Why do the labia swell during pregnancy. Varicose veins of the genital organs during pregnancy. Causes of appearance on the labia

When pregnancy occurs, the labia changes. Some specialists in changing the color of the labia can determine that the patient will soon become a mother. But often such transformations cause discomfort to a woman. The labia swell, swell, become inflamed and hurt. Sometimes these symptoms are accompanied by itching and profuse discharge.

What to do in these cases and how to distinguish normal physiological processes from diseases?

The labia during pregnancy, like most other organs of a woman, change. Some of the changes are normal, physiological.

For example, in the early stages they become a different color: they darken, and sometimes turn purple and turn blue. This symptom is not a cause for concern and is rarely detected.

Another thing is if there is swelling, pain and inflammation of the labia during pregnancy. Such manifestations cannot go unnoticed, as they cause tangible discomfort. Most often this can be seen in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.

Against the background of hormonal changes, there is an increase in blood circulation in the pelvic organs, and the labia increase in size and become more elastic.

Intense pain, itching and vaginal discharge signal the development of the disease. In such cases, urgent medical attention is required.

What causes labia pain?

If the labia hurts during pregnancy, then most likely this is due to an inflammatory disease. Most often, bartholinitis and is diagnosed. Pain also occurs in infectious diseases, but in such cases, other symptoms come first.

Bartholinitis is an inflammation of specific glands located in the tissues of the labia. They produce a lubricant that protects the mucous membrane. With the disease, swelling and pain appear, the skin turns red. The symptoms are aggravated by walking and sitting for a long time.

Labia during pregnancy can hurt due to vulvovaginitis. In this disease, inflammation covers the external genitalia and part of the vagina.

The pain is moderate, aggravated during walking and sexual intercourse. There is also swelling of the labia, redness of the skin, sometimes purulent or serous discharge.

Causes of edema

Swelling of the labia during pregnancy may actually be an accumulation of adipose tissue in the external genitalia. This physiological mechanism facilitates the process of childbirth - it is easier for the child to pass through the birth canal.

The true swelling of the labia during pregnancy is due to circulatory disorders. They occur towards the end of the term, when the uterus compresses nearby vessels. The outflow of venous blood is worse, since the walls of these vessels are less elastic.

Varicose veins of the labia

In the pelvis, it can manifest itself through moderate pain, swelling of the labia minora and labia majora, and a change in their color to cyanotic red. In the future, varicose veins are formed. Pain is aggravated during urination, defecation and sexual intercourse.

The cause of this disease is a violation of local blood circulation. In the early stages, it can be caused by hormonal changes, in which there is a decrease in the tone of the smooth muscles of the organs. In the later ones - a growing uterus, squeezing nearby blood vessels.

Itching in the vagina

If the labia itch during pregnancy, then this indicates the development of an infection. If this symptom is found, especially in combination with yellow or green discharge, you should consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Most often, itching and white plaque on the labia during pregnancy causes a fungal infection -. The disease develops against the background of a woman's reduced immunity. The discharge is cheesy, with a sour smell, worse in the morning. There is also redness and irritation of the skin, mucous membranes.

The color of the labia during pregnancy

Changing the color of the labia during pregnancy is most often not a cause for concern. From week 10, they may acquire a bluish or purple hue. This is due to increased blood flow in the pelvic area.

In the later stages, the child squeezes the vessels located nearby, and venous blood stagnation occurs. In such a situation, the labia turn blue and swell a little. Both of these conditions resolve after childbirth and do not require treatment.

If there is redness of the labia in combination with itching, pain, swelling, and even more abundant discharge, then you should consult a doctor. The complex of such manifestations indicates an inflammatory and / or infectious disease.

Principles of therapy

When changes in the labia are physiological, do not cause discomfort, there is no need for treatment. It is enough to use cotton underwear, follow the rules of hygiene, and walk daily, do exercises for pregnant women (knee-elbow position, etc.), and rest lying down. This will help prevent the development of congestion in the pelvis.

