Absolute TMI...Just a forewarning.

[AnnieNimIty]

Seriously, I don't know if this is worth making a Dr's appointment over. There seem to be a lot of "normal" things that happen in pregnancy that no one tells you about because of whatever reasons there are.

I am 40 weeks 4 days about and when wiping I started feeling like I had a scratch on the right side of my labia, so I grabbed a mirror and looked because I have heard of vaginal hemorrhoids.
It was a very deep red color and there were a couple veins that seemed to be not hemorrhoid-ish but larger than normal, but nothing around where I felt the scratch. I also think the area is swollen. No other itching, burning, funny discharge or what have you... has anyone else experienced this before? Is it in the "normal" category? Is it referenced somewhere and I just missed it when I was reading?

If you read this thanks, if you responded, triple thanks.
I have seen stuff around here that is pretty personal, and I hope this isn't beyond what is ok.

[Kuba'sMama]

I know what you are talking about. I've actually been experiencing it too, but I haven't been brave enough to do the mirror thing, lol. I'm of the "ignorance is bliss" state of mind I guess.
I've been pregnant before and I did have some mild hemorrhoids close to and after delivery. They were never severe enough to warrant treatment and went away on their own. I would imagine that it is one of those "normal" side effects of pregnancy unfortunately. Maybe an ice pack would help with the swelling?
Since you are so close to delivery though I would mention it to my practitioner, just in case pushing in labour makes it worse, it did for me.

[Plummeting]

That sounds like a vaginal varicose vein and they are normal, although on the less common side. I have one this pregnancy, didn't last. Mine often feels like a sharp pain or burning on the side where it's located, but not necessarily right exactly where the vein is. I'm not an expert, of course, so you should ask your care provider if you're worried. It does sound like a worse version of what I have, though, and I'm expecting that if I make it to 40 + 4, mine might be that severe, too. (I'm only 34 right now.)

[Oliver's Mama]

I have something like that on the left side of my labia, and have since maybe 25 weeks. I mentioned it at my appointment, and the doctor confirmed my suspicion that it's just swelling from too much pressure from the baby. (baby's head is way down and to the left- his whole body is on the left actually, other than his arms and legs on the right) . the doctor totally didn't give it a thought, said it's common.
Like you said, as long as there's no itching, discharge, etc then it's fine. I only noticed when I wiped after peeing. The doc said laying down or using positions that take pressure off the whole pelvic/genital area or sitting on an icepack.
mine's swollen to almost twice the size of the right labia.

[prone_to_wander]

I think I have the same thing. ah! vaginal varicose vein. Both sides of my labia get quite swollen if I do too much walking or standing and they ache. I look like I've been riding a horse for 2 weeks on a bad day. I've been told to do varicose vein exercises, keep my feet up, and through my research found that a little witch hazel is supposed to help. (Although it appears that I can't get witch hazel in Hong Kong..sigh.)

[coltynsmom]

I have this too. I noticed it at about 24 weeks. My MW said it is a vein just like the ones I am getting on my legs (yuck) Good news they should go away and you can help prevent them by staying active. MW also suggested taking Bilberry and Vit E. I have not had any new ones pop up since I have started the vitamins.