Swelling of the labia during pregnancy. Pain in the intimate area during pregnancy. Causes of the occurrence and development of varicose veins of the labia

One of the signs of pregnancy is the moment when the labia swelled during pregnancy. The situation is associated with changes in the body, changes in hormonal levels and an increase in fetal pressure. Another cause of edema is infectious processes that adversely affect the normal development of the child.

Why do the labia swell during pregnancy?

As soon as the egg is fertilized and the fetus begins to form, the body adjusts to this process. Increased production of female hormones begins, swelling of the labia appears during pregnancy, slight itching is possible.

If the labia has increased, then the physiological reasons for such a reaction can be:

  • The growth of the uterus and fetus, which put pressure on the circulatory system of the pelvic organs. Thus, there is a decrease in blood flow, causing an edematous reaction;
  • Swelling due to the deposition of fat, which is the norm during pregnancy;
  • A change in the hormonal background, manifested in the fact that the edema spreads to the large and small lips.
The manifestation of edema due to the physiology and formation of the fetus does not require special medical treatment. Over time, the external organs will return to normal on their own.

Infectious causes of swelling

An increase in the labia during pregnancy is accompanied by various diseases of an infectious nature. In the first days after conception, a woman's immunity decreases, a sharp restructuring of the body contributes to the development of fungi and harmful bacteria in the microflora of the vagina, which provokes the occurrence of:
  1. Candidiasis or thrush, manifests itself only with a lack of the immune system. Candida fungi are always present in the vaginal mucosa, but under certain circumstances they begin to multiply intensively, which causes abundant curdled discharge, itching and swelling of the lips.
  2. Gandarella, trichomanas and other pathogenic diseases manifest themselves in a weakened body. These pathologies are characterized not only by swelling, but also by itching, as well as discharge with an unpleasant odor.
  3. Vulvovaginitis is caused by an inflammatory process in the vagina and is characterized by a strong burning sensation in the perineum, gray discharge and external edema.
  4. Bartholinitis occurs due to inflammation of the Bartholin glands. With such a pathology, the lips not only swell, but also acquire a brown color.
If an infectious process in the vagina is suspected, urine and blood tests are prescribed, a swab is taken from the vagina. You may need to consult highly specialized endocrinologists and urologists.

How to treat swelling of the labia during pregnancy?

If a situation arises as a result of which the labia is swollen during pregnancy, you should immediately consult a doctor. Treatment of infectious processes involves the use of topical preparations (ointment, suppositories) to prevent the reproduction of pathogenic microflora and destroy pathogens. The use of antibiotics during gestation is not recommended, as they can harm the development of the fetus.

If left untreated, diseases lead to the development of defects in the child, and can also provoke a miscarriage or missed pregnancy. Therefore, you should not wait until the symptoms pass on their own, so as not to cause negative consequences.

You can reduce swelling before visiting a medical facility using folk methods using baths with the addition of a small amount of soda. Healing plants have an anti-inflammatory effect - chamomile flowers, string or calendula.

To prevent edema, regular intimate hygiene is required, adherence to a rest and activity regime, it is worth wearing underwear only from natural fabrics so as not to irritate delicate skin.

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.

The period of bearing a child is accompanied by many changes in the body of the expectant mother. Most often, a woman in position is faced with a pathological accumulation of fluid in the lower and upper limbs, in the face, neck and genitals. Such changes disturb the girls and it is quite a logical question why the volume of soft tissues increases, is it dangerous for the health of the child and how to return oneself to its previous shape.

Swelling of the labia during pregnancy is a common occurrence that can be both physiological and pathological. For the timely detection and elimination of pathology, the expectant mother should know which symptoms are the norm and which are a deviation. It is about these nuances that you will learn in this article.

Causes of swelling

After fertilization of the egg, the woman's body begins to undergo serious changes. Vital systems begin to work in an accelerated rhythm, hormone levels change, menstruation disappears, immunity weakens, the size of the uterus, abdomen, etc. increases. All these factors affect the condition of the female body, including the shape, color and size of the labia.

Physiology

If a woman is pregnant, then swelling of the external genital organs may be physiological in nature - this is a normal phenomenon (especially in the early stages of gestation). Swollen labia as a result of:

  • An increase in the embryo and, accordingly, the uterine body - puts pressure on the lower part of the female body, slowing down the process of blood supply, due to which puffiness develops;
  • During the period of bearing a child in the body of a girl, a rapid deposition of fatty tissues begins - this process also provokes an increase in the external genitalia;
  • A change in the hormonal background causes the expansion of the vascular lumens. Due to this, a large amount of blood enters the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe small and large lips, and they, in turn, increase and acquire a bluish tint.


