Normal vaginal discharge is quite common amongst women. Usually it is odorless and is milky in color. During pregnancy, however, there is an increase in vaginal discharge. It is because of the increase in blood flow around the genital area and because of the increase in hormone levels within the body.
Many women experience a lot of vaginal discharge during the last trimester of pregnancy, especially when you are close to the due date. In the early stages of your pregnancy, your body produces a mucous plug to protect the cervical from foreign bodies. In the final trimester, your cervix slowly opens up, releasing this mucus in the form of blobs. You can use a panty liner if you experience heavy vaginal discharge during pregnancy.
Difference between normal discharge and leaking fluid
During pregnancy there could be leaking of amniotic fluid. It is important to understand the difference between leaking fluid and normal vaginal discharge. If you experience mucous or bloody discharge frequently in the day then it warrants an examination. If you experience mucous with blood or discharge at around 37 weeks you will need to contact your doctor as soon as possible. If you are in doubt, then it is better to consult your doctor.
During pregnancy, your growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder and hence many women leak urine during their pregnancy. This is a normal phenomenon and there is nothing to be worried about. It is better if you avoid douching during pregnancy because it can increase vaginal irritation and also increases the risk of a vaginal infection.
Normal Discharge or Infection
Normal discharge is usually odorless and milky in color. If you have discharge along with burning or itching, or if your discharge is yellowish or greenish in color then you may be having a vaginal infection. Also if your discharge smells bad then you could be suffering from vaginal infections. Sometimes you could also experience pain as well. It is important to treat a vaginal infection as quickly as possible or it could affect the fetus. Never use an over the counter medicine because it might not be suitable for pregnancy. Consult your doctor as soon as you feel the symptoms of a vaginal infection.
Some vaginal infections could lead to preterm labor and delivery. If left untreated it may also result in a kidney infection which could also cause a premature delivery or other complications in the pregnancy. It is therefore advised to consult your doctor whenever you experience any uncomfortable symptoms pertaining to vaginal infection as soon as possible. Do not ignore it or you may face complications related to pregnancy.
Most vaginal infections can be easily treated within a week’s time when administered proper medications which is usually some sort of antibiotic that is safe to consume during pregnancy. If you have developed an infection, then your doctor will closely monitor you so that you do not contract the infection again. You could do without being overly concerned if you have a vaginal infection as this can be treated easily.
