The impact of pregnancy on your intimate health

Your body undergoes many obvious changes during pregnancy.

Changes such as larger breasts and a growing belly are obvious, but did you know that your vagina also undergoes changes? It is important to understand how pregnancy affects your intimate health but also how you should take care of yourself after childbirth.

The impact of pregnancy on your intimate health

Your body undergoes many obvious changes during pregnancy.

Changes such as larger breasts and a growing belly are obvious, but did you know that your vagina also undergoes changes? It is important to understand how pregnancy affects your intimate health but also how you should take care of yourself after childbirth.

The impact of pregnancy on your intimate health

Your body undergoes many obvious changes during pregnancy.

Changes such as larger breasts and a growing belly are obvious, but did you know that your vagina also undergoes changes? It is important to understand how pregnancy affects your intimate health but also how you should take care of yourself after childbirth.

The impact of pregnancy on your intimate health

Your body undergoes many obvious changes during pregnancy.

Changes such as larger breasts and a growing belly are obvious, but did you know that your vagina also undergoes changes? It is important to understand how pregnancy affects your intimate health but also how you should take care of yourself after childbirth.

The impact of pregnancy on your intimate health

Your body undergoes many obvious changes during pregnancy.

Changes such as larger breasts and a growing belly are obvious, but did you know that your vagina also undergoes changes? It is important to understand how pregnancy affects your intimate health but also how you should take care of yourself after childbirth.

The impact of pregnancy on your intimate health

Your body undergoes many obvious changes during pregnancy.

Changes such as larger breasts and a growing belly are obvious, but did you know that your vagina also undergoes changes? It is important to understand how pregnancy affects your intimate health but also how you should take care of yourself after childbirth.

During pregnancy

One of the most obvious changes in the vagina during pregnancy is the increased amount of discharge. This is due to high levels of estrogen and progesterone. Increased blood volume and increased blood flow can also contribute to increased amounts of discharge.

The discharge during pregnancy should be thin, white, and milky but can become thicker as delivery approaches. It should not smell bad but may have a mild odor that is slightly more noticeable than before.

Increased risk of genital infections

Genital infections are common during pregnancy and are caused by hormonal changes that affect the pH in the vagina. Common infections during pregnancy are yeast infections (candida) and bacterial vaginosis.

A yeast infection occurs when the normal levels of acid and yeast in the vagina are out of balance, allowing the yeast to grow and cause an unpleasant but harmless condition called a yeast infection. Although yeast infections do not have any serious negative effects on the pregnancy, they are often harder to get rid of then and can cause significant discomfort. Always seek care if you suspect you have a yeast infection.

Bacterial vaginosis: Characterized by a shift from a healthy genital flora, dominated by acid-producing bacteria, to a condition where unhealthy bacteria have taken over. The most prominent symptom of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a strong fishy odor from the vagina. Some women also notice increased amounts of discharge that is gray in color. Burning when urinating, itching in the genital area, and pain during intercourse are other symptoms of BV. About 10–30% of all pregnant women get BV during their pregnancy. Be sure to seek care if you have symptoms.

Read more about bacterial vaginosis and foul-smelling discharge here

Swelling in the genital area

Blood flow increases significantly during pregnancy. It is not uncommon for the labia and vagina to appear swollen and feel fuller. Hormonal changes and increased blood flow can also cause the vagina and labia to darken and take on a bluish tone. Additionally, varicose veins can develop in the genital area. These veins can cause pressure, swelling, and discomfort in the genital area.

The discomfort can be relieved with cold compresses and by elevating the hip area when lying down. Most varicose veins in the genital area disappear on their own a few weeks after delivery.

Genital itching

Pregnant women often experience itching in the genital area at some point during pregnancy. This is a normal and common complaint. The itching can be caused by a variety of factors. Some may arise due to the changes the body undergoes. Other reasons may not be related to your pregnancy at all; it could be a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or another infection. Seek help if the problems persist for several weeks.

Dry mucous membranes

Hormonal changes can lead to dry mucous membranes during pregnancy in some women. Anecdotal evidence suggests that women who are breastfeeding at the time of conception are at greater risk of these symptoms. Redness, irritation, and pain during sex can also occur.

Read more about how VagiVital active gel can counteract your dryness.

Read more about how VagiVital Active Gel can help you who have dry mucous membranes.