7 Ways Your Vagina Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy modifications your body. That's a reality. From your growing belly to ever-growing shoe length, there are a whole lot of alterations that come with being pregnant. But did you know your vagina can trade all through pregnancy, too? It's authentic. A lot can take place "down beneath." Here are seven odd and surprising methods being pregnant can affect your vagina

1. Your Vagina May Turn Blue

Can your vagina exchange color in the course of pregnancy? Unbelievably, the answer is sure. Your vagina may additionally assume a blue or crimson hue whilst you're watching. It's known as Chadwick's sign, and it is able to be one of the first warning signs that you're pregnant. "As early as six weeks into your being pregnant, your vagina, labia, and cervix can also take on a blue or pink color, thanks to the increase in blood float," says Brett Worley, M.D., an OB-GYN at The Ohio State University Werner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio.

2. You Might Experience Spotting

Pregnancy was a transient quit on your duration but recognizing in the first trimester is not unusual—and it's generally no big deal. In truth, up to twenty-five% of expectant mothers and fathers have some bleeding or recognition at some point of being pregnant, according to the March of Dimes. That stated, "each time there is bleeding, even though it stops, you ought to allow your health practitioner to recognize," says Mary L. Rosser, M.D., Ph.D., an OB-GYN and the Director of Integrated Women's Health at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, in New York City.

Spotting can once in a while be caused early on via the implantation of the embryo within the uterine lining and the formation of the placenta; the blood has a tendency to be mild pink to darkish brown, not crimson. In different cases, however, recognizing at some point being pregnant can indicate something else, which includes a yeast infection or a miscarriage. "If spotting is associated with an ache—which includes cramps—name your fitness care issuer proper away," says Dr. Rosser.

3. Your Vagina Could Get Varicose Veins

Your legs aren't the only frame element liable to bulging, painful, purple varicose veins. The location around your pregnant vagina can experience them too, way to a combination of extended blood flow, an enlarged uterus (which compresses veins within the pelvis), and pregnant hormones.

About 10% of pregnant human beings land up with vulgar varicose veins, usually throughout month 5 of their 2d pregnancy (or, rarely, in their first). The hazard will increase with the wide variety of pregnancies, in keeping to a file in the magazine Phlebolymphology. "They appear similar to ordinary varicose veins, however [most often occur] at the labia and now and again on the top inner thigh," says Katherine Bolt, M.D., an OB-GYN at Partners in OB/GYN Care at Texas Children's Pavilion for Women, in Houston.

The true news is that the problem generally resolves within six weeks of delivery. But you mustn't wait for that long for comfort if your varicose veins are bothersome. "Try warm baths, mendacity on your left aspect, and raising your toes when feasible," says Dr. Bolt. Exercise enables, too; to keep away from sitting or status nevertheless for long intervals.

4. Your Vagina May Be Swollen

That more blood flowing via your vaginal location can make you feel full and heavy, says Dr. Bolt. Your vagina generally might not appear swollen, however, it might feel that way—even though that's not continually an awful thing. "For a few, the more blood delivered will increase sensation," says Dr. Rosser. In different phrases, a swollen vaginal location all through being pregnant may additionally enhance sensitivity and orgasm.

5. Vaginal Flatulence Can Occur

Vaginal flatulence also called queefing or vaginal flatus, takes place while a pocket of air gets trapped in the vagina. When its miles are released, it emits a fart-like sound. "It's now not a signal of anything horrific," says Dr. Bolt. It's unclear why being pregnant causes this to show up extra regularly, however, it is in all likelihood the combination of a developing stomach, special sex positions, exercising, and overworked pelvic floor muscles.

6. Your Vagina Could Be Itchy

Pregnancy hormones can reason an overgrowth of clearly taking place vaginal micro organism or fungus, ensuing in bacterial vaginosis (BV) or yeast infections. Both are not unusual throughout pregnancy and offer up either grayish-white (BV) or yellowish-white (yeast infection) discharge. They also itch like crazy. Luckily, they're enormously treatable by a medical doctor. Don't go with domestic treatments or OTC meds here.

If your vagina is expelling a scent-free discharge it truly is clean or white, loosen up: It's absolutely normal. "The cervix and vagina go through hormonal changes in being pregnant that cause an increase of cervical mucus and vaginal discharge," says Dr. Bolt. These mucus goo adjustments at some stage in pregnancy from thick and sticky in the starting to skinny and watery toward the quit.

7. Your Vagina's Scent (and Taste!) May Change

"The pH of the vagina adjustments for the duration of pregnancy and will reason subtle changes in vaginal scent, making it a chunk extra acidic," says Dr. Bolt. "Some pregnant human beings are greater touchy to the smell, but except there is vaginal itching or burning, there is nothing to fear approximately."

There's additionally a trade-in flavor it's associated with pH changes. According to the Journal of Perinatal Education, all through pregnancy, vaginal excretions generally tend to taste greater steel or salty. Interestingly sufficient, researchers noticed that the taste generally disappears once you've got an orgasm.