Pregnancy & Baby 

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Help for labial varicosities

Labial varicosities can indeed be very uncomfortable. They are caused by a combination of the hormone effects on the vessels and supportive tissue, as well as being hereditary.

Sitting and standing are the worst things to do when you have this problem. Keep your legs moving when standing, rock up and down on your toes if you have the opportunity, and try not to sit for long periods of time (especially with the chair cutting at the back of your legs). And of course, don't cross your legs. Walking is fine because it keeps the blood moving and prevents pooling.

Some women, especially if the varicosities involve the upper thigh or leg, find relief in maternity support hose. They tend to be expensive, of course, but sometimes your GP may be able to prescribe this supportive hose for you if you also have a considerable problem with varicose veins in your legs.

Labial varicosities rarely cause any problem in labour, so try not to worry about this. If there are large varicosities on the perineum, and delivery needs an episiotomy this, too, will usually not be a problem.

Some women get relief by wearing a pad tight up against their perineum to add support.

Try to avoid constipation by drinking lots of water and eating a high fibre diet. During a bowel movement, try to push up on the varicosities from the front, supporting them if you can by holding a pad against them.

Although these varicosities will feel much better after birth, the engorgement can take a few weeks to go down dramatically, so don't be too concerned if they don't disappear immediately after birth. Your doctor will usually check these at the post-natal visit and can then give you further advice for management.

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