Vaginal pain during pregnancy can occur due to several reasons, including normal changes related to the growing baby, vaginal dryness, infections, or nerve pressure from the baby. Common causes include:

• Pressure from the growing baby and uterus stretching pelvic muscles and ligaments, especially in the third trimester, causing discomfort or sharp pain.
• Vaginal dryness caused by hormonal changes (increased progesterone) or anxiety, leading to pain during intercourse.
• Nerve pressure such as "lightning crotch," which causes sharp, shooting pains due to the baby pressing on nerves around the cervix.
• Other causes include infections like yeast infections or urinary tract infections, which are more common during pregnancy.
• Pelvic girdle pain or symphysis pubis dysfunction related to joint stiffness or uneven movement in pelvic joints.

Relief methods can include resting, using cold compresses, wearing support belts, and consulting a healthcare provider to address infections or severe pain. If vaginal pain is intense, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as bleeding, fever, or difficulty walking, it is important to seek medical advice promptly to rule out complications like infections, miscarriage, or ectopic pregnancy. These insights come from multiple reputable sources on pregnancy-related vaginal pain and pelvic pain.