![]() However, normally the bag of water breaking is very obvious, starting with a large gush of water followed by a continuous trickle of warm water. This can be confirmed with a pelvic exam by your doctor. Pregnant women frequently feel concerned that their bag of water may have broken because of an increase in vaginal discharge later in the pregnancy. It changes throughout pregnancy from thick and sticky to thin and watery. This is because the cervix and vagina undergo hormonally regulated changes in pregnancy which cause an increased production of cervical mucus and vaginal discharge. But, the good news is that the varicosity will usually resolve within six weeks of delivery.Īnother one of the various vaginal changes that occur during pregnancy is an increased amount of discharge. General risk factors for venous disease (not just vulvar) include advancing age, obesity, family history, smoking, history of leg injury or history of a blood clot in the leg. An estimated four percent of women will have had a vulvar varicosity. All of these things may lead to pelvic congestion symptoms and vulvar varicose veins. There is also a hormonal effect of pregnancy which causes vasodilation, or increased widening and relaxation of the veins. They are a result of the increased blood flow to the area and the enlarged pregnant uterus which literally compresses the veins in the pelvis and increases the pressure inside the veins. The “drop” usually comes along with an improvement in lung capacity (it feels a little easier for you to breathe) and the shape of the gravid abdomen changes.Īs mentioned before, some women may notice varicosities or veins appearing on the labia and sometimes on the upper inner thigh area as well that look like the varicose veins we associate with being seen on legs. This certainly could cause more pressure in the vagina. Also, an increased feeling of pressure could be because “the baby dropped,” meaning the fetal head moved lower into the pelvis as the lower portion of the uterus prepares for labor. It could also be affected by the head of the baby, which frequently positions down in the pelvis in the early third trimester. This could simply be because the uterus and baby are getting larger and therefore applying more pressure. Pressure or a feeling of heaviness tends to appreciate throughout pregnancy but does sometimes worsen towards the end of pregnancy. As the uterus enlarges, it also blocks the flow of venous blood which adds to the swelling in the vulva and contributes to swelling in the legs, too. The fullness and congestion in the area usually get gradually worse as the pregnancy progresses. The increased blood flow occurs as early as one month after conception. Although the area does not appear grossly swollen or irritated, that’s how it frequently feels for many patients. Patients often describe this as “pressure” or feeling “swollen.” When you inspect the area, the change in appearance is usually not dramatic and the color should be a slight blue tinge with perhaps some varicosities. ![]() ![]() The blood fills the veins more robustly than normal and therefore gives a blue-ish discoloration and a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the area. All of the changes that occur in the vulva (a female’s external genitalia including labia, vagina and cervix) during pregnancy are due to increased blood flow to the area from the demands of the growing uterus and embryo. One of the many common vaginal changes women address with their doctors is color change in the vulva. If you do fail to mention any distinct changes but your doctor notices obvious vaginal or vulvar changes, they may address them after administering a routine physical exam so that you are aware the change is normal for future reassurance. Many women are very in-tune and aware of their changing bodies during pregnancy and usually bring up all of their experiences during their appointments. I notice that my patients usually take the “better safe than sorry” approach when it comes to their pregnancy concerns and doctors are more than willing to discuss what questions you may have, no matter the subject. A lot of changes happen to different parts of your body during pregnancy and some that can be more difficult or embarrassing to talk about are vaginal changes- but rest assured, these changes are completely normal most of the time. ![]() As a newly pregnant woman, you might notice that your body is undergoing a lot of changes that you hadn't anticipated or you’re not sure if what you’re seeing or feeling is normal. ![]()
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