Varicose veins..TMI warning..

[xQuinnx]

I apologise in advance for this but I'm too embarrassed to ask anyone about this face to face!
I'm aware that you can get varicose veins in pregnancy but I presumed this would be on your legs....one has appeared *eh hem* on my lady parts! I was pretty grossed out and not sure if this is normal at 25 weeks pregnant?
Are there any 'dos and don'ts' of varicose veins and pregnancy?

 

[Mrsturner]

Is it definitely a varicose vein? Could it be a stretch mark? x

 

[xQuinnx]

It's sort of a bluefish colour and is raised...:-/

 

[cflower04]

Yes you can get varicose veins down there!

 

[xQuinnx]

Is there anything I can do to help? Or anything that might make it worse?

 

[Mrsturner]

I found this online. It seems there isn't a great deal you can do to get rid of them xx

https://www.vulval-varicose-veins.co.uk

 

[NotNic]

Definitely a pregnancy thing. You need to make your mw aware as they can cause complications if you tear during labour. I have had a lot of spider / broken veins in my leg and the largest behind my knee is varicosing (goes lumpy but doesn't stay lumpy if I rest it). I have had similar in my bits, but it has happened when the baby is low and putting pressure on down there causing everything to get swollen.

Try to keep your legs raised where possible and sleep on your left hand side to improve blood flow. Varicose veins are horrible and can be uncomfortable, and you have my sympathy.

 

[NotNic]

Additionally try to avoid crossing your legs, wearing tight jeans etc.

 

[RandaPanda]

I feel for you I don't have any "down there" as of yet, but I have some on my legs, and they make me miserable they can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. I'm preparing myself for the fact that I'll probably get them in more private parts than my legs (hemorrhoids are just varicose veins in your butt, after all). The previous poster's advice of sleeping on your left side will bring you some relief, and I sleep with my legs raised above my heart level, so propped up on a big pillow. Drink TONS of water too, because it helps with vein health a bit. There's not tons more you can do though...hope it improves for you...but definitely tell your doctor or MW.