Pregnancy pain (wierd)

[dana in mo]

Hi have any of you had pain on the outside of your vagina. Please excuse the graphic picture here, the lips around the vagina are swollen and have pulled towards my legs. When I stand or sit there is a burning pain, and pressure pain. I'm 7 months along. Help would be appreciated, and solutions.
Thanks we are planing to homebirth and looking forward to it. Our next apt is a ways away.
Dana

[annethcz]

It sounds like vaginal varicose veins. Very normal when pregnant. I found that it helped to sit whenever they became painful... it was important that the area be supported. In my case, it became especially sore after having sex (probably in response to the increased blood flow to the area), and I discovered that I would have problems unless I layed down for several hours afterward.

Luckily, the issue resolved on its own after birth

[mwherbs]

I agree could be varicosities, try some sitz baths -epsom salts or herbal like hand full of white oak bark put into a sock or horsechestnut leaves -another thing you can do is topical witch hazel- you can put it on a pad or a cloth and it will help reduce the swelling. also be sure to talk to your care provider about it-- it could be an infection or she may have some other recommendations

[dana in mo]

Thanks I thought it might be

I thought it might be that, but was hoping for something simple that would go away now!
Thanks again
Dana