Medical expert of the article
New publications
Groin pain in pregnancy
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.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 location of the pain, can primarily signal the occurrence of a hernia. In the lower part of the abdominal cavity, discomfort occurs, accompanied by a feeling of protrusion. In a standing position, such swelling is much more noticeable. If such symptoms are present, you should immediately go to the hospital. In the case of intestinal strangulation, urgent surgery is required.
[ Diseases that cause groin pain during pregnancy
Pain in the groin during pregnancy is often provoked by infectious diseases of the pelvic area, often with pain and enlargement of the lymph nodes. With adnexitis, for example, the uterine appendages become inflamed, most often the ovaries. The signs of this disease may not always make themselves known, but they can also manifest themselves in quite severe pain. Sometimes the symptoms of adnexitis are similar to the signs of appendicitis, only a doctor can differentiate the symptoms. After diagnosing the disease, the gynecologist prescribes mainly antibiotic therapy. If the disease is acute, the doctor may also prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Genital herpes during pregnancy is a serious enough pathology, which, if exacerbated, can have a negative impact on the course of pregnancy. As a result of natural changes in the hormonal background during pregnancy, a decrease in the protective functions of the immune system is often inevitable. As a result, hidden infections can manifest themselves, and genital herpes is no exception. The risk of infection of the fetus directly depends on the severity of the disease. With a timely examination, the risk of transmitting the virus to the child can be minimized. In case of a pre-planned pregnancy, it is recommended to take all the necessary tests in order to prevent the development of herpes. In severe cases, if the rash is concentrated on the cervix, as well as in the genital tract, a cesarean section may be necessary. With primary herpes infection, symptoms may not disappear for about three weeks, while with secondary herpes they often disappear in 4-5 days. Antiviral drugs such as acyclovir are used as treatment, strictly as prescribed by the attending physician.
Varicose veins in the pubic symphysis area may also be accompanied by discomfort in the groin area. At the onset of the disease, conservative treatment methods are used. In the absence of contraindications, the doctor may prescribe drugs such as escusan, venoruton, etc. When the slightest symptoms of varicose veins appear, pregnant women are recommended to wear medical stockings.
Groin pain during pregnancy can very often occur due to constipation. Difficulty emptying the intestines is associated with an increase in the size of the uterus, which puts pressure on the intestines, causing stagnation in the pelvic vessels. The impetus for the development of constipation in pregnant women can be a slowdown in the digestive process associated with changes in hormonal levels. Doctors also insist that constipation in pregnant women is often the result of an unstable psychoemotional state - during pregnancy, women are often irritable, tearful, prone to stress, and unreasonable fears. In case of constipation, pregnant women are prescribed an appropriate diet. Vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, beets), kefir, prune infusion, etc. will be useful. It is not recommended to drink strong tea, coffee, chocolate, as well as flour and other products with astringent properties. Laxatives during pregnancy are highly undesirable - this can pose a danger to bearing a pregnancy. If a pregnant woman feels short-term but sharp pain, this may indicate a stretching of the ligaments that support the uterus. In such cases, sudden movements should be avoided, painkillers 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 rule out an ectopic pregnancy.
The presence of concomitant diseases, such as osteochondrosis, curvature of the spine, can also provoke pain in the groin 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 assume that this pathology is associated with calcium deficiency during pregnancy. The main symptoms are: pain in the pelvic area, pubis, pain in the groin when trying to straighten the leg in a lying position. This disease does not affect the development of the fetus, and often goes away on its own after childbirth. During pregnancy, the danger of symphysitis is that there may be a threat of cesarean section if the signs of symphysitis at the time of childbirth are excessively pronounced. To reduce discomfort, the doctor may prescribe a vitamin complex, calcium supplements, and sometimes anti-inflammatory drugs. But in the late stages of pregnancy, taking calcium, on the contrary, is undesirable. In any case, taking any medications without a doctor's prescription, especially during pregnancy, is considered unacceptable.
What to do if you have groin pain during pregnancy?
Groin pain during pregnancy is a symptom that can indicate both normal, natural changes in a woman's body that occur during pregnancy, and the presence of serious pathologies. If you are pregnant, you should visit a women's health clinic at least once every two weeks, and if you have any complaints, you should contact a gynecologist immediately.