Being pregnant is no easy feat—you’re dealing with hormone changes, aching limbs, and morning sickness. But one thing you may not be expecting? Smelly discharge during pregnancy. Yes, it’s a very real phenomenon that can become quite upsetting for expecting mothers. But don’t worry; while it’s normal to experience a smelly discharge during pregnancy, there are some tips you can employ to help keep the odor under control.
Your discharge characteristics may indicate something you have to look out for. Some kind of discharge implies specific health conditions pregnant women should want to avoid! By knowing these, you can also prevent further complications from developing for the safety of your baby.
Presented in this article are the five tips for dealing with smelly discharge during pregnancy so you can keep your vagina clean and healthy all throughout your pregnancy. But first, you must know what is a vaginal discharge and its different characteristics.
Vaginal Discharge
During pregnancy, it’s not unusual for women to experience an increase in vaginal discharge. This is dueto the increased blood flow to the pelvic area and the production of estrogen, which can cause the vagina and cervix to secrete more fluids.
Vaginal discharge comes out as colorless, transparent, or whitish fluid that is viscous. It can be a mixture of vaginal secretions and cervical mucus with slight variations in color depending on the condition of a woman.
These fluids have certain functions to keep the genital healthy and help maintain fertility by establishing an environment that makes fertilization easier.
For A Healthier Vagina
The presence of vaginal discharge prevents the invasion of germs such as staphylococci, Candida fungus, and E. coli. Additionally, it self-cleanses, keeping the vagina clean and preventing them from growing and reproducing. The discharge also keeps the pH level of the vagina in a normal condition.
For Easier Fertilization
Vaginal discharge, when present in the vagina, functions as a lubricant during sexual intercourse. Additionally, the discharge assists the sperm get to the uterus by acting as a medium of transport. As a result, fertilization is more likely. Because of this, discharge rises as the ovulation day approaches.
While this discharge is usually harmless, it can sometimes be accompanied by an unpleasant odor.
If you’re dealing with smelly discharge during pregnancy, there are a few things you can do to help keep things fresh and clean. First, make sure you’re staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This will help thin out your discharge and keep things flowing smoothly.
Spotting During Pregnancy
If you’re pregnant, you may notice an increase in vaginal discharge. Aside from that, spotting can also occur. This is perfectly normal, especially during early pregnancy since there is an increased blood flow to the area. If you experience excessive bleeding from your vagina, consult your doctor to prevent further complications.
Depending on the amount, color, duration, and stage of the pregnancy during which it occurs, spotting during pregnancy might mean a variety of things. Always remember to take care and seek medical counsel to be sure, especially if it happens later in the pregnancy.
The Color Of Your Discharge Indicates Something
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy can vary in color, from clear to milky white. In some cases, it may also be pink or red. The color of your discharge can indicate whether or not you have an infection.
Clear
Clear vaginal discharge is normal and is usually just an increase in the amount of cervical mucus that your body is producing. This type of discharge is nothing to worry about and is actually a good sign that your body is preparing for labor.
Milky White
Milky white vaginal discharge is also normal and is usually just an increase in the amount of cervical mucus that your body is producing. This type of discharge is nothing to worry about and is actually a good sign that your body is preparing for labor.
Pink
Pink spotting during pregnancy is possible but it is not normal. This kind of discharge is frequently experienced during the first trimester of pregnancy or in the latter weeks when the body gets ready for delivery. It can also be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy or can occur just before an instance of a miscarriage.
This color can also be caused by sexual intercourse or particular vaginal infections.
Red
If you experience a redvaginal discharge during pregnancy, seek a doctor immediately especially if there is excessive bleeding, blood clots, happening with cramps, and abdominal pain.
This might indicate a risk of ectopic pregnancy, where pregnancies end up in miscarriage.
How does discharge change when pregnant?
When you are pregnant, your discharge will change. It will become thicker and may even have a slightly different smell. This is because your body is producing more estrogen, which changes the pH of your vagina. But don’t worry, this is totally normal!
