There is nothing quite like pregnancy for getting acquainted with the intricacies of the human body. You will likely discover muscle groups you didn't know you had, and aches in places you didn't know existed. Pregnancy does not spare your vagina too. Your vagina has nine short months to prepare for your little bundle of joy to arrive so it’s only normal that you would notice a few changes down there. Be prepared to witness these weirdest changes in your lady part.
Your Vagina Develops Large, Bulging Veins
Did you know that about 22 percent of pregnant women get vaginal varicose veins? Varicose veins are a result of added pressure and weight of the baby that can sometimes also lead to swelling, pressure or pain. This is most common during the second and third trimester of pregnancy.
Your Vagina Smells and Tastes Different
As a result of the changing hormones, your vagina is likely going to leave a weird odour when you are pregnant. The changing pH levels of your vagina during pregnancy could also be responsible for the smell. Your vagina may taste saltier or metallic suggests a study published in the Journal of Perinatal Education. Vaginal Smells: 5 Types of Feminine Odours And The Health Issues They Indicate.
You Get a Lot of Ingrown Hair in Your Vagina
When you have a bun in the oven, the high estrogen levels in your bloodstream also causes your pubic hair to grow faster than usual. You also tend to sweat a lot more during pregnancy which causes the pore to clog and lead to ingrown hairs down there.
You May Have Different Kinds of Discharge
When you are pregnant, your vagina will produce more discharge to protect the cervix. If you notice that you expelled a gooey mucous plug out of your vagina close to the date of your delivery, it is a sign that you are about to give birth. Is Your Vagina Unhealthy? 5 Warning Signs It Is In a Bad Shape.
Your Vagina Can Get Extremely Itchy
Unfortunately, vaginal itchiness is a common side effect of pregnancy. It is a result of the increased vaginal discharge and pH changes that irritates the sensitive skin in that area. From Vaginal Steaming To Waxing, 6 Things You Should Never Do To your Vagina.
Your Vagina Is Prone To Infection
Due to the increased estrogen and pH levels, your vagina is more prone to yeast infections during pregnancy. While the risk of getting a UTI increases only by a margin when you are pregnant, the risk of the UTI progressing to a kidney infection increases by 40 percent.
Yet another interesting way your vagina changes during pregnancy is that it could turn blue or purple. Known as Chadwick's sign, it usually subsides after pregnancy.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 30, 2019 10:55 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).