How to reduce vulva swelling during pregnancy

Pregnancy changes your body. That's a fact. From your growing stomach to ever-increasing shoe size, there are a lot of transformations that come with pregnancy. But did you know your vagina can change during pregnancy, too? It's true. A lot can happen "down below." Here are seven strange and unexpected ways pregnancy can affect your vagina.

Can your vagina change color during pregnancy? Unbelievably, the answer is yes. Your vagina may assume a blue or purple hue when you're expecting. It's called Chadwick's sign, and it can be one of the first indications that you're pregnant. "As early as six weeks into your pregnancy, your vagina, labia, and cervix may take on a blue or purple color, thanks to the increase in blood flow," says Brett Worly, M.D., an OB-GYN at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Pregnancy means a temporary end to your period, but spotting in the first trimester is common—and it's usually no big deal. In fact, up to 25% of expectant parents have some bleeding or spotting during pregnancy, according to the March of Dimes. That said, "anytime there's bleeding, even if it stops, you should let your doctor know," says Mary L. Rosser, M.D., Ph.D., an OB-GYN and the Director of Integrated Women's Health at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, in New York City.

Spotting can sometimes be caused early on by the implantation of the embryo in the uterine lining and the formation of the placenta; the blood tends to be light pink to dark brown, not red. In other cases, however, spotting during pregnancy can indicate something else, such as a yeast infection or a miscarriage. "If spotting is associated with pain—including cramps—call your health care provider right away," says Dr. Rosser.

Your legs aren't the only body part vulnerable to bulging, painful, purple varicose veins. The area aroundyour pregnant vagina can experience them too, thanks to a combination of increased blood flow, an enlarged uterus (which compresses veins in the pelvis), and pregnancy hormones.

About 10% of pregnant people wind up with vulvar varicose veins, generally during month five of their second pregnancy (or, rarely, in their first). The risk increases with the number of pregnancies, according to a report in the journal Phlebolymphology. "They look just like regular varicose veins, but [most often occur] on the labia and sometimes on the upper inner thigh," says Katherine Bolt, M.D., an OB-GYN at Partners in OB/GYN Care at Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, in Houston.

The good news is that the issue usually resolves within six weeks of delivery. But you don't have to wait that long for relief if your varicose veins are bothersome. "Try warm baths, lying on your left side, and elevating your feet when possible," says Dr. Bolt. Exercise helps, too; avoid sitting or standing still for long periods.

That extra blood flowing through your vaginal area can make you feel full and heavy, says Dr. Bolt. Your vagina usually won't appear swollen, but it might feel that way—though that's not always a bad thing. "For some, the extra blood supply increases sensation," says Dr. Rosser. In other words, a swollen vaginal area during pregnancy may improve sensitivity and orgasm.

Vaginal flatulence, also known as queefing or vaginal flatus, occurs when a pocket of air gets trapped inside the vagina. When it is released, it emits a fart-like sound. "It's not a sign of anything bad," says Dr. Bolt. It's unclear why pregnancy causes this to happen more often, but it's likely the combination of a growing belly, different intercourse positions, exercise, and overworked pelvic floor muscles.

Pregnancy hormones can cause an overgrowth of naturally occurring vaginal bacteria or fungus, resulting in bacterial vaginosis (BV) or yeast infections. Both are common during pregnancy and offer up either grayish-white (BV) or yellowish-white (yeast infection) discharge. They also itch like crazy. Luckily, they're highly treatable by a doctor. Don't go with home remedies or OTC meds here.

If your vagina is expelling an odor-free discharge that's clear or white, relax: It's totally normal. "The cervix and vagina undergo hormonal changes in pregnancy that cause an increase of cervical mucus and vaginal discharge," says Dr. Bolt. This mucusy goo changes throughout pregnancy from thick and sticky in the beginning to thin and watery toward the end.

"The pH of the vagina changes during pregnancy and could cause subtle changes in vaginal odor, making it a bit more acidic," says Dr. Bolt. "Some pregnant people are more sensitive to the smell, but unless there's vaginal itching or burning, there's nothing to worry about."

There's also a change in taste that's related to pH changes. According to the Journal of Perinatal Education, during pregnancy, vaginal excretions tend to taste more metallic or salty. Interestingly enough, researchers note that the flavor usually disappears once you have an orgasm.

Thanks for your feedback!

Have you ever wondered what typical labia and vaginas look like and how yours compare? Maybe you’ve grabbed a mirror at some point and checked things out. (If not, have a look!) 

Now that you're expecting, you may also wonder how pregnancy and childbirth may affect your labia and your vagina’s shape and size. 

Since plenty of women haven’t seen many, if any, other female genitalia in real life, you’re not alone if you wonder what's "normal" and how having a baby may change things down there.

Is it normal for your vagina and labia to change?

Women come in all shapes and sizes and so do their labia and vagina. That means a normal labia or a normal vagina is completely relative to you. 

