What causes this?

Question

What causes you to have more discharge when you are pregnant? I know that it is perfectly normal but I was jsut wondering about it. Is this a good sign? I am 12 weeks pregnant. Is this the mucus plug forming or what. My doctor is going to have a lot of questions when I go see him this thursday. This is my first visit because i didn't know I was pregnant because of irregular periods. I was just wanting to learn some opnions before my appt.

Answer 1

Here's an interesting article about vaginal discharge during pregnancy:

Is it my imagination or do I have a lot more vaginal discharge now?
It's not your imagination. It's quite common to have more vaginal discharge during pregnancy. What you're noticing is probably normal leukorrhea — the odorless or mild-smelling milky fluid discharge that you occasionally found in your underwear before you were pregnant. There's just a lot more of it now, partly because of increased estrogen production and greater blood flow to the vaginal area. This discharge is made up of secretions from the cervix and vagina, old cells from the walls of the vagina, and normal bacterial flora from the vagina.

You'll probably notice more vaginal discharge as you approach labor, though it's likely to look somewhat different from the flow you've become accustomed to. In very early pregnancy, cervical secretions filled your cervical canal and created a protective barrier — the so-called mucus plug. As your cervix begins to efface (thin out) and dilate, it may expel this mucus, and you'll notice discharge that looks like egg white or mucus from a runny nose on a cold day. Or, you may even expel the plug in one gelatinous glob. This discharge might be tinged with a bit of blood.

If there's a lot of thin, clear discharge, it can be hard for you tell if it's just mucus or if you're leaking amniotic fluid — if you have any doubt, contact your midwife or doctor. If you notice an increase in discharge or a change in the type of discharge before 37 weeks, especially if it's watery, mucus-like, or bloody (even if it's just tinged with pink or brownish old blood), call your practitioner right away, as it can be a sign of preterm labor.

Is there anything I can do about it?
There's nothing you can do to stop the flow, but you can use panty liners to absorb it if you need to. (Don't use tampons during pregnancy.) To keep your genital area healthy, keep it clean, always wipe from front to back, wear cotton underwear, and avoid tight pants, nylons, bubble bath, scented pads or toilet paper, feminine hygiene sprays, and scented or deodorant soaps.

And don't douche — doctors and midwives discourage douching during pregnancy because in rare cases it can introduce air into your circulatory system through the vagina, which can cause serious complications. What's more, douching can upset the normal balance of vaginal flora and increase your risk of vaginitis.

How can I tell when I have an infection?
If you have an odorless whitish discharge that's causing you discomfort such as itching or burning, or your vulva looks inflamed, you might well have a yeast infection. If your discharge ever becomes foul-smelling, or frothy or yellow, green, or gray in appearance (even without symptoms of irritation, itching, or burning), you might have a different kind of vaginitis or a sexually transmitted infection. In any case, don't try to treat yourself with over-the-counter medications. It's important to see your practitioner for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/prenatalhealth/270.html

Answer 2

When your are pregnant, all bodily fluids increase. Your blood volume, mucous production, vaginal secretions, saliva, even eye fluids which can make your vision kind of off especially if you wear contacts. In addition to increased discharge, you will probably need to blow your nose more often and you may get frequent headaches from all the blood volume. It's all normal. Just try to stay focused on the good parts about pregnancy.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Cleavage causes more eeruptions but only in the str8 world. Perhaps your use of terminology is what keeps getting the questions deleted. Apparently there is some female who objects to your term Boobquakes. Your scandalous approach is fine with me since my Avatar ALREADY shows PLENTY of cleavage AND totally naked boobies. Amzing that Yahoo does not object against MY avatar. I guess females are more dainty and easily offended by their bodies. Just another reason why I prefer men. I AM dartagnon

Answer 4

OHHH nooo here we go again....you just reminded me of myself when I was pregnant this time last year I kept on having mucus ALL 9 MONTHS OF MY PREGNANCY!!!
I asked my obgyn about it she said its because of the hot weather provides great damp conditions for the bacteria to grow plus your pregnant which causes more mucus she gave me prescription medicine for it provided temp relief only. But I used to use over the counter medicine in between my trips to the doctor but i only had relief for a couple of weeks then it would come back so I guess you just have to live with it.

best of luck and congrads!

Answer 5

I wonder the same thing, I have to use thin pads in daily basis, but I don't think it has nothing to do with the mocus plug, is way to early.

BTW, I 'd really suggest you to write down all the questions, since is your first visit you probably have tons of them, and as soon you are in that room with the Doc, you will forget them all, trust me. So write them down.

Good luck!

Answer 6

all the extra hormones from the pregnancy cause this. Buy a good book on pregnancy and all your questions will be answered. And make a list before going to the doc so you won't forget what to ask him---I always forget :-)

Answer 7

Im not sure what causes it--but my dr. also told me its completely normal---Im three months pregnant and also going thru the same thing--dont worry but just ask ur dr. Good luck!!

Answer 8

I have that too. It is perfectly normal. Unless it is a different color than usual. And you don't have a itch or odor

Answer 9

I heard it is the bodies way of adding more protection against diseases in the vagina or uterus.

Answer 10

THATS JUST YOUR BODYS WAY OF PURIFYING ITS UVAL TUBES NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT