Grover says.īut what about Braxton Hicks contractions? They may seem similar to lightning crotch, but there are a few key differences. On the other hand, “contractions feel similar to a wave (starts low, rises as it peaks, and ebbs away) and eventually become evenly spaced and in a pattern,” Dr. Yes, lightning crotch can hurt, but it should only last a few seconds-brief like lightning-and it shouldn’t be repetitive, Dr. What’s the Difference Between Labor Contractions vs. Rest assured, lightning crotch isn’t a sign of pre-term labor or anything that you should be too concerned about unless the pain doesn’t subside and is accompanied by other symptoms. If the ligaments stretch too far or too fast, you can experience sudden, sharp pain,” she says. “Your growing belly can put extra pressure on the ligaments that support the uterus by causing them to stretch and thin.
You can also get lightning crotch due to round ligament pain. When your baby is kicking and turning, it puts pressure on your nerves, Dr. Grover says.Īnother reason you may be experiencing lightning crotch is the baby’s movements. This type of pain usually starts at the round ligament, which is the band of connective tissues that supports your uterus, and extends into your labia (the outer and inner lips of your vulva), Dr. “The result is increased sensitivity and at times, quick, sharp, shooting sensations from the baby’s constant change in position against the nerve endings.”
“During this time, there could be pressure against the cervix and uterus, where there are many nerve endings,” Grover explains. “Lightning crotch occurs when the baby is maturing during pregnancy and is growing in size, and as a result, will drop down into the pelvis in preparation for childbirth,” explains Monica Grover, DO, a double board-certified gynecologist, and chief medical officer at VSPOT.