There are many common early pregnancy symptoms, one of which is an increased vaginal discharge. This is due to the increased growth of cells lining the vagina. The walls naturally start to thicken as soon as the egg is fertilized and this can cause a white, milky fluid to be discharged. The medical term for this fluid is leucorrhea and it is harmless, so no treatment is needed. This discharge may actually continue throughout the pregnancy.
If you notice that the vaginal discharge has a foul odor, this could be the symptom of a bacteria or yeast infection. Other symptoms of this that will require you to have medical treatment in the form of creams and vaginal suppositories include itching and burning sensations. Douching will not have any effect on the normal discharge you experience during pregnancy.
Some early pregnancy symptoms you may experience in addition to a missed period include:
Morning Sickness. It’s common for pregnant women to experience nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy, especially in the morning. This feeling of nausea is caused by the increased sensitivity to smells and the change in hormone levels that happens when you’re pregnant. You may also start to develop aversions to certain foods or smells that you previously enjoyed. These aversions and the nausea are not harmful and are a normal part of carrying a baby in the womb. The queasiness and fatigue energizes at around the 13th or 14th week for most women, although some still feel unwell all the way through the pregnancy. Some things that might help include having dry crackers on-hand to help settle your stomach and eating smaller meals more frequently, so you’re not feeling famished all the time.
Constipation. A large number of pregnant women suffer from constipation, which is brought on by an increase in the hormone progesterone that slows the colon’s ability to absorb water from food. Consuming more milk than usual can also lead to constipation. This problem generally worsens during the first trimester, but there are ways to ease the discomfort. Drinking plenty of water, getting regular exercise, and eating foods high in fiber will help alleviate constipation caused by pregnancy.
Dizziness or Fainting. Many pregnant women first find out about their pregnancy when they faint and then go to the doctor for clarification. These fainting spells are more noticeable during the second trimester, especially when a woman gets up or moves around quickly. The vessels that transport blood throughout the body dilate at a much faster rate during pregnancy, and sometimes the volume of blood becomes too much for these vessels. When this happens, it can cause dizziness or fainting.
Fatique. Feeling extra tired these days? It might be because you’re pregnant! Increased blood flow to the womb carrying oxygen for the fetus causes your heart to work harder, making you feel exhausted. To combat the fatigue, try taking naps during the day or going to bed earlier at night. Eating foods high in protein and iron can also help reduce tiredness.
