The unglamorous side of pregnancy

[Whatelsecouldibecalled]

I’m currently 23 weeks pregnant with a very much wanted and desperate for ivf baby. Naturally I’m over the moon. Trying to embrace every symptom and side effects. However there is one thing I’m embarrassed about and struggling with so naturally I have turned to the internet. I’ve got really sore itchy skin in my perineum area. I’m not sure what’s cause it and can’t really bend to see. I’ve suffered with constipation and recently really badly. Im having to strain hard to go. I’m worried about piles. I’ve never had piles before so not really sure what I’m looking out or rather feeling out for. My lower vaginal area/outer labia feel swollen but not sure if that’s just the extra blood flow. It’s the itching and soreness that’s driving me mad. I’ve even resorted to asking my poor husband to have a look to see if he can see anything. (Non the wiser!!) it’s definitely the perineum that’s sore as opposed to anus area it’s self. Just below vaginal opening.

I’m absolutely mortified to be going into so much detail so sorry but I do need help!!

Anyone else had this problem???

GP

Yes, go see the GP and get some prune juice.

6 weeks for a ‘non emergency’ appointment with my gp. Was hoping to try and solve the issue or at least relieve it before 6 weeks.

Sorry should have mentioned I am drinking a glass of prune juice a day and taking lactolose. It’s helping a little but still not great

I would arrange an emergency GP appointment since the waiting list for a normal one is so long. Given your history of (I assume) fertility issues I wouldn’t risk leaving any symptoms for too long and get the necessary treatment.

Define emergency. Anything life threatening is A&E. Check ups are non emergency.
Surely this qualifies and needing to be seen earlier than later.

It sounds like an infection and an infection is GP emergency.

Thanks All. I’ll try and get past the receptionist again tomorrow but she was having non of it today

Maybe a thrush?

I would definitely go again and insist even lie and exaggerate the symptoms to be able to speak to a doctor...

Hope everything goes well x

You're supposed to wait for treatment for a very uncomfortable condition for 6 weeks? I'd complain.
And possibly end up in A&E if not seen within a few days.

Hi OP, it may well be nothing at all but just tell the receptionist that you're pregnant and potentially have an infection. When she presses you for more information just tell her you don't wish to discuss it with her and would either like an appointment or a call back from a GP. Good luck

@Whatelsecouldibecalled I find it is easier to get an appointment if you physically stand in front of the receptionist and ask. Much harder to say no to your face than on the phone, if popping down there is an option.

@Whatelsecouldibecalled

I’m 24 weeks and have had a nightmare pregnancy. Tell the receptionist you’re pregnant and it stings/hurts when you urinate- you worry it could be a water infection. They will give you an emergency apt as potential water infections have to be seen the same day as it could turn into a kidney infection quickly. Then when you get there tell the GP your actual problem.

^ Thats how I’ve gotten emergency apt’s without fail. In fairness the last time I went in for something that ‘wouldn’t have been classed as needing an emergency apt’ I ended up being sent straight to hospital and admitted to antenatal ward for 3 days 😡

What's your underwear like? Could it be tight/causing chafing? I would swap to some comfy cotton m&s numbers for a while.

@WorldsOnFire thanks I’ll try that.

@gingerninja01 good point. I’ve move to the bigger pants instead of a thing but I’ve just realised we changed our washing powder. Maybe it’s as simple as that!!

Can you check with a hand mirror? I’m saying this because one morning when I was pregnant I woke up with really sore labia skin and a bit itchy and feeling swollen, scared of what I was gonna see down there - I was sure there would be a horrible rash or something - and there was nothing. It looked completely normal. Maybe slightly noticeably swollen, but just down to blood flow. Perineum could be the same, it’s all the same area. I wouldn’t worry too much but maybe mention to your midwife at least if you think you can’t get a gp appointment.

@pinkblueberry yes have looked with a hand mirror. Nothing noticeable at all. Not even red. Just looks a little swollen but like you said perhaps blood flow.

Do what @WorldsOnFire said. As soon as I mention I'm pregnant to the receptionist at my surgery they get you an appointment ASAP.

Good luck and I hope they find out what's wrong xx