Question:
I'm about 31 weeks now, and I have difficult bowel movements, although as far as I know, I haven't developed hemorrhoids (sp?) or had problems yet. The other day, I noticed a strange feeling after a BM, like I was swollen, when I was cleaning myself. So, curious, (am I strange?) I took a small mirror and looked at myself, and I think I saw what looked like the inner part of my vagina being pushed out towards the opening (it was still inside, but clearly visible), on both the rectum side and the bladder side. There is no pain, and the only thing I feel is that strange swollen sensation after a BM, but I'm a bit concerned: is my rectum and bladder going to get in the way of the baby? Should I be concerned about a rupture if I strain during a BM? Since I discovered this, I've been afraid to have sex, and I will ask my midwife about it on my next visit, but I'm wondering if other have experienced something like this, too. Is it my fault for not being faithful with the Kegels?

Answer: -Sounds like one of those vaginal varices things I've read about - kind of like a varicose vein or heamarrhoid in the entrance to your vagina. I don't believe it's harmful, but do mention it to your doctor. -After I gave birth to my first child I noticed something similar to what you explained but part of the inside was actually sticking out. I was to embarrassed to ask anyone about it and did some research and it seemed what it was could be something due to relaxation of the tissues. When i gave birth to my 2nd child my hubby says they removed the flap hanging out(wasn't large or anything) while they stitched me up, I would never have known this if he hadn't mentioned it to me. But after I gave birth to my second son I also felt like you described as a swollen feeling inside the vagina. Mine was painful thoug, feeling like a pulled muscle between the legs, it hurt for 4 months afterwards and then the feeling and pain only came when I was on my period. When i was pregnant with my 3rd child I felt this same thing from the 5th month of pregnancy, I casually mentioned the pain to my doc and she said that from my birth of my second son I may have overstressed or tore ligaments and that was what caused the pain, her only recommendation was to lie down. Now I am experiencing it in this pregnancy but not constantly like with my last pregnancy but I always feel when I urinate and it feels real swollen inside, almost like it will fall out at times and it hurts then when I wipe myself like it is raw perhaps or just sore. But the worst it hurts is after sex, it is not so bad if I am lieing down for the rest of the day but if I am on my feet forget it the pain is terrible. I had read about varicose veins in the vulva and surrounding areas and thought maybe it could be this too. Any suggestions form anyone or thoughts on this matter??? I plan on mentioning it to my doctor at my next visit.