Home » You searched for vaginal discharge

Search Results for: vaginal discharge

Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy: When Should You Worry?

by

VAGINAL DISCHARGE DURING PREGNANCY: WHEN SHOULD YOU WORRY?

The journey from pregnancy to childbirth is quite exciting. However, it can also be confusing for first-time mothers.

Your body is going through a lot of changes during this period and it may be difficult to tell what’s normal and what isn’t normal.

One of such changes is your vaginal discharge, which can change during pregnancy.

To a large extent, these changes are normal. However, they may also serve as an indicator of a problem. This would definitely raise the question: When should I begin to worry?

To answer this, you need to know when not to worry. This begins with knowing what is normal.

pregnancy hormones affect your discharge in many ways

WHAT IS NORMAL?

It is normal to have discharge whether you are pregnant or not.

However, pregnancy hormones affect your discharge in many ways. You may notice this change shortly after conception, even before you realize you are pregnant.

A healthy vaginal discharge ranges from;

  • Clear to milky white.
  • Thin to thick or mucus-like.
  • Mild-smelling or odourless.

Your discharge would become more noticeable as your pregnancy advances. The closer you get to your delivery date, the heavier your discharge would get. You may have to wear a panty liner. It is best to use an unscented one.

Also, avoid tampons.

Your discharge may contain streaks of blood in the last weeks of pregnancy. Do not panic if this happens. It is just an early sign of labor and is no cause for alarm.

WHAT IS ABNORMAL?

Abnormal vaginal discharge can be a sign of a bacterial or yeast infection. It may also be a symptom of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). If you are pregnant, it can serve as an indicator that something is wrong with the pregnancy.

You should be concerned if your discharge;

  • is yellow, green, or gray in color
  • has a strong and foul odour
  • comes with redness, itching or swelling
  • causes pain or soreness during urination or sex
  • changes drastically in quantity, colour and texture.  
You should be concerned if your discharges is yellow, green, or gray in color.
Image : Shutterstock

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

There is little you can do about normal vaginal discharge. Some women find it helpful to wear panty liners. Others may find it irritating. Whichever side you are on though, never resort to using tampons. They are highly discouraged during pregnancy.

Nevertheless, there are some little things you can do to keep your private area healthy. Some of them are;

  • Wipe properly; from front to back after using the loo
  • Change your clothes immediately after working out or swimming.
  • Reduce wearing tight pants, leggings or underwear, especially those made with synthetic materials. Wear more loose fitting clothing and cotton underwear.
  • Always keep your genital area dry.
  • Avoid scented pads or panty liners, bubble baths, deodorant soaps, or any other thing that may irritate your already sensitive skin.
  • Please, as tempting as it may be, do not douche. It disrupts the normal vaginal environment and increases your risk of getting an infection.
  • If you do develop an infection, consult your health care provider. A suitable vaginal cream or pessary may be recommended for you.
If you do develop an infection, consult your health care provider. A suitable vaginal cream or persary may be recommended for you.

Your vaginal health is very important during pregnancy. Do not take it lightly. There is no need to be ashamed to voice out any concerns you may have about your discharge.

Speak to your health care provider about any changes that may worry you. They are always there to help you and your baby.

REFERENCES
  • Juliann Schaeffer 2019, Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy: What’s Normal?, Healthline, Viewed on July 27, 2020,  <https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/vaginal-discharge-during-pregnancy#1>.
  • Karisa Ding 2017, Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy, Babycenter, Viewed on July 27, 2020, <https://www.babycenter.com/0_vaginal-discharge-during-pregnancy_270.bc>.
  • Tamekia Reece 2020, Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy, Healthline, Viewed on July 27, 2020, <https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/my-body/pregnancy-health/discharge-during-pregnancy-whats-safe-whats-not/>.
  • Shutterstock

Types Of Vaginal Discharge And What They Signify

by

At least once in your life as a woman you may experience a vaginal discharge.

Sometimes, this inevitable event may cause you concern. You may start to worry about your health.

In this article, we would answer basic questions about vaginal discharge; the types, significance and causes.

What Is Vaginal Discharge?

A vaginal discharge is any secretion that is released from the vagina at any point in time. The discharge could come from the womb , the cervix or the walls of the vagina.

Often times, women wonder if a discharge is normal or not.

What’s A Normal Discharge?

In most cases, a normal discharge is made up of exfoliated (shed) vaginal skin cells, bacteria, as well as secretions from the vagina itself, womb and cervix .

Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or milky and it may have a gentle scent that is NOT unpleasant or irritating.

The vagina actually contains a broad range of bacteria. 95% of which function to keep the vagina safe from other unwanted bacteria which cause several urinary tract infections (UTIs which is any infection in the kidneys, bladder, or the “pipes”that connect them to each other and the outside of the body ) .

A healthy vagina is expected to have a slightly acidic pH. Interestingly this wards off unwanted bacteria.