If there is pain, itching, severe swelling, discharge, then you need to get a specialist consultation. If possible, the treatment of diseases is carried out by folk methods and local preparations (ointments, creams, rectal suppositories). Systemic drugs are prescribed only in severe cases, when other forms are ineffective.

During pregnancy, the labia become bluish or purple, increase in size. These changes are normal, do not cause discomfort and do not require treatment. If you experience pain, severe swelling, itching, burning, discharge and other unpleasant symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

According to statistics, varicose veins of the genital organs in pregnant women often appear - in about a third of women in the position. The risks increase with each subsequent pregnancy, especially if there is a genetic predisposition.

Varicose veins of the pelvic organs are a disease in which the veins of the external genital area expand and pathologically change.

In most cases, the symptoms of the disease disappear after the birth of the child. But sometimes, without adequate treatment, varicose veins progress, which can complicate the course of pregnancy and the process of childbirth itself.

If you suspect a disease, it is important to consult a doctor and choose a treatment strategy. Proper therapy helps to stop the progression of pathology and prevents complications.

Causes

The causes of varicose veins of the genital organs during pregnancy are multilateral. The position itself is a powerful predisposing factor.

Don't wear high heels

Women who are waiting for replenishment experience a strong load on the body, which leads to an exacerbation of existing chronic diseases. The development of pathology becomes a manifestation of general varicose veins or the first signal of disruption of the veins.

Reasons for development:

• increase in circulating blood volume. Increases pressure on blood vessels. Since the walls of the veins have a lower density and elasticity in comparison with the arteries, they suffer in the first place;
• pressure of the growing uterus on the pelvic organs. Leads to a delay in the outflow of blood from the lower extremities;
• weight gain. Increases the load on the blood vessels. Subcutaneous veins, which are not surrounded by muscles, are especially affected;
• an increase in progesterone levels. Its excess worsens the elasticity of blood vessels and contributes to venous congestion.

This is especially true for women who used hormonal drugs before pregnancy or suffered from hormonal disorders.

An important role in the development of the disease is played by the hereditary factor, the nature of nutrition, lifestyle, and work features. For example, overweight, standing or sedentary profession predisposes to the manifestation of pathology during pregnancy.

Symptoms of the disease

The main symptoms of genital varicose veins in women during pregnancy:

• enlargement of large or small lips;
• itching, feeling of fullness in the perineum;
• irritation of the skin in the groin;
• swelling of the saphenous vein;
• discomfort, pain during intercourse.

The feeling of fullness and swelling usually disappear by the end of the first week after childbirth. After a month, the vascular wall returns to normal.

External signs of varicose veins of the genital organs are similar to the disease of the lower extremities. Some symptoms are detected independently, others become visible only with instrumental diagnostics.

prominent veins

The expansion of the veins of the pelvic organs should not be ignored. It is dangerous with the likelihood of ruptures and the development of bleeding during childbirth. Therefore, at the first symptoms, it is recommended to consult a specialist for treatment. It is difficult for women with varicose veins to get pregnant.

Depending on the degree of pathology, the issue of conducting a natural birth or, if indicated, a caesarean section is decided.

Varicose veins of the labia

It is most common during pregnancy, more often manifests itself in the 2nd or 3rd trimester. See how the veins on the labia look like with an illness in the photo.

Consultation with a doctor

Most often, its manifestation is promoted by varicose veins in the legs. Swollen areas appear on the lip (or two), itching, burning, pain, swelling are felt. Especially strong sensations during the toilet or after a long standing.

Doctors note that a significant expansion of the veins of the genital organs during pregnancy creates a certain load on the fetus, which in severe cases threatens with miscarriage. This should not be forgotten by women who are faced with the disease.

Pathology is fraught not only with physical discomfort, but causes psycho-emotional trauma to the pregnant woman. Deformed and darkened labia, large knots of veins may look ugly.

Consultations are needed not only from a phlebologist, but, possibly, from a family psychologist. The first will tell you how to treat pathology during pregnancy. And the second will explain that with proper and timely treatment, the disease will recede after childbirth and the genitals will return to normal again.

