As women, we occasionally experience discomfort in the
intimate region: we have to deal with ingrown hairs or itching due to hair
removal, but recurrent periods and vaginal or white loss are also among them.
For pregnant women, it is no different. They often get even more affected by
certain ailments. Shinn explains why.
How come
I have more vaginal discharge during pregnancy?
While pregnant, many women experience increased
vaginal discharge. While women may question this, it is completely normal and
even desirable! Generally, a vaginal discharge is white or colorless,
non-irritating, and relatively odorless.
The increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy is
caused by hormonal changes (increased estrogen) and provides additional
protection against infections. During pregnancy, the so-called 'plug' or mucous
plug that forms around the cervix provides an additional barrier between the
vagina and the growing baby.
Is your discharge yellow, green, brown, or red and/or
does it have an unpleasant smell? Then you might be dealing with an infection.
If the discharge is very watery, you may lose amniotic fluid. In either case,
contact your midwife or doctor.
Why do I
experience more intimate irritation during pregnancy?
Besides an internal infection in the case of a
coloured vaginal discharge, discharge can also lead to irritation of the
external genitalia. As such, you may experience discomfort such as redness or
itching during pregnancy.
Not only do you experience more vaginal discharge
during pregnancy, but hormonal changes also take place, the vagina and labia
get more blood flow and there is more pressure on the pelvic floor. As a result,
the vagina and vulva may swell, and you may consequently lose small amounts of
urine. All this may lead to complaints such as irritation or a burning
sensation. Do you experience these complaints? Here are some
tips:
- Quench your skin
with cold water or compresses;
- Use products for
intimate hygiene externally only. Choose gentle products that respect acidity;
- Keep in mind that
your intimate region is self-cleaning and has little need for additional
products. During pregnancy, everything becomes more sensitive and products you
used before pregnancy may not be as well tolerated;
- Be sure to wear
cotton underwear washed without fabric softener and don't be deterred from
leaving the underwear on occasion (e.g. at night);
- Do not wear
clothes that are too tight;
- Avoid the
constant use of panty liners;
- Restore and
protect skin with a safe and soothing formula.
Want to know more about intimate hygiene? See what Shinn has in store for you.
