How Pregnancy Affects Vaginal Health? Discussion by Dr. Rama Sofat and Dr. Amit Sofat of Dr. Rama Sofat Hospital

How Pregnancy Affects Vaginal Health? Discussion by Dr. Rama Sofat and Dr. Amit Sofat of Dr. Rama Sofat Hospital

Dr Rama Sofat explains that during pregnancy, you expect your body to go through many obvious changes. What you may not know is your vagina goes through changes, too. It’s important to understand how pregnancy affects vaginal health, even after you give birth.

If you know what’s normal for your vagina during pregnancy, you’ll be more likely to head off potential complications. Here are some ways your vagina is affected by pregnancy:

                               Increased vaginal discharge

1. Increased vaginal discharge: 

An increase in vaginal discharge is one of the most noticeable vaginal changes during pregnancy. It’s caused by high levels of estrogen and progesterone. An increase in blood volume and blood flow can also contribute to increased vaginal discharge.

2. Increased risk of vaginal infections:In some cases, increased vaginal discharge indicates infection.Vaginal infections are common during pregnancy:

a.Yeast infections: During pregnancy, vaginal secretions contain more sugar, yeast’s meal of choice. A yeast infection won’t harm your unborn baby, but it’ll make your life uncomfortable.

b. Trichomoniasis: Symptoms of trichomoniasis include a foul-smelling, yellow-green discharge, vaginal itching and redness.

Vaginal swelling

3. Increased vaginal swelling: Dr. Rama Sofat explains that to support your growing baby, your blood flow increases significantly during pregnancy. It’s not unusual for your labia and vagina to appear swollen and feel fuller.

4. Vulvar varicose veins: Vulvar varicose veins are caused by an increase in blood volume, and a decrease in how fast your blood flows from your lower extremities. Most vulvar varicose veins go away on their own within several weeks of giving birth.

5. Vaginal bleeding: Vaginal bleeding during your first trimester isn’t unusual. As per Dr Rama Sofat it may be due to the implantation of the fertilized egg to the lining of your uterus. It may also be caused by increased blood volume.

Vaginal bleeding during your second and third trimesters is concerning. You should seek emergency medical care if your vaginal bleeding is caused by:

1. placenta abruption (when the placenta peels away from the uterine lining)
2. premature opening of the cervix
3. preterm labor
4. uterine rupture

Vaginal health after giving birth

No matter what scenario your vagina goes through during birth, there’ll be some swelling, bruising, and pain afterwards. It may be hurt to urinate or have a bowel movement. For most women, these symptoms go away after a few weeks. It may take longer if your vagina tore during birth, or if the skin between your vagina and anus was cut to help get your baby out.

Vaginal bleeding is common for two to six weeks after giving birth. Heavy bleeding that’s bright red and may include blood clots is normal for the first 24 hours after delivery. After that, bleeding should gradually decrease. Even so, you may experience vaginal bleeding for up to six weeks.

The Bottom line:

Dr Rama Sofat provides information that your vagina plays a key role in pregnancy and childbirth, so it deserves special attention. Here are some tips for keeping your vagina healthy during and after pregnancy:

Eat healthy and balanced diet

• Dry your vaginal area with a hair dryer on a low, cool setting after bathing or swimming.

• Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.

• Don’t douche or use scented sanitary pads or tampons.

• Avoid feminine hygiene sprays or perfumed personal care products.

• Wear looser clothing or underwear.

• Eat yogurt regularly.

• Reduce your sugar intake.

• Stay hydrated.

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet and get regular exercise.

• Practice responsible sex.