What Are the Types?

Vaginal Discharge varies over the course of a female’s menstrual cycle.

These changes result in the varying types of discharge. Some of them include:

Itching and the presence of curdled, white /cream vaginal discharge (like cottage cheese) is common in yeast infections (thrush)
Itching and the presence of curdled, white /cream, vaginal discharge (like cottage cheese) is common in yeast infections (thrush)
  • White: Most women observe a thick and white discharge at the beginning and end of their cycles. In normal conditions, this white discharge is not associated with any form of itching. Therefore, when itching occurs, the white discharge may be a symptom of yeast infection.
  • Yellow or Green: Greenish or yellowish discharge may signify the presence of an infection such as trichomoniasis.
  • Brown: Brown discharge may occur immediately after periods. This simply means your vagina is being ‘cleaned up’ because dry blood looks brownish.
Passage of dark to rusty brown discharge signal the end of the menstrual cycle
Passage of dark to rusty brown discharge signals “old blood” the end of the menstrual cycle.
  • Spotting Blood: Blood may be observed in vaginal discharge when you are ovulating, in the middle of your circle or after childbirth. Sometimes, a spotting like this occurs in the first month of pregnancy.
  • Clear and Slimy: In this case, the vaginal discharge means you are ovulating. It’s usually stretchy when felt between the fingers and varies in thickness.
  • Clear & Watery; This type of discharge occurs at various points of your cycle, especially after strenuous exercise.
Clear slimy vaginal discharge (like egg whites) usually signifies ovulation
Clear slimy vaginal discharge (like egg white) usually signifies ovulation.
Image: Shutterstock

When Should I Get Worried?

Not Immediately…

However, we advise that you take note of the various types of discharge listed above. In addition to this, it is advisable to speak with a qualified medical practitioner if you observe a coloured or bloody discharge.

If you experience any of these symptoms, please consult your doctor:

  • Rashes or blisters
  • Burning sensations on your genital region
  • Pain on your tummy or genital region
  • Itching
  • Sores

What Factors Affect The Sort Of Discharge?

Several factors may alter the volume, color and scent of a discharge. Some of these factors include:

  • Sexual activity and number of Sexual Partners
  • Medication and birth Control Use
  • Associating Medical Conditions (such as Diabetes)
  • The presence of foreign bodies such as cervical cerclage tape or intrauterine contraceptive device

In Conclusion

Vaginal discharge is inevitable.

What really matters is the volume, colour and scent of the discharge in question. It is advisable to remain observant and take not of any drastic or uncomfortable changes around your private area.

Do not hesitate to speak to a doctor whenever you notice these changes.

We are here to help you

Is Bleeding After Childbirth Normal ?
What you need to know about vaginal discharge
Reference

Differences Between Mucus Plug And Discharge

by

Immediately she noticed the milky white discharge, Flora worried for her baby. Of course, she didn’t want anything to happen to her precious little one. Little did she know that it was a mucus plug discharge.

Pregnancy in NIgeria, Pregnant, Miscarriage
Pregnancy in Nigeria, Pregnant, Miscarriage

Early the next day, she left for the hospital where a kind and gentle nurse requested to observe the discharge before explaining to Flora that it was a simple mucus plug discharge.

During pregnancy, women tend to experience an increase in the frequency of vaginal discharge. As a result, it’s quite difficult to differentiate between a mucus plug and a vaginal discharge.

This article presents you with concrete information about what a mucus plug is. It goes further to provide you with a number of differences between a mucus plug and a vaginal discharge.

What’s A Mucus Plug?

It is also known as cervical mucus plug.

Mucous Plug

This plug serves as a barrier to the womb during pregnancy. The mucus plug protects the womb from unwanted organisms like viruses, bacteria and parasites which may creep in and harm the growing baby.

A mucus plug is made up of secretions from the womb which unite to form a barrier during early pregnancy. When delivery time is near, the cervix undergoes certain changes called effacement and dilation.

During effacement, the cervix becomes thin which spurs the removal of the mucus plug.

What Does It Look Like?

The mucous plug has a classic egg white appearance.

In some cases, it may contain a tiny tinge of blood. During late pregnancy, the mucus plug is thick, sticky and quite transparent.

In the latter stages of pregnancy and just before labour, the mucous plug dissolves and leaves the vagina as a continuous discharge. This discharge may last for more than a day.

What’s A Vaginal Discharge?

A vaginal discharge refers to any secretion that is released from the vagina at any point in time.

In most cases, a normal discharge is composed of shed vaginal skin cells, bacteria and vaginal secretions. A normal vaginal discharge is usually clear and milky with a gentle scent that is not unpleasant.

discharge vs mucus plug

On the other hand, an abnormal vaginal discharge may be green or yellow. This is usually indicative of a possible infection.