Developed in the course of physiological processes, should not cause any discomfort. This condition is considered normal and does not require therapeutic action.

Pathologies

In addition to natural causes, puffiness can develop as a result of the progression of pathogenic microorganisms. During pregnancy, the performance of the immune system deteriorates, and the girl is more likely to develop such infectious diseases:

  • Thrush (candidiasis)- Candida fungal organisms are constantly in the body of a woman, but with a serious immunodeficiency, they begin to manifest themselves as curd-like vaginal discharge, itching and swelling;
  • Bartholinitis- inflammatory processes in the bartholin glands. The disease manifests itself with a burning sensation in the perineum, the release of a grayish secretion, swelling and blueness of the labia;
  • Gandarella, chlamydia, trichomand, etc.- the progression of such organisms causes burning, itching and a secretion that has a fetid odor;
  • Vulvovaginitis- the area of ​​​​the external genital organs may also swell due to this pathology, which develops due to inflammation of the vagina.

Diseases can be dangerous not only for the expectant mother, but also for the subsequent formation of the fetus. That is why, in the presence of discomfort, you should immediately contact a gynecologist who will prescribe an effective and safe method of therapy.

Other factors

In addition to the physiological and pathological provocateurs of puffiness, the external genitalia also often swell as a result of:

  • Incorrect and inconsistent compliance with the rules of intimate hygiene;
  • Wearing underwear made from synthetic materials. Uncomfortable panties can also adversely affect a girl's intimate area;
  • Psycho-emotional disorders, constant depression and stress;
  • Violation of the microflora in the vagina;
  • Individual intolerance to personal hygiene products (soaps, gels, pads, tampons, etc.);
  • An allergic reaction to some food.

If the genitals have increased for the reasons described, then the woman needs to make some changes in her lifestyle. Doctors recommend consulting a specialist in order to definitely refute the presence of gynecological diseases.

What symptoms are accompanied

If fluid stagnation in intimate areas occurred for natural reasons, then unpleasant symptoms should not be observed. The labia may change shape, color and size.

Sometimes the presence of unobtrusive itching is considered the norm.


Pathological processes are accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • Strong burning sensation;
  • Excessively profuse, unnatural discharge;
  • A fetid odor from the vaginal cavity;
  • Pain in the lower abdomen, which may radiate to the lower back;
  • Itching and burning in the anus;
  • Redness of the genitals;
  • The appearance of small formations in the intimate area.

Such signs indicate that a dangerous disease is progressing in the body and you should immediately visit the gynecological office.

Diagnostics


If there are uncomfortable sensations in the vaginal area, and the labia is swollen during pregnancy, then doctors perform the following diagnostic procedures:

  • General laboratory examination of urine and blood fluid;
  • Blood chemistry;
  • Examination of secretory fluid;
  • Colposcopy.

Based on the results of the examination, the doctor determines the ongoing disease and prescribes treatment.

How to treat swelling

Therapeutic measures for swelling of the intimate zone are selected individually for each patient. Therapy depends entirely on the progressive disease, the health of the expectant mother, the gestational age and the condition of the embryo.

If, during the bearing of the fetus, the labia swelled as a result of any gynecological disease, then the doctor, first of all, prescribes treatment to eliminate it, and then prescribes drugs to relieve symptoms.

During the period of bearing a child, the fight against pathological processes should be as safe as possible for the fetus and mother, doctors, in such cases, prefer means that include natural ingredients (herbs, flowers and fruits).

The use of pharmacological drugs is prescribed only in emergency situations.

To eliminate symptoms, doctors prescribe local or oral use of folk decoctions, ointments, suppositories and infusions based on:

  • Chamomile;
  • cranberries;
  • Melissa;
  • celandine;
  • marigolds;
  • Series.

The use of any folk remedies should be agreed with the attending doctors. Self-treatment often turns out to be ineffective or, conversely, only leads to a deterioration in the condition of the expectant mother and her baby.

Preventive measures

To prevent excessive accumulation of fluid in the external genital area, experts recommend adhering to the following prevention rules:

  • Carefully monitor intimate hygiene;
  • Eliminate excessively salty and spicy foods from your diet;
  • Give preference to comfortable underwear made from natural materials;
  • Use only high-quality, hypoallergenic hygiene products;
  • Periodically see a gynecologist;
  • If the slightest deviations and unpleasant signs appear, immediately visit the gynecological office;
  • Keep an eye on your mental state: spend more time outdoors, in pleasant company, attend calming activities, listen to your favorite music.

