Vulval pain/discomfort

[LisaSimpsonsbff]

I'm 24 weeks and for the last three or four days have had a really noticeable pain/discomfort in my vulval area - towards the front. It feels almost bruised, and is ok when I sit down and so there's some pressure on the area, but hurts when I walk or lie down (I've noticed that when walking it seems to improve after the first five minutes or so). I assumed this was a totally normal pregnancy thing and not given it much thought, but it's occurred to me that I've also have a lot of discharge (which I know is also totally normal in pregnancy) in the last few days, and so wondered whether it could be an infection (though it doesn't feel at all like thrush, which I've had plenty of times while not pregnant). Anyone had the same? Just one of those pregnancy things?

Have you got a handheld mirror to have a look? I have a varicose vein on one side of my vulva which I only noticed when my DH was helping me “tidy up” down there 😂 it feels like I’ve been kicked, and it feels bruised. Might be worth a look?

Could be thrush- I have it so badly and it's given me a lot of discharge and a heavy horrible feeling, much worse than any thrush I've ever had before!
Could also be a UTI- I recently had one (thrush is from the antibiotics 😐) and that gave me a horrible feeling down there too
Could be spd- is the pain in your pubic bone? If so it could be the start of spd pain!
Could be varicose vein- haven't experienced this myself but could deffo be that
Could be general swelling and pressure from the baby- I had this pretty much the whole 2nd and 3rd trimester in my last pregnancy
By the end I was so swollen and sore

When is your next midwife app? Hopefully whatever it is can be soothed or treated!

Thanks both - I have had a look, but can't see anything. So you think it is something worth asking about, not just 'one of those pregnancy' things? I'm seeing my midwife next in exactly two weeks.

Worth checking with mw however the bruised feeling has become two varicose veins on my vulva. It hurts further up when I first get up then eases. Ive gone through phases; I think extra weight seems to trigger it off then I seem to adapt.

At 34 weeks they're quite sore now but I've been told really not as bad as they can be! They popped out around 20-24 weeks. The worst pain is higher though as you describe.

I often have to lie down and raising hips up helps. Keeping hydrated seems to help too so you don't retain extra water and 'puff up.' Constipation also seems to worsen it all.

I had crazy discharge at that point in pregnancy; it's calmed down a lot since 30 weeks. I did find however I have to use pads (Cottons seem the nicest) or the veins and hair get all messy and hurt more

Didn't have in first pregnancy and had no idea this could happen I've been assured they go away after birth better bloody had do

Deffo worth asking the midwife! That is what they are there for!!!