Mucus Plug Vs Discharge

  1. A mucus plug is white in colour and odourless and may contain a tinge of blood. On the other hand, vaginal discharge can come in different colours and may have an unpleasant odour, depending on the cause.
  2. A mucus plug is seen inside the womb protecting the baby from unwanted organisms while a vaginal discharge is seen in the cervix.
  3. A mucus plug dissolves at the start of labour while a vaginal discharge can occur at any phase of pregnancy and post-pregnancy stage.
  4. Compared to vaginal discharge, a mucus plug discharge only occurs during pregnancy.

In Conclusion

Losing the mucus plug may be a sign of intending but not immediate labour. Your labour may take a few more days or weeks to start even after a mucous plug discharge

Please consult your doctor if you notice an unpleasant or uncomfortable discharge from your vagina. This may be a sign of an infection or sexually transmitted disease.

Above all, keep a close eye on your health as an expectant mum. Attend your clinics regularly and take very good care of yourself.

REFERENCES

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT A CHEMICAL PREGNANCY

by

A chemical pregnancy, often referred to as a biochemical pregnancy, is a miscarriage that occurs early on before ultrasounds can detect a foetus. It is not a false pregnancy but the loss of a pregnancy before the fifth week of gestation, usually around the time a menstrual period is expected.

chemical pregnancy
Image Source: Pexels.com

In a biochemical pregnancy, the blood test results are positive although no fetus is growing. What causes a chemical pregnancy? What are the symptoms? And what treatment options are available?

Read on to find out!

Symptoms of a Chemical Pregnancy

A chemical pregnancy may have no signs or symptoms. This is because it typically does not persist long enough to result in pregnancy-related side effects like nausea and exhaustion. Some women may even miscarry early without knowing they are pregnant.

However, in some women who experience symptoms, it may present as a heavy period with cramping in pregnancy. Some other signs include:

  • a blood pregnancy test showing low hCG levels
  • mild to severe abdominal cramps during a period 
  • light spotting a week or so before the start of a regular period

In a biochemical pregnancy, pregnancy hormones are detectable but low, so you are unlikely to feel any of the typical early symptoms like exhaustion or pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting.

biochemical pregnancy
Image Source: Pexels.com

Causes of Chemical Pregnancy

There are no precise causes of biochemical pregnancies. However, in the majority of cases, a miscarriage may be caused by an abnormal embryo. Other causes may include:

  • abnormal hormone levels
  • uterine abnormalities
  • implantation outside the uterus
  • infections like chlamydia or syphilis which could alter vaginal discharge

Risk Factors

Although there are no sure ways to prevent a chemical pregnancy, there are some identifiable risk factors. Some of these include: 

Outlook

A chemical pregnancy does not mean you won’t be able to get pregnant or give birth normally in the future. Although there is currently no precise treatment for this condition, there are many options to help you get pregnant and deliver a healthy baby.

POSTPARTUM GAS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

by

The process of pregnancy and childbirth is not easy. Your body starts changing even before you find out you are pregnant. These changes continue through your pregnancy and even after childbirth. Unfortunately, not all these changes are pleasant. One of such unwelcomed changes some women may experience is postpartum gas or flatulence.

Postpartum gas

What causes the increased flatulence after pregnancy? How can you deal with postpartum gas at home? When should you be worried? Read on to find out. 

What Causes Postpartum Gas?

It’s common to experience flatulence after giving birth as many women say they feel gassier than usual after having their baby. Postpartum gas can be caused by a variety of factors during the postpartum period. Some of the most common causes include:

Pelvic Floor Damage

Pregnancy and childbirth puts a lot of strain on your pelvic floor. In some women, the muscles of the pelvic floor may even overstretch and tear. Although the majority of vaginal tears sustained during delivery heal without any problems, some women will experience changes in bowel habits. One of the most common changes is postpartum gas.

Constipation

After delivery, your bowel movements may slow down for the first few days. This could cause you to be constipated, with trapped, painful gas as a side effect.

postpartum flatulence

Additionally, some of your prescribed medications like iron supplements or painkillers could also cause you to be constipated.

Diet and Lifestyle

What you eat also has a major role to play in the amount of gas you produce. Some foods have been shown to significantly increase your gas production. Some include high-fiber foods, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, chewing gum, processed products, carbonated drinks, etc. 

When Should You Worry About Postpartum Gas?

We understand that your increased flatulence can be embarrassing and even uncomfortable. Fortunately, in most cases, postpartum gas is nothing to worry about and it resolves on its own.  

However, you should begin to worry if your gas is accompanied by any of the following: 

  • heavy bleeding 
  • abnormal vaginal discharge
  • fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C)
  • severe lower stomach pain
  • feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up
  • Anal incontinence

These could be warning signs that you have an infection or a vaginal tear that needs surgical repair. You should contact your healthcare provider. 

postpartum flatulence

Home Remedies For Postpartum Gas

Postpartum gas usually does not require any treatment. However, the following tips may help you feel better:

  • Drink plenty of fluids, like water, herbal tea or lemon water. 
  • Eat a healthy nutrient-dense diet while avoiding notorious gassy foods
  • Eat lots of fruits and vegetables to prevent constipation
  • Get as much rest as possible. 
  • Try using mild laxatives or stool softeners if your constipation is severe. 
  • Do kegel exercises regularly to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. 