On big lips

Varicose veins on the labia majora during pregnancy has bright external manifestations:

1. A soft nodule appears. It's easy to miss at first.
2. It increases with time and is capable of causing obstacles when walking and sitting.
3. Causes discomfort during intercourse.
4. In the absence of treatment, the number of nodules increases.
5. The color and shape of the labia majora change. They darken, turn blue, swell, swell.

A woman herself can detect a disease in herself. When touched, small bumps and nodules are felt. Discomfort in the genital area.

Looks like this

Enlarged veins on the labia can be easily seen by the doctor during the examination. Therefore, the diagnosis of the disease does not cause difficulties and does not require additional instrumental studies.

Vessels are visible in the form of swollen convoluted subcutaneous formations of a bluish color. They protrude below the surface of the dermis.

Changes are also found on the mucous membrane covering the labia. On examination, spider veins are visible.

On small lips

Varicose veins of small lips have the same symptoms during pregnancy as large ones. The only difference is that the venous nodes pop up on the labia minora. Nodules appear, similar to soft swelling.

Gradually, they increase in size, the discomfort increases, and the appearance of the genitals becomes unaesthetic.

Varicose veins of the vagina

This is a more dangerous type of varicose veins during pregnancy. It is characterized by damage to the vessels of the female reproductive system, which is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms.

Veins with this pathology expand in diameter, the vascular walls become thinner. They form nodules that disrupt normal blood flow. Most often occurs in pregnant women who previously suffered from varicose veins.

It is difficult to diagnose the disease on your own. It is worth contacting a gynecologist for examination and palpation.

With an incorrect diagnosis, inadequate therapy or its absence, complications often develop. Therefore, to exclude errors after a visual examination, a woman undergoes an ultrasound examination.

The consequence of the disease can be a thickening of the blood. This is due to the fact that in pregnant women it becomes more viscous. Rarely, pelvic vein thrombosis occurs.

With this type of disease, the main symptoms of varicose veins are:

• complaints about the lower extremities and pelvis, for example, muscle cramps, a feeling of heaviness in the legs;
• problems with the urinary system: oliguria, frequent urination;
• flatulence, constipation;
• pain in the lower abdomen.

Compression underwear

The expansion of the veins is not an obstacle to natural childbirth. But doctors prefer to do a caesarean section in situations where varicose veins progress rapidly, and the nodes greatly increase in size.

In most cases, timely treatment helps to eliminate the problem even before childbirth. After the birth of the baby, the factors provoking the pathology disappear, so the disease goes away.

In rare cases, when the disease is running, additional treatment may be needed in the postpartum period.

Important: varicose veins, which manifested itself during the first pregnancy, with a high degree of probability can be in the second. To minimize the risks will help strict adherence to the recommendations of the attending physician and preventive measures.

Varicose veins of the vulva

During pregnancy, it may not have pronounced symptoms, manifested mainly by pain in the lower abdomen. The only reliable method for diagnosing the disease is an examination using an ultrasound machine.

Among the symptoms of varicose veins of the vulva are also distinguished:

• sudden mood swings;
• itching in the groin;
• the appearance of dryness and age spots.

In the later stages, a distortion in the shape of the labia, spider veins and nodules on them is noticeable. See photo.

Must be treated

These processes during pregnancy often lead to damage to the vessels of the uterus and pose a threat to the condition of the fetus. Vulvar varicose veins, if left untreated, can lead to one of the most dangerous complications - rupture of the vaginal veins and severe bleeding. Doctors advise giving birth by caesarean section.

Varicose veins of the perineum

During pregnancy, it occurs in a third of all cases of varicose veins. The uterus with a growing fetus is the main cause leading to compression of the main veins. The following symptoms appear:

• expansion of veins in the area of ​​the perineum, vulva, vagina;
• feeling of heaviness, itching;
• swelling of the genital organs;
• intense, bursting from the inside pain;
• acute form of varicothrombophlebitis;
• rupture of blood vessels and severe bleeding.

The intensity of bleeding is spontaneous. Often they are provoked by sexual intercourse or the onset of childbirth. It is difficult to stop it, as it is caused by high blood pressure.

