Is It Normal To Have Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy?
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Some vaginal discharge is normal during pregnancy. Vaginal mucus serves several purposes:
- Maintains and acidic state in the vagina to prevent bacterial infection
- Washes out bacteria that could cause an infection
- Helps sperm swim up into the cervix to promote pregnancy
- During the early pregnant stage, it thickens up and creates a mucus plug inside of the cervix
During the first trimester many women complain of feeling very dry, especially during the first four to six weeks, right after the implantation bleeding. Once the baby has implanted itself into the uterus, your body will begin to create a mucus plug on the inside of your cervix. The purpose of the mucus plug is to seal off the inside of the uterus so that no bacteria or germs can get at your baby.
Typically at the end of the first trimester the vaginal discharge begins to increase, especially when the 'mood' strikes. When you are in the mood your body increases the amount of lubricants and mucus in your vagina. A dry vagina does not make for a good nookie time.
Most women find that vaginal discharge increases when they are pregnant – this is quite normal and happens for a few reasons. During pregnancy the cervix, neck of the uterus (womb) and vaginal walls get softer. Vaginal discharge increases to help prevent any infections traveling up from the vagina to the uterus.
In the third trimester expect more mucus, enough to make your panties wet. Your body is preparing for birth where you will need lots of slippery mucus to help your baby pass through the vagina.
Around the last month of pregnancy you will pass your mucus plug as your cervix begins to thin and dilate. First time moms will most likely pass their mucus plug in the last week of their pregnancy. Second, third or fourth time pregnancy will pass their mucus plug a little sooner. After second and on pregnancy the cervix is much more stretchy and will usually being to efface and dilate a little sooner. This is perfectly normal.
I know of several friends who were 80% effaced and two to three cm dilated for four to five weeks before they went into labor. It is not a sign of when you will go into labor, as much as it is a sign that your body is preparing to go into labor.
Passing Of The Mucus Plug
When the mucus plug passes your vaginal discharge will contain thick streaks of mucus. Accompanying may be a few thin streaks of blood. The amount of blood should be very little and look more like faint spotting. If you have considerable blood coming out of your vagina, contact your midwife or doctor as this is not normal.
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this article is very helpful..thanx..i ejoyed reading it…i was wondering about the dry vagina that i have because i am 3 weeks pregnant…now i know the reason/./thanx once again…