Take Home Message

There are many possible causes for your increased gas after having delivery. It is common for women to suffer gas after giving birth, therefore there is no reason to feel ashamed. 

postpartum gas

This adverse effect will often disappear as your body recovers. If it does not, consult your healthcare provider. They can aid in determining the reason for your postpartum gas and make recommendations for treatments or drugs.

Everything You Need To Know About Postpartum Infections

by

Postpartum infections, also known as “Puerperal Fever,” is an umbrella term that would include any infection in the postpartum recovery period, which is typically considered to be at least the first six weeks after childbirth. 

Postpartum infections

Postpartum infections are infections of the genitourinary tract (which is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, and genital organs), surgical wounds, and breast that develop after the first 24 hours and into the first six weeks after childbirth.

Types of Postpartum Infections

There are various types of postpartum infections. Some of them include:

  • Inflammation and infection of the uterus called Endometriosis.
  • Infection or swelling of the breast tissue.
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Surgical site infections for moms who had an episiotomy or Caesarian section.
  • Intravenous or IV line infection.

Recognize the Signs

How postpartum symptoms appear at first varies depending on where the infection is. However, in general, the most common signs of postpartum infections are:

  • Severe pelvic or abdominal pain.
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge. 
  • Fever and flu-like symptoms such as headaches, weakness, nausea, and loss of appetite.
  • Persistent bleeding or heavy bleeding with blood clots.
  • Little or no bleeding after delivery.
  • Rapid heart rate and breathing problems.
  • Inflammation, discharge or redness around the C-section incision or perineal tear. 
  • Pain in one or both of your breasts. 
  • Vaginal itching, difficulty when urinating or extremely dark urine

If you suspect that you have a postpartum infection, do not ignore your symptoms. Let your doctor or healthcare provider know right away. Your doctor will help you determine whether or not you have an infection and will decide on the appropriate treatment for you if you do.

Postpartum infection

Causes Of Postpartum Infection

Here are some of the causes of developing an infection after childbirth:

  • Excessive bleeding after delivery
  • Weak immune system
  • Leftover placental fragments in the uterus after delivery
  • Streptococcus, a bacteria that is typically harmless in adults
  • Smoking and alcohol or substance use
  • Excess weight 
  • Anaemia
  • Prolonged labour

Risk Factors

You are more at risk of an infection if you:

  • Had a caesarean delivery (C-section)
  • Had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) at the time of delivery
  • Have a history of diabetes
  • Were pregnant at an older or very young age
  • Have a history of hypertension (high blood pressure) 

Treatment Options for Postpartum Infections

Antibiotics are nearly always needed to treat postpartum infections. Depending on the infection and how severe it is, these medications may be either orally or intravenously.

Puerperal fever

Although the majority of antibiotics used to treat postpartum infections are safe to use while nursing, be sure to check with your doctor.

How to Protect Yourself

Even though it Is not always possible to avoid postpartum infections, there are preventive measures you can take to lower your risk. 

  • If something appears off, call your doctor right away. 
  • Make sure to wash your hands before touching your genital area.
  • Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.
  • do not use rough paper or scented wet towels to clean the vagina.
  • Only use maxi pads, and not tampons, for postpartum bleeding.
  • Do not engage in sexual activity right away after giving birth.
  • Change your bras frequently. 
  • Clean your breasts both before and after breastfeeding.
  • Change and clean your bedding frequently.
  • Frequently change your underwear to keep the vagina dry
puerperal fever

Take Home Message 

Know that the majority of postpartum infections can be treated by yourself and with the use of prescribed antibiotics. So try not to worry. However, regardless of how easily these infections can be treated, do not take them lightly. Make sure to pay close attention to your body and always seek medical attention if you feel like something is wrong. That way, you can get right back to enjoying your baby and motherhood.

Postpartum Recovery: How Your Body Heals After Childbirth

by

Congratulations! Your little bundle of joy is finally here. It’s been a long journey through pregnancy and childbirth, and you have watched your body change in so many ways. Now that your baby is finally here, we know you would love to bounce back to your old self as quickly as possible. 

postpartum recovery

However, you need to understand that your recovery postpartum will take longer than a few days. This holds true whether you gave birth naturally or through a C-section, or whether the delivery process was simple or difficult. 

Nevertheless, while you are waiting for your body to feel like it used to, it may be helpful to know what to expect through this recovery process. As always, we have compiled useful information to help you.

How Long Will Postpartum Recovery Take?

