Pregnancy is a phase that is usually accompanied by many questions. From the simplest ones, such as mood and body changes, to more complex topics like the baby’s health and the proper diet for each week of pregnancy. All these questions are common and need to be very well clarified, not only so the pregnant woman knows what is happening with her body, but also so she feels informed and consequently calmer about the pregnancy. One topic that doesn’t always have easy answers is vaginal pressure during pregnancy. Why it happens and what it means are some of the questions we will address in today’s article.

Causes of Vaginal Pressure During Pregnancy

Usually, a woman feels vaginal pressure during pregnancy because of the increased weight of the baby inside the belly. This happens because as the baby grows, the mother’s organs are literally compressed inside the body, causing the pressure on them to increase. Several organs are affected by this pressure, but the vagina, in particular, ends up being a concern1, also because it is one of the most sensitive areas at this time. This pressure tends to increase during the last weeks, when the baby is already preparing to be born and the belly “drops.” The pressure is much stronger when the woman is in labor and, for this reason, many end up thinking it is a sign that the baby is about to be born. But is that really the case?

Does Vaginal Pressure During Pregnancy Mean Labor?

Vaginal pressure during pregnancy can indeed indicate labor, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that. It’s important to emphasize this because many women end up thinking they are close to having the baby just because of this symptom, which is not strictly related to labor. Therefore, it is necessary to stay calm and remember that there are many other symptoms2 that indicate whether it’s time to go to the hospital, such as frequent contractions and water breaking, for example. It is very common for false signs to make women go to the hospital before the time of birth, especially more anxious women, but staying calm and analyzing the facts, even in tense moments, is crucial.

Could the Pressure Mean Something Bad?

There are no indications that this could mean something bad, neither for the woman nor for the baby. Vaginal pressure during pregnancy is actually very common, especially in the last trimester when the baby is preparing to be born. However, it’s important to clarify that this pressure can be accompanied by pain, which may cause discomfort for pregnant women. In these cases, the best thing to do is to visit a doctor to find a solution and relieve the discomfort. At this phase of pregnancy, it is very common to feel uncomfortable since pain can appear at any time, but don’t be afraid to see your doctor, even if tests show that everything is fine. When it comes to your health, especially your baby’s, every precaution is important.

How to Know if It’s Time to Go to the Hospital?

As we mentioned earlier, vaginal pressure alone does not mean labor is happening, although it may be one of the signs. To know if you really should go to the hospital, there are other symptoms you should watch for, such as:

  • Severe cramps
  • Regular contractions with short intervals
  • Dilations
  • Strong vaginal pressure
  • Losing the mucus plug

Did you notice how vaginal pressure is just one of the symptoms of labor? Not all of them may appear at the same time, but it is when most of them are present that it is truly time to go to the hospital. At that moment, the woman should already have everything ready for the arrival of her baby3.

Stay Calm, It Might Not Be Anything!

Feeling pain is never good, but it is important to stay calm and know that in this stage of pregnancy some pains and symptoms, like vaginal pressure, are quite common. Women who do not know this may become desperate, thinking something is wrong with their baby or themselves, so information is essential. It is important to remain calm and stay informed about all aspects of pregnancy, so situations like this don’t happen. Even so, if your doubts and pain persist, it’s always a good idea to visit your doctor, even if only to be reassured that everything is fine with you and your baby. Among all the existing doubts about pregnancy, questions about vaginal pressure may, perhaps, raise more questions and confuse some women. That is why it is so important to do research and learn a bit about each phase of pregnancy, especially those involving labor, since this is a crucial moment filled with anxiety, fear, hope, pain and all the physical aspects we mentioned here. In general, vaginal pressure during pregnancy is just a sign that the time for delivery is approaching, and this symptom rarely brings any negative aspects. Never stop researching and learning more about your body; this will help you feel calm and relaxed for important moments like childbirth. See Also: Signs That It’s Time to Go to the Hospital