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 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 constipation-based disease than others.

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 is swollen during pregnancy, and itching and burning appear 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 is intensifying, and the appearance of the intimate organs is becoming 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 methods of treatment 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 exercises to relieve pain. For example, bending your knees in turn in a supine position or lifting on your toes several times in a row will train the veins and help 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

Edema of the genital organs during pregnancy, as a rule, develops as a result of a violation of the outflow of blood through the main vessels, which are pinched by the enlarged uterus. Another more serious cause of swelling is inflammation of the vagina or vulva.

Swelling of the genital organs during pregnancy, as a rule, is due to some physiological changes: changes in the hormonal background, features of local blood flow, an enlarged uterus and a growing fetus. Such causes cannot be radically eliminated; after delivery, the problem disappears spontaneously.

However, other, more serious causes of genital edema during pregnancy are possible, namely:

  • phlebeurysm;
  • bartholinitis;
  • vulvovaginitis;
  • candidiasis;

In this case, it is necessary to consult an obstetrician-gynecologist in order to alleviate the discomfort and prevent the process from worsening.

Physiological changes

During pregnancy, there is an accumulation of adipose tissue in the genital area in order to facilitate the passage of the child through the birth canal. Such an increase in the size of the large and small labia can be regarded as edema.

In addition, true swelling of the external genital organs may occur due to a violation of the outflow of blood. As the pregnancy progresses, the growing uterus compresses the blood vessels in the pelvic area. This is especially true for women of small stature and low nutrition. The outflow of venous blood is mainly disturbed, since the wall of the veins is less elastic.

It is impossible to radically eliminate the changes that have arisen during the time. As a rule, disturbances of local blood flow and fatty deposits disappear on their own without additional external influence after delivery.

Swelling of the labia can be reduced if you perform simple preventive measures, namely:

  • wearing loose-fitting underwear made from natural fabrics;
  • regular toilet of the intimate area;
  • proper organization of work and rest, with regular rest in a horizontal position lying on your side.

Phlebeurysm

During pregnancy, there is a change in local blood flow in the pelvic area, which can provoke the formation of varicose veins. This condition is characterized by swelling of the small and large lips, reddening of the skin with a bluish tinge, pain of moderate intensity, which usually increase during urination and defecation, during sexual intercourse.

Treatment of swelling of the labia caused by varicose veins during pregnancy does not require special measures. It is necessary to observe the rules of personal intimate hygiene, to exclude traumatization of the external genital organs in order to prevent violation of the integrity of the vein and subsequent bleeding. In rare, especially severe cases, the use of local agents (troxevasin ointment, heparin ointment) is indicated to improve local blood flow and a hemostatic sponge to stop bleeding from a damaged vein.

Bartholinitis

This is an inflammatory process that covers specific glands that are located in the thickness of the small and large labia and produce a lubricant for the mucous membrane. With bartholinitis, there is a pronounced swelling of the inflamed gland, pain and redness of the skin, which can be aggravated by walking or prolonged sitting.

Treatment of bartholinitis involves either surgical opening of the inflamed gland, or the use of antibiotics. During pregnancy, topical antibiotics are usually recommended. The appointment of systemic forms is indicated only when the expected benefit to a pregnant woman outweighs the possible risk to the fetus. The safest penicillin preparations during pregnancy can be used.

Vulvovaginitis

This is an inflammatory process that extends to the external genitalia and partly to the vagina. In this case, the woman notes:

  • moderate pain in the perineum, which may increase during intercourse and when walking;
  • swelling of small and large labia;
  • redness of the skin of the perineum;
  • excessive dryness or, conversely, the appearance of abundant secretions of a serous or purulent nature.

Treatment of vulvovaginitis is aimed at eliminating the manifestations of inflammation and the destruction of the microbial flora that provoked it. For this, local irrigations (medicinal herbs such as chamomile, calendula), ointments (tetracycline and others) or, less often, suppositories are prescribed. To exclude possible harm to the unborn child, systemic antibiotics are prescribed extremely rarely.

Candidiasis

Fungal infection of the external and internal genital organs is often exacerbated during pregnancy. This is due to the natural decrease in the immunity of the female body.

In this case, the woman notes not only swelling of the genital organs, but severe itching in the perineum, the presence of white-yellow curdled discharge from the vagina.

You should consult with your doctor to determine the safest tactics for treating an exacerbation of candidiasis. As a rule, local agents based on fluconazole or clotrimazole are prescribed. It is recommended to take multivitamin complexes to maintain the balance of the immune system.