CLINICAL CONDITIONS
What are the causes of pelvic and vulvar pain during pregnancy?
Up to 25% of pregnant women experience uncomfortable heaviness or pain in the lower abdomen or vulva during pregnancy. These symptoms result from the physical changes your body goes through to support a growing baby. Understanding what's happening in your body, and knowing how to ease the symptoms, can help you feel calmer through your pregnancy.
What are the causes of pelvic and vulvar pain during pregnancy?
- Pelvic and vulvar varices are often caused by weakened or dilated veins in the pelvis or vulva, leading to blood pooling and pressure on the vessels.
- Hormonal changes also play a role: relaxin, a hormone released during pregnancy, loosens ligaments and muscles to allow the uterus to expand and prepare the body for childbirth — but this added flexibility can also lead to pelvic instability and pain.
- As the baby grows, the uterus puts additional pressure on the pelvic structures, which can cause pain or a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.
- The round ligaments, which support the uterus, also stretch to accommodate its growth — and this stretching can cause sharp pain or pulling sensations in the pelvic area.
What do pelvic varicosities feel like?
Pelvic varices form in the area of the small pelvis. During pregnancy, increased blood volume and pressure from the growing uterus on the pelvic veins can slow venous return, leading to venous congestion around the vessels that supply blood to the uterus, ovaries, and vagina. This congestion is a common cause of the heaviness, pressure, or swelling many pregnant women feel in the lower abdomen.
How can I recognize vulvar varices during pregnancy?
Vulvar varices are dilated veins that appear on the vulva due to increased pressure on the pelvic veins and weakening of the venous walls. They can cause pain, itching, or a feeling of swelling in the vulvar area. While generally benign, they can still be uncomfortable. They usually resolve after childbirth, and in most cases are not a barrier to vaginal delivery — though it's always worth discussing your specific situation with your doctor or midwife.
5 solutions to relieve pelvic and vulvar pain during pregnancy
Avoid prolonged sitting or standing
Stay active
Wearing tights or compression stockings
Apply cold
To relieve discomfort related to congestion (edema, vulvar varices), cold compresses or packs can be applied to the affected area. Discover perineal cryotherapy with Sister Feel.
Pelvinity compression underwear
Thanks to its unique design, Pelvinity — designed in France — supports the pelvis and gently compresses the vulva, from the pubis to the perineum.
When should I consult a healthcare professional in case of pelvic pain?
Although pelvic and vulvar varices are generally benign, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional if:
- Your pain is severe or persistent.
- You notice vaginal bleeding.
- Your varices become painful, red, or warm to the touch — this could indicate a complication such as venous thrombosis.
Whatever your symptoms, if something feels off to you, trust that instinct and reach out to a healthcare provider. You know your body, and it's always worth getting checked.
Pelvic pain, heaviness, and vulvar varices are common discomforts during pregnancy. Taking preventive steps, and consulting a healthcare professional if you notice any concerning symptoms, can help you have a more comfortable and safer pregnancy.
Choose Pelvinity for relief, and freedom to move again.
Pelvinity is worn directly over your underwear (briefs, shorty-style, or cotton panties), or over leggings or compression tights.
Pelvinity is the result of years of testing and research, developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals — and with the women who tested it. Some were pregnant, some weren't; all of them had experienced the discomfort of pelvic heaviness, for reasons as varied as the women themselves.
Symptom relief with Pelvinity