Pressure

Updated on January 27, 2009
K.K. asks from Saint Paul, MN
20 answers

I am experiencing quite a bit of pressure in near my crotch area. I am currently 36 weeks pregnant and am wondering if this is normal and how long it might last?

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J.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

K.,
Congrats the baby is dropping. Sounds like it's right on time. It happened to me a little bit laster but I know it's very normal. You're almost there. Take care!

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H.A.

answers from Waterloo on

Sounds like things are settling into place for the delivery! You're in the home stretch now (no pun intended!). Congratulations and good luck!

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M.H.

answers from Minneapolis on

Sounds normal to me. I had lots of pressure all over the place toward the end of all of my pregnancies. My last one was the worst. Lots of pubic pressure and round ligament pain.

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L.G.

answers from Milwaukee on

oh honey...i'm right there with you! i'm at 38 weeks right now and i can promise the pressure will only get more noticeable! everyone tells me "oh you're all baby!" which is great to look at...except that it's impossible to carry at this point! i have worn a tummy support belt for most of my pregnancy and it's helped a lot, but at this point when i sit i just always feel swollen down there. hang in there, baby is packin bags and comin soon! good luck!

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J.N.

answers from Minneapolis on

I started feeling this way at 36 wks too. It just means that the baby is really low and you close to delivering. I delivered at 40 wks and so I guess I felt that way for about 4 wks. I remember it was uncomfortable to walk at the end. It is totally normal. Just stay off of your feet a bit more! Good luck!

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E.B.

answers from Duluth on

Oh that sucks!!! I didn't experience it with my first, but with my second, I felt like I deserved a massage to take the pressure off! Yes, pressure is normal, and if baby hasn't dropped, that might help, but in all likelihood, that's something you'll feel until delivery! Sorry--I know it's painful. That's when I started the pregnant lady's waddle!

Oh! I did find that baths took the pressure off my crotch and seemed to relieve a little of the pressure--Baby wasn't bearing down quite so much!

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J.D.

answers from Minneapolis on

Congrats on your soon to be! I'm 37 wks pregnant with my first and am pretty clueless on what to expect( except for what I've read in baby books). Well, I've been experiencing pain and lots of pressure very very low in my crotch area too! It almost feels as if the baby is halfway out or trying to make his way out! I've had this for a few wks already. I mentioned it to my Dr. who has been an OB/ Gyn for 32 yrs. He said that the pain and pressure are normal and nothing to worry about. So I would say it shouldn't be a problem. But if you are really that concerned, talk to your Dr. Good Luck!

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T.V.

answers from Lincoln on

been there done that! My guess is that the baby has dropped some and you're probably feeling it. When I was pregnant with my first son, he decided to wedge his head there. Everytime he moved I felt like he was was just going to pop out right there. Luckily he didn't! The feeling will probably last until you have the baby. Good luck!

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S.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

K.,

I went through this with my kids at the end of my pregnancy. Those babies get so low I swear they would just peek out at any moment. I had horrible vericose veins that went all the way up and that added to the pressure. When does it end? After giving birth.

Good luck,
S.

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D.D.

answers from Minneapolis on

I would relay this info to your OB, but more than likely, your baby is just dropping lower to prepare for birth.

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K.W.

answers from Biloxi on

I am 37 weeks pregnant and I feel your pain. I did not experience this with my last baby, but he never engaged in my pelvis before I pushed him out because the cord was wrapped twice around his neck and very very tight. From what I gather, this is very normal, so I am thankful that I won't have the same sort of ordeal as last time--I hope anyway. Hang in there--not too long now!

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A.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

K.,
Many of your responses suggest that your baby may have dropped. You may also be experiencing early signs of labor. You could be a mommy very very soon! Since you are already 36 weeks there is no need to worry - just get ready to hold that beautiful new baby in your arms soon! Congrats!

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C.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

It is very normal and if you aren't having any other "symptoms" it's probably just 3rd trimester discomfort and your baby is getting ready for delivery. My 2nd one was in my hips for 5 weeks and it was very uncomfortable. However, with my first one it was a sign of preterm labor so it might not be a bad idea just to doulbe check with your doctor. Good luck and congratulations!

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R.R.

answers from Minneapolis on

it can happen now until the baby comes..... it's the baby heading downwards!!!

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J.H.

answers from Bismarck on

I had the same feeling. Sometimes it felt like she was trying to kick or punch her way out! I just visited with my doctor about it and everything was fine. Please talk with your doctor about it.
I didn't have that pain with my first baby, only the second.

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L.A.

answers from Minneapolis on

It is probably that your baby is "dropping" to prepare for labor. Does your belly feel lower?

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S.D.

answers from Minneapolis on

Unfortunately, very normal, and it may last til the baby is born. I had that pressure much earlier and it lasted til delivery. It was awful. If it gets to be too much, stay off your feet for awhile, that does help.
S.

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E.I.

answers from Duluth on

it sounds like your baby has 'dropped' which means that baby is preparing for delivery! :D this is most likely going to last until your baby is born. :D
have you checked with your doctor to see if you are dialating? i dialated to 4.5 cms without feeling a thing. so its possible you could already be 'in labor' but not "in labor" yet hahaha.
anyway, good luck nad congrats!

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M.M.

answers from Milwaukee on

It is normal and it may last until you have the baby. My last daughter was nestled low and I swore she was trying to get out. I think I was induced at 38 weeks because it was so uncomfortable.

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T.S.

answers from Duluth on

K. it is ok, that pressure is normal.. it is just saying that your baby is dropping and gettin ready for labor.. when you start feeling dull cramps in back and lower abdmomen and your stomach is squeezing really hard.. try walking around and if it doesn't stop and you are having regualar contractions which is ( touching your stomach and keeping an eye on how long it last and it keeps coming every 5 minutes ( or it is around the same time period it is a real contraction.. if you walk and it stops or your contractions are irregualar and comes every 3 minutes and then every 6 minutes it is braxton hicks and that is just gettin you ready for labor.. if your unsure about what your feelin. DON"T WORRY ABOUT HOW MANY TIMES YOU GO IN IT IS NORMAL FOR A FIRST TIME MOTHER TO BE CONCERNED BUT YOU WILL KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME.. good luck

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