Early Signs of Pregnancy Discharge You Need To Pay Attention

5 Early Pregnancy Signs You Should Look For

1. Missed Period

This might not be a very accurate determinant of pregnancy because some women have an irregular menstrual cycle. So missing a period is not really a big deal but missing a period is one of the signs of pregnancy. If you have a regular menstrual cycle, missing it could strongly suggest that you are pregnant.

2. Vaginal Discharge

The early sign of pregnancy discharge is caused by implantation bleeding. Do not worry, this is a natural occurrence and does not mean miscarriage at this stage. According to obstetricians, implantation bleeding is a common occurrence in about 25% of pregnant women.

3. Morning Sickness

One of the most common early signs of pregnancy is morning sickness., the feeling of nausea that could or could not lead to vomiting. Vomiting is not a pertinent sign but the feeling of nausea is. Read more here the morning sickness remedies.

4. Fatigue

During early pregnancy, it is normal that you feel tired due to the influx of hormonal changes in your body.

5. Breast Tenderness

Swollen and tender breasts are caused by hormonal changes that are happening in your body. But do not worry, soreness will eventually decrease.

When Can I Take a Pregnancy Test?

To avoid a false negative pregnancy test result, you should test a day after you miss your period. Testing early could give you a false negative result because your hCG level is not yet high enough to be detected in the urine.

What is a Normal Vaginal Discharge During Early Pregnancy?

Vaginal discharge is normal and it increases during early pregnancy. This can begin as early as one to two weeks after fertilization. The hormonal changes in your body cause vaginal discharges and it is also a way for your body to protect you and your baby from infection.

3 Normal Vaginal Discharges

1. Leukorrhea

This is an early pregnancy discharge and continuous throughout pregnancy. It has the following characteristics: thin, white, and odorless.

2. Lochia

Lochial discharge is a post-delivery vaginal discharge and has a musty odor. For the first three days after delivery, the lochial discharge will be dark red accompanied by small blood clots.

3. Cervical Mucus

If you are pregnant, the cervical mucus discharge is thicker than normal, and you can stretch it between two fingers without breaking it. It is a mucus plug that helps protect your baby from infection. It accumulates during your pregnancy and when you are about to give birth, the mucus comes out as very thick, clear with pinkish color discharge.

What Is an Abnormal Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy?

There are abnormal discharges that you should look for during pregnancy because it is a sign of infection. An abnormal discharge usually has the following 5 characteristics:

• Has a strong and foul smell
• Green, yellow, or milk-like texture
• It is usually itchy
• There could be swelling of the outer area of the vagina
• Redness

3 Common Vaginal Infections During Pregnancy

1. Yeast infection

Yeast infection, or in medical terms, Candida, is an infection that is not at all harmful yet very discomforting. This could be caused by the increased level of estrogen in our body. The symptoms are itchiness and white discharge. You can check out herbal supplements that help you balance your estrogen levels in the body.

2. Urinary Tract Infection

This is a very common bacterial infection during pregnancy and it also presents a higher risk for maternal and neonatal morbidity when left untreated. There are two types of urinary tract infection, asymptomatic and symptomatic.

According to studies, asymptomatic urinary tract infection is more prevalent during pregnancy, affecting 2-15% of pregnant women compared to symptomatic urinary tract infection. This is why screening during pregnancy is important so that your doctor can detect if you are suffering from an infection.

3. Group B Streptococcal Infection (GBS)

GBS is a very serious infection that can cause preterm pregnancy and it can also be passed to your baby. According to CDC, 1 out of 4 pregnant women has GBS bacteria; this is why it is very important to get screened by your doctor to avoid complications.

7 Guides on How to Deal with Discharges During Pregnancy

Discharges can be annoying especially if the amount is larger than normal. But this is a normal occurrence during pregnancy that we must deal with. Do not worry because there are numerous ways in which to deal with this.

1. Pantyliner

Use unscented panty liners to avoid irritation and change them frequently to avoid infection or irritation. Never use a tampon. It is better that you let it flow out of your body; after all, this is a normal physiologic reaction of your body to your pregnancy. As I have mentioned above, discharges have their own purpose.

2. Keep your vagina clean

Clean it regularly with a non-irritating feminine wash or mild hypoallergenic soap that is recommended by your obstetrician. Always clean from front to back to avoid infection.

3. Wear loose clothes

Tight jeans may look more presentable and sexy but you must avoid using them especially if you are experiencing vaginal irritation. However, if you cannot avoid wearing tight jeans or clothing, cotton is a much better choice than clothes that are made of synthetic materials.

4. DO NOT douche

Douching is like a sweet sin for ladies who want to keep their intimate areas super clean, but studies have shown that douching increases the risk for vaginal infection. Pregnant or not, douching is one way of creating an imbalanced environment in your private part. We have what we call normal flora – microorganisms that live in our body and do not cause any harm unless there are unwanted changes in their environment, and douching can cause this harm.

5. Do NOT use wipes

Wash your private area with water. Wipes can cause irritation, especially when you are pregnant because you become very sensitive.

6. Regularly see your doctor for medical advice

Reading this informative article is good but seeking professional medical help is better. I may give you good advice but nothing beats a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. Having yourself regularly checked during pregnancy is a protocol to avoid any complications and to make sure that you give birth to a healthy baby.