Vulval Varicose Viens... Great, just great!

[TheScenicRoute]

Just that really. I can't say I have inspected my nether regions much since the beginning of pregnancy, for a start it's been a bit difficult! But after wondering why I felt so full down there I had a look and low and behold it's a right mess! Since very early on (my first trimester I'm sure) I've been a bit sore when wiping and have had to 'dab', but I couldn't actually put the fullness and tenderness into words to ask if it was normal. The saving grace is I googled it and it's supposed to return to normal after birth.

Just wondering if anyone else has/is suffering from this delight? Does the act of labour make it a million times worse- surely it must!? How long does it take to return to 'normal'?

[rolls eyes]

No advice sorry but just to say I am pretty sure I have these too - I have felt a bit tender when ive been sitting down a long time and can definately feel lumpiness but i'm too squeamish to look. Feels just like the varicose veins that have developed on my legs though. So glad to hear they go afterwards!!

Just thought it would be helpful to know that I had this and 6 weeks after delivery by ELCS they have disappeared. Can't comment on labour obviously...

I found it helpful to wear a pad when they were really sore.

The progesterone makes them worse and they will shrink after the pregnancy.. In the meantime you can use pile cream prescribed from gp to help ease the pain and discomfort and they will shrink abit.... But may never fully disappear. I have a small one and also a pile from pushing out dd, i was glad to of treated it before the birth as it swelled again after for a couple of weeks (like the whole area does) but didnt affect anything afterwards... Currently 16 weeks.., treated pile since early days to keep it at bay, front one not causing an issue as yet.

Yes I have this joy of pregnancy too, I'm pretty sure it's the cause of my waddle !

Oh god please let it go back to normal as it looks really bad, I'm 26 weeks.....

I had these, I think they were the worst thing about being pregnant. Grim. I had a pretty straight forward delivery with a TENS machine and Gas and Air, and there wasn't any problem with the vulval varicose veins. They didn't hurt during labour, maybe because the contractions hurt more! When I dared to have a look a few days later everything had gone back to normal. I was very relieved. Hope this reassures you, and everything goes smoothly

Thanks ladies, I was feeling like a bit of a freak but you have given me a bit more confidence now. I Have looked again I seem to have perineal involvement as well as vulval, I can't say they are sore however I am worried about how much blood I'll lose if I need to be cut in labour. Now I know I am not alone I think I may have enough courage to ask the midwife when I see her next week.

Don't worry if you tear naturally it will not be an issue. As I imagine the veins will just move out if the way.

I specifically asked for no episiotomy as I have a fear of them, I'm definitely asking the midwife again this time as mine are so bad.

I have also had the delight of finding these ! I was shocked to say the least. They are now very uncomfortable, 37+3 but nt unbearable - and some days I don't notice them as much. My fear is them staying too. I was advised to wear a pad which helps alleviate the pressure, by my midwife. This does work. I haven't hesrd of the pile cream, but I will try it post labour.