Downstairs....advice?

Hey there,
I am 32 weeks pregnant and on and off through the pregnancy I have had a very sensitive 'downstairs'. I have been checked several times for a UTI but don't have one and I have described the problem to my GP but she seems to think all is okay...I am not convinced because this is my second pregnancy and I never had this issue last time.

Basically, the whole area seems very swollen and sensitive, there are sort of big, soft lumps everywhere (It was never lumpy before!) and sometimes I feel like I am on fire down there. Occasionally it hurts a bit to go to the loo and for the past 2 months I cannot have sex as afterwards everything will be sore and burning for a good hour or two.

I told my doc about the swollen, sensitive feeling and she seems to think it is just due to an increased flow of blood to the area but I am getting a bit fed up with being sore and uncomfortable. I have not yet mentioned it to my midwife because my GP didn't seem to think it was a big deal....anyone else felt like this and what can I do to stop it?:redface:

Hmmm, it really does sound like it's like this b/c of the increased blood flow. Mine was very sensitive when I was pg too, and I didn't enjoy DTD b/c I was always really dry down there and after DTD it would burn so much I was in tears. That dryness stayed months after DS arrived and even now it's just not the same :redface:
I'd mention it to your midwive, it doesn't hurt to have a second opinion :)
GL with the rest of your pg hun!

I sounds to me like it is increased blood supply. The big soft lumps could be varicose veins which are quite common during pregnancy.

I had this too and only with my second pregnancy. My Dr said increased blood flow too. There was not much that helped except sitting with my legs spread open as much as possible. And like MissB, way to dry to enjoy DTD and not worth the problems afterwards so that never happened either.

yep. sounds like increased blood flow. I can vouch that these things can get worse in subsequent pregnancies (and then try throwing a mild uterine prolapse into the mix! :lol: ). Poor DH doesn't see much action at all when I am pregnant anymore, or I have to live with the agony afterwards....

Thanks for the replies everyone...puts my mind at ease, I was a bit worried when the lumps became really noticeable, I thought my fanny was going to fall off :lol:

Well, looks like no action for me or the hubby for another few months and I am just going to have to put up with having a rather ugly looking punani for a little bit longer! :ROFL:

Your punani is not going to fall off :rofl:

Thanks for the laugh hun :)

Just thought I would let you all know that I did in fact get checked out properly today, I was already at the hospital in regards to some other issues so I mentioned how sore I have been to my OB and she had a squiz.
Turns out it is varicose veins and I will just have to put up with it until after the baby is born. She said the whole area looks quite swollen and tender but there isn't much that can be done. I think the Husband is a bit disappointed that it can't be fixed anytime soon haha:p

I'm a lot more sensitive this time around too hun. Everything seems more squishy and tender. DD actually put her knee in my crotch the other day while climbing on my lap and I had tears spring to my eyes because it hurt so bad! I asked the middies while I was having a check at the hospital and they said varicose veins too. They're more common in that region in subsequent pregnancies apparently.

Oh the joys.

Maybe try sticking a cooled gel pack (not fresh out of the freezer, but just slightly cold) in your undies for relief if it gets really bad.

A cold pack is a good idea and will give some relief. You could also try pantyhose, these can give some support to the area and ease the discomfort. The downside is that they can increase your chance of getting thrush

Thanks again for all the advice. I was so sore the other day that I resorted to nappy rash cream on my punani just to stop the burning feeling!
Being pregnant is just so glamorous isn't it?!

Glamorous is ONE word for it.... :rolleyes: