Insecurities

If you're feeling insecure, I would share it with your midwife if it is something that is making you worried about birth. Your feelings are valid, but there is no "normal" vagina. My vagina during pregnancy is swollen, painful and quite frankly not a fun part of me. I've talked to my midwife, that is a "normal" experience for some women. Is there anything that you could do whilst it's happening to try and take your mind off of it? Listen to a podcast/music? Have your partner there to distract you?

Hi. I had my baby boy back last August. Honest you won’t care you will be in too much pain to really care. Honest I would not worry. I did and then when Joshua was coming out I did not care one bit I just cared I had a healthy baby.

Do you mean larger labia? Your friends won’t probably admit they have any insecurities about their genitals tbh. Women come in all shapes and sizes. And everyone’s downstairs is super swollen at the end of pregnancy. Doctors won’t even pay attention to the appearance of anyones vagina. They didn’t even look at mine for more than 0.5 seconds when I had a sweep. They’ll just be doing their job. Try not to worry xx

Hoping this story might make you feel a bit better about the birth! I packed a bikini top and T-shirt to wear as I wanted a pool birth, when in labour, I was so hot and so in the zone, I basically stripped down butt naked , was in the pool naked, and then when I came out of the pool they offered me a hospital gown and I literally screamed “don’t put anything on me” , I had a very long labour, and I was absolutely naked walking around the room for the WHOLE time, that being said, I don’t think any midwife or doctor even gave it a second look, I genuinely think they didn’t even notice because it is just so normal. And I didn’t even remember being this undressed until I looked back at pictures, in the moment you are just so in the zone!! And I’m not one to be comfortable being so exposed, I don’t know what got into me 😂 basically I’m sending the same kind of dgaf vibes to you hoping it makes you feel more relaxed about the experience!

I was nervous about being naked and bought a long nighty, swim wear options ect... I was hot and in pain and didn't care about being naked at all

What do you mean by larger? Everyone is different and it’s completely normal xx

I've always been very self conscious and other than my husband, never wanted anyone to look down there. But once you are in labour, you truly won't care about that and everyone was so kind and respectful, always asking that I was okay before doing any checks

I’m guessing you have an outie. It’s completely normal and definitely not something to be worried about. I know that’s easier said than done but a good percentage of the female population have an outie. It’s just not seen or spoken about due to the porn industry making all vaginas appear to be neat and tucked in. Vaginas come in all shapes and sizes - from Barbie doll style to dropped kebabs. Some of us just have a bit of extra meat. Please don’t feel embarrassed. Have a look at the vagina museum and you’ll see how different all vaginas are. Fun fact! The size of the labia minora is determined by hormones in puberty. It grows during puberty and shrinks back again during menopause. https://www.vaginamuseum.co.uk/exhibitions/permanentexhibition