Medical expert of the article
New publications
Pain in the groin in pregnancy
Last reviewed: 20.11.2021
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Pain in the groin during pregnancy, regardless of the localization of pain, first of all, can signal the appearance of a hernia. In the lower part of the abdomen there is discomfort, accompanied by a feeling of protrusion. In the standing position, this swelling is much more noticeable. If you have these symptoms, you should immediately go to the hospital. In case of infringement of a gut, urgent operation is necessary.
[Diseases that cause pain in the groin during pregnancy
Pain in the groin during pregnancy often provoke infectious diseases of the pelvic region, often with the pain and increase lymph nodes. With adnexitis, for example, the appendages of the uterus become inflamed, most often the ovaries. Symptoms of this ailment may not always make itself felt, but can manifest itself with rather strong pain sensations. Sometimes the symptoms of adnexitis are similar to those of appendicitis, only the doctor can differentiate symptoms. After diagnosing the disease, the gynecologist is prescribed mainly antibiotic therapy. If the disease is acute, the doctor can also be prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Genital herpes in pregnancy is a serious enough pathology, which, when exacerbated, can have a negative effect on the course of pregnancy. As a result of natural changes during pregnancy of hormonal background, the reduction of protective functions of the immune system is often inevitable. As a result, hidden infections can appear, and the genital herpes is no exception. The risk of contracting the fetus is directly related to the severity of the disease. With a timely survey, the risk of transmission of the virus to the child can be minimized. When pre-planned pregnancy is recommended in order to prevent the development of herpes to pass all the necessary tests. In severe cases, if the rash concentrates on the cervical region, as well as in the genital tract, there may be a need for a cesarean section. When a primary infection with herpes symptoms may not disappear for about three weeks, while the secondary often occurs in 4-5 days. As a treatment, antiviral drugs such as acyclovir are used, strictly according to the prescribing physician.
Varicose veins in the region of the pubic joint can also be accompanied by discomfort in the groin. At the beginning of the disease conservative methods of treatment are used. In the absence of contraindications, a doctor may prescribe such drugs as escusane, venoruton, etc. If you have the slightest symptoms of varicose veins, pregnant women are recommended to wear medical stockings.
Pain in the groin during pregnancy can very often occur due to constipation. Difficulties with devastation of the intestine are associated with an increase in the size of the uterus, which exerts pressure on the intestines, resulting in stagnation in the vessels of the small pelvis. The impetus to the development of constipation in pregnant women can be a slowing down of the digestive process, associated with changes in the hormonal background. Doctors also insist that constipation in pregnant women is often the result of an unstable psychoemotional state - in pregnancy, women are often irritable, crying, subject to stress, unreasonable fears. In case of constipation, a corresponding diet is prescribed for pregnant women. Will be useful vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, beets), kefir, infusion of prunes, etc. It is not recommended to use strong tea, coffee, chocolate, as well as flour and other products with fastening properties. Laxative drugs during pregnancy are extremely undesirable - this can be a danger for pregnancy. If the pregnant woman feels short-term, but sharp pain, it can talk about stretching the ligaments that support the uterus. In such cases, sudden movements should be avoided, anesthetics are not recommended. A doctor's consultation is necessary for any symptoms. In the first weeks of pregnancy it is recommended to undergo an ultrasound examination to exclude ectopic pregnancy.
The presence of concomitant diseases, for example, osteochondrosis, curvature of the spine, can also provoke a groin pain in pregnant women with irradiation to other parts of the body.
Such a disorder as symphysitis is more common in the second half of the term. Doctors suggest that this pathology has a connection with calcium deficiency during pregnancy. The main signs: pain in the pelvis, pubic area, pain in the groin when trying to straighten the leg in a prone position. On the development of the fetus this disease does not affect, often after birth passes by itself. During pregnancy, the danger of Symphysitis is that a Caesarean section may be threatened if signs of Symphysitis are excessively expressed at the time of delivery. To reduce discomfort, a doctor can prescribe a vitamin complex, calcium preparations, and sometimes - anti-inflammatory drugs. But in later pregnancy, calcium intake, on the contrary, is undesirable. In any case, without prescribing a doctor, taking any medication, especially during pregnancy, is considered unacceptable.
What should I do if I have pain in the groin during pregnancy?
Pain in the groin in pregnancy is a symptom that can testify to both normal, natural changes in the body of a woman arising during pregnancy, and about the presence of serious pathologies. If you are pregnant, visit a women's consultation at least once every two weeks, and if there are any complaints, you should contact the gynecologist immediately.