Swollen undercarriage (TMI alert!!)

[Dolallytats]

I am 21+5 weeks pregnant with DC3. This might sound a bit odd to ask after two previous pregnancies, but is it normal to feel a bit swollen underneath at this stage? I've never experienced it before and I only really notice it if I'm washing or wiping that area (I warned you of the TMI!!) so wondered if all was ok?

Thank you!!

I am too, thanks to varicose lady-veins! So uncomfortable and for the first time made me realise why pregnant ladies need to sit down on the bus. It's probably worth checking with your mw too, as (in my super limited understanding!) it seems like there are other rare but more serious causes too... But sadly if it is veins, my midwife said that there's no cure except delivery The only good thing is that unlike varicose leg veins, they almost always disappear after labour!

Exercising but then not standing around too much definitely helps, and elevating my hips on a pillow when I get home if it's been a long day.

I have heard of this being relatively normal but if it's in anyway painful to touch and getting bigger, get to the docs pronto as it might be an abscess. I had one early doors and it was mega unpleasant. Pregnancy increases the risk of skin infections like abscesses... another lovely side-effect!

Yes I had it around the same time! I found applying cool pads really helped. I understood it was down to increased blood flow. I agree though, if its painful or getting bigger, seek medical help.

Thanks Sunny and Brave!! I thought I'd experienced everything after having the first two, but it seems I have more dignity waiting to be stripped away!! Oh, the glamour of pregnancy!!

I shall keep an eye on things (not literally, I'm not that flexible!!) and talk to the midwife when I next see her.

I suffer the same problem - the main inconvenience is finding cycling really uncomfortable (we don't have a car) and DTD being uncomfortable during and all day after (we're morning people).

I should be ok then cycle, I'm agoraphobic so can barely put one foot in front of the other let alone cycle or drive!! And, to be honest, I'm too knackered to attempt DTD so need to worry there at the moment!!

Can you get such a thing as a padded seat for your bike?!?