Vaginal discharge

Is it more common to have vaginal discharge during pregnancy? 

Yes, during pregnancy the hormonal changes in your body will predispose you to have an increase in vaginal discharge.
 
What is ‘leukorrhoea’?
This is the medical term to describe a normal physiological vaginal discharge that occurs during pregnancy. This vaginal discharge is whitish in colour, milky and mild smelling. There is nothing for you to worry about.
What should I do if I have vaginal discharge?
  • Tell your doctor about it so that further investigation could be done to determine the cause and exclude any possible dangerous infections.
  • Do not insert a tampon into your vagina as it could introduce infection.
  • Wear a panty liner if the vaginal discharge is excessive.
  • Do no douche as it might upset your normal vaginal flora and further introduce infection.
  • Do not self treat yourself without letting your doctor know first.
  • Keep your genitals clean, wipe with tissue from front to the back to avoid any bacteria from the anus being introduce to the vagina.
  • Do not use any deodorant or perfume at your genitals.
  • Use cotton panties instead of tight nylon.
What investigation would my doctor do to investigate for my vaginal discharge?
Your doctor will take a history to determine the nature of the vaginal discharge, do a pelvic examination to assess the vaginal discharge and possibly take some samples from your vagina or cervix.
What are the possible causes of vaginal discharge during pregnancy?
  • Leukorrhoea
  • Vaginal candidiasis: This is a common fungal infection. The discharge tends to be curdy-like whitish discharge and often associated with itchiness.
  • Mucous plug : This is a cervical secretion that fills up your cervix. If you go into labour, your cervix would soften and dilate, expelling this mucous plug which looks like egg white.
  • Leaking liquor:There is a possibility that your water bag has ruptured and you are leaking. Suspect this especially if the vaginal discharge is clear, watery and a lot in amount.
  • Vaginal infection: This is a possibility especially if the discharge is yellowish, greenish and foul-smelling. It could be either a bacterial infection (e.g bacterial vaginosis or Group B streptococcus) or sexually transmitted disease.

     As it may be difficult to determine the cause of the vaginal discharge by your self, seek medical treatment.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS:

[easyazon-image align=”none” asin=”1561487171″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41AyhH3XGkL._SL160_.jpg” width=”107″]   [easyazon-image align=”none” asin=”B005Q64716″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/315T5X7M65L._SL160_.jpg” width=”120″]   [easyazon-image align=”none” asin=”0738210072″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51K7s85bL6L._SL160_.jpg” width=”106″]   [easyazon-image align=”none” asin=”0761148574″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61ehkftyEjL._SL160_.jpg” width=”109″]   [easyazon-image align=”none” asin=”1453667164″ locale=”us” height=”160″ src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-rMK4Hv6L._SL160_.jpg” width=”107″]

Filed under Symptoms in Pregnancy | No Comments


Leave a Reply