As we go down the seemingly endless list of pregnancy symptoms, another one that is least talked about is vaginal swelling.
Often presenting itself as large bulging veins much like varicose veins, vaginal swelling is not something pregnant women complain a lot on their regular trip to the OBGYN.
Here’s what you should know if you have this condition and what you can do about it.
Is There a Medical Term for Vaginal Swelling?
Vaginal swelling is known in the medical community as ‘vulvar varicosities’.
These develop when veins in the vaginal area can become swollen and twisted, similar to varicose veins that commonly occur in the legs.
The condition occurs both in pregnant and non-pregnant women.
Vulvar varicosities are relatively rare compared to other common pregnancy symptoms and are usually harmless.
Other than the fact that they can be visually unpleasant, they may also be mildly uncomfortable.
However, in severe cases, they may require medical attention.
Many women may not be familiar with vulvar varicosities or may feel ashamed about discussing their symptoms with healthcare providers.
This lack of awareness and understanding can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Educating women about the signs and symptoms of vulvar varicosities can empower them to seek medical advice and receive appropriate care.
Can Pregnancy Cause Vaginal Swelling?
Yes, pregnancy can indeed cause vaginal swelling.
This swelling is primarily due to both anatomical and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.
The increased blood volume during pregnancy contributes to the development of vulvar varicosities.
As the uterus expands, it puts pressure on the veins in the pelvic area. This makes it harder for blood to return to the heart.
The increased pressure on the private region (most especially the vagina) can cause the veins to become dilated and swollen.
This is what causes the tell-tale bluish varicose veins you normally see on the legs.
Another culprit is of course, hormonal changes.
The increase in certain pregnancy hormones, most notably progesterone levels, relaxes the walls of the blood vessels. This makes the pelvic area more prone to swelling.
As the baby grows and puts more pressure on the pelvic floor, vulvar varicosities may increase.
But you don’t see this until during the later stages of pregnancy, i.e. the second and third trimesters.
Vaginal swelling typically resolves on its own after childbirth as the body gradually returns to its pre-pregnancy state.
After childbirth, the pressure on the veins in the pelvic area decreases, allowing the veins to regain their normal size and function.
However, in some cases, the veins may not fully return to their pre-pregnancy state, and vulvar varicosities may persist.
Does Every Pregnant Mother Experience Vaginal Swelling?
It is challenging to determine the exact prevalence of vaginal swelling during pregnancy because vulvar varicosities often go undiagnosed.
This can be due to their sensitive location, women’s reluctance to seek medical advice.
The condition is also not typically known to present any painful or uncomfortable symptoms.
So, that’s another reason why many women prefer not to get it checked.
That said, studies show vulvar varicosities occur between 22%–34% of pregnant women.
They are more common it seems in women who have had two or more full-term pregnancies.
If you have a family history of varicose veins, you may also be more susceptible to developing vulvar varicosities.
The repeated stretching and pressure on the veins in the pelvic area during each pregnancy can weaken the vein walls. This increases the likelihood of dilated veins.
Women who have experienced significant weight gain during pregnancy are also at risk.
However, many cases of vaginal swelling are mild, presenting as small blue veins in the private area.
It normally does not progress in any way that requires serious medical attention.
In fact, many women may not recognise the symptoms or may attribute them to other common pregnancy-related discomforts.
This lack of awareness can result in underreporting and delayed diagnosis.
What Are the Symptoms of Vaginal Swelling in Pregnancy?
The symptoms of vaginal swelling during pregnancy can vary.
However, the tell-tale signs are varicose veins in the private region.
This colouration is due to the deoxygenated blood pooling in the dilated veins.
You will find that they look similar to the appearance of varicose veins elsewhere in the body.
The pooling of blood in the dilated veins can cause them to bulge and become more visible.
The appearance of these veins can be distressing for women and may affect their self-esteem and body image.
These blueish veins typically appear between 12 to 24 weeks of gestation around the vaginal area.
This includes the vulva, but can extend to the labia minora and labia majora as well.
