Swollen Vagina During Pregnancy – Causes, Symptoms, And Prevention

What is Vaginal Swelling?

The swelling during pregnancy that occurs in the vaginal area includes the vulva and vaginal lips (labia) is termed vaginal swelling.

Causes of Vaginal Swelling During Pregnancy

Let’s look at some of the causes of the swollen vagina during pregnancy. It could be because of:

• Increased blood flow in the vaginal area. This can cause mild to moderate swelling.
• Veins in the uterus may get compress during the pregnancy period. This constriction could possibly cause a mild vaginal swelling.
• A swollen vagina during pregnancy could also be a result of bacterial infections.  Bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections, such as candidiasis can cause the swollen vagina
• The increased levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy might play a role in causing swollen vagina.
• Poor hygiene or sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea or trichomoniasis could also be one of the causes of a swollen vagina during pregnancy.
• Also, your bath or hair removal products may contain certain irritants. Using these products during pregnancy could lead to inflamed vagina swelling.
• Prolonged sexual intercourse or lack of adequate lubrication leading to a gruff entry can also potentially be a cause of vaginal swelling in pregnant women.

Symptoms of Vaginal Swelling During Pregnancy

Some of the most common symptoms of vaginal swelling include in the below one:

• Pain and irritation around the vagina
• Bleeding blisters or sores
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Burning and painful urination
• Inflammation around the vaginal area
• Itching in the inflamed area

[Read : Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy]

Is Swollen Vagina During Pregnancy Normal?

As mentioned earlier, swollen vagina during pregnancy is a normal thing. Sometimes women can experience shooting pain along with edema. This could be due to long hours of sitting in one position or standing for too long.

If, however, you start experiencing the following, seek the attention of your doctor as it could be an indication of bacterial vaginosis.

• Sharp shooting pains during urination
• Itching around the vagina
• Thin grayish-white discharge

If you observe the following signs also, seek immediate medical attention as it could be a sign of yeast infection.

• Redness of the vagina and labia.
• Experience pain and burning sensation during urination.
• Observe a thick whitish-yellow discharge which may or may not be accompanied by a foul smell.

[Read : Yellow Discharge During Pregnancy]

How Can Vaginal Swelling be Treated?

Following are the ways that help to treat vaginal

• Avoid scratching the vaginal area if there is inflammation and itchiness in that area. This is because scratching can result in spreading the infection to nearby areas.
• Allopathy medicines are generally may not prescribe during pregnancy. Hence, upon confirmation of a yeast infection, the doctor could prescribe simple topical creams and ointments.
• A bacterial infection can be cured with a simple antibiotic plan which needs a thorough understanding of the infection, its spread, and only after assessing the potential risk in administering antibiotics.

Home Remedies For Vaginal Swelling During Pregnancy

Following are some effective home remedies for vaginal swelling during pregnancy:

• Using Cold packs and cold baths will help with any inflammation and pain around the vaginal area and soothe the pain.
• Drink plenty of water to get rid of any burning sensation or pain during urination.
• Garlic is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Applying garlic paste on the swollen vaginal area for a few days will help to bring down the swelling.
• A word of caution here. Garlic usage can cause burning so ensure that you start with using small quantities only.
• Adding a little apple cider vinegar to your bathtub. Soak your body in it for around 10 -0 minutes. This will help reduce the effects of any drug therapy. Thanks to its strong antibacterial properties.
• Using probiotics is another popular home remedy to maintain the right flora which is needed to maintain proper health.

Can Vaginal Swelling During Pregnancy Affect the Growing Fetus?

If the cause of the vaginal swelling is a Group B strep (GBS) infection, then there is a chance that the infection could affect the baby also. GBS can cause a urinary tract infection characterized by cloudy urine and a burning sensation during urination.

If an expectant mother tests positive for GBS, she may receive antibiotics during the delivery time. This cuts out the risk factors of passing the infection to the child.

Without antibiotic administration during childbirth, the baby could get infected with GBS. This could bring about a fever, difficulty in feeding, and lethargy in newborns.

How to Prevent Vaginal Swelling During Pregnancy?

Like most medical conditions, you can prevent or reduce the intensity of vaginal swelling during pregnancy as well. Here are some of the measures to prevent vaginal swelling during pregnancy.

• Maintaining high levels of hygiene and wearing comfortable clothes are some of the keys to preventive steps. This includes keeping the genital area dry and clean and wearing undergarments made of natural fibers, preferably cotton.
• Using nonirritant lubricants during sexual intercourse may help.
• As mentioned earlier, drinking plenty of water can ensure pain-free urination, and emptying the bladder at regular intervals can cut the risk of bacterial multiplication and spread of infection if any.
• Avoiding the use of fancy beauty and bath products during pregnancy time is another way of preventing chemicals and irritants from coming in contact with the skin of pregnant women.
• Consuming a nutritious diet comprising food that boosts immunity is the best way to ensure the good health of the expectant mother and the growing fetus also.

When to Call a Doctor?

You should go to the doctor if you experience abnormal discharge along with swelling. Likewise, if the swelling and itching in the vaginal area continue for more than three days during pregnancy, medical attention is mandatory. The appearance of small bumps and ulcers of the vulva also necessitates medical attention.

While conditions like these could cause an expectant mother much anxiety, it is important to remember that your gynecologist is the best judge of the situation. And consulting your gynecologist in place administering self-medication during the pregnancy period can reduce anxiety and simplify many a concern about the issues facing by you.

Did you experience a problem with a swollen vagina during pregnancy time? How did you treat it? Share your experience in the comments section given below.

I wish you all a happy and safe pregnancy!

[Read : Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy]

FAQ’s

1. Is it Normal For My Vagina to Swell When I Am Pregnant?

Yes, it is. Pregnancy can cause an increased blood flow to the vagina and compress the veins in the uterus. This can cause a swelling which will go away after delivery.

2. Why Does My Vagina Look Big as My Pregnancy Progresses?

Your baby might be pressing on to some nerves or veins in the uterus. This could be affecting the blood flow. If it gets uncomfortable, your doctor might suggest some pelvic floor exercises.

3. Should I Get My Swollen Vagina Checked if I Am Pregnant?

Yes, it is highly recommended. You will be meeting your gynecologist regularly. Might as well rule out any bacterial infection.

4. My Vagina is Swollen and it Hurts. What Should I do?

Use an ice pack on the swollen area for immediate relief. You can even soak in a bathtub with warm water and rock salt. Avoid touching or scratching the vagina.

Read Also: Vaginal Dryness During Pregnancy – Causes & Treatment