The simplest solution

Varicose veins recovery
the doctor has a manifestation of a vein
linen preservation

Treatment Methods

Before treating varicose veins, the patient must undergo a comprehensive diagnosis. In addition to visual inspection, specialized studies are carried out:

• dopplerography - detects vascular formations, helps to determine the nature of blood flow;
• Ultrasound with abdominal and transvaginal sensors;
• phlebography - assessment of the functionality of vein valves;
• laparoscopy - to detect pathological abnormalities.

Despite the fact that in most cases the disease recedes after childbirth, treatment helps prevent complications and alleviate the condition of the expectant mother.

A popular type of correction is sclerotherapy. The procedure involves the introduction of a special adhesive solution into the affected veins, which stops the progression of the disease.

The duration of therapy depends on the type and severity of the disease. After sclerotherapy, a woman is prescribed tonic drugs:

• Detralex;
• Lyoton;
• Heparin;
• Flkbody;
• Troxerutin etc.

An important point in the fight against the disease is the wearing of compression underwear. It tones the veins, squeezing the affected areas.

To prevent the development of pathology during pregnancy, prevention will help:

• restriction on spicy and salty foods;
• lack of excessive physical activity;
• observance of the regime of rest and sleep;
• performing therapeutic exercises recommended by the doctor;
• weight control;
• wearing a bandage. It will save the pelvic organs from the pressure of the enlarged uterus;
• observance of intimate hygiene, wearing underwear made from natural materials.

If you notice that your labia has changed color, then we advise you to first take a pregnancy test, and then, possibly, visit a gynecologist. Because such symptoms are highly likely to indicate that conception occurred in the last menstrual cycle of a woman.

There are hardly many girls who regularly examine the color of their labia, but it is quite possible to notice such a change. Moreover: some couples notice this sign very first, not even suspecting that pregnancy could have occurred. All in all, it's definitely worth talking about.

Every healthy sexually mature woman regularly matures an egg, ready to potentially become the mother of an unborn child. This happens to everyone at different times, but most often - approximately in the middle of the menstrual cycle every or almost every month. After the release of the egg from the mature follicle, that is, after ovulation, the level of the progesterone hormone that has risen by this moment remains high, creating favorable conditions for the onset and maintenance of pregnancy.

This will continue throughout the first trimester of pregnancy, and against the background of such hormonal changes, a pregnant woman can feel and observe a wide variety of signs of pregnancy, many of which sometimes seem unexpected or strange. These symptoms include changes in the labia in the earliest stages.

In particular, both small and large labia in a pregnant woman from the first days can increase in size and change their color. This is due to increased blood circulation in the pelvic organs, which is necessary for the full supply of the fetus with oxygen and useful substances that come with the blood.

For this reason, the labia of a pregnant woman can swell, increase in size, and swell. Such changes are noticeable from the first weeks, but also often appear only by the second or third trimesters. As the duration of pregnancy increases, the muscle tissues in the body of the expectant mother become more elastic and elastic, and the labia is also among them.

With a tendency to varicose veins and thrombophlebitis in the area of ​​the labia during pregnancy, seals may occur, nodes - growing veins appear. This situation should not be ignored. Although this, as a rule, does not pose a great danger, there are still some risks, and therefore, if inflamed areas in the labia area are found, this should definitely be told to the doctor. The same applies to other formations on this organ: rashes, erosions, seals.

In addition to size, the color of the labia often changes during pregnancy. And that shouldn't scare you.

Crimson, dark red labia during pregnancy

It should be noted that the color of the labia is different for all women, and for each of them it can change at different periods of life. This feature is very individual, and can vary in different colors and shades - from beige to black, from pale light to very dark or saturated.

Most all women usually have pink labia. But no matter what color you have, and with the onset of pregnancy, their color and shade may change.

Previously pale or dull red labia after conception often become intensely red, purplish, dark, as if inflamed. Do not worry: such changes, as we have already said, are the absolute norm if, in addition to them, there are no “suspicious” vaginal discharge, itching, burning, and other pathological symptoms.