The likelihood of experiencing this condition increases with each subsequent pregnancy.
Other rare symptoms may accompany vulvar varicosities.
These include pelvic discomfort, a sensation of vulvar pressure, itching (pruritus), and a feeling of prolapse.
The sensation of vulvar pressure is another common symptom of vulvar varicosities.
You may feel a constant or intermittent heaviness or fullness in the vulvar area.
This pressure is often described as a dragging or pulling sensation.
The pressure may worsen with physical activity or prolonged periods of standing or sitting.
Pruritus, or itching, is a symptom that can be particularly bothersome if you have vulvar varicosities.
The stretched skin over the swollen veins can become itchy. This itching can be exacerbated by heat, humidity, or tight clothing.
Vulvar varicosities can also be associated with other conditions, such as superficial dyspareunia and vulvodynia.
Superficial dyspareunia refers to pain during intercourse that occurs at the entrance of the vagina, making sexual activity uncomfortable.
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition that affects the vulva and can cause significant discomfort and distress.
Can Pregnancy Vaginal Swelling Be Dangerous?
Severe vulvar varicosities during pregnancy are rare but can pose risks.
The first is the risk of haemorrhage during childbirth.
The presence of swollen and dilated veins in the vaginal area can make it more prone to bleeding during delivery. and other potentially fatal complications..
Another one is venous thromboembolic events.
Venous thromboembolic events, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), are serious complications that can arise from varicose veins, including vulvar varicosities.
DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs. They can travel to the lungs, causing a PE.
These conditions can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Another condition that is similar to vulvar varicosities, but much more rare, is vulvar oedema. This is when there is an excess of liquid accumulating in the vaginal area.
Vulvar oedema refers to the excessive accumulation of fluid in the vulvar tissues, leading to significant swelling.
This condition can be indicative of serious medical conditions such as preeclampsia, which is pregnancy high blood pressure that can damage organs such as the liver and kidneys.
If it happens abruptly and in a severe way, it can be a sign of a serious medical condition such as eclampsia.
Preeclampsia requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications for both the mother and the baby.
Prompt diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to ensure the wellbeing of the pregnant woman and her unborn child.
What Can Mums Do About Vaginal Swelling?
You cannot truly prevent vulvar varicosities.
However, several treatments can help manage the condition.
In normal non-pregnant cases, treatments for varicose veins include sclerotherapy, phlebectomy, ablation, and various lifestyle changes.
Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the affected veins to close them off and redirect blood flow to healthier veins.
Phlebectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing the affected veins through small incisions.
These treatments are typically reserved for severe cases or when symptoms persist after pregnancy.
It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of these treatments with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Unfortunately, a majority of these medical treatments are not suitable for pregnant women, as they may pose risks to the baby.
Therefore, it is best to postpone such treatments until after childbirth.
In the meantime, lifestyle changes can provide some relief.
For example, wearing compression underwear or pelvic support garments can help alleviate symptoms by providing additional support. Compression stockings can help improve blood flow and reduce swelling.
Elevating the legs whenever possible can help reduce pressure in the veins.
Limit activities that exacerbate symptoms, such as standing or walking for long periods. Especially during the second and third trimesters.
While exercise may improve varicose veins in non-pregnant individuals, it can aggravate vulvar varicosities in pregnant women.
Therefore, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any exercise regimen during pregnancy.
Certain exercises, such as swimming or prenatal yoga, may be beneficial.
They promote gentle movement and improve blood circulation without putting excessive pressure on the veins.
Easing the Swelling
While vulvar varicosities or vaginal swelling during pregnancy can be uncomfortable and distressing.
But by observing the strategies and treatments mentioned above, you can help manage your symptoms.
Adopting lifestyle changes can significantly alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.
However, seeking medical advice is still important if you do experience this condition.
Don’t be afraid to talk to your OB-GYN about this sensitive subject.
If they’ve been in the field long enough, there’s nothing that they haven’t seen before.
By raising awareness and promoting open communication, women can be empowered to seek appropriate care and support during their pregnancy journey.
You’ve got this, mummies!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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