Is Vaginal Swelling During Pregnancy Normal?

Swelling is a typical side effect of pregnancy, particularly in the feet and hands. However, there is one place of the body that can expand during pregnancy that is often overlooked - the vagina. 

If you have a swollen vagina during pregnancy, realize that you are not alone! Still, you're definitely curious about why this is occurring. Here's everything you need to know, including ways to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.

Symptoms of Vaginal Swelling During Pregnancy

Every woman and pregnancy is unique; thus, the symptoms of vaginal swelling during pregnancy may vary from person to person. In general, you may encounter the following: 

• Noticeable edema

You are undoubtedly familiar with how your vulva and vaginal region typically feel. When it is swollen, it might feel substantially larger or puffier. There may just be a general sensation of swelling or fullness in the vaginal region, which can cause overall discomfort.

• Bumps

Some women who have vaginal enlargement during pregnancy may develop varicose veins in their vulvar region, causing edema and bumpiness;

• Itchiness

Itching may accompany vaginal swelling in some women, although this is not the case for everyone.

What Causes Vaginal Swelling While Pregnant?

There are various reasons why you may have vaginal edema during pregnancy. Here are some of the more popular ones:

• A rise in blood volume

During pregnancy, your blood volume rises to support the growing baby. As your uterus expands, the strain on your pelvic blood arteries increases. The combination of these two items might cause edema;

• Varicose veins in the vulva

Varicose veins are bulging, lumpy veins formed when valves allow blood to collect in one location or flow backward. Varicose veins in the vulva can form during pregnancy, just as they occur in the legs. These are not hazardous, but their abrupt appearance might be disconcerting for women.

• A yeast infection

Yeast infections are frequent in expectant mothers, and they can cause an enlarged vagina during pregnancy. Infection-induced inflammation can lead to increased edema.

• Excess fluids

Excess fluid might become trapped in your body's tissues during pregnancy, causing swelling down there.

How to Reduce Vaginal Swelling While Pregnant

If you feel that your vaginal edema is caused by extra fluid, compression or support stockings may assist. There are items on the market that offer vulvar assistance. Just check with your doctor first to be sure it's safe for you to use.

For immediate relief, use a cold pack on your vulva. That should alleviate pain and reduce edema. If you have vaginal swelling and yeast infection symptoms, such as an itchy vaginal region during pregnancy with white vaginal discharge, consult your doctor. If your care provider determines that you have a yeast infection, they will most likely prescribe that you use an over-the-counter cream.

How to Prevent Vaginal Swelling While Pregnant

Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do to reduce your chances of experiencing vaginal swelling during pregnancy, as it is a natural side effect of pregnancy. However, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing may be beneficial.

While vaginal swelling during pregnancy is rather typical, it's a good idea to notify your care provider so they can assist in diagnosing the reason and provide you with sweet relief as soon as possible.

Will Everything Go Back to How It Was Before Pregnancy?

Almost the majority of the changes to your labia during and after pregnancy are transient. After giving delivery, your natural coloration will return when blood flow resumes.

After the baby is born, the labia minora should shrink back to their original size due to decreased blood flow; for some women, the labia may even shrink more. Longer-term changes to your labia are usually small, and they're likely to go unnoticed by both you and your spouse, if you have one.

Meanwhile, the size of your vagina after birth will vary based on a variety of circumstances, including how you delivered, the number of births for you, your genetics, the size of your child, and more. Your vagina will not be the same after delivery, but it should not change much. You may not even notice the difference.