You anticipate several visible changes to your body throughout pregnancy, including enlarging breasts and a protruding tummy. You might be surprised to learn that your vagina also experiences changes. Even after giving birth, it is crucial to comprehend how pregnancy impacts the health of your vagina.
Pregnancy and vaginal health
Knowing what to expect from your vagina in pregnancy will increase your chances of preventing problems. Pregnancy affects your vagina in the following ways:
Elevated vaginal discharge
One of the most obvious vaginal changes during pregnancy is an increase in vaginal discharge.Elevated progesterone and estrogen levels are the reason. Increased vaginal discharge may also be caused by an increase in blood volume and blood flow.
A pregnant woman should have a thin milky white discharge. If your due date draws near it can get heavier. Although it should not smell unpleasant, there could be a little stench that is more overt than previously. If you find vaginal discharge bothersome, consider using tiny pads or unscented pantyliners.
Higher chance of vaginal infections
Increased vaginal discharge may sometimes be a sign of infection. Pregnancy-related hormonal changes that affect the pH balance of your vagina can contribute to the prevalence of vaginal infections. During pregnancy, common vaginal infections include:
Yeast infections: Vaginal secretions, yeast’s preferred food, are higher in sugar during pregnancy. Although it won’t damage your unborn child, a yeast infection will make your life more difficult. A yeast infection can cause burning in the vagina, itching in the vagina, and a cottage cheese-like, yeasty-smelling discharge.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) : Ten to thirty percent of pregnant women will have this illness according to the American Pregnancy Association. The imbalance between beneficial and dangerous vaginal bacteria is what causes the sickness.A gray discharge with a fishy smell is the primary sign of BV. Miscarriage, low birth weight and preterm labor are associated with untreated BV.
Trichomoniasis: Intercourse with an affected individual can spread this infection. Serious pregnancy issues including an early water break and an early birth might result from it. Trichomonas symptoms include painful urination and intercourse, a foul-smelling, yellow-green discharge, and vaginal itching and redness.
Elevated vaginal swelling [edema-swelling]
During pregnancy, your blood flow increases dramatically to support the growing baby. Your vagina and labia may feel bigger and seem bloated, but this is normal. Because of the enlargement and increased blood flow, you may also experience an increase in desire and become more easily aroused. Your labia and vagina may also get darker and more blue in color due to hormonal changes and increased blood flow.
Vaginal edema can occasionally be brought on by an infection. Speak with your doctor if redness, burning or itching occur along with vaginal edema.
Vulvar varicose veins
Varicose veins can develop in other areas of your body besides your legs during pregnancy.Additionally they could occur in your vagina and vulvar regions. An increase in blood volume and a reduction in the rate at which blood leaves your lower extremities are the two main causes of venous varicose veins in the veins.
Your vulva and vagina may feel full pressurized and uncomfortable as a result of vulvar varicose veins. Wearing a compression garment, raising your hips when you are lying down and applying a cold compress can all help reduce discomfort. After having delivery, the majority of vulvar varicose veins disappear on their own after a few weeks.
Bleeding vaginally
It is normal to experience vaginal bleeding throughout your first trimester. The reason could be the implantation of the fertilized egg into the lining of your uterus. Increased blood volume might possibly be the cause of it. Vaginal bleeding can occasionally indicate a miscarriage particularly if it is accompanied by strong cramps that resemble menstruation and tissue passing through the vagina.
It’s alarming if you experience vaginal bleeding in the second or third trimester. If the following are the reasons for your vaginal bleeding, you should get emergency medical attention:
- Placenta abruption, or the separation of the placenta from the uterine lining
- Premature opening of the cervix
- Preterm labor
- Uterine rupture
- Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.
You can have a pink mucus mixed vaginal discharge when labor starts. This is known as a “bloody show” and is typical.
Health of the vagina following childbirth
It is certain that your vagina will experience some swelling, bruising and discomfort following delivery, regardless of the circumstances. Urinating or having a bowel movement could pain. These symptoms usually fade away in a few weeks for most women. If you have to cut the skin between your vagina and anus to aid in the delivery of your baby, it can take longer.
After giving delivery vaginal bleeding is typical for two to six weeks. It’s common to see bright red, heavy bleeding during the first 24 hours following delivery, along with possible blood clots. The bleeding should then progressively stop after that. Nevertheless vaginal bleeding can continue for up to six weeks.
After giving delivery, your vagina will undoubtedly feel swollen and expansive. In six weeks, it normally regains most of its suppleness. When done before and after pregnancy, Kegel exercises and other pelvic floor exercises serve to enhance vaginal tone and reduce the chance of organ prolapse into the vagina.
Breastfeeding mothers are more likely to feel dry since they have decreased estrogen levels. Itching, burning and painful sex are some of the symptoms of vaginal dryness that may be relieved by using natural moisturizers and water-based lubricants.
In summary
Your vagina requires special care since it is essential to both pregnancy and delivery. The following advice will help you maintain a healthy vagina both during and after pregnancy:
After taking a bath or swimming, use a hair dryer on a low, cool setting to dry your vaginal area.
When you return from the restroom, wipe from front to rear.
As a seasoned content writer specialized in the fitness and health niche, Arun Bhagat has always wanted to promote wellness. After gaining proper certification as a gym trainer with in-depth knowledge of virtually all the information related to it, he exercised his flair for writing interesting, informative content to advise readers on their healthier lifestyle. His topics range from workout routines, nutrition, and mental health to strategies on how to be more fit in general. His writing is informative but inspiring for people to achieve their wellness goals as well. Arun is committed to equipping those he reaches with the insights and knowledge gained through fitness.