As I entered my second trimester, the discomfort became impossible to ignore. “I’m experiencing significant pressure,” I confided to my midwife during an appointment. “You know,” I added with a hint of drama, “Down There.”
“Down there?” my midwife echoed, a quizzical look on her face. “You mean your perineum?”
I nodded vigorously. “It feels like everything might just fall out! There’s so much pressure, and everything’s so swollen. Honestly, I feel like that whole area could end up at my knees.”
“Sounds like you’re dealing with vulvar varicosities,” she stated, surprisingly calm.
Vulvar? My inner 13-year-old cringed—“Eww!” Lucky me, I had developed varicose veins in my vulva. My midwife explained that the increased blood flow combined with the pressure from my expanding uterus was responsible for this discomfort. Essentially, it was akin to having hemorrhoids, just in a different location.
Regrettably, there was no magic cure for vulvar varicosities. For temporary relief, my midwife recommended a vulvar supporter, which consisted of thick elastic bands meant to provide lift and support to the perineum. I promptly ordered one online—there was no way I was going to purchase that in person. It resembled a jock strap with a touch of lace to indicate the front. As I attempted to navigate it under my growing baby bump, my husband joked from across the room, “Very sexy.”
I shot him a look that clearly communicated, “If you want to keep the romance alive, you might want to keep that to yourself.”
While the supporter did alleviate some discomfort, I found myself emotionally overwhelmed by my situation. What was I supposed to say when friends inquired about my pregnancy? “Well, my vulvar varicosities are acting up, but thank goodness for my vulvar supporter! What’s new with you?”
Interestingly, my midwife revealed she had also experienced vulvar varicosities during her pregnancy. She understood my discomfort and embarrassment, reassuring me that I wasn’t alone—many women faced similar issues.
But who were these other women? Aside from my midwife, I was unaware of anyone else dealing with this. Pregnant women freely discussed morning sickness and cravings like badges of honor, yet vulvar varicosities remained a taboo topic. Did celebrities like Jennifer Aniston or Taylor Swift face this issue? I felt isolated, lumbering around in silence with thick bands between my legs for the remainder of my pregnancy.
After my daughter was born, the pressure lifted, and my veins returned to normal by my six-week postpartum checkup. The supporter soon became a distant memory.
Occasionally, I’d ask other pregnant women how they were feeling. Their responses typically ranged from “Fine” to “Ugh, morning sickness.” Yet, I sometimes wondered if they were silently struggling with vulvar varicosities too. I wanted to offer support—or at least share where to find a vulvar supporter.
If you’re interested in more insights into home insemination, check out our post on cryobaby home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo. For those looking to boost their fertility, resources like the fertility supplements at Make a Mom can be quite helpful. Furthermore, if you’re curious about pregnancy and home insemination, Healthline is an excellent resource.
In summary, while vulvar varicosities can be a challenging and often unspoken aspect of pregnancy, it’s essential to know you’re not alone. Seeking support and understanding can make the journey a bit easier.
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