The first six weeks following delivery are typically regarded as the “Postpartum Recovery Period.” However, many women say they feel fully recovered by 6–8 weeks. Still, it may take other women longer to feel like themselves again.

These weeks after childbirth are crucial for healing and recuperation. Your body will require a lot of rest after nine months of growing and eventually birthing another human being. 

What Should You Expect During The Healing Process?

During postpartum recovery, your body will undergo or experience some changes as it heals. These changes are called ‘Postpartum Symptoms.’

The postpartum symptoms you experience may differ from those of other mothers. This is because  every new mom is different, so every woman will recover at a different rate with different postpartum symptoms. Postpartum Symptoms Include:

  • Tiredness.
  • Contractions (After-birth pains).
  • Hormone changes after childbirth.
  • Aching muscles.
  • Vaginal soreness and discomfort.
  • Sore or engorged breasts.
  • Cracked or sore nipples.
  • Constipation.
  • Lower abdomen discomfort on and around your C-section incision.
  • Vaginal discharge and bleeding.

Bleeding During Postpartum Recovery

It is important to remember that bleeding and discharge will occur even if you had a C-section. The blood will start as a bright red for one to two days before progressively fading to pink, light pink, light brown, or light yellow. 

Your bleeding and discharge will be at their heaviest in the first several days after giving birth, similar to when you have a really heavy period flow. However, this flow gets lighter as time passes. 

Usually bleeding lasts for four to six weeks, with the amount of discharge gradually reducing. Thus, be sure to inform your doctor right away if you’re soaking through one pad an hour for more than two hours and if you continue to pass blood clots or have bloody discharge for longer than four weeks. 

These signs do not immediately indicate that there something is wrong, but it is always best to call just to be safe and sure.

When Can You Expect Your First Postpartum Period?

Postpartum periods typically start again six to eight weeks after giving birth. Although, it is possible to get them as early as week 4 or 5.When you experience your first period after childbirth depends on many factors. One major factor is whether you’ve chosen to breastfeed your baby and if your breastmilk is their only food source.

breastfeeding

The majority of mothers who breastfeed exclusively usually see their periods after they’re done nursing. If they temporarily stop nursing, they might also start their periods, especially at night. 

On the other hand, mothers who use formulas  or a mix of a formula and breastmilk may begin to see their period as early as five weeks after childbirth.

How to Speed Up the Postpartum Recovery Process

Although your body will not magically recover overnight, you can do a few things to speed up your postpartum recovery. Some of them include:

  • Stay healthy and active by eating well to ease fatigue and constipation and going on walks.
  • Use a heating pad to relieve pain and aches and, if required, take the medication your doctor has prescribed.
  • Help your perineum recover. To do this, you can apply ice to the region every couple of hours for the first 24 hours after giving birth, soak in warm water for about 20 minutes many times a day in the bathtub without using soap, and spray warm water over the area before and after urinating to prevent urine from irritating the torn skin.
  • Do your postpartum Kegel exercises.
  • Treat the scar from your C-section. Keep in mind to gently wash your C-section incision once daily with soap and water and dry with a fresh towel. 
  • Take good care of your breasts. In this case, nursing bras are a good suggestion as they are comfortable and provide easy access for breastfeeding or pumping. Also, use a warm compress, cold packs, or a light massage to ease aching breasts. 
  • Keep your doctor’s appointments since doing so will allow you to make sure that everything is healing as it should be.

When You Should See A Doctor

Before your next check-up, make sure to pay attention to your body to catch any signal it might be sending you. Contact your doctor immediately if you’re experiencing any of the following: 

  • A fever over 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • Vaginal discharge with a bad smell.
  • Severe headaches that don’t go away with medication.
  • Dizziness, nausea, or lightheadedness.
  • Lack of control over bowel movements or poop leakage.
  • Signs of postpartum depression.
  • Vision changes.
postpartum recovery

Take Home Message

After childbirth, your body will require sometime to heal and recuperate. You can speed up the process by eating healthy, staying active and getting enough rest. Take it one day at a time, and you would be back to your old self before you know it!

Managing Threatened Miscarriage

by

A threatened miscarriage is also referred to as a threatened abortion or a threatened spontaneous abortion. Abortion is sometimes used as a medical term for a miscarriage. Abortion occurs when a pregnancy ends before the embryo is ready to survive on its own. It could be a threatened miscarriage, an early pregnancy loss, or a spontaneous abortion.

In this post, you will learn all there is to know about threatened miscarriage; the causes, possible complications, symptoms, and diagnosis.

Let’s Get Started!

What Is Threatened Miscarriage? 

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines threatened abortion as a pregnancy-related bloody vaginal discharge or frank bleeding during the first half of pregnancy without cervical dilatation. 

