During pregnancy, your body undergoes various changes: your breasts swell up, the blue veins in your breasts, belly and legs become noticeable, you gain weight, your uterus enlarges and your skin has that pregnancy glow. You may also notice another change that is vaginal discharge. An increase in vaginal discharge is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy and it continues throughout pregnancy. Pregnancy causes changes in vaginal discharge, which can vary in colour, texture, volume and thickness. In this article, we'll discuss what causes vaginal discharge during pregnancy and what the different colours of discharge mean.
Vaginal Discharge (Early Pregnancy Discharge) - Leukorrhea During Pregnancy
Although pregnancy is filled with many exciting moments and a beautiful growing belly, it can also come with some unwanted side effects, such as tender breasts, hormonal changes and a vaginal discharge. During pregnancy, a lot of blood flows into the cervical area, which can cause more discharge from the cervix — also known as the neck of the womb, explains independent nursing and midwifery consultant Prof Diana du Plessis. As this type of vaginal discharge is more common in the first and third trimester of pregnancy, you might want to use panty liners at this time, change your underwear regularly, and use unscented, non-irritating soaps when washing, advises Prof Du dlessis. Show is also known as the mucus plug. Its purpose is to seal the cervix to help prevent infections. It forms early in pregnancy, at about seven weeks, explains Prof du Plessis.
Vaginal discharge is certainly nothing new. Leukorrhea is the medicalese term for the thin, milky white and mild-smelling sometimes odorless vaginal discharge that many women first experience in early pregnancy. The amount will likely increase as your pregnancy progresses. Leukorrhea is similar to the vaginal discharge you might experience between periods, only heavier.
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