varicose veins in bad places

[marl]

sorry for the unglamorous topic but having had restless legs in the evening and a first varicose vein in my leg this third pregnancy, my midwife now tells me I have them in my labia - and if they get worse I won't be able to have a home birth, which has sent me into complete panic. Anyone else experienced this. Any tips on what to do to ensure it doesn't get worse. Heard mention of 'special knickers' on the internet but the gp has never heard of them. Midwife has suggested flight socks, gp has prescribed full length ones. Am beginning to feel like I'm about 70! Any information very very gratefully received. I'm not convinced my midwife is overly well informed on this one.

I have one, tis very big and horrible, aches like hell and I'm looking forward to it shrinking away!

Why would it affect a home birth?

I've had mine since about 12 weeks and now at 34 it's not got worse, it aches more than it did back then though. I didn't do anything to stop it getting worse as midwife had no advice other than "don't over do it".

I had vaginal varices in my 2nd pregnancy, and they were never considered a problem. Had home birth as palnned, and as promised, the varices disappeared as soon as I gave birth. Cannot see how they would affect your chances of a HB?????

Bugger, I meant planned

Ah Catbus, that's good to hear. Apparently it's if it/they get bigger and rupture. She said I wouldn't even be able to go to the midwifery led unit but would have to go to the main hospital if they had concerns nearer the time. All a long way from the last birth which was totally lovely at home - which is why I'm in such a state about it now as I guess she's the person that has the final say.

hi Marl, you probably already know this, but nettle tea is fantastic for blood circulation and so helps reduce varices, it's full of iron and calcium too, it might help. Good luck, Oh, and lots of walking!

my friend suggested putting some witch hazel on a sanitary pad, popping it in the freezer briefly, and wearing that. Not only is it soothing but helps reduce it. I dont have varicose veins but i am very swollen down there, to the point where it hurts if i sit on the loo! i'm now at the point where i have to 'hold my bits in' using some toilet paper as the pressure is just too much.

I have these!

I hadn't heard of them, but the lovely ladies here gave some fab advice. There are pants! And they go away after birth!
I'll look for the thread!

ta da!

FWIW I have booked a homebirth, despite my fanjo looking like a road atlas of the midlands. I'd question your MS's logic on that one.

Wow. Not only full leg support tights, pillow under my feet in bed, into my less glam maternity big clothes that I think at the beginning of every pregnancy 'no way will I wear those' but now something that resembles a jock strap that costs $62. Made me smile. But thanks for the info. Boots have given me a number for 'pants' but if they resemble these there is no way I will be changing in any public swimming pool changing rooms. HA HA