Changes In Expectant Mothers

Expectant women will notice many changes in their bodies, throughout pregnancy. These changes are a natural part of the process. Pregnant women see and increase in not only weight, but some common occurrences, like vaginal discharge. Normal vaginal discharge happens to women, pregnant or not, on a regular basis. On fact, it is common to experience a normal vaginal discharge daily.

Normal vaginal discharge is the body’s way of ridding itself of excess fluid. These fluids are excreted from the vagina, and the cervix. They serve to, carry away old cells, from the body. These old cells, were at one time lining the vaginal walls. Typically a normal vaginal discharge, is clear and odorless. Some women will see a more milky colored discharge.

Women, who are pregnant do recognize a change in their discharge experiences. Normal vaginal discharge, tends to increase during pregnancy. It is important to note, that pregnant women need to pay attention to the color and consistency of their discharges. It is not abnormal to see a change in color during pregnancy.

But some changes tend to signal the existence of a more serious condition. It is also important to recognize that change in discharge odor, can be meaningful, as well. Stark changes, in discharge odor, can result because of infection, or another disease. Infections can be treated in pregnant women, typically with a simple prescription, or cream.

Pregnant women who suffer from infections, such as, a yeast infection, often experience symptoms. Symptoms like itching and burning, are commonly reported. These can be treated with a simple topical cream, applied to the vaginal area. If a woman’s discharge is triggered by a disease, she will definitely need medical treatment.

As a woman’s pregnancy develops, she will grow both inside and outside. Two weeks after her egg has been fertilized amniotic fluid will begin to fill the amnion inside the mother’s womb. This amniotic fluid will serve as a protection mechanism for the baby to grow and develop. This fluid is primarily composed of water.

After about 10 weeks of pregnancy, the amniotic fluid is now composed of additional protein. This protein addition serves to work in the baby’s beginning digestive processes. A mucous lining, or mucous plug, serves to keep this fluid in place. The mucous lining blocks the cervix, until its time for labor to begin.

When the water breaks, or the membranes have been ruptured, labor will soon follow. In some cases, women will experience premature labor. A labor that is too early, in the pregnancy, can put the baby’s life at risk. This is especially true when organs, like the lungs, have not fully developed. Some late term early labors produce babies that can breathe on their own even though the pregnancy was not complete.
It is sometimes necessary to induce labor once this fluid had begun to leak. Doctors typically wait 1-2 days for labor to begin naturally, before inducing. During this time it is common for an expectant mother to be admitted to a hospital while she waits.

By: SWilson

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You can find helpful information about normal vaginal discharge and everything you need to know about amniotic fluid at Aha! Baby.