|
|
|
| Of all the things that women worry about or expect during pregnancy, vaginal discharge, or leukorrhea, may not be one of them. Yet excessive vaginal discharge is quite common and quite a shock to women who have never heard of it. It is important that you are aware of the normal changes during pregnancy and that you inform your physician about any changes that may appear abnormal. |
| Normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy is thin, white, milky and mild smelling. Anytime you have discharge during pregnancy that is colored, heavier or thicker than normal you should see your doctor. In some rare cases it could be a sign of vaginal infection or a problem with your pregnancy. Problems could include a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or a sexually transmitted disease "STD". In most of these cases there are preventative measures that your doctor or midwife can do to solve any problems you may be having . |
 When should I notify my physician about my vaginal discharge?
|
If there's a lot of thin, clear, it can be hard for you tell if it's just mucus or if you're leaking amniotic fluid. If you have any doubt, contact your midwife or doctor.
Call your practitioner right away if you're not yet at 37 weeks and you notice an increase in discharge or a change in the type of discharge (if it becomes watery, mucus-like, or bloody; even if it's just tinged with pink or brownish old blood). This can be a sign of preterm labor.
You should also call your care giver if you suspect that you have an infection. If you have an odorless, whitish discharge that's causing you discomfort such as itching or burning; or your vulva looks inflamed; you might have a yeast infection. If your discharge is foul-smelling or frothy or yellow, green, or gray, you might have a different kind of vaginal infection or a sexually transmitted infection, even if you don't have symptoms of irritation, itching, or burning.
In either case, don't try to treat yourself with over-the-counter medications. It's important to first see your practitioner for a diagnosis to make sure you get appropriate treatment.
|
 Important tips:
|
During pregnancy do:
Use panty liners if it makes you more comfortable.
Avoid tight pants, nylons, bubble bath, scented pads or toilet paper, feminine hygiene sprays, and scented or deodorant soaps.
Notify your physician at your appointment of any changes.
During pregnancy don't:
Use tampons (they can introduce new germs into the vagina)
Douche (this can interrupt the normal balance and lead to a vaginal infection)
Assume that it is a vaginal infection and treat it yourself
|
|
|
