Question:
I am somewhere around 27 weeks. I've always had hip problems during pregnancy but this one seems to be pretty high and I really haven't experienced those yet (where as my last 2 pregnancies I waddled from about 15 weeks onward). I've noticed that the veins in my legs, especially my left leg, have REALLY surfaced(I also tend to sleep more on my right side than my left so this has me a bit baffled). I'm talking...ICK! But beyond that I have another "problem". Caution...graphic. OK, I've noticed that I have what I can only assume are varicosities on my vulva, specifically the outer lip. And THESE are causing me pain. Not crampy type pain but pain like I have been sorely abused and yet, that has NOT happened. Actually, bruised is exactly how it feels. Is there anything that can be done about this? I mean, hemorrhoids are typically considered varicosities of the anus and can be treated, varicose veins in the legs can be treated/alleviated by wearing supportive stockings. But, um...how does one deal with varicosities "there"? After mentioning this to a friend (is NOTHING sacred in pregnancy?) she said her mother dealt with them and after her last child required surgery. OUCH! I'll just sit over here in the corner, looking innocent while anxiously awaiting replies...

Answer: -Well the good news is that varicose viens on the vulva are normal for some women during pregnancy. The bad news is there is not much you can do about them right now. One trick that i tell people about all the time is lying down with a frozen orange juice can between your legs. Feels like a little bit of heaven, let me tell ya! Make sure you wrap it in a tea towel or something though cause you don't want to leak orange juice all over the couch! -I had those with this pregnancy (my second). I also found them very painful, not much you can do about them. Good news: I'm four weeks postpartum and I believe they are gone. -You have my complete sympathy. I had those with my last pregnancy. the only comfort I found was the use of anything frozen between my legs and not sitting down to long. they went away almost immediately after delivery for me so i hope the same thing happens for you. Interestingly this time I have varicose veins on my uterus and there is nothing I can do about those, ice packs don't go there!