swelling up from relations?

[Dov'sMom]

I'm 39 weeks. Both my prior pregnancies went past this point and I don't remember this. The last two times we've had relations, I've noticed that I get sore very quickly after we start and my vaginal area is swollen and sore for at least a day or two after. The first time I thought it was because we had abstained for a while, but it happened again. Any ideas what could be causing it? I'm leaning toward abstaining for the rest of this pregnancy, because I don't want to go into labor all swollen the way I am right now, but on the other hand I know that I don't feel like sex for weeks or months after giving birth so I feel kind of bad stopping now...

[MaerynPearl]

well theres two things that come to mind

1. the swelling is from arousal. I get this even when not pregnant if I get particularly aroused but do not get a release. When aroused we get increased bloodflow in the area which can make it swell and become painful. I dont know what it is about getting that release but it really helps me.

2. the swelling is from dryness and friction... I used to get this and found the cure for me was to focus more on foreplay.

[DeChRi]

Same here. I didn't have this at all with my first. I had it late in pregnancy with my second. This time it kicked off at like 12 weeks. No infections, nothing, but the pain and swelling after. We make a point to do maintain a couple time a week goal, lol. I just grab something frozen right after and that pretty much does it for me. OB says it is just a wonky extra sensitivity/circulation thing.

Wish I had lifechanging advice, but I do get the same thing about 3 of every 4 times.

[Dov'sMom]

Definitely not arousal, because it's painful and any arousal I was feeling dies pretty quickly... Also, I can't imagine the swelling would persist for 24 hours because of arousal... But dryness is very possible. We've never used any kind of lubricants in the past, but it might make sense to give it a try.