What causes swelling and thickening in the lower area during the second trimester of pregnancy?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been in my second trimester of pregnancy and have noticed that the area below feels swollen, thickened, and protruding. May I ask what could be causing this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
During pregnancy, especially in the second trimester, some pregnant women may experience swelling, thickening, or protrusion in the lower body, usually referring to the perineal area. This may be caused by multiple factors.
1. As the fetus develops, the enlarged uterus may compress the inferior vena cava, leading to impaired blood circulation, which can cause the vulva to appear swollen and thickened. In this case, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid prolonged standing or sitting, and change positions appropriately to reduce pressure on the inferior vena cava.
2. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, particularly increased levels of estrogen and progesterone, can cause fluid retention in body tissues, resulting in localized edema.
3. External factors such as prolonged standing or sitting, excessive fatigue, and wearing tight clothing may also exacerbate the swelling.
4. If the swelling is accompanied by abnormal vaginal discharge color or odor, it could be caused by gynecological conditions such as vaginitis. In such cases, prompt medical examination and treatment are recommended.
Pregnant women are advised to take the following measures to alleviate symptoms: maintain good posture, avoid prolonged standing or sitting; wear loose, comfortable clothing and low-heeled shoes; elevate the legs appropriately to promote blood return; engage in moderate exercise, such as prenatal yoga or walking, to improve circulation; maintain a balanced diet and control salt intake to prevent excessive fluid retention. If the swelling is accompanied by pain, fever, redness, or other abnormal symptoms, medical attention should be sought promptly.