During the first trimester of pregnancy, some pregnant women experience vaginal bleeding. This blood loss can occur with or without abdominal cramping. A threatened abortion occurs when the symptoms show that a miscarriage is likely to happen in the future.

threatened-abortion

Causes of threatened miscarriage 

Some of the possible causes of threatened miscarriage are:

  • An infection or irritation that may occur following sex.
  • Miscarriage, minor falls, injuries, or stress during the first trimester of pregnancy.
  • Ectopic pregnancy; is a condition that arises when an embryo implants outside of the uterus.
  • Molar pregnancy; is a rare uterine growth.

Other factors that can raise your chances of miscarriage include:

Symptoms of Threatened Miscarriage  

The main symptom is vaginal bleeding in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. It is also important to note that the intensity of this bleeding can vary from light to severe. Furthermore, some people also experience stomach cramps or lower back pain.

Women who have a regular miscarriage frequently experience dull or sharp pain in the abdomen and lower back. They may also pass vaginal tissue containing clot-like material.

If you’re pregnant and experiencing these symptoms or bleeding at any point during pregnancy, contact your doctor or obstetrician immediately.

Possible complications include:

  • Anemia
  • Infection
  • Miscarriage

Furthermore, the doctor will want to make sure the symptoms or complications aren’t caused by an ectopic pregnancy, which is a potentially lethal complication. To achieve this, it is important to make a proper diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Threatened Miscarriage

To properly diagnose a threatened miscarriage, the doctor will inquire about your symptoms and medical history. Furthermore, he or she will have to perform a physical examination.

bloating during pregnancy

Some of the tests involved include:

  • Fetal heart monitoring via ultrasound
  • Tests on the blood; The following blood tests are done:
  • Beta HCG (quantitative) test (pregnancy test) performed over a period of days or weeks to confirm the continuation of the pregnancy
  • A complete blood count (CBC) is performed to determine the presence of anemia.
  • Progesterone concentration
  • A white blood cell count (WBC) with a differential is done to rule out infection.

Treatment of Threatened Miscarriage

Miscarriages are sometimes unavoidable. In some cases, your doctor will recommend certain measures to reduce your chances of miscarriage.

Some of these preventive measures include:

  • Treating conditions that increase the risk of pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes or hypothyroidism.
  • Your doctor may also prescribe a progesterone injection to boost your hormone levels.
  • If you have Rh-negative blood and your developing fetus has Rh-positive blood, your doctor will also give you Rh immunoglobulin, also known as immune globulin. This prevents your body from producing antibodies against the blood of your child.

Prevention of Threatened Miscarriage:

Although it is really difficult to prevent miscarriage during pregnancy, you can increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy by:

  • Attending your antenatal clinics regularly
  • Avoiding alcohol
  • Regulating your caffeine consumption
  • Taking prescribed prenatal vitamins
  • Reporting any viral or bacterial infections during pregnancy to your doctor immediately

Long-term prospects

Thankfully, many women who experience threatened miscarriages go on to have healthy children. If your cervix hasn’t already dilated and the fetus is still securely attached to the uterine wall, this is more likely. If your hormone levels are abnormal, hormone therapy can often help you carry the baby to term.

Nonetheless, a threatened abortion can be a very stressful experience for some people, leading to anxiety and depression. If you are experiencing symptoms of either condition following a threatened abortion or miscarriage, you should consult your doctor. They can assist you in obtaining the necessary treatment.

Your doctor may also be aware of local support groups where you can share your experiences and concerns with others who understand what you’re going through.

In Conclusion,

It helps to remember that most miscarriages are often unavoidable. However, if you have two or more miscarriages in a row, please contact your doctor to identify and treat the underlying cause. In addition, studies show that women with proper prenatal care often have better pregnancy outcomes and fewer cases of threatened miscarriage.

7 Early Signs of Labor at Home | What You Should Do

by

Like every other journey in life, pregnancy has an endpoint. At the end of this exciting journey of changes, development, and anticipation, your precious one (or two!) would lie blissfully in your arms; just after a major event called labor. Again, like other major events, labor occurs in stages and has obvious signs. In this article, you’d learn 7 early signs of labor and what you should do during this period.

This knowledge is really important because your doctors may ask you to remain at home in the early stages of labor until your contractions are closer and stronger.

Thankfully, this article would carefully guide you on all you need to do in this period of early labor.

What Is Labor?

Labor simply refers to the natural process of childbirth, as opposed to other ‘assisted’ methods of child delivery like cesarean sections or surrogacy. It is characterized by labor contractions which are the repeated tightening and relaxation of the uterine muscles as your body prepares for childbirth.

early signs of labor

As we mentioned earlier, labor begins with an initial steady contraction and continues until both your baby and the placenta have been safely delivered.

Interestingly, labor is unique for every mom-to-be.

In fact, some women experience little to know signs or symptoms of labor. On the other hand, other would-be-moms go through all of the 7 signs of early labor that would be discussed in this article.

Just before we learn about the signs of labor, let us consider the stages involved in the all-important event that is labor.

