Help! So many changes occur in your body during pregnancy, including things that are not often discussed, such as this topic. Scouring the internet for answers is often the most obvious option, but let's discuss it openly together: your discharge during pregnancy.
Why does my discharge change during pregnancy?
As I said, a lot changes in and to your body during these special 9 months. Vaginal discharge is something that we all have to deal with as women, pregnant or not. Our cycle of (on average) 28 days plays a role here, and especially the change in our hormone balance is the 'culprit' in this.
Actually, a very good and beautiful system, so I shouldn't say 'culprit', but it is often experienced as annoying, just like this ailment. The hormone estrogen is the one that causes this change in discharge. This hormone ensures better blood flow to the pelvic area. This keeps the mucous membranes of the cervix and vaginal wall moist, and it is better protected against infections from outside.
Extra estrogen -> extra moist mucous membranes -> extra fluid/discharge that can come out. Not nice, but healthy and completely normal!
When should I be concerned?
During your pregnancy, you may be extra alert to anything that is 'new' and may bring discomfort. Vaginal discharge is normal, and you know that it can vary from day to day. This also applies during pregnancy. Differences in smell, color, texture, and amount say a lot. Normal discharge is white, odorless, liquid, and somewhat slimy. This can change in a short time during your pregnancy.
The amount, in particular, can increase, and as your pregnancy progresses, the discharge can become somewhat thinner and more watery. Some women are frightened by this if it happens in the last weeks of pregnancy because it can sometimes feel like you are wetting yourself or losing amniotic fluid. Whoops!
In many cases, you will know quickly enough whether it is indeed amniotic fluid or discharge; amniotic fluid has a somewhat sweeter smell, is (if all goes well) clear, and does not come in a small trickle once. It keeps coming, sometimes in small amounts, but continuously. Amniotic fluid also contains white flakes. If you still think it is amniotic fluid, but it is dark in color, this is also a reason to inform your midwife. Perhaps your waters have broken, and your little one has pooped in the amniotic fluid.
If you experience an unpleasant odor from your discharge, have a lot of itching, or notice that the discharge is yellowish and contains 'lumps', this could mean that you are suffering from a fungus. You are more susceptible to this during your pregnancy because your immune system is somewhat lower. This occurs more often and is also nothing to worry about. If in doubt, discuss with your midwife or GP what you can do best. Do you prefer home/garden/kitchen solutions (think of coconut oil or something like that), or would you rather use a vaginal cream/capsule for this?
It is also possible that you experience pain during sex, a lot of irritation, or a burning sensation. If your discharge has an unpleasant smell, is a somewhat thicker substance, and the color is different (yellow/green/gray), it could be that you have an STD or an infection. In this case, it is important to do something about it and contact your midwife or family doctor. It is often necessary to start a course of antibiotics, especially towards your term date, because you would rather not pass these bacteria on to your little one during labor.
My discharge is pink, brown or contains blood. What now?
Because everything around and in your pelvic floor is better supplied with blood during your pregnancy, there is a possibility that you will occasionally lose some blood. This often involves a small vessel that has burst around your cervix or in your mucous membrane. This results in a small amount of 'fresh' red blood. This mixes with your discharge and then comes out as a pinkish substance. Sometimes the blood is so minimal, and it takes a while before it comes out. This is 'old' blood and results in a brown or dark discharge. Also, nothing to worry about.
If you suddenly lose a lot of 'fresh' red blood, accompanied by abdominal pain or other physical complaints, please contact your midwife.
What can you do about excessive discharge?
Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about the discharge itself. But it is, of course, incredibly uncomfortable to have a wet spot in your underwear all day long. You can use panty liners for this. However, this does create a sultry effect, which bacteria love, of course. In this case, choose panty liners without plastic and perfume, and change them regularly. The same goes for tampons. Instead of panty liners, you could also use hydrophilic washcloths.
It is also smart to wear cotton underwear. This breathes better and is more airy.
To limit the discharge and prevent it from getting worse, you can do the following:
Your vagina keeps itself clean inside. So never wash with soap . This affects the PH value in the vagina, which lowers the acidity. Your vagina should be somewhat acidic to prevent bacteria.
Always wipe from front to back when using the toilet to avoid spreading anal bacteria to the vagina
Sleep without underwear . This also for airiness and less brooding. Do you not like this, because you lose more discharge? Put a towel under your bottom!
Watch out for sugars and processed foods . These also affect your PH value, and molds love them.
If possible, bring a pencil case with some clean underwear and a few panty liners. That way, you'll always feel clean and fresh.
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