Also, one should not be surprised if only one labia changes color during pregnancy, and the second remains unchanged: this also happens normally.

Blue labia during pregnancy

Blueness of the labia during pregnancy is a very common early sign. As a rule, at about the same time, the areolas of the nipples on the chest also darken: sometimes they also turn blue, but more often they acquire a dark brown color. A venous mesh on the chest may also appear.

Blue labia in a pregnant woman can also become with varicose veins, which is observed in about a third of women who become pregnant for the first time and in most of the re-pregnant women. The risk group includes overweight pregnant women and women who are genetically predisposed to this.

Most often, this condition is temporary and harmless: shortly before or shortly after childbirth, it passes on its own. But sometimes the blue labia during pregnancy begin to hurt and bleed, which you need to tell the doctor about. He will prescribe you an anti-inflammatory ointment, and also recommend wearing special compression underwear without seams, not sitting up and not standing in one place for a long time, move more and lie only on your side.

Also note that blue tissue in this area can occur even in non-pregnant women due to wearing tight synthetic underwear, aggressive sex, very early onset of sexual activity, and also with age.

Black labia during pregnancy

Sometimes on the forums you can find messages that in women during pregnancy, the labia became very dark, almost black. This frightens and excites some of them, but there is no cause for concern.

The color of the labia during pregnancy can actually not only darken greatly, but really become gray or black. Moreover: approximately 2-3% of fair-skinned women in the world have such a color of the mucous membranes in the perineum as their normal norm.

If, apart from color, nothing else bothers you, then there is no need to worry. If you are still not sure about your pregnancy, then when changing the color of the labia, you should dot the "i": it's time to buy a test.

Especially for - Ekaterina Vlasenko

During pregnancy, changes are observed throughout the female body. The same applies to the genitals. In some cases, change is not harmful at all, and some symptoms indicate that medical attention is needed.

Darkening of the labia or the so-called cyanosis appears already 10-12 days after conception. This process is considered by gynecologists as a sign of pregnancy, when at an early stage it cannot yet be determined by manual examination or by ultrasound.

The reason for the darkening of the labia is that during pregnancy, blood flow in the vessels of the small pelvis increases. At a later stage of pregnancy, venous blood stasis may occur due to the fact that the fetus squeezes the vessels. At the same time, the labia may acquire a brighter bluish-crimson hue and swell slightly.

The symptom of blue labia without pain should not cause concern, this is a completely normal condition that goes away after childbirth.

If, in addition to changing the color of the labia, there is pain, severe swelling, itching, a doctor's consultation is necessary. This may be a symptom of inflammation or infection.

Labia during pregnancy - swollen or sore

Quite often, women note that during pregnancy, the labia is swollen or sore. This happens for various reasons: a change in hormone levels, sitting in an uncomfortable position for a long time, improperly selected underwear, etc.

In addition, the body begins to produce relaxin - a hormone that is responsible for relaxing the ligaments of the inguinal region and prepares the body of the expectant mother for childbirth. As a result, the pressure of the fetus increases and pain, heaviness in the labia may occur.

If there is swelling of the labia during pregnancy, you need to consult a doctor. This may be the result of increased blood circulation in the pelvis. Then this process is normal and does not require any treatment.

Other causes of swelling of the labia: infectious diseases, such as genital herpes or thrush. With timely diagnosis, these problems are successfully treated, do not harm the mother and fetus. Another reason why the labia swells during pregnancy may be varicose veins.

Phlebeurysm

This symptom in most cases disappears after childbirth. During pregnancy, varicose veins may be a manifestation of already existing problems with the veins in the future mother, or may be the first sign of the disease.

Varicose veins of the labia during pregnancy occurs as a result of impaired venous circulation in the pelvis. This may be due to hormonal failure, large weight gain, vascular hypotension, venous dysfunction, physical inactivity and other factors. The uterus increases in size and presses on the veins of the small pelvis, as a result, the outflow of blood can be disturbed and the load on the vessels of the small pelvis increases.

