Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy
When you are expecting, your body goes through so many changes it's hard to know what's normal and what's cause for alarm. Am I supposed to feel hot all the time? Why I am so forgetful? And what is this weird vaginal discharge?
If you are noticing increased vaginal discharge as your waistline expands, you have plenty of company. During pregnancy, changing hormones and increased blood circulation in the vaginal area cause a discharge called leukorrhea. This runny, whitish substance shouldn't have an offensive odor, even to your pregnancy-sensitized nose. There is nothing you can do to reduce this fluid, and you wouldn't want to anyway: This is your body's way of flushing out bacteria to keep you and your baby healthy.
Of course, that doesn't mean you have to feel uncomfortable. Changing your underwear often or wearing panty liners can help keep you feeling dry. Don't douche or wear tampons, however, as this could introduce new bacteria into the area.
Another completely normal type of vaginal fluid appears during the last few weeks of pregnancy. Up to a month before delivery, you may notice an increase in discharge as well as a thicker consistency. You may also note a jelly-like substance: this generally means you are passing the mucous plug -- something that can happen a week or two before labor begins or just before your first real contractions. Check with your doctor to be sure, but in general neither of these conditions is cause for alarm. If the mucous is pink or streaked with blood, however, this usually means that labor will take place within 24 hours.
Amniotic fluid may leak steadily. (Or in the jet from the vagina of a body preparing for birth If this happens and you will be less than 37 weeks, with notification of doctor or midwife. You need to be checked immediately.
While most of the time vaginal discharge is completely normal and even beneficial, in some instances it may indicate a problem. You should see your doctor about any vaginal discharge that is heavier or different than expected during pregnancy, since the stakes may be higher than usual -- some vaginal infections (though not all) may be associated with preterm labor or problematic births, and it's important to diagnose and treat them before complications develop. Here are signs that you should call your doctor right away:
• spotting or bleeding
• discharge that looks like cottage cheese
• discharge that smells like yeast or bread
• green or yellow discharge
• irritation or itching of the vaginal lips
• pain during urination or sex
These symptoms may mean that you have a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Read on to find out how to prevent them, and what to do if they occur.
References
from : http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/pregdischarge#s17
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