Pregnancy is full of changes (no news there!). Some of them are really obvious (we see your baby bump!). While some of them are rarely talked about (mmm, hello, vaginal wetness...), leaving you scratching your head wondering if what your body is doing is normal.
How much do you really know about what's going on "down there" during pregnancy?
Test your knowledge with this 5-question quiz.
01 Increased discharge is unhealthy.
Actually, it’s the opposite! The amount of consistency of the discharge you experience fluctuates with your hormones. So, something like ovulation or pregnancy – both times of significant hormonal changes – will result in increased discharge. And this is a good thing! Just like tears do for the eyes, discharge flushes out and cleans your vagina. Milky white or clear discharge with an egg-white consistency is normal and healthy. Discharge can also change in colour and smell. Discharge that is smelly, itchy, off-coloured (think yellow, green, or grey), blood stain or a chunky consistency may be a sign of infection and that you should call your doctor.
02 Increased vaginal discharge is one of the first signs of early pregnancy.
Many women notice an increase in discharge even before they notice a late period.
The hormones released when a fertilized embryo implants into your uterine wall prompt your body to increase the amount of vaginal discharge it produces.
03 Discharge continues after you give birth.
Vaginal discharge is normal and perfectly healthy. While the increased vaginal discharge you experience during pregnancy may continue after giving birth, it will eventually get back to its normal self. It can take up to a year, so be patient. You may want to consider wearing pantyliners to keep you dry and comfortable with the boost of freshness you deserve.
04 Discharge is just one of those pesky pregnancy discomforts you just have to put up with.
While pregnancy definitely comes with its challenges, the discomfort of wet knickers doesn’t need to be one of them. Wearing pantyliners is a great solution. Pantyliners wick away moisture and lock away odours, keeping you dry, comfortable, and confident.
05 Bloody discharge towards the end of pregnancy can be a sign of labour.
A short time before you go into labour, you will pass your mucous plug – the cap that developed during the first trimester to seal off and protect your cervix. It will look like a thick, gelatinous discharge in your knickers that can be tinged pink with blood. This is known as your “bloody show” and can be a sign your labour is about to begin. In the event that there is more persistant or heavier bleeding or if you are unsure, you should always be checked out by a mid-wife.
