Seeking Answer to My Prenatal Questions

I am 3 months along and have had the worst morning sickness!! I started taking 50mgs of B6 and it has helped some. Hope that helps!! CONGRATS!!

There is a different odor when I'm pregnant, I'm 37 weeks and it's still there! Happened with my last one too. Unless you have other symptoms that might indicate an infection, it's just your hormones that change your smell. You might mention it at your next appt for reassurance (= Congrats, that's just the beginning of odd ball things that happen to us during pregnancy!
K.

A.,

Some vaginal odor is safe and some is not. Here is what you need to zone in on. If it is a thin, milky, mild smelling discharge/odor this is safe and normal during pregnancy. Continue to use good genital hygiene with soap and water daily. Do not use douches, these aren't safe during pregnancy as they disrupt the enviroment that should be up in your vagina and may cause air embolism which can be life threatening if not done correctly. Wear cotton underwear and avoid any perfumes, bubble baths, etc.

Now if your vaginal discharge/odor is yellowish, greenish or thick and cheesy (sorry for the description) and a foul odor, accompanied by itching, burning, or redness/soreness you probably should go see your OB. You probably have a yeast infection or vaginitis. With treatment it should be fine, but do not insert any suppositories into the vagina during pregnancy until told so by the MD. This can come and go during pregnancy though so be sure to avoid tight clothing down there and wear cotton panties. Remember being clean there will help alot so remember the rule always wipe front to back not the other way around.

Hope this helps... If the odor/discharge is the normal one wear a thin panty liner(no tampons) as this discharge will increase throughout the pregnancy.
Trish

I had this horrible odor coming through my pores during my first trimester. I took like 3 showers a day. My step sister warned me about the changes in smell during pregnancy. I was taking a presrcibed prenatal vitamin and I only discovered that after I switched to an herbal prenatal vitamin, that the vitamin was the source of my horrible bo. Get rid and any product that emits a smell. Stop using any feminine hygiene products, as they too can smell bad. If you still think you smell after that, you should check with your doctor, during your next prenatal visit.

OMG I couldn't believe the change in my body odors for my pregnancy, and I hated it. It is totally normal. I even thought my hair smelled different! As long as it is not super foul that would suggest an infection. It is ok for you to have your gyno check for any bacterial infections, if you are concerned.
Good Luck! and congrats!!!

You may have an infection and should see your doctor as soon as possible. It is important that you get treatment immediately. If the infection spreads it could endanger both your baby and your future fertility. Good luck. (I am a 51 year old grandmother who is also an RN).

Hi A.,
I never had any oder with either of my pregnanies, but my OB/GYN warned me just in case, and told me that if I did notice an oder escpessaly (sp?) in the first trimester that it was normal due to your hormons going crazy. But if it is a concern bring it up to your doctor to get some peace of mind.
P.S. Congrats on the baby

Off hand odors can be attributed to your heightened sense of smell or your body chemistry being different now that you are pregnant. Even different foods can change the odor of your vaginal area, especially meat. But a consistent odor should be checked out by your doctor just to make sure. With my first pregnancy I had the same problem and close friends I talked to told me all of the above and after a few weeks of just not feeling right with the odor, I went to my OB and I actually had a bacterial infection. Just an imbalance of the natural bacteria and yeast that grows in each woman's body, but I did in fact need an antibiotic to help it.

Congratulations!

During pregnancy your body will develop an increased sense of smell; it's protection mode. Deoderant, hair gels even toothpaste may come to annoy your sense of smell. This does include vaginal discharge associated with pregnancy, each woman varies. (it helps to sleep without underwear if you can)
The only way to determine a possible infection or abnormal changes is testing your urine and a professional culture swab.
Continue with your once a month visits. If you just had one and you have more than two weeks till your next appt. call for a closer appt. to address this issue. You may still need to keep your next appt. at your dr. discretion.
Keep in mind if there is an infection prolonged symptoms will affect your pregnancy. Avoid self diagnosing yourself and be cautious throughout your entire pregnancy to treat suspected symptoms without the advice of a professional.
The first trimester is hard; your body builds the basic foundation for your pregnancy all in one shot. The books about what to expect during your pregnancy may offer you some comfort and they are entertaining as well, even a trip to a bookstore for an hours reading in the cafe may help you understand what is to come.

Enjoy your pregnancy!

A.,

A lot of times its normal to have discharge when newly pregnant- but I would call your OBGYN this morning and speak to someone. BE on the safe side! Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Molly

Dear A.,
It really all depends on what type of odor. To be safe, go see your doctor and explain the situation. You say you are inquisitive, wonderful. I think you would be interested in exploring HypnoBirthing, you can Google it HypnoBirthing.com

All my best, S.

It is probably very normal. Why don't you just ask your OB/GYN about it? Quit worrying and just pick up the phone. I am sure you are fine.

I had the same issue with both of my pregnancies. I was told its quite normal, but both times my Doctor gave me medication to releive the problem. I would discuss with your Doctor what your choices are.

Well, acne YES! I did...for both pregnancies. And I never have acne. And yes, it went away for me after the 1st trimester for the 1st pregnancy. I'm still in my 1st trimester for my 2nd pregnancy.

My boobs didn't get too huge the first time, but this time around...OMG! I'm like barely 3 weeks pregnant and I'm already not fitting in my bra.

I didn't have pain in the 1st trimester for my 1st pregnancy. But if your boobs are two sizes bigger and this is your 1st pregnancy (meaning you haven't stretched before) then a little pain would seem normal to me. However, I would check with your doctor just to be sure.

And this is going to sound stupid, but pickles helped with my nausea. Also, laying flat helped too. I've heard ginger, ginger ale, gingers snaps...also help.

Good luck!!!