Stages of Labor

For most women, labor occurs in stages characterized by these two factors:

  • Degree of cervical dilation (extent of cervical widening)
  • Timing of contractions

As a result of these factors, there are three obvious stages of labor:

  1. Early Labor: At this stage, the cervix is about 3cm dilated and the mild and slightly irregular contractions may last for about 30-45 seconds with about 30 minute intervals between each contraction.
  2. Active Labor: At this point, cervical dilation is around 4-7cm and the stronger contractions may last for about 45-60 seconds with a 3-5-minute interval.
  3. Transition: This is the final stage of labor before your baby arrives. At this stage, your cervix would be about 8-10cm wide and the contractions may last for about 60-90 seconds with 2-minute intervals.

7 Signs of Early Labor

As we mentioned earlier, each labor is unique.

early signs of labor

In this section, you’ll learn about seven common signs of early labor. They are:

1.     Contractions

This is the first and most obvious sign of early labor. In plain terms, labor contractions are the repeated tightening and relaxing of the uterine muscles in preparation for delivery. During contractions, it is normal to feel a certain discomfort or ache in your back or lower abdomen.

For most women, these contractions travel in a wavy motion from the top of the uterus and are similar to menstrual cramps, although labor contractions become stronger and more frequent as time goes on. Thankfully, contractions come at intervals and you can rest between phases.

2.     Lightening

Lightening during labor is the process of your baby moving into your pelvis before delivery. This is also called ‘baby dropping’. In some cases, lightening can occur weeks or hours before labor.

An extension of this sign of early labor is frequent urination. This is because the uterus rests on the bladder and after lightening your uterus would become significantly heavier due to your baby’s weight.

3.     Diarrhea

Another tell-tale sign of early labor is the passage of loose or watery stools. As your body prepares for childbirth, the muscles in your uterus relax and contract periodically. In addition, your intestinal muscles also relax, leading to pre-labor diarrhea.

Thankfully, the good news is that this sign of early labor is completely normal and all you’ve got to do is drink enough water.

4.     Mucus Plug Passage

During pregnancy, your body does all it can to protect your little one. A prime example is the presence of a mucus plug that seals off your uterus from the external environment. In the early stage of labor, this mucus plug may come out in one large piece or tiny little bits.

Mucous Plug

Furthermore, some women also notice increased or thickened vaginal discharge in the final days of pregnancy.

5.     Weight Fluctuations

Of course, every pregnant woman is no stranger to this.

In most cases, pregnancy weight gain tapers off at the end of this beautiful journey. Sometimes, the early stages of labor may even cause you to lose a bit of weight. This is a result of any or all of the following factors:

  • Reduced amniotic fluid volume
  • Increased urination
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased movements/activity

6.  Loose Joints

During pregnancy, your body releases a certain hormone called ‘relaxin’. This hormone loosens up your joints and ligament in preparation for labor and childbirth.

Just before labor, it is normal to feel a little wobbly and more relaxed in your joints. Don’t worry, it’s just your body’s way of making sure your little one has a smooth passage into your arms.

7. Back Pain

Here’s another common sign of early labor.

In this period, it is normal to experience pain in your lower back while moving through the stages of labor. Sometimes, this pain may remain constant throughout labor. In other instances, it may come and go.

Water Breaking During Labor

In many instances, water breaking during labor comes after other symptoms of early labor have already arrived.

Yes, we know this is in sharp contrast to the popular belief that labor only begins after your water breaks. While this may occur, it is a very unlikely situation. Furthermore, water breaking may even happen before a pregnancy is up to term or due for labor.

The concept of ‘water breaking’ refers to the process of membrane rupture that is characterized by the leakage and outward pouring of amniotic fluid.

In fact, it is one of the final signs of labor.

What To Do At Home During Early Labor

As we discovered earlier, labor occurs in three stages.

For most women, healthcare providers recommend staying at home until the second or active stage of labor. While waiting, you can follow these steps to stay healthy and ready:

  • Have a community: Receive support from your family, friends, or partner as you await delivery.
  • Use distractions: For this, you can watch TV, listen to music, or walk around your house
  • Get a massage: A shoulder and lower back massage can do wonders to ease the pain of contractions during labor
  • Focused breathing: You can read this article to learn how certain breathing techniques can ease the pain and make your labor easier
  • Take a warm shower
early signs of labor

While moving through the stages of labor, remember to call your doctor if:

  • You’re experiencing vaginal bleeding
  • There’s any feeling of sharp or severe pain
  • You are having blurry vision or a serious headache
  • You have a high fever

Conclusion

Finally, it helps to remember that labor occurs in stages, and you may or may not experience all the signs discussed in this article. Also, remember that these signs may come early in labor or appear later in the active stage of your labor process.

As a result, the best option is to eat healthily, exercise well, attend your antenatal clinics and follow your healthcare provider’s guidelines on when to come to the hospital.