The labia majora (outer lips) of the vagina can range anywhere from full to flat and can fluctuate a bit with changes in your weight, just like your bra size. 

The labia minora (inner lips), measured from the upper-most skin fold to the lowest hanging edge, are typically anywhere from 0.7 to 5 centimeters in length. They may be completely hidden by the labia majora, or the bottom edge may hang below it. 

For the most part, the size and shape of your labia (both outer and inner) are determined by your genetics — not your hormone levels or your sexual activity. Mother Nature just gave you what you’ve got. 

The vagina is on average about 3 inches long from the cervix (the neck of the uterus) to the vulva. No two are the same: Every vagina ranges in shape and color. Because it’s highly elastic, the vagina is designed to stretch and accommodate your baby during birth.

That said, the hormonal and physical changes that happen during pregnancy and childbirth can cause your vagina and labia to change, sometimes temporarily and sometimes for the long term.

Vaginal changes during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you know the role that hormones play in all sorts of wacky changes throughout your body, from nasal congestion to swollen feet. 

Many of these symptoms are due to increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which boost blood flow throughout your body to support your baby — including to your labia. 

As a result, your labia and vagina may experience the following changes:

• Swelling. The labia majora and minora may increase slightly in size and look puffy or swollen for the duration of your pregnancy. 
• Discoloration. The color of your skin on both your inner and outer labia may temporarily darken to a bluish or purplish color due to increased blood flow.
• Labia shape. Sometimes the outer lips may slightly retract, which can make the inner lips look bigger or expose them for the first time.
• Varicose veins. Varicose veins are common during pregnancy, including on your vulva (or external genitalia). Increased blood flow throughout the body can cause blood to pool in the pelvic region, dilating blood vessels and leading to bluish, bumpy veins that are aggravated by long periods of standing, exercise or sex.
• Infections. Hormonal changes can increase the risk of yeast infections during pregnancy — and the corresponding itchiness and discomfort.
• Increased discharge. Extra discharge during pregnancy helps to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina. Discharge should be thin, milky and mild-smelling. If it’s lumpy, thick or accompanied by other symptoms (like itchiness or a fishy odor), let your doctor know. 
• Spotting. While heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks through a pad is a sign of something potentially more serious, light spotting during pregnancy is relatively common and usually benign.

Vaginal changes due to childbirth

If you're concerned about how pregnancy and childbirth will affect the size and shape of your vagina and labia, you're not alone. The reality is, the tissue down there is very elastic and generally remains intact. 

If you have a vaginal birth or pushed before having a C-section, you may notice the following changes to your labia and vagina:

• Stretches and tears. You may experience tears to the vagina during labor and delivery, and the labia minora (but not majora) can sometimes slightly stretch or tear. Tears to your vagina and labia will usually heal within seven to 10 days.
• Soreness. The amount of postpartum perineal pain you’ll experience depends on how you delivered and whether you had any tears. Vagial and labial soreness should resolve within a few weeks.

Regularly doing kegels before and after birth can help your labor and delivery go smoother and prevent pelvic floor problems.

Will my labia return to the way it was before pregnancy?

Virtually all the changes that happen to your labia during and after pregnancy are temporary. Once you've given birth, your typical coloring will return as blood flow goes back to normal. 

Upon baby's arrival, the size of the labia minora should retract to their previous size with decreased blood flow; for some women, labia may even shrink a bit more. Longer-lasting changes to your labia, if any, are typically minor, and there’s a good chance they’ll go unnoticed by both you and your partner, if you have one.

Meanwhile, your vagina after birth will vary depending on many factors, including how you delivered, what number delivery this is for you, your genetics, the size of your baby and more. While your vagina won’t be exactly the same after delivery, it will be close. You may not even notice any difference.

In rare cases, some women's doctors may recommend a surgical procedure called labiaplasty — or contouring performed on the labia — for physical complications that arise when the inner lips protrude prominently past the outer lips. These can include irritation from wearing snug clothes or increased friction during certain activities like bicycling. 

During sex, the penis may push the loose folds of the labia minora into the vaginal cavity, resulting in abrasions or ulcerations. Extra tissue can also result in repeated yeast infections or UTIs because of trapped moisture. If you experience more than four of either infection per year, talk to your doctor about whether it could be caused by your labia minora.

If you're considering labiaplasty for cosmetic reasons, however, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the country’s leading group of OB/GYNs, cautions against the procedure. Their experts have noted that women could benefit from an honest discussion with their doctor, since appearance varies significantly. 

As with any surgery, there are also risks, including post-surgery complications like bleeding and infections, increased dryness in the genital area, discomfort later in life as tissues naturally thin out and dissatisfaction with your results. 

So talk to your OB/GYN the next time you visit — he or she should be able to ease any concerns about the appearance of your genital area.