Vulvar Varicosities
What in the world is going on down there?!
Most people know about varicose veins usually found on legs, but they can occur other places. During pregnancy there is extra pressure downward since you’re growing a human! This extra pressure on the genital area can lead to vulvar varicosities. Vulvar varicosities are varicose veins on and around the vulva or perineum. They can be an extremely uncomfortable part of pregnancy, but often don’t complicate the delivery of baby. If you are experiencing vulvar varicosities we have some tips that can help!
1. Take a break!
Are you standing or sitting for hours on end? Stop it! Standing and sitting both put pressure downwards onto the pelvic floor and the tissue around your vulva. This pressure makes it more difficult for those veins to work efficiently which is why they can weaken and become enlarged. Take time during the day to take a break from standing and sit or vice versa. Make sure you’re laying down at the end of the day and elevating those legs up as well! You can even take a pillow or two and tuck them under your butt to raise that pelvis up higher. While laying on your back with the pillow under your butt you can do a few kegels really focusing on inhale, relax, exhale, contract. Careful with chronic leg-crossing too— you want the blood to be able to move through those veins!
2. Compression is your BEST friend.
Wearing garments that provide compression will help support the tissue and pelvic floor to reduce the veins from enlarging and causing discomfort. We love the Baobei maternity and postpartum bloomers or shorts. We also recommend the pro bump support to help take the weight of baby off your pelvic floor as they grow. There is also a garment called a V2 which gives extra support to the vaginal area and it is adjustable with tabs on the back.
3. Lift the right way.
You may need to start limiting what and how often you are lifting during pregnancy and modify how you are lifting. If you work some where you do heavy lifting you may need to be placed on light duty. When you are lifting things like toddlers, really focus on breathing and managing the pressure downward. Before you go to lift something inhale and exhale fully. Then inhale and exhale as you lift! As you exhale you are releasing the extra pressure off your pelvic floor which is important in not adding extra stress to that vulvar tissue.
4. Where’s your squatty potty?!
If you aren’t already using one, get yourself a squatty potty. This will help reduce the pressure on your pelvic floor as you urinate and defecate. When you go to the bathroom don’t rush! Take a minute to sit down, relax, and exhale as you go. It’s easiest to exhale as you go by blowing out your mouth as if you are blowing out a candle. This will help you reduce strain on those veins down there!
5. Get some cardio into your routine.
Adding in some cardio to your routine will help keep your blood flowing efficiently and reduce stress on the veins, decreasing swelling and worsening. Starting with just 15-30 minutes a day of walking or biking can help get things circulating better.