We know what you are thinking? Yuck, right. Here you are pregnant and beautiful and glowing, and ‘smelly’? You knew that pregnancy was going to change things, but you may not have prepared yourself for the unpleasant side effect of vaginal odor. And now, every time you go to your prenatal visit, not only do you have to get used to being disrobed and poked and prodded, but you are concerned you are going to knock your provider out with your ‘vaginal odor.’

Vaginal odor during pregnancy is actually quite normal. Of course, if you begin to notice a pungent odor that is present with a chunky discharge, itching, irritation or pain – your best course of action is to contact your health provider. With increased hormone production (yep, its always the hormones) and increased moisture in the vaginal area – you may run a higher risk of vaginal yeast infections, or bacterial infections.  And if a yeast infection is the source of the odor, your doctor is the best person to give you advice on how to handle it. They will also perform tests to make sure that the infection is not something more than a yeast infection.

Even so, around 65% of all women report that they have an odor, from strong to light – that seems to coincide with pregnancy. And many women are embarrassed about it. First of all, realize this: Your OBGYN or prenatal provider has literally seen, heard and smelled it all. They are in the business of vaginas, and taking care of women. So while you may feel embarrassed, there is no reason to be. Chances are you aren’t the first women to walk into the exam room horrified that your vaginal smell is going to make the doctor gag. It won’t (Pinky swear promise!).

Secondly, if all your tests come back negative – for yeast infections, bacterial infections and STD’s – it may just be the hormonal changes that are causing the smell. If this just showed up during pregnancy – chances are it will also go away once your baby is born. In the meantime, staying as dry as possible, changing your underwear frequently, wearing cotton underwear, using light pads and even carrying feminine wipes may help you to feel less self conscious. Thirdly, realize that while you may think everyone can ‘smell’ you – they can’t. Seriously, how often have you ever smelled another woman’s vaginal odor while she was fully clothed walking around the grocery store? Never, right. So try to shake it off as much as possible. As long as you have taken steps and have been checked out by your doctor – you will likely just have to wait it out.

In some cases, it may be the foods that you eat or the spices you use that are causing the smell. With increased secretions of the vaginal area and the sebaceous sweat glands during pregnancy, the foods and spices synthesized by your skin can often be the culprit.  So if you eat a lot of spicy foods – try altering your diet.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2017. All rights reserved.

Do you ever wonder if the glow of pregnancy is caused by the increased amount of sweat that seems to be excreted from your body at the most inopportune times?

Sweating during pregnancy is one of the most common – but often not talked about – symptoms of pregnancy. For many women, the sweating comes out of nowhere. You may find that you suddenly get hot flashes for no apparent reason at all, and have a more difficult time tolerating warmer temperatures. While everyone else is freezing, you are shedding clothes in an effort to not soak your garments in sweat. The good news is that this is perfectly normal. The not-so-good news is that this increase in sweating during pregnancy is caused by surges of hormones that change nearly every physiological aspect of your life.

During pregnancy, your blood flow and metabolism are increased – which can cause your body to perspire, or sweat, more. Additionally, pregnancy can cause your body temperature to raise slightly. While you may not be working out in the traditional sense of the word, your body is constantly in the process of making another human, which is HARD work. This can account for the excess sweat, and make it a little more bearable since you are performing the ultimate act of human creation.

Hormones, of course, are to blame as well. The surges, increases and decreases in hormones that constantly occur during pregnancy can be likened to those felt during menopause, and is likely responsible for your hot flashes. As long as you aren’t running a fever or having flu-like symptoms, chances are your overactive sweat glands are just something you will have to deal with.

Another thing that can lead to the sweating is a change with your thyroid gland. For some women, pregnancy can lead to hypothyroidism which can attribute to an increase in sweating. If you have heart palpitations or other symptoms that coincide with the sweating, a phone call to your doctor may be in order.

For the most part, this sweating is NOT dangerous. Although if you feel as though you are overheating, you should take time to get out of the sun, into the air conditioning and cool yourself so you don’t overheat. In cooler months, wear layers of clothes so that when the ‘sweats’ hits you, you can cool off by removing layers. It is also important that you stay hydrated, and keep water on hand at all times. Dehydration during pregnancy can be dangerous, and the best way to ensure you don’t become dehydrated is to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Written By Stef, Mom of 4 @Momspirational

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.