Vaginal bad smell: The worry of many pregnant mothers

Vaginal discharge that smells bad in some women during pregnancy can be for very normal reasons. However, this can also be a warning sign of inflammatory diseases that you should be very cautious of.

Pregnancy changes a woman's life a lot. Besides the feeling of happiness and happiness because your family is about to add a new member, you will face many problems from morning sickness to back pain, headache ... One of the problems that make pregnant women Worry is bad vaginal discharge. If you are facing this problem and are wondering what to do, please continue with the following sharing of aFamilyToday Health.

Is it normal for vaginal discharge to smell during pregnancy?

Vaginal discharge in pregnant women is normal during pregnancy. Not only that, some pregnant women also feel the vaginal discharge has an unusual smell. In fact, this condition is quite common with about 65% of pregnant women experiencing it in the early stages of pregnancy. According to statistics, 6 out of 10 pregnant women experience vaginal discharge with a fishy smell. Therefore, if you are experiencing this situation, you do not need to worry too much.

What causes vaginal discharge to smell during pregnancy?

There are many causes of vaginal discharge that smells during pregnancy, such as a change in pH balance, sweat, infection, hormonal changes, and diet ... If the cause is not Some latent illness, the smell will go away after you give birth to your baby. Even for women who are not pregnant, vaginal discharge can smell from sweat and diet.

1. Infections

Status of vaginal infections during pregnancy can cause vaginal odor. If you have a vaginal infection, in addition to an odor of vaginal discharge, you may also feel itchy "genitals". The cause of the infection can be either a fungus or a bacteria.

2. Change your diet

A change in diet during pregnancy is also one of the causes of bad vaginal discharge. For example, if you eat a lot of garlic or spicy foods, it's understandable that your vaginal discharge smells bad.

3. pH imbalance

The normal pH of the vagina is between 3.8 and 4.5. This pH will be kept stable by the beneficial bacteria and natural microbiota that live in the vagina. During pregnancy, the amount of blood flowing through the vagina increases, causing the pH to change. This makes the vagina more susceptible to infection and discharge with a bad smell.

4. Hormonal changes

During pregnancy, the hormones in a woman's body change a lot. Specifically, two hormones, progesterone and estrogen, will increase rapidly to help form the placenta to nourish the fetus. Not only that, prolactin levels will also increase to support the mother's body to produce milk. These hormonal changes can cause the vagina to release a lot of fluid and smell bad.

How to overcome bad vaginal discharge during pregnancy?

Bad vaginal discharge can be treated and prevented in the following ways:

1. Clean and dry

During pregnancy, you need to keep your vagina clean and dry. Pregnant mothers should bathe and clean the vagina regularly with warm water. You can also use more feminine hygiene solution if your doctor agrees. In addition, you should also trim your genitals neatly.

2. Avoid using cleaning products

Pregnant mothers should avoid using cleaning products, such as scented sprays or soaps that contain irritating ingredients. These products can get rid of bacteria that naturally live in the vagina.

3. Wear cotton underwear

You should immediately remove the underwear made of synthetic fibers and replace with the pants "chip" made from cotton. The reason is that underwear is made of cotton fabric, which will help the skin open up and absorb sweat better.

4. Change your diet

Diet changes during pregnancy are inevitable. However, to ensure the health of yourself and your baby, you should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, avoid spicy foods or foods with smells like garlic, celery.

5. Take medication as directed by your doctor

In the event that the cause of the vaginal discharge of pregnant women is due to an infection, seek medical attention and take medication as directed by your doctor.

Vaginal discharge smells bad, when do pregnant mothers need to see a doctor?

The fact that bad vaginal discharge during pregnancy can come from as simple as a change in diet or hormonal changes. However, it should be noted that when found out, pregnant women should still see a doctor to make sure that you do not have an infection or other health problems that could harm the baby. If you experience any of the following problems, you should seek immediate medical assistance:

1. A persistent odor

Bad vaginal discharge can last for a long time in pregnancy. However, if this is accompanied by a yellow or green discharge, you should see your doctor right away. This can be a warning sign of a yeast or bacterial vaginosis.

2. Itching cannot be controlled

If you have a persistent, persistent itch inside the vagina that cannot be controlled, see your doctor right away as this is also a warning sign of bacterial vaginosis.

3. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

The sexually transmitted infection can also make vaginal secretions more and smell. If you are suffering from these diseases, you need to see doctors for timely treatment, to avoid affecting the health and development of the baby.

4. Pain and inflammation

If you experience pain or burning during sex or during urination, see your doctor early. These are warning signs of an infection.

5. Other signs

If you find that your vaginal discharge is bloody, has a cheese-like appearance, has a fishy smell, is green or yellowish in color, you should also see your doctor early.

Prevent bad odor of vaginal discharge

Attention to hygiene is one of the simple methods that can help prevent bad vaginal discharge. In addition, you can also do some more tips below:

Fluid: One of the ways to prevent bad vaginal discharge is to keep your body hydrated. Every day, you need to drink at least 2-3 liters of water.

Wipe from front to back: Always wipe from the vagina towards the anus to reduce the risk of spreading stool-to-vagina bacteria.

Do not douche: Douching can irritate vaginal tissues, allowing bacteria to enter the urinary tract. You can clean the vagina with warm water instead of using soap or cleaning solutions.

Vaginal discharge that smells during pregnancy can be due to simple things like hormonal changes. However, it is also a warning sign of infection. If you suspect that you have a health problem, see your doctor early for prompt diagnosis and treatment.