subject: Spotting And Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy [print this page] When you become pregnant, you probably start to feel your body changing and feel the need to start paying attention to your diet, sleep and body. It is important to be well-informed about the changes that fall within the norms of pregnancy, and changes that can be considered problematic. Take for example, spotting or vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Such is a symptom is often experienced during pregnancy, although this does not preclude the need to consult a doctor.
Let's start with spotting. Imagine that you were sexually active during the fertile part of your cycle. If you experience light bleeding 6-7 days later (after fertilization) for one or two days, you may be experiencing implantation bleeding.You probably do not even know you are pregnant.This is when the fertilized egg is embedded in the uterus wall. This is because the blood supply to the cervix and pelvis has increased. Other than this instance, bleeding also occurs quite often after sex, a Pap test or an internal examination.
In the case of a newly pregnant woman, more attention should be given to the amount of bleeding in early pregnancy.At this stage, it may be an early sign of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, especially if accompanied by abdominal pain or cramping. Statistics show that about 50% of women experience bleeding during pregnancy. An ultrasound of the fetus from 7 to 11 weeks can let you knoe beforehand of any problems you will face.
As mentioned earlier, you may also experience spotting after sex or an examination for reasons that do not involve pregnancy.For example, a benign growth (polyp of the cervix), vaginal infection (such as a yeast infection) or STDs (like chlamydia or herpes) can also cause a little bleeding. What about vaginal discharge? If you have discharge during early pregnancy, it should be white. It is a white liquid that is either odorless or with a mild odor.You may have noticed this from time to time in your underwear before you were pregnant.Now, if you see more of this, this is partly due to an increase in estrogen production, and increased circulation of blood in the vaginal area.This vaginal discharge is your body's way of washing away bacteria, and it is composed of the secretions from the cervix and vagina. In the last month of pregnancy, your vaginal discharge usually becomes heavier and thicker.Then there is the mucous, a jelly-like substance which comes out 1-2 weeks before delivery.
Now, if you have an odorless, whitish discharge that causes itching or burning or green or yellow discharge, it may be an indication of a yeast infection. For any changes you experience during pregnancy, the rule is to be on the side of caution, and consult your family doctor if you feel you need to do so.In other words, listen to your body.
