The combined effect of hormones progesterone
and oestrogen causes your vagina to
secrete more mucus than before. This
discharge termed leucorrhea comes
in greater quantity now that you are
pregnant. Discharge is composed of
vaginal and cervical fluids, old cells
shed from the vaginal walls and normal
fungus and bacteria (vaginal flora).
• You will notice this increase
from around week 18 or even earlier.
• The secretion should be clear,
milky white and odorless.
• It should not itch or cause
any pain
• Its function is to keep your
vagina area moist
• Its acidic quality helps to
keep infection at bay
• There can be lots of it and
is likely to increase as your pregnancy
progresses.
It is not a very comfortable feeling
to be 'leaking' but you can sure minimize
the discomfort with these tips:
• Avoid wearing undies and pants
or jeans; anything that is restrictive
in the crotch area
• Do not use tampons during
pregnancy as it increases the risk
of vagina infection, which you are
more prone to these days
• Wear undies and pants that
are made from breathable natural fabrics
like cotton. Avoid nylon, polyester
and anything too lacy
• Panty liners preferably the
unscented ones are absorbent; change
them frequently through the day
• Change your undies frequently
if you don't quite like panty liners
• Avoid irritation by wiping
from front to back to prevent anal
bacteria from entering your vagina
• Feeling fresh and clean is
a must but you should avoid scented
soaps, feminine hygiene sprays. Instead
wash your vagina area with warm water
and a gentle cleanser ideally twice
a day
• Do not douche especially during
pregnancy as it can introduce air
bubble into your system and in turn
lead to dangerous complications
• Douching should also be avoided
since it can upset the balance of
the vaginal flora and increase your
risk of infections (avoid douching
even when you are not pregnant)
• Another viable reason to avoid
tight undies and pants is because
now due to increased blood flow in
your genital area you have become
rather sensitive down there
