This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Talk to your doctor or midwife about any symptoms.
This is a subject that generally isn’t openly discussed – it’s no surprise there, really.
But the good news is – Yes, you can reduce symptoms and relieve the pain of vaginal varicose veins.
You’re also not alone if you have them. While vaginal varicose veins, also known as vulvar varicosities, are not widely discussed, many pregnant women experience vein swelling in the vulva or vagina.
We have a whole post concerning Pregnancy and Varicose Veins.
This condition usually happens in pregnancy because of increased blood flow to the pelvis, pressure from the growing uterus, and hormone changes that relax the vein walls. The result is the vagina or vulva developing varicose veins. They often show up around the fourth month and usually go away within about six weeks after birth.
Common symptoms of vaginal varicose veins include:
– Pain in your vulva
– Feelings of pressure or fullness
– Discomfort and swelling
In rare, severe cases, the dilated (full) blood vessels start to resemble swollen and dark purple veins, even reaching the point where they look like large earthworms.
You can’t always prevent vulvar varicose veins, but you can usually ease the swelling and discomfort until they fade after birth. Self-care generally follows five main points.
Compression support garments
Wearing a support garment designed for vulvar varicosities (often a maternity support belt with groin straps) can help support vaginal varicose veins and ease discomfort. Ask your doctor or midwife if you need help finding one. Gentle compression on your vulvar or vaginal varicosities can help reduce swelling, support your swollen veins, and keep blood moving in the pelvic floor area to reduce pooling.
Some support products also include shoulder straps, which some women find even more comfortable. They give your abdomen a lift, further lowering pressure on your pelvic floor.
Avoid long periods of standing
The second step is to avoid standing (or sitting) for long periods of time. Try to take regular breaks that relieve pressure in your pelvis; this can be as simple as a short period of lying down or sitting.
If your job requires standing up, wearing compression supports during working hours is even more important. This will help counteract the pressure from the baby’s added weight, combined with gravity, putting downward force on your varicose veins.
Ideally, ask your employer to give you periods of time during the day when you can change from standing to sitting. If possible, lie down for 10 minutes here and there.
Of course, not all jobs will allow this, but in the US the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related limitations, such as more chances to sit or rest. A note from your obstetrician or midwife that states your needs can help.
Elevate your hips
While lying down, put a pillow under your bottom to elevate your hips. This may help improve blood flow in your pelvic floor area and reduce swelling in the veins. Later in pregnancy, if lying on your back makes you dizzy or uncomfortable, roll onto your side, and go to sleep on your side rather than your back after 28 weeks.
Use cool compresses
Also, when you have a chance to lie down, put some cool compresses on your varicose veins to reduce swelling and ease your pain. Be sure the packs are cooled to refrigerator cool rather than frozen so that they feel relieving and comfortable.
Avoid heavy exertion or lifting heavy objects
While this can be difficult if you have a toddler, you should avoid lifting heavy objects. When talking with your toddler, squat down instead of lifting them, or sit down and ask them to sit on your lap to talk.
Ask someone else for help lifting groceries or other similar heavy objects.
In general, ask others for help!
Often, women are used to being helpers rather than asking for help, but as pregnant women, you must take care of yourself. Plus, you might make someone’s day when you reach out and ask for help.
When to see a doctor
Mention vulvar varicose veins to your doctor or midwife at your next prenatal visit; in most cases they don’t stop you from having a vaginal birth. Contact them promptly if the area becomes very painful, red, hot, or hard, if a vein bleeds, or if you notice pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one leg, which can be a sign of a blood clot. See a doctor too if you have these veins when you’re not pregnant, or if they haven’t gone away a few months after birth, as treatments are available.
Further Information:
Venorex Varicose Vein Cream (a cosmetic cream for leg veins; don’t apply vein creams to the vulva or vagina, and check with your doctor before using any cream while pregnant)
NHS – Varicose veins and other common health problems in pregnancy
Cleveland Clinic – Vulvar Varicosities