What is Vulvar Varicose Vein & How to Deal with Vulvar Varicosities During Pregnancy?

Vulvar Varicose Vein is quite common in pregnant women wherein swelling of the veins in the vagina or the vulva occurs. As per the gynecologists, Vulvar Varicosities occur due to the increase in the blood flow as well as pressure on the pelvic floor which results in the formation of varicose veins in the vagina or vulva region.

The best way to self-examine the condition, before visiting the physician, is by doing a self-check of the following symptoms of vulvar varicose veins:-

• Feeling of pressure or fullness
• Mild to extreme pain in the vulva or vaginal area
• Feeling of discomfort and swelling around vagina may be a symptom of vulvar varicose vein
• In extreme cases, the full dilated vessels may resemble large earthworm like swollen veins, dark purple in color.

In case, if you experience these symptoms of vulvar varicose veins, it’s always better to consult a gynecologist for the safety of your and yours baby health.

“A stitch in time saves nine”. Yes, it’s true in this condition. An early detection of vulvar varicosities can help the pregnant women in easily treating the condition and shall make it possible to lead a healthy and comfortable pregnancy tenure.

Following are some of the actions that should be taken by the pregnant women as soon as the vulvar varicosities condition is detected to prevent the further worsening of the condition, reduce swelling and at the same time, heal it:-

Abdominal Band: As per the vulvar varicose vein compression therapy treatment, wearing an abdominal band along with a compression therapy groin band helps in supporting vulvar varicosities. This leads to the direct compression of the vulvar or the vaginal varicosities and hence, helps in reducing the swelling. Further, it acts as a support for the swollen veins and moves the excess blood away from the pelvis region, resulting out in the prevention of pooling of blood in the vein and varicosities.

Shoulder Strap: Some physicians, recommend shoulder strap along with the abdominal bands as it provides a lift to the abdomen which further helps in decreasing the pressure on the floor of the pelvis and easing the symptoms of vulvar varicosities.

While you sleep or lie down, keep a pillow underneath your hips. This will elevate your hips and would eventually help in improving the blood flow in the pelvic region by oozing out all the excess blood. This helps in reducing the swelling in the veins.

For Women suffering from vulvar varicosities during pregnancy or post partum, it is better to avoid standing for long hours. Try to take breaks in between by either sitting or lying down. This will help in relieving the pressure on the pelvis region and easing the symptoms of vulvar varicose veins. In case, if the pregnant woman has a job that requires longs hours of standing, it becomes utmost important to wear the compression support during these hours to counter the pressure of the baby’s weight and the force of gravity making the vulvar varicosities even worse.

Also, make sure to ask your employer to allow you to take breaks since you are pregnant and have the rights do so for your and the baby’s safety. If required, get a written consent from your gynecologist stating your needs and the required job adjustments that are needed.

When you lie down, if possible, place a cool compress or an ice pack on the vulvar varicose vein to reduce the swelling and to ease out the pain. Keep it intact to your skin for 15-20 minutes or until you feel comfortable.

Women suffering from vulvar varicosities should avoid lifting heavy objects, even if it is their toddler. The best way to show your care for your toddler is by squatting down to talk to them. Or instead, you can get your child to sit on your laps to talk, instead of lifting them.

In case your toddler still cries and needs to be lifted, instead of attempting to do yourself, it is always better to ask for help. People tend to help pregnant ladies easily. Pregnancy is the most beautiful gift of nature and it should be cherished as much as possible. By following these action points, a pregnant lady can deal with vulvar varicosities easily and can even heal it.

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Also Read:

• Swollen Vaginal Area: What Can Cause Swelling Around Vaginal Area?
• What Causes Vaginal Atrophy and How to Overcome it?
• Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy: Causes, Ways to Relieve it