Pregnancy is a wonderful time for women, but it is also a challenging time It is also a challenging time because your life is about to change completely and will never be the same again..
It will be chaotic days and uncomfortable nights, but everything is rewarded when you see your baby’s smiling face and it fills you with an energy you’ll never find anywhere else. Erasing every discomfort it may seem.
During pregnancy physical changes occur that alter the female figure, due to the stretching of the skin, causing stretch marks or changes in the Ph. But internal alterations can also occur at an intimate level, such as changes in vaginal discharge that become uncomfortable and bothersome. However, with proper medical follow-up and the necessary care, they can be controlled.
Did you know that these problems occur during pregnancy? Keep reading this article to find out all about changes in vaginal discharge during pregnancy and what to do about it.
- You may be interested in: “The 9 forbidden foods during pregnancy (and breastfeeding)”.
Why do so many alterations occur in the gestation period?
The main reason for so many changes is due to hormonal alterations within the female body.. During pregnancy, HGC hormones are produced, known precisely as ‘pregnancy hormones’ and are the ones that warn the body that a new life is brewing inside the womb and in turn causes a magnitude in the levels of hormones already present such as estrogen, progesterone and lactogen.
The functions of which are to prepare the body for the development of the fetus and its future care, such as stretching the skin tissue, stimulating the growth of the uterus and breastfeeding. But they also bring with them some discomfort and discomfort such as the appearance of skin disorders, mood swings, sensitivities, digestive problems and alterations in the female intimate area.
Changes in vaginal discharge during pregnancy
These are presented through the loss of vaginal discharge or leucorrhea. That is, constant and in some cases abundant flows of vaginal discharge for which pregnant women prefer to use pads to feel more comfortable. However, this event is completely normal during pregnancy as it is caused by increased estrogen and increased blood flow.
This change in vaginal discharge presents with the following characteristics:
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Mildly thick dischargeMilky-white colored, delicate and without any odor. Similar to that experienced before the menstrual period.
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When the pregnancy is more advanced (almost full term) may become thicker and sticky due to the release of the plug.Due to the release of the mucous plug that protects the womb and gives way to dilatations.
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Sensation of constantly going to the bathroom due to the leakage of discharge.
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It is caused by the effects of the hormones of the placenta and the of the placenta and the creation of the mucous plug.
Other types of discharge during pregnancy
However, there are also other types of discharge you may experience during pregnancy, there are also other types of discharge that you may experience during pregnancy that may be a warning sign that may be a warning sign that you should treat immediately.
1. Whitish discharge
Whitish-colored discharge in the female genitalia usually refers to infections caused by the bacterium ”candida albicans”. Which is the cause of candidiasis.
You can observe it not only because of its striking color, but also because it has a very sticky consistency, a strong odor, irritation and redness in the genital area.
2. Greenish discharge
This can cause Trichomoniasis, one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STD). At the beginning of the infection, this may not be detected in the body, but over time you can see, apart from the coloration are: small vaginal bleeding, genital irritation and burning when urinating.
3. Yellowish discharge
This discharge is thick, viscous in consistency and has a very strong, pungent odor. It may be indicative of various vaginal infections or sexual diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea or bacterial vaginosis.
When this type of discharge is present, it is necessary to go immediately to the gynecologist to begin the best treatment and eradicate it completely.
4. Brown discharge
They are usually dark brown or bright red and may be indicative of early rupture of membranes, as well as a possible threat of miscarriage. It is therefore important to see a doctor immediately and keep absolute rest, if necessary, for the remainder of the pregnancy.
Although when it occurs at the end of gestation, it is a sign that the mucus plug has been expelled and labor has begun, to welcome a new life into the world.
When is it valid to worry about leucorrhea?
However, it is also important to be aware if the discharge changes color, has a thicker or sticky texture, is accompanied by a strong odor, or if you experience any discomfort such as itching, irritation or pain. Remember that vaginal discharge during pregnancy does not cause physical discomfort.It is painless, almost transparent in color and odorless.
When this happens, it may be due to a vaginal infection and must be treated immediately, so you will prevent your baby from contracting some type of disease when passing through the birth canal and you will also be able to prevent the infection from getting worse.
Time of onset
The consistency of the leucorrhea should be slightly thick throughout the pregnancy and as it progresses it may become thicker and denser. However, if after the embryonic stage, i.e. after the eighth week, you notice that it remains watery in consistency, it is best to consult your specialist, as it may be a case of amniotic fluid leakage.
2. Vaginal infections
As previously mentioned, you should pay attention to the shape of this discharge. If it has a yellowish or greenish hue, has a bad odor, is thicker than normal and you feel irritation or mild pain. It may be a vaginal infection and it is important to treat it as soon as possible.
3. Discharge coloration
On the other hand, if the discharge is smooth, but if you notice that instead of being milky it becomes reddish or dark brown, it may be due to a premature rupture of membranes. In which case it is essential that you go to your doctor immediately to keep a constant check of the pregnancy and avoid possible complications.
4. Amount of discharge
Although some women experience significant leaks, these can be kept under control with the use of pads to prevent leakage. However, when even using this method, you notice that the amount is excessive, go to your obstetrician-gynecologist to find out what is happening and how you can control it.
Care to be taken
1. Cleaning
It is very important to keep your intimate area clean, fresh and dry.. Fungi and bacteria reproduce in humid environments. Use towels and underwear made of cotton, loose-fitting clothes that allow air to pass through and carry disinfectant wipes with you.
However, avoid overdoing it with intimate cleansing, as it can affect the natural vaginal flora that acts precisely against bacteria. Do your cleansing routine once or twice a day at the most.
2. Avoid tampons
To control abundant leucorrhea flows, it is recommended that you use cotton pads, panty liners or sanitary napkins.pads, panty liners or sanitary napkins. But stay away from tampons, because they can cause the development of infections. This occurs because it provides the ideal environment for the reproduction of bacteria, by the accumulation of blood, fluids and dead tissue, can also be manifested by the chemical agents present in the composition of the tampons.
3. Constant checking
Of course, it is important to it is important that you attend your regular medical appointments and follow the advice of your specialist.It is of course important that you follow the advice of your specialist and discuss any unusual changes you observe with him or her. It is preferable that you clarify all the doubts you have, before being ignorant, especially in the most delicate and beautiful stage of your life. So do not be afraid to ask everything you should do during leucorrhea in pregnancy.
Extra tips
Remember that during pregnancy you must continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure proper embryonic development and term, and to combat the vulnerability of the immune system.
1. Balanced diet
Although, during pregnancy there are the well-known and irresistible cravings, do not let them rule you because they can cause many health problems, including hormonal alterations that can cause vaginal infections. So opt for variations of low-fat meals and desserts.
2. Physical activity
It is very important that during pregnancy you stay active with some physical activity adapted to each stage of your pregnancy. This will keep your metabolism and your organs working properly.
3. Moments of relaxation
Zero stress during pregnancy. Stress can lead to the decay of immune defenses and cause discomfort, improper food consumption, as well as hormonal alterations that will not let you enjoy your pregnancy as it should.
4. Share with your partner
Pregnancy does not have to become a long ‘time out’ for intimacy as a couple. Unless it is by doctor’s orders due to complications. So spend time alone, go on dates, have a romantic evening and don’t let go of that intimate connection, because it is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship.
With these simple tips and getting the right information from your specialist, you will be able to enjoy a problem-free pregnancy and know what to do if an alert sounds.