The veins on the labia during pregnancy thicken and become embossed, protrude strongly. In addition, spider veins, screeds appear on the skin of the labia. A woman feels discomfort, burning, itching, there may be aching pain, “radiating” to the sacrum.

This condition requires medical supervision and treatment. A woman can completely get rid of varicose veins of the labia only after childbirth, but it is impossible to ignore the symptoms of this pathology of pregnancy.

Varicose veins of the labia increase the risk of perineal rupture and the development of severe bleeding during childbirth. Severe varicose veins may even be an indication for a caesarean section if the doctor decides that such a delivery is safer for the mother and fetus.

A pregnant woman should listen to her body. If she notices that the labia has changed during pregnancy or other unusual symptoms, it is advisable to inform the doctor about this. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe timely treatment, which will help alleviate the condition of the pregnant woman and eliminate the risks of complications.

Changing the color of the perineum is a specific sign of pregnancy that not all women know about. This phenomenon in most cases indicates that the fertilization of the egg took place during the last ovulation. It is not always possible to notice such metamorphoses, but it is quite possible. Some couples immediately pay attention to this sign, not even knowing that in nine months they will become happy parents. So, how do the labia change during pregnancy?

Every month in the body of every healthy woman of childbearing age, an egg appears, ready for fertilization. This happens around the middle of the menstrual cycle. After ovulation, when the mature follicle bursts to release the egg, there is a high concentration of the hormone progesterone in the blood, which is necessary for the onset, maintenance and successful course of pregnancy. High progesterone levels will be the entire 1st trimester. On the basis of such a hormonal surge, a pregnant woman may notice certain changes in her body that may seem unusual to her. One of these strange, at first glance, symptoms is a change in the labia in early pregnancy.

Why do the labia change during pregnancy

From the first days after conception, both small and large labia change their appearance. They increase and acquire a more saturated shade due to the fact that blood circulation in the pelvic area increases during the birth of a new life inside a woman. Increased blood flow to the genitals causes swelling of the labia, as well as an increase in their size. Small and large labia can be poured immediately after the onset of pregnancy, although this symptom may appear closer to the second or even third trimester. The longer the period of the “interesting” position, the more dense and elastic the muscle tissue of the female body becomes - the labia also belongs to it. In addition, due to pregnancy, the color of the intimate organs can also change significantly.

The color of the labia during pregnancy

The shade of the genitals is an individual feature, which can change every now and then in different periods of a woman's life: from beige to black, from a pale and light shade to a very bright and saturated one.

Pink and red labia during pregnancy

Many of the fair sex have pink labia. However, with the onset of pregnancy, the picture changes radically: the genitals of a pale or muted red hue acquire a rich red, purple, dark color and look very inflamed. In fact, this is normal, provided that there are no symptoms such as unusual vaginal discharge, itching and burning. It is also not surprising that only one labia has changed, while the second remains the same.

Bluish labia during pregnancy

The acquisition of a bluish hue by the labia is also considered an eloquent sign of pregnancy. As a rule, simultaneously with the appearance of this symptom, the color of the areola of the nipples on the chest also changes: they also become bluish or turn dark brown. Sometimes, after the conception has taken place, a venous network appears on the woman’s chest. After the birth of a child, the color of the labia becomes the same as before pregnancy.

Note that in some cases, the cyanosis of the genital organs has nothing to do with the reproductive sphere. In a non-pregnant woman, the labia may become bluish due to wearing uncomfortable synthetic underwear, intense intimate relationships with aggressive sex, early sexual activity and over the years.

Black labia during pregnancy

Many women are very worried if their labia majora gradually darken and become almost black during pregnancy. However, there is nothing to be afraid of: the acquisition of gray and truly black genital organs during the period of bearing a child is considered the absolute norm. And for some fair-skinned representatives of the weaker sex (approximately 2 - 3%), this color of the perineum is common.

Labia hurt during pregnancy: what to do?

