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Vaginal Smell While Pregnant - Causes & Remedies
Pregnancy brings about a lot of changes in a woman’s life. Despite the joy, it also brings morning sickness, nausea, back pain, headaches, etc. While the symptoms like morning sickness, mood swings, or back pain are discussed in great detail, other symptoms like vaginal discharge and vaginal smell are often ignored. Some women may experience an unusual smell from their vagina. Let’s find out what are the causes of vaginal smell and what you can do to get rid of that unpleasant smell.
Is it Normal to Have Vaginal Odour During Pregnancy?
It is normal for a woman to have vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Some women may also notice vaginal odour. Vaginal smell during pregnancy is a lot more common than you think. Over 65% of pregnant women have smelly vaginal discharge during early pregnancy. At least 6 out of 10 women experience a fishy odour from their vagina during pregnancy. So yes, it is normal.
What Causes Vaginal Smell During Pregnancy?
A strong vaginal odour during pregnancy may be due to altered pH balance, sweat, infections, hormonal and dietary changes, etc. If the cause is not a medical condition, then the odour will disappear once you deliver the baby. Women who are not pregnant can also have smelly vagina because of sweat and dietary changes.
Various causes of vaginal odour include:
1. Infections
Vaginal infections during pregnancy can lead to strong or foul odour. A yeast infection is caused by the excessive multiplication of naturally occurring fungi in the vagina. This causes persistent itchiness and a discharge with a smelly odour. Bacterial vaginosis is an infection caused by the proliferation of bacteria in the vagina. It might lead to a foul-smelling discharge during pregnancy.
2. Dietary Changes
Dietary changes during pregnancy is also one of the causes of smelly vagina during pregnancy. For instance, if you consume more garlic or spicy foods during pregnancy, it could change the odour of your vaginal discharge.
3. Altered pH Balance
The normal pH level of the vagina is between 3.8 and 4.5, which is in the acidic range. This acidic pH is caused by beneficial bacteria or natural vaginal flora that lives in the vagina and produces lactic acid. During pregnancy, excess blood supply to the vaginal region causes this pH to change. This makes the vagina vulnerable to bacterial infections such as vaginitis and can lead to fishy or foul-smelling discharge from vagina.
4. Hormonal Changes
A woman’s body undergoes a lot of hormonal changes during pregnancy. While pregnant, there is a sudden increase in the production of the two hormones progesterone and oestrogen. This dramatic increase in the two hormones helps in the formation of the placenta and provides the baby with nourishment. When a woman is pregnant, her prolactin levels will also increase, which will later help in the production of breast milk. These hormonal changes can increase the vaginal discharge and make it smelly.
How to Get Rid of Vaginal Odour While Pregnant
Vaginal odour and smelly discharge can be treated and prevented in the following ways:
1. Stay Clean and Dry
While pregnant, you should ensure that your vagina stays clean and dry. Shower more frequently and clean the vagina with lukewarm water. You can also use a mild soap or a feminine hygiene wash if it is prescribed by a doctor. Also keep the pubic hair short and neat.
2. Avoid Using Cosmetics
Avoid using cosmetics like scented feminine sprays, vaginal wipes, etc. Also avoid using any products like soaps that are harsh on the skin and can strip away the natural bacteria living in the vagina, making it vulnerable to infections.
3. Wear Cotton Underwear
Ditch the synthetic underwear and opt for cotton ones instead. Wearing a soft cotton underwear will allow the skin down there to breathe well and absorb the excess sweat.
4. Try Changing Your Diet
Making dietary changes during pregnancy is inevitable. Include a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Avoid eating spicy foods or food containing excess garlic. This may alter the smell of sweat and reduce the vaginal odour.
5. Take Doctor-prescribed Medication
In case an infection is causing the vaginal odour, consult a doctor and take the medicines prescribed by your doctor.
When to Visit a Doctor
While the cause for foul vaginal smell during pregnancy may be simple things like sweat or dietary changes, it is important to consult a doctor to ensure that that you don’t have any infections or other conditions that can harm the baby. In the following circumstances, you should consult a qualified medical professional:
1. Persistent Foul Odour
Sometimes, a foul odour may persist for a long time during pregnancy. If it is accompanied with yellow or green discharge, you should consult a doctor. A green or yellow discharge is usually a sign of yeast or bacterial infection and should not be taken lightly.
2. Uncontrollable Itching
Irritation or uncontrollable itching in the vagina is also a sign of microbial infection, and it is advisable to consult a gynaecologist immediately.
3. Sextually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sexually transmitted diseases can also cause excessive vaginal discharge with strong odour. A gynaecologist can prescribe medication to treat such conditions and make sure that you and your baby stay healthy.
4. Pain and Inflammation
Experiencing pain or burning sensation during intercourse or urination is a sign of an infection. Inflammation and itching are warning signs of an infection and you should see your doctor right away.
5. Other Signs
If you notice blood in the vaginal discharge; if it has a cottage cheese-like appearance; if it smells fishy or is greenish or yellowish in colour, it is a sign that something is wrong. You should consult a doctor right away.
Prevention Tips
Good hygiene may prevent the occurrence of foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Here are some tips that you can follow to prevent smelly discharge:
Stay hydrated: One of the best ways to prevent vagina from smelling bad is staying hydrated. Drink at least 2-3 litres of fluids daily.
Wipe from front to back: Always wipe from the vagina toward the anus to lower the chances of spreading fecal bacteria to your vagina.