Strange swelling and uncomfortable downstairs region

[Wallflower39]

So I’m 30 weeks pregnant and I’ve been complaining for weeks that downstairs feels heavy and I feel that I have something between my legs. I’ve done a self examination this evening and was horrified with how things looked! This is my second child so things have never been particularly pretty but I feel like one side of my labia is swollen and slightly lumpy and the rest of my downstairs is slightly puffy. Is this normal? I never experienced this with first pregnancy and I’m embarrassed to turn up for a dreaded examination with GP. Just wondered if anybody else is experiencing this and if I need to be looked at. Thanks

I've not experienced this but I understand this is common. It's to do with increased blood flow in the body during pregnancy.

It sounds like a varicose vein. I had them too, it will go. Try to put your feet up as much as you can. Cold compress will help too if you're uncomfortable or sore.

Thank you! Another lovely pregnancy symptom!

Thank you this has eased my mind a tad x

Poor you. In pregnancy can get vulval varicose veins - just pressure effect from baby. ? Can you speak to midwife if don’t want to go to GP.
PS I am in awe that you managed to look - even with mirror.

I could have written this exact post! Kept thinking I have a prolapse or something but I think it’s just a combination of body not being what it was first time around and baby sitting low this time so more pressure!

I’ve never really been one to look examine but after my bath i had to investigate to see if there was anything causing this feeling. Thank you! Cannot wait for this baby and to feel slightly more human again x

Yes! Thank you for understanding, honestly it’s made me panic no end. I have always felt baby was lower this pregnancy but this feeling is just too uncomfortable to ignore now! Hope your symptoms subside soon, take care x

I had the same with my first towards the end. The good news was afterwards the sweeping went down and my inner labia shrunk so everything was neater the pre pregnancy!

Sounds like a varicosity or swelling due to the increased blood flow. It can get worse until delivery but ease off postpartum.

Not pleasant, not hugely common but not harmful. Pregnancy eh?