This is kind of a sensitive question, but please r/o

[shammy902]

I am currently 24 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child. I have developed a varicose vein that starts in my private area and goes down part of my leg. Lifting heavy objects I know is aggrevating it. I've mentioned this to my doctor and he just says "there's nothing he can do" - does anyone have any input on how they think exercising will affect it? Any type of lifting moves (overhead press, etc) I've taken to doing while sitting only. Also, I'm only working out about 3 times a week. Should I revise my workout routine to do strictly pilates and yoga - or do you guys think general aerobics (I'm getting a ramp any day now) would still be o.k.????

thanks for your input.

 

[Hazel]

I had a vulvar varicosity (which is what it sounds like you're describing) in both my pregnancies. No fun whatsoever, I know -- felt like I'd been kicked by a horse. My OB told me some women get relief by putting two very thick sanitary pads in their underwear -- I guess the counterpressure helps relieve some of the pain. I found that a pregnancy belt worn under my belly helped a lot. I got my inexpensively at fitmaternity.com.

As for exercises, the only thing that ever bothered me was squats, but with the belly belt, I really didn't even have a problem with those. Overhead presses, really any upper body work, never bothered me -- to be honest, it often hurt worst when I was sitting. I would just go by the "if it hurts, stop" rule.

The good news is that these do go away just as soon as the baby's born.

HTH

 

[StaceyDeLapp]

Wow. That sound very painful! I know I've had problems feeling really swollen in that area, and have had varicose veins, not quite as bad as the one you are explaining. I do remember with my 2nd pg, if dh and I had sex and in the middle of the night, my son woke up and I went to pick him up, I would about fall to my knees from the pain. I never did stop working out, but I wasn't as big on weight lifting when I was pg then as I am now. I have started to have similar problems already (17 weeks along) but planning on continuing my workouts. One thing I tried that really helped was rubbing some Triple-antibiotic numbing cream (neosporin) all over the area. It gave me instand relief and believe it or not, lasted the whole day! Anyway, I hope that helps. Are you standing a lot? Make sure you sit and elevate your feet. Maybe ice or heat would help? And be sure to try to the pregnancy belt. I never thought of that but think I'll have to invest in one.

Take it easy and definitely stop your workouts if they become uncomfortable.

 

[shammy902]

hazel - thanks for the tip. I had contemplated a pregnancy belt, but wasn't sure it would do the trick. Maybe I should give it a go. Sounds like it can't hurt.

thanks!

 

[shammy902]

Wow Stacy - you're braver than I. I already told my DH that sex is out of the question. There is no way I want anything touching me there right now.

I actually sit at work, so I always try and go for a nice long walk at lunch to stretch. I will have to try the neosporin idea. When I get home I try and sit down with my feet up - but I have 2 kids at home.

I'm going to get the belt, thanks!

 

[Hazel]

shammy,

I can't recommend the belt highly enough -- it was a godsend to me. It really does help take a significant amount of pressure off your nether regions! And for whatever regions, I always felt a bit better psychologically having something supporting my belly a bit. I got one for working out and one for everyday use.

Also, not to be a Dutch uncle, but I'd check with your OB about using any type of OTC medication -- even topical applications can get into the blood stream and affect the little 'un.