Vulvar Varicosities
Vulvar varicosities are much like varicose veins in the legs except they appear in the area of the vulva. Many women experience this condition during pregnancy because of the extra weight and pressure that is on the vulva area.
Varicose veins of the vulvar area form for many different reasons. One is the increase in weight and the enlargement of the uterus that occurs during pregnancy. This places pressure in the pelvic area and interferes with flood flow to the area. Because of the pressure to the area the veins will often become distended and pop out. This is the condition that is known as vulvar varicosities.
There are some things you can do to prevent vulvar varicosities during pregnancy. There are support garments you can wear that provide support to the pelvic area while you are gaining your pregnancy weight. These garments support the pelvic area by providing support under the belly so that the weight of the belly does not pull heavily on the pelvic muscles. This type of garment can also help aid in the development of stretch marks that also go hand in hand with pregnancy.
When pregnant you should rest frequently. Because of the added weight and pressure of your lower body you will tire out easily. This is especially true as you get farther into the pregnancy. Extra pressure in the veins of your legs and pelvic area can cause extra stress on those areas of the body. It is essential that you get plenty of rest each day. If possible you should also take frequent breaks during the day to get off your feet and take the pressure off your lower body.
Try sleeping on your left side whenever possible. The largest vein in the body is located in the vena cava and can be found on the right side of the body. By staying on your left side you will not add pressure to this particular source of blood flow.
Keep your feet elevated as often as possible. This prevents your legs and lower body from becoming fatigued and allows the blood to flow smoothly to the vulvar area.
Wear support garments such as support hose and even a girdle that is made to be worn during pregnancy. This will provide support to the pelvic area and will help prevent vulvar varicosities as well as spider veins. These garments should be put on when you first get up in the morning before your feet and legs have time to swell. This will also prevent the blood from pooling in your feet and legs.
Get plenty of exercise. Exercise keeps the blood flowing smoothly. When the blood flows as it should there is a decreased risk of developing vulvar varicosities or spider veins.
If none of these suggestions work for you there is always the option of discussing the situation with your doctor. In extreme cases your doctor can inject the veins with a solution that will cause the veins to dry up. After the injection there will be pressure applied to the area to help reduce the chance or recurrence.
o D/t pressure of gravid uterus
o Side –lying with pillow under the hips
o Modified knee – chest position
Varicose veins of the vulvar area form for many different reasons. One is the increase in weight and the enlargement of the uterus that occurs during pregnancy. This places pressure in the pelvic area and interferes with flood flow to the area. Because of the pressure to the area the veins will often become distended and pop out. This is the condition that is known as vulvar varicosities.
There are some things you can do to prevent vulvar varicosities during pregnancy. There are support garments you can wear that provide support to the pelvic area while you are gaining your pregnancy weight. These garments support the pelvic area by providing support under the belly so that the weight of the belly does not pull heavily on the pelvic muscles. This type of garment can also help aid in the development of stretch marks that also go hand in hand with pregnancy.
When pregnant you should rest frequently. Because of the added weight and pressure of your lower body you will tire out easily. This is especially true as you get farther into the pregnancy. Extra pressure in the veins of your legs and pelvic area can cause extra stress on those areas of the body. It is essential that you get plenty of rest each day. If possible you should also take frequent breaks during the day to get off your feet and take the pressure off your lower body.
Try sleeping on your left side whenever possible. The largest vein in the body is located in the vena cava and can be found on the right side of the body. By staying on your left side you will not add pressure to this particular source of blood flow.
Keep your feet elevated as often as possible. This prevents your legs and lower body from becoming fatigued and allows the blood to flow smoothly to the vulvar area.
Wear support garments such as support hose and even a girdle that is made to be worn during pregnancy. This will provide support to the pelvic area and will help prevent vulvar varicosities as well as spider veins. These garments should be put on when you first get up in the morning before your feet and legs have time to swell. This will also prevent the blood from pooling in your feet and legs.
Get plenty of exercise. Exercise keeps the blood flowing smoothly. When the blood flows as it should there is a decreased risk of developing vulvar varicosities or spider veins.
If none of these suggestions work for you there is always the option of discussing the situation with your doctor. In extreme cases your doctor can inject the veins with a solution that will cause the veins to dry up. After the injection there will be pressure applied to the area to help reduce the chance or recurrence.
o D/t pressure of gravid uterus
o Side –lying with pillow under the hips
o Modified knee – chest position