes significantly. Your posture and walk change, making it slightly uncomfortable for you to move about and do other movement-related activities. You may also notice some new symptoms starting to show up, or you may have had them all along, but they have now become more noticeable.
Pain in the vagina is a common complaint during the last two trimesters for most pregnant women. You may feel a piercing pain from inside your vagina all of a sudden, leaving you motionless for a split second. This only lasts for a short while and may be caused for different reasons, most of which relate to your advancing pregnancy.
Causes of Vaginal Pain at 35 Weeks Pregnant
Weak pelvis
Some women in their last two trimesters develop bladder vaginal pain because of the loosening of muscles in the pelvic floor and the pressure exerted by the growing baby on top of it. Your pelvic floor supports the womb, vagina, and urinary bladder. The increasing weight of the uterus and lower body can lead to vaginal pain. Pressure in the vagina or pain in the hips and pelvis may occur.
In women who have already given birth, this condition can worsen with subsequent pregnancies because of earlier weakening of the pelvic floor. You can do simple exercises or stretches to relieve the pain. Yoga or pelvic floor exercises help strengthen weak muscles.
Urinary Tract Infection
You may develop a UTI during the second or third trimester. Treating UTIs is simple. If you develop a bladder infection, you may feel intense pain in your lower abdomen and vagina. Burning sensation or pain when urinating may also be associated with a UTI. You should seek immediate treatment if you experience any of these symptoms. Untreated bladder infections can cause complications during pregnancy.
You may experience shooting pains if your baby’s head exerts pressure on the pelvic nerve. When the baby’s weight pushes on the cervix or when it starts dilating, you may feel sharp vaginal pain. These signs indicate that the pregnancy is progressing as it should be and is not a huge concern. Immersing yourself in a warm bathtub may help relieve pressure on your lower body. You may also do this in a pool for some relaxation.
Braxton Hicks contractions
You may experience sudden pain in your lower body and contractions every now and then in the second and third trimesters. Practice pains do not explain contractions compared with a labor situation. These can trigger at any time, and you may feel pain and pressure in the vagina, but these will go away after some time.
Constipation
The hormonal changes can cause the muscles to relax and slow bowel movements. Many pregnant women suffer from constipation during pregnancy. This can lead to soreness or heaviness in the vagina. This problem can be alleviated by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and staying hydrated.
Final Thoughts on Vaginal Pain at 35 Weeks Pregnant
In some cases, the pain is caused by an underlying condition. You should seek medical advice immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms along with the pain.
