Red irritated vulval skin 8 and a half weeks pregnant

[Wireless77]

Hello, this is TMI, but wondering if anyone can share good advice. I will be 9 weeks on Sunday and for a few weeks now my vulval skin seems irritated and is sore. It does not feel internal at all, but around the entrance and upwards if that makes sense. I'm on long term antibiotics and use Canestan pessaries weekly or as required to keep thrush away. However this does not feel like thrush at all. My swabs about 5 weeks ago were all clear. Could antibiotics cause such skin reaction? Or could it be pregnancy/hormones related? Been using 1% hydrocortisone ointment for a few days and it seems to make the skin look better, but I don't think this can be used for more than a week? My consultant said it's ok to use it now and then, but I'm obviously worried. Any similar experiences/ suggestions would be appreciated

I spent most of my second pregnancy sore and from about 26 weeks very swollen. It was all fine after a few weeks post partum

Thanks @sproutsnbacon. It's scary to think I may have to put up with it for another 7 months... But good to know it can be normal and simply part of pregnancy.

I had similar throughout my pregnancy, I think it’s hormones causing dryness. I found using a vaginal moisturiser helped when it was really uncomfortable

Thanks, @Sunshine1235!