If, after conception, a woman's labia noticeably increase in size and change their usual color to a strange shade, but there are no other suspicious symptoms, the expectant mother has nothing to worry about - everything is fine with her. The situation is completely different if, in the process of developing her pregnancy, a woman experiences any unpleasant or painful sensations in the intimate area. It is necessary to react to what is happening immediately.

There are many specific diseases that, due to certain circumstances, women in position are forced to face. One of these pathologies is varicose veins of the labia during pregnancy. Most often, varicose veins are localized on the legs - clearly visible thick veins appear under the skin, and the legs themselves are very sore and swollen. Expectant mothers face another form of this disease. What to do if during pregnancy varicose veins affected the groin, the outer part of the vagina and the labia? First of all, you need to seek qualified medical help: the doctor will tell you the right solution to the problem.

What is varicose veins of the labia

With a pathology of such a delicate nature, expectant mothers get an appointment with a gynecologist mainly at the final stage of pregnancy, in the third trimester. However, the disease can manifest itself earlier, already at the beginning of the second trimester. In most cases, varicose veins of the labia during pregnancy affect women who are predisposed to varicose veins of the lower extremities.

Finding the problem right away is not easy. Initially, a small soft nodule appears in the tissue of the labia, which does not cause pain to the woman. Against the background of the natural swelling of the labia during pregnancy, it is quite difficult to notice it. Over time, this seal increases in size and begins to hurt. In some cases, the disease disappears soon after the baby is born. However, this does not mean at all that during pregnancy you can ignore this pathology, especially if varicose veins progress. An advanced form of the disease can cause such a complication as varicose veins of the small pelvis, which threatens the health of the mother and her child.

Causes of damage to the veins on the labia during pregnancy

If we are talking about varicose veins of the perineum, it is women who are preparing for motherhood who are the very first at risk. During pregnancy, even a successful one, the body experiences a great load: every month more and more kilograms are added, hormones are “naughty”. The concentration of progesterone and estrogen in the blood increases dramatically, which does not have the best effect on the state of the venous network: the veins become less elastic and easily extensible.

Other factors for the appearance of pain in the labia during pregnancy due to varicose veins are:

1. The uterus, in which the baby “settled”, is constantly growing and exerts strong pressure on the iliac veins and the lower part of the vena cava. Because of this, blood circulation is disturbed in the pelvic organs.
2. Increase in blood volume. So that the child does not experience a deficiency of oxygen and nutrients, the body increases blood production. Veins overflowing with blood are greatly stretched and lose their tone.
3. Chronic inflammatory diseases of the genital organs.
4. A sedentary lifestyle, the need to stay in a sitting or standing position for a long time - this provokes stagnation of blood circulation in the small pelvis.
5. Weight lifting.
6. Physiological pathology in the structure of vein valves and congenital disorders of the structure of the venous walls, a woman's genetic predisposition to varicose veins.
7. Obesity. Due to the set of extra pounds, varicose veins can affect the legs and later spread to the groin.
8. Constipation. A rare woman does not face such a delicate issue while pregnant. Due to an intestinal disorder, tension increases in it, as a result of which the pelvic vessels experience strong pressure. This phenomenon becomes a prerequisite for varicose veins. Women who are preparing to become mothers not for the first time, as well as those whose previous pregnancy was associated with severe complications, are more susceptible to the disease due to constipation.

Varicose veins of the labia - are successful births possible?

A specific disease is not an obstacle to natural childbirth. However, the doctor of a pregnant patient can also opt for a caesarean section if the woman's varicose veins are rapidly gaining momentum and greatly increasing in size. Timely treatment, in most cases, helps to get rid of an unpleasant problem even before childbirth. After the birth of a child, the factors that provoke varicose veins disappear, so the disease goes away on its own, but in very advanced cases, the patient will need additional treatment in the postpartum period. Varicose veins, which manifested itself during the first pregnancy, are likely to make themselves felt when carrying a second baby. To minimize the risk of re-development of pathology, a woman should first of all focus on the recommendations of the attending physician and take all necessary preventive measures.