Can your water break during sex | All you need to know

by

The count in pregnancy is not always about how far you’ve gone but how far you have left to go. While you are thrilled by the idea of nursing a new life in your womb, you also can’t wait to carry this precious gift in your arms. As you wait for your due date, you begin to be careful of the things you do in order to have a safe delivery. One of the fears you may have is the effect of sex on your pregnancy. There are women who believe that having sex during pregnancy will cause their water to break.

As you journey on with this article, you will learn: what water breaking in pregnancy is; the safety of sex during pregnancy; the benefits of having sexual intercourse during pregnancy; if your water can break during pregnancy, and also the signs that your water has broken.

What’s water breaking?

Water breaking is a sign that labor will soon start if it’s yet to start. This term refers to the breaking of the amniotic sac. The amniotic sac is a sac that surrounds your fetus and contains the amniotic fluid. The amniotic fluid serves as a cushion for your baby. Once the sac breaks, the fluid is let out.

water breaking during sex

Breaking of the amniotic sac has been associated with a sudden gush of water, but most times, this is not so. Your water may break before or during labor and some may even require medical help to break the sac.

Is sex during pregnancy safe?

Your water may break long before labor starts. Some women feel that having sex during pregnancy may be a reason for this. Some are even of the opinion that sex during pregnancy will impact their baby negatively. Is this really true?

During pregnancy, the amniotic sac encloses your baby in the uterus protecting it from minor moves. The cervical opening beneath is enclosed with a fluid fitting and the uterus itself is over the vagina. With these organs in their positions, entrance into the uterus is not possible. This means your baby is perfectly safe.

When you have normal and uncomplicated sex while you are pregnant, you can be sure that your baby will be safe and unharmed.

Benefits of having sexual intercourse during pregnancy

Having sexual intercourse during pregnancy has a lot of benefits. Some benefits are emotional, others are physiological. Some of these benefits include:

  • It helps you feel better about yourself.
  • It strengthens the existing relationship between you and your partner.
  • It helps to reduce pain and discomfort.
  • It helps you relax and have a great night’s rest.
  • It strengthens your pelvic floor muscle.
  • It boosts your mood.
  • It helps with bladder control.
  • It helps you stay fit
  • It improves your happiness.
  • It boosts your immune system.

Can your water break during sex?

Normally, the amniotic sac can’t break just because you had sex. The intensity of the contraction the uterus undergoes during sex is not strong enough to cause your water to break.

Yes, your water can break during sexual intercourse, but it won’t be because you were having sex. It may be because you were already in your first stage of labor. At this stage, contractions have begun, but they are minimal and do not last for long.

In certain abnormal conditions, your water can break even when you are not in labor yet. This is known as premature rupture of membranes (PROM). PROM can occur for different reasons such as:

  • Changes in abdominal pressure are sudden: This may occur in case of an accident or during stress.
  • Infections: Some infections can weaken the amniotic sac and cause it to break even before its time.
  • Drug Use: These drugs can be legal or illegal. It is best you consult your doctor before taking any drug during pregnancy.
  • Excess pressure within the amniotic sac: This may be a result of polyhydramnios (excess amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac) or multiple pregnancies (when you are pregnant with more than one baby).
  • Placental abruption
  • High blood pressure.
  • Poor nutrition during pregnancy can also cause your water to break prematurely
  • Delivery by elective C-section. If you are delivering by C-section, your water may not break until surgery.
  • On some rare occasions, the water does not break at all and the baby is born still enclosed in the amniotic sac.

What causes water to break?

Water breaking is also known as the rupture of the membranes. At this time in your pregnancy, your baby’s head should be towards the vagina. When your baby is ready to come out or just when you are due, your uterus begins to contract. Contractions can be a result of the pressure your baby is putting on your womb too. As the intensity of the contraction increases, it puts pressure on the amniotic sac.

This increased pressure makes the amniotic sac break, and water comes out through the vagina.

What are the signs when a pregnant woman’s water breaks?

Different mothers can have different experiences when their water breaks. Some mothers feel a trickle of water coming from their vagina while for some, it gushes out. In some instances, it may feel like you accidentally peed on your pants, and sometimes, the fluid can have bits of blood in it. When your water breaks, contractions may start or become more intense.

You can read this article to learn how to time your labor contractions.

It is easy to know your water broke if your experience is that of water gushing. In a case where it trickles down, you may confuse it with urine or a vaginal discharge.

Conclusion

Sexual intercourse itself does not cause your water to break although your water may break during the process if you are due.

If you have any issues with sexual intercourse during the course of your pregnancy, speak with your doctor.

In some cases, your doctor may have to restrict you from sex for your health and that of your baby. If you have had a miscarriage or you’re at risk for one; if you are at risk of preterm labor; or your cervix dilated early, your doctor may restrict you from having sexual intercourse.