During my second trimester, the discomfort became overwhelming. “There’s a lot of pressure,” I confided to my midwife during our appointment. “You know, down there,” I added with a hint of drama.
“Down there?” my midwife echoed, arching an eyebrow. “You mean your perineum?”
I nodded vigorously. “It feels like everything down there is ready to burst! It’s so swollen, I wouldn’t be surprised if it just decided to drop to my knees.”
Her response was straightforward: “It sounds like you have vulvar varicosities.”
Vulvar what? My inner teenager cringed at the term. Great, I now had varicose veins in my vulva. My midwife explained that this condition resulted from the increased blood flow in the area, compounded by the pressure from my expanding uterus. It was akin to pregnancy hemorrhoids—just in a different location.
The unfortunate truth was that there wasn’t a cure for vulvar varicosities. To alleviate the discomfort temporarily, my midwife recommended a vulvar supporter—thick elastic bands designed to provide lift and support. I hesitated but ultimately ordered one online (there was no way I was buying that in a store). The product resembled a jock strap but with a touch of lace to indicate the front. I stepped into it, trying in vain to see below my burgeoning baby bump.
From across the room, my husband muttered, “Sexy.”
I shot him a look that clearly said, “If you ever want to have any more intimate moments, you’d better zip it now.”
While the supporter did offer some physical relief, I felt emotionally burdened by my situation. What was I supposed to say when someone asked how my pregnancy was going? “My vulvar varicosities are really bothering me today, but thankfully I have my vulvar supporter. What about you?”
Interestingly, my midwife shared that she had experienced the same issue during her pregnancy. It was comforting to know I wasn’t alone and that others were going through similar struggles.
But who were these other women? Outside of my midwife and myself, I had no idea. Pregnant women chatted openly about nausea and cravings as if they were badges of honor, yet no one mentioned vulvar varicosities. Did celebrities like Angelina Jolie or Beyoncé deal with this? Crickets. I trudged through the rest of my pregnancy, encumbered by thick elastic bands, and keeping quiet about my plight.
After my daughter was born, the pressure eased. By my six-week postpartum checkup, my veins had returned to their original state, and the vulvar supporter became a distant memory.
Now, when I ask a pregnant woman how she’s doing, the typical response is “Fine” or “Ugh, morning sickness.” But I can’t help but wonder if, perhaps, she’s also dealing with vulvar varicosities. I’d love to offer her support or at least point her to where she could get a vulvar supporter. For more insights on pregnancy challenges, check out this article on our blog about other women’s experiences.
In summary, vulvar varicosities can be an unexpected and uncomfortable part of pregnancy, but knowing that others share this experience can provide comfort. Resources are available for those who may need support, including helpful products to alleviate discomfort. For more information about home insemination and related topics, visit WebMD for excellent advice.