Symptoms of varicose veins of the labia during pregnancy

Symptoms of the disease appear gradually. A woman should immediately be wary if her labia swelled during pregnancy, and itching and burning appeared in her groin. Unpleasant sensations appear or intensify in the late afternoon, especially if during the day the expectant mother sat or stood for a long time, or was engaged in hard physical labor.

After some time, small nodules form in the tissue of the labia, which outwardly look like swelling. They are soft to the touch. Gradually bulging veins are increasingly pushing these nodules outward, the soreness of the symptoms intensifies, and the appearance of the intimate organs becomes less and less aesthetic.

Discomfort in the genital area causes a lot of inconvenience during pregnancy: itching of the labia prevents a woman from walking, moreover, during movement, prolonged sitting, and even in a dream, the expectant mother experiences severe pain in the perineum. Naturally, sexual contact with a loved one has to be completely excluded. The slightest friction of underwear on the affected area gives the expectant mother severe pain, so she is forced to look for and wear such clothes so that they are minimally adjacent to the skin.

Complications of varicose veins of the labia during pregnancy

If the disease begins to develop too quickly, there is a danger of rupture of the affected veins during delivery and the onset of massive bleeding. Another dangerous complication of varicose veins is varicothrombophlebitis, in which an extensive inflammatory process develops, covering the walls of blood vessels and leading to the formation of blood clots. In severe cases of varicose veins in the perineum, the pregnant patient is prepared for a caesarean section.

Diagnosis of varicose veins of the labia during pregnancy is impossible without visiting a doctor. To find out the cause of pain in the perineum, the expectant mother needs to contact a phlebologist. The specialist will conduct the necessary examination and refer the patient for duplex scanning and ultrasound to determine the exact diagnosis. Only after these procedures, the specialist will be able to prescribe appropriate treatment to the pregnant woman.

Methods for the treatment of varicose veins of the labia during pregnancy

Despite the high probability that the disease will recede on its own after the birth of a child, some treatment methods will still not be superfluous - this way you can prevent complications of the disease and alleviate the general condition of the expectant mother.

One of the most popular options for the correction of varicose veins during the period of bearing a child is sclerotherapy. During the procedure, a special solution is injected into the diseased veins, which “glues” the diseased areas and prevents the varicose veins from spreading further. The duration of the course of treatment depends on the severity of the pathology. After sclerotherapy, the patient is prescribed drugs that increase the tone of the veins: Detralex, Troxerutin, Lyoton, Phlebodia, Heparin, preparations based on ginkgo biloba.

The second important point in the fight against varicose veins during pregnancy is the wearing of special compression underwear to restore the normal state of the affected veins. Special clothing squeezes the affected areas in such a way that the veins acquire the tone they lack. In parallel with wearing compression underwear, you need to master special gymnastics to relieve pain. For example, bending the legs in turn at the knees in a supine position or lifting on toes several times in a row will train the veins and help to constantly keep them in good shape. A specific therapeutic set of exercises will be selected by the doctor, taking into account the individual characteristics of the patient's health.

Prevention of varicose veins of the labia during pregnancy

Preventing the development of varicose veins in the perineum in preparation for motherhood is quite simple. It is only necessary to responsibly approach the implementation of all preventive measures:

• refuse shoes with high heels;
• do not eat salty and spicy foods, as well as foods that contain a lot of vitamin C - this will help to avoid severe swelling;
• avoid heavy physical exertion;
• rest more often during the day;
• regularly perform therapeutic exercises, agreed with the attending physician;
• keep weight under control;
• do not neglect wearing a bandage that will protect the legs and pelvic organs from excessive pressure from a significantly heavier abdomen;
• Responsible attitude to intimate hygiene - take a shower in the morning and evening, use special products in the form of a gel for washing, change underwear daily, opting for materials made from natural fabrics.

Varicose veins in the intimate area is a very unpleasant disease. However, it can be easily cured if the necessary measures are taken in a timely manner. After detecting suspicious symptoms, the expectant mother should immediately consult a doctor. The earlier the treatment of pathology is started, the less likely it is to develop its complicated forms.

Damage to the veins in the groin in a pregnant woman. Video