lightning crotch = dilation?

valzee

I was reading my Mayo Clinic book over the weekend and it said that the dreaded "lightning crotch" some of us have been experiencing has been linked to dilation. It would make sense, but the book also said that no one knows what causes the pain so I'm wondering if this is actually the case.

So, for my extremely un-scientific survey ... have any of you experienced lightning pain and then found out you were dilated when you were first checked? Or had the pain without dilation? My first check isn't for another 3 weeks, but it will be interesting to see if I do have movement down there.

BarefootAndSinging

I have experienced the infamous (unpleasant) sensation, and last week when I was checked I was like 1cm and 50%. I have no idea if there's a correlation or not, but I could see how it would be possible. If baby putting pressure on the cervix can aid in dilation (ie gravity/walking while in early labor), and if lightening crotch is related to baby's head pressing on the cervix and irritating some nerves, then I could see it!

lily87

As of 33 weeks I was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. And, I was having lightening crotch- which was a new symptom for me. Ultimately, I only know about the dilation and was checked because I have an infection so that is the only reason why they caught the other stuff- because I had no idea that is abnormal at this stage. But, if you are having it early on, it could be a sign of preterm labor because they told me it is more normal to feel that way closer to the end.

KBaker421

I haven't been checked yet, i have a dr's appointment today at 3:00

but i dont know if i'd believe this theory... as much Lightning crotch as i've had, you'd think i'd be 10 cm's by now ;-/

iahlgren

Hmmmm.... I asked my doctor about the lightning crotch, and she said it was normal and from the baby putting pressure on the nerves after baby turned head-down. She didn't mention anything about possible dilation. I got back next week, though, so maybe I'll ask then.

ashleyr87

Just went to the doctor today and told her about the pain I'd been having. She said it was most likely from baby dropping, however she checked me and I was not dialated. SOO, I guess since she checked me there is some correlation, however it doesnt automatically mean you will be dialated.