Wet Underwear During Pregnancy
Wet underwear during pregnancy can be incredibly uncomfortable, and sometimes mommies may misinterpret it as the water is breaking. It can be, but it is likely just urine leaking out right after you cough, laugh, or sneeze. It is technically referred to as “stress urinary incontinence” or SUI. According to studies, there are 20% to 67% of women experience SUI during pregnancy.
The leaking of urine during pregnancy is normal, and it is not something to worry about, just as a smelly vaginal discharge. It is just the pressure brought by your growing uterus that is forcing the urine to leak out.
You can do exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles, specifically Kegels, to control your bladder further. Doctors advise pregnant women to perform the Kegel exercise three times daily, with ten squeezes, while holding each repetition for 5 to 10 seconds. Also, try going to the bathroom before the “feeling of peeing” occurs.
What Causes Smelly Discharge During Pregnancy?
If you’re like most women, you probably don’t want to talk about your vaginal discharge, let alone the fact that it might have an odor. But during pregnancy, smelly discharge is often a reality.
From the fifth to the fifteenth week of pregnancy, some women report that their discharge is the same as usual, while others report that it is different in terms of consistency. It can be silky or sticky, which varies from person to person.
Early pregnancy is also when the odor of the discharge starts to change. The vaginal lining typically has an acidic scent because of this. Throughout the pregnancy, this smell may be unnoticeable; but it must be monitored to prevent the development of further complications.
There are a few different things that can cause smelly discharge during pregnancy:
Hormonal Changes
The increase in hormones during pregnancy can cause changes in your vaginal discharge. It can become thicker and more dense, which can lead to an increase in odor.
Pressure On The Pelvic Muscles
As your baby grows, they may put pressure on your bladder, which can lead to more frequent urination and an increase in vaginal discharge. This can also cause the discharge to have a stronger odor.
Not Enough Water
If you’re not getting enough water, this can also lead to smelly discharge as well as other symptoms like constipation and hemorrhoids. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep things flowing smoothly.
Possible Infection
Finally, if you have any sort of infection, this could also be the culprit behind smelly discharge. If you notice any other symptoms such as the following, you might want to see your doctor:
- painful or burning urination
- sudden, intense urge to urinate
- dark or cloudy urine
- pelvic or lower abdominal pain
5 Ways To Treat Smelly Discharge During Pregnancy
Depending on the underlying cause, there are many approaches to treating smelly vaginal discharge during pregnancy.
Here are five lifestyle recommendations you may make at home to lessen the likelihood, severity, and duration of the odor.
Practice Good Hygiene
With good hygiene, you can most likely prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in your genitals that causes smelly vaginal discharge. You can do these simple tips to keep your vagina clean and healthy:
- Wash your vagina regularly with water and mild soap. Avoid using scented soaps, scented body wash, or other products that could irritate your vagina.
- To help control the odor, make sure to wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothing. This will allow air to circulate and help keep things dry down there.
- You can also try using a panty liner or menstrual cup to absorb any excess moisture. Just be sure to change them frequently throughout the day.
- Avoid using douches and diaphragms because they can irritate your vagina. Also, it is an effective way for harmful bacteria to enter the urinary tract to spread infection.
- Wipe from front to back, from your vagina to your anus, to minimize the proliferation of bacteria and infection.
Change Your Diet
Craving for food that you are really longing for is hard to resist. Unfortunately, there are specific food that has components that affect the smell of your discharge. You might want to avoid these ingredients if you want to prevent or treat a smelly vaginal discharge:
- Asparagus
- Brussels sprouts
- Garlic
- Onions
Also, consuming probiotic-rich meals or taking probiotic supplements may also help lower the chance of developing bacterial UTIs.
According to some research, probiotics in fermented milk products like yogurt can aid in the prevention of urinary infections and improve vaginal health.
Take Vitamins And Supplements
Always seek a doctor’s advice before starting a new vitamin or supplement regimen for pregnant women.
Increasing daily consumption of foods high in minerals like calcium, iron, and folic acid is frequently the best course of action. The danger of adverse effects and overdosing can be decreased by avoiding the need to take unneeded supplements.
Avoid Holding Your Pee
Holding urine can increase the likelihood of bacteria growing. It is because the longer the urine stays in the bladder, it becomes more concentrated with uric acid.
It might be possible to lessen the concentration and odor of your vaginal discharge by urinating more frequently or before the feeling of urinating strikes.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Make sure that you have enough fluid in your body. Water makes your discharge more dilute and you can pee more often to spill out the possible bacteria accumulating in your body. If you ever want to minimize the frequency of your urination, do not remove the water from your equation.
When to see a doctor about smelly discharge during pregnancy
During pregnancy, it’s common for women to experience an increase in vaginal discharge. This is perfectly normal and nothing to be concerned about. However, if your discharge starts to smell bad, it could be a sign of infection.
In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help control the odor. First, try wearing breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothes. This will allow your vagina to air out and hopefully reduce the odor. You should also cleanse your vagina daily with mild soap and water.
If you’re still struggling with smelly discharge after trying these tips, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor. They can provide you with additional guidance on how to deal with this issue.
Hear The Good News!
For some women, the smelly vaginal discharge might be uncomfortable. There are vitamins and supplements made especially for pregnant women to help them maintain their overall maternal health as one treatment option for this. These supplements have calcium, iron, and folic acid, which reduce or prevent smelly vaginal discharge. Read more about these products to learn how they could help you out!
Belta Folic Acid For Women
Hear the good news of becoming a mommy because Belta Folic Acid welcomes a new baby! One of its main benefits is an increase in the capacity to conceive. Creating healthy cells for both men and women improves the nutrients available to reproductive organs, supports a healthy cycle for women, lowers the risk of birth defects, and aids in a child’s growth.
It is made of natural nutrients, such as EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid), as well as 23 different types of vegetables and 100% yeast-derived folic acid. It is also available in little tablets, which are very simple to swallow. It contains the following nutrients: Iron (20 mg), Calcium (250 mg), 13 vitamins (Vitamin C, Niacin, Folic Acid, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B, Vitamine B1, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Inositol, Beta Carotine, Biotin), and 14 minerals (Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Selenium, Molybdenum, and Iodine.
Women are allowed to take the supplement four times daily: after breakfast, after lunch, after dinner, and right before bed.
Sakura Oligosaccharide
Bloated and constipated?! That’s time, food, and energy wasted! Take our Sakura Oligosaccharide to relieve your constipation and regulate your stomach properly! For good digestion and a healthy tummy, Sakura Oligosaccharide cleans the gut safely!
It also improves immune function and protects against infection, supports both babies and adults, and produces very effective results! Take 2g a day in a measuring spoon, dissolve is needed; when feeding into newborns. It is made of oligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, acacia dietary fiber, and sterilized bifidobacteria: prebiotics that act as a food source for the good bacteria to stimulate growth between the preexisting good bacteria; which are beneficial components.
Sakura Omega-3
FATS can be FRIENDLY! Introducing: The good fat! Omega-3s or Good Fatty Acids are important components of the membranes surrounding each cell in the body. It is essential for heart and brain function.
One of its main benefits is the health it gives the eyes, brain, and heart. It boosts energy levels and slows the aging process. The most satisfying fact of it all is how it can be used by everyone: including toddlers, teenagers, adults, or senior citizens!
The product pouch is composed of one-hundred fifty (150) Softgel capsules! Individuals may take the supplement 5x per pay to achieve 241.8mg DHA and 360mg EPA.
Summing It All Up
No one wants to talk about smelly discharge, but unfortunately, it’s a common issue during pregnancy. It is time for you to check the smell of your discharge to prevent unforeseen complications and its further development. Follow the tips that we have provided to keep your vagina healthy during your pregnancy. Practice good hygiene, change your diet, take appropriate vitamins and supplements, avoid holding your pee, and drink plenty of water.
