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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Tmi but "bulging"

12 replies

S2b16 · 28/03/2015 16:54

Only 23 weeks with 3rd baby.
My lady bits have felt swollen on and off for about 2 weeks, it's not painful and usually when I've just been for wee.
Anyway today, I went to toilet (just a wee) and when I stood up it was really swollen, then again in shower.
Know pregnancy isn't pleasant but come on, how much must we go through. Confused
Asked my partner to feel it and he just said it feels harder than normal but not to worry....I am though and don't know whether it's a normal part of pregnancy I avoided with last two or if it's an indicator of something not right. Baby lovely and active. No pains or anything.
Sorry for the rant and tmi but don't wanna embarrass myself at midwife/gp If I don't need to.

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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seaoflove · 28/03/2015 16:55

Normal Smile

Original poster
S2b16 · 28/03/2015 17:08

Just another perk to pregnancy lol. Typical thanks for replying x

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GentlyGentlyOhDear · 28/03/2015 18:58

I'm 25 weeks with my second and I've had this for a few weeks now.
It is worse after sex and after (tmi) straining with constipation Blush
I was a bit worried it is related to having a 3rd degree tear with my last birth so will be mentioning it to the midwife at my next visit.

flanjabelle · 28/03/2015 19:03

I had this near the end with dd, I actually felt like I had been repeatedly kicked in the lady parts. Horrific, but normal!

seaoflove · 28/03/2015 19:16

FWIW Gently, I've had it in both pregnancies, and I had a third degree year with my first. You shouldn't really be straining to have a bowel movement though, especially after a third degree tear: don't want to be stressing the poor bum area more than it already has. Get yourself a prescription for Lactulose or Movicol, which will really help. I'm suffering from shocking pregnancy constipation, so I sympathise!

GentlyGentlyOhDear · 28/03/2015 19:24

That's reassuring sea
I'm going to have to get some lactulose, I think.
I'm on iron tablets so bowels are all over the place, whole pelvic floor area is swollen and nipples have been leaking for at least a month. I don't do pregnancy well at all!

Cisforcat · 28/03/2015 19:37

Oh please don't strain- get it sorted before the third trimester as take it from me- you do NOT want piles either!!
Has had me in a whole host of pain discomfort and worry through constipation and baby weight!

Bex174 · 28/03/2015 20:40

Oh gosh I'm so glad someone else has this!

25wks here with twins. Been thinking for the past week that things felt a bit swollen down below, but took a look in the mirror a couple of times and it doesn't seem to be as much of a baboon bum as it feels. Was wondering if this was just something to do with the pressure on that area?

Anyone know if things get worse as you go more towards third trimester? Or is this swollen feeling kind of as bad as it gets?

seaoflove · 28/03/2015 20:44

Mine has got better in the third trimester I have to say. It may well get worse again later I suppose! I think it's a combination of hormones, extra blood flow and the sheer weight of the uterus as it grows.

Original poster
S2b16 · 28/03/2015 21:24

Sorry your also suffering but also relieved it is normal. I've had everything going so far, ds better be a cute kid after all this ha ha.
Wishing you all healthy and happy pregnancies x

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Patienceisapparentlyavirtue · 30/03/2015 13:52

A few responses here make it sound like constipation but from your description it is much more likely to be vulval varicosities - sounds a bit scary, but it's not risky just not nice! These are varicose veins in your lady bits, due to the increased blood flow and the weight of your bump bearing down. Most aren't painful and go away within a few months of giving birth.

Mine have unfortunately been incredibly uncomfortable in my last 2 pregnancies, so ended up seeing physios and a specialist, so at least have had lots of good advice! The best things to do are keep up with the pelvic floor exercises, elevate your legs at the end of a long day, and ask your midwife/doctor for compression stockings if they are getting really bad or painful, or if you have a lot of standing or carrying to do. Things to are avoid are constipation, carrying heavy things or standing for too long and definitely don't do any squats! None of these things will cause damage, but might exacerbate the veins. There's lots of other advice on line, but sadly no cures other than giving birth... Blush

Original poster
S2b16 · 31/03/2015 01:54

Thank you patience Smile
Sorry you've had to go through this twice. I will keep on with the pelvic floor and resting when I can. Feeling a lot more reassured about it with all the responses so am hopeful once baby is here im fine, thanks again x

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