What fresh hell is this?

[TheElephantWoman]

As if the back pain, SPD, heartburn, headaches, restless legs and constipation weren't enough, I think I have a vulvar varicosity or whatever the fricking hell it's called.

Am 29 weeks and have had quite a lot of pain/pressure in the fanjo area for the last few weeks, but had put it down to SPD. Then the other night DH and I had had a bit of, er, howsyerfather (for the first time in approx 28 weeks) and when I had a wipe after something didn't quite feel right. Obviously can't see down there so I had some alone time with a hand mirror and... Oh my god.

I didn't know it was possible to recoil in horror from yourself.

Have google image searched and am pretty sure it's a varicose vein. In my fanjo. I can't believe I just typed those words. I'm now super conscious of it and walking even more like John Wayne than before.

Was it the shagging that did it? Will it go away after DC2 is born? What happens when it's time to give birth will it explode?

[IneedAsockamnesty]

Here you go, and stop freaking its just one of those things.

www.mayoclinic.com/health/vulvar-varicosities/MY02544

Have you not got piles yet?

[IneedAsockamnesty]

Oh and if you swell up or it hurts loads witch hazel on a pad after its been in the fridge is good and soothing

[TheElephantWoman]

Thanks. Just feel like I'm falling apart with all my aches and pains and was not expecting this!

It's not too painful but will get some witch hazel just in case.

[IneedAsockamnesty]

Is good to have as after the birth its the most wonderful thing ever.

As to falling apart,I'm with you on that I burst into tears today in a shop because I couldn't make my legs move up 4 steps.

[washngo]

I had terrible vulvar varicosities in my last pregnancy but within 2 weeks of giving birth they were gone. But it is miserable and I totally sympathise you poor thing. Feet up as much as possible.

[KirstyJC]

Don't worry they go after birth! (And no, they don't burst when you push either)

I had them last 2 pregnancies along with bad SPD and sciatica. I couldn't sit, stand, lie or walk. Oh what fun!

The worst bit though was when I was signed off sick from work and had to show my boss the fit note....which had 'vulval varicosities' on it. Which I then had to explain to her. Thanks to my lovely GP for that one.....

[washngo]

To echo Kirsty - it won't affect the birth. You won't even notice them in labour. And I'm pretty sure it wasn't the shagging!

[TheElephantWoman]

Thanks all Pregnancy is such a magical time isn't it?! (I am very grateful to be pregnant btw, and I've not had too hard a time of it, I'm just having a whinge on here to save my poor DH having to listen to me!)

Oh no pixie you poor thing. I hope you feel better now

I'm glad to hear this should disappear after the birth washngo - fingers crossed. I think I'll forego any more shagging just in case! I'm too bloody tired anyway.

That must have been mortifying KirstyJC, both I and my boss would be horrified if I had to mention my vulva in her presence Not very discreet of your GP!

[washngo]

Even when glad to be pregnant, what you're going through is painful and you are entitled to a good moan!

[TheElephantWoman]

Thanks washngo

[Jorior]

This thread made me laugh out loud! I had a Hollywood wax a few weeks ago only to discover my fanjo was an ugly mess of swollen veins. The sight of it in a hand held mirror made me recoil in horror. Thankfully, fresh hair growth has meant it's out of sight and out of mind!

While I'm relieved to hear they won't burst during labour n they'll disappear afterwards, I'm tickled pink at them being described as a 'fresh hell'! You gotta laugh...