When I first got pregnant everyone loved to tell me all of the terrible pregnancy symptoms that I would be getting such as morning sickness, back pain, stretch marks, sore breasts, etc.
Now that I'm in the third trimester I get all of the labor horror stories.
Why do people feel the need to share everything negative about pregnancy? We are already stressed enough about what could happen no need to make it worse!
No one told me these pregnancy symptoms though that are common to have. I've never heard of lightning crotch, vaginal and pelvic pressure, leaky nipples, acid reflux and restless leg syndrome, ect.
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Pregnancy Symptoms
Lightning Crotch
Lightning crotch feels like and electrical shock or zap feeling in your vagina, rectum, or pelvis. As your baby grows he/she puts pressure on a nerve. When he/she makes sudden movements and hits that nerve you might feel a shock in your vagina, rectum, or pelvis.
I get this quite often and when it first happened I thought something was wrong. I've never gotten this far in pregnancy so I never knew what to expect. I was glad to find out that its just the baby hitting a nerve and causing the shock, even though it doesn't feel good.
You can relieve lightning crotch by:
- Staying active. You can check out my fitness tab for some pregnancy safe workouts!
- Taking a warm bath or shower. I love using Dr. Teals liquid foaming bath salt to make it feel more relaxing on my body!
- A prenatal massage, you can always make your partner do this 😀
- Use a support brace. I love using a support brace because it supports my lower back and tummy. It was more helpful towards the end of my pregnancy when our baby put a lot of pressure on my lower back. You will want to make sure to have lotion or some fabric under your support band because it can get itchy, but it was well worth it! You can also wear this your entire pregnancy!
Vaginal & Pelvic Pressure
This pregnancy symptom is a daily occurrence at 29 weeks for me, but it mainly happens when I'm home at night. It's usually because I sat all day at work, then I'm sitting at home watching TV with my hubby.
Vaginal and pelvic pressure feels like cramps or soreness in your groin. It can make it difficult to walk.
Vaginal and pelvic pressure is a combination of increased weight from the baby on your pelvis and from your pelvic floor weakening.
You can relieve pelvic pressure by:
- Do some pelvic tilts or rolls to stretch it out.
- Use a pregnancy support band.
- Take a warm bath or shower with some Epsom salts.
- Avoid sudden movements.
- Try some pelvic strengthening exercises for long term help.
Leaky Nipples
I have not had this pregnancy symptom yet, but on the baby board that I belong to on baby center women started talking about leaky nipples already! One lady said that she woke up with a small puddle next to her chest in her sheets.
This is something that is totally natural and common to have especially when you are coming close to welcoming your little bundle of joy! Man the things we do for our kids, even before they are born!
When your nipples leak its usually colostrum which is the first milk you make in preparation for feeding your baby. You can start leakage weeks or even months before you have your baby.
Once you start leaking use breast pads, either reusable cloth ones or disposable ones.
You can also wear patterned shirts to camouflage leakage if you leak through your breast pad.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome is where your legs feel itchy, pulling, burning, or a creepy-crawly sensation that gives you the urge to move your leg. It feels just like when your leg falls asleep.
That precious bundle of yours is gaining weight which puts pressure on your nerves. In turn that makes your legs fall asleep.
I get this randomly throughout the day and it always seems to be in my right leg. My son loves to hang out on the right side of my body majority of the time. So he is adding the pressure to my veins on the right side.
Fun fact, he came from my right ovary. When Erik and I were at the first ultrasound the tech said that she could tell which side I ovulated from.
So maybe he likes to chill on the right side because he came from my right ovary. Who knows! Maybe I'll ask him when he comes out! 🙂
You can relieve this symptom by:
- Move often.
- Soak in warm water or a shower with Epsom salts.
- Massage them or you can do what I do and punch them back awake!
Leg Cramps/Charley Horse
I have had this pregnancy symptom several times and it's usually when I'm trying to sleep at night.
The first time I had it I tensed up and almost starting crying. My husband just told me to relax and held me for a little bit. I've never felt pain like that and it absolutely sucked!
I want y'all to have the tools you need to get rid of this cramp as fast a possible.
Haha now I'm a pro at relieving my cramps when they come.
The extra pressure on your blood vessels from your growing baby and uterus can cause leg cramps.
Your legs may not be getting enough blood flow.
You also could have a calcium or magnesium deficiency or dehydration.
Ways you can relieve this symptom:
- Don't sit or stand to long, move often.
- Stretch your calves
- Drink lots of water to hydrate your muscles.
- Exercise regularly. You can try my full body at home workout for some inspiration! Or go to my fitness section for some variety. The workouts will be labeled if it's safe for pregnancy!
If you do get a leg cramp straighten your leg, flex your foot, and wiggle your toes.
Make sure to breath deeply and try to relax. It should only last a few seconds before you get relief.
Acid Reflux
I get this pregnancy symptom several times a day. It's worse when I have to burp and acid comes up instead of air. It's such a lovely surprise!
Hormone changes cause the muscles in your lower esophageal muscle to relax which causes acid to come up from your stomach.
Also if you're stomach is full it pushes acid up.
You can relieve this symptom by:
- Eating less acidic or spicy food
- Easy frequent small meals
- Sit up straight while you eat and at least an hour after you eat. The gravity will help keep everything down.
- Don't eat within 3 hours of going to bed
- Drink after you eat food, not during.
- Talk to your doctor about what anti acids you can take.
I hope that all y'all enjoy these "lovely" pregnancy symptoms, but continually remember that your body is powerful.
You are strong and you are creating a beautiful blessing inside of you.
You can do this momma and enjoy this journey that you are having with your little one!
Comment below other pregnancy symptoms you wish you knew about!