Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy: Causes & How to Relieve

Vaginal pain during pregnancy is a common symptom that often occurs as the baby grows and places more pressure on the pelvic area. This pressure can reduce blood flow to vaginal tissues, leading to cramps, swelling, and discomfort.

Vaginal pain during pregnancy can also be linked to dryness, intense sexual activity, or irritation from soaps, condoms, or lubricants. These causes often improve with changes in routine, better lubrication, or avoiding irritating products.

However, vaginal pain during pregnancy accompanied by burning, discharge, bleeding, or sharp cramps may signal conditions like UTIs, STIs, vaginismus, or a Bartholin’s cyst. Treatment varies depending on the cause and may include medication, cold compresses, pelvic floor therapy, or lifestyle adjustments.

What causes vaginal pain during pregnancy?

Vaginal pain or cramps can occur during pregnancy for the following reasons:

1. Normal development of the baby

While the baby grows and gains weight inside the uterus, it also increases pressure on the pelvic floor muscles, which are muscles that support the uterus and the vagina. This can cause intense discomfort or pain in the vagina, which is more common during the third trimester of pregnancy.

In addition, because of the pressure caused by the growing baby, there may be a decrease in blood flow to the pelvic area, which can cause the vagina to become swollen and more painful. Based on clinical information from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the expanding uterus can place significant pressure on pelvic veins, which may impede blood flow and lead to swelling or discomfort in the vaginal area.

How to relieve: There are some ways that you can relieve pressure and reduce pain, like avoiding standing for prolonged periods, placing a cold compress on the pelvic area, and resting after activity. Even though discomfort is more common at the end of pregnancy, it's important to see your obstetrician if the pain is too intense and stops you from walking or doing normal day-to-day activities.

2. Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness is also very common during pregnancy. It occurs due to the increase in progesterone, although the expectant mother's natural anxiety can also contribute to dryness. As a result, women can experience pain during sexual intercourse. 

Learn more about what can cause vaginal dryness and how it can be relieved.

How to relieve: it's important to identify the cause of dryness, and to see your obstetrician. He or she may suggest use of a lubricant, changes in diet and/or exercise or routines that may help decrease anxiety. 

3. Intense vaginal sex

Vaginal pain during pregnancy can also happen after intense vaginal sex which, due to the friction caused by penetration or lack of lubrication, may lead to vaginal irritation, swelling, and pain.

How to relieve: Identify the cause with your obstetrician. They may suggest using a water-based lubricant during intercourse to reduce friction without damaging condoms. Reducing anxiety through gentle exercise or prenatal yoga may also help natural lubrication return.

4. Vaginismus

Vaginismus is a condition where the vaginal muscles contract and cannot relax naturally, causing pain in the vagina and difficulty with penetration. This situation may appear during pregnancy, but may be present before pregnancy.  

How to relieve: Consult your doctor or a pelvic floor therapist. They will assess the pelvic muscles to identify the cause of the vaginismus and from there they will indicate suitable treatment.  

5. Rash

Sometimes expectant mothers can get a rash in the genital area when they use certain products that contain irritant ingredients (e.g. soap, condoms, vaginal creams, or lubricants). This can cause swelling, itchiness, redness, and pain in the vagina.

How to relieve: It's important to identify the product that may be triggering symptoms and discontinue it immediately. To relieve symptoms, you can place a cold compress on the external genital area. However, in cases in which symptoms do not improve or if they become more intense, consult your doctor for assessment and treatment

6. UTI

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common condition during pregnancy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnancy increases the risk of urinary tract infections due to bodily changes, and these infections often present with symptoms including pelvic pain, a burning sensation during urination, and cloudy urine.

How to relieve: See your doctor immediately. Antibiotics are the only effective treatment for a UTI during pregnancy. Drinking plenty of water can help flush bacteria from your system and may slightly ease discomfort while you wait for the medication to work. Avoid holding your urin and go as soon as you feel the urge.

See the treatment for UTIs during pregnancy that your doctor may consider.

7. STIs

Sexually-transmitted infections, known as STIs, can cause vaginal pain in pregnancy. This is particularly the case with chlamydia and genital herpes. Other symptoms include itchiness and burning.

Learn more about the most common STIs and how each infection presents. 

How to relieve: if you have any symptoms that may indicate an STI, you should see your doctor for assessment. If confirmed, the doctor will initiate treatment, which will likely be done with medication. You should avoid having sex during treatment and ensure that your sexual partner is aware to seek assessment and possible treatment.  

8. Bartholin's cyst

Vaginal pain during pregnancy may also occur when there are cysts in the Bartholin's glands, which happen due to an obstruction of the gland. This can cause swelling and vaginal pain, especially when there is inflammation in the glands. 

How to relieve: See your doctor to confirm the diagnosis. If the cyst is not infected, they may recommend warm sitz baths (sitting in a few inches of warm water) several times a day to help the cyst drain and relieve pain. Avoid squeezing or popping the cyst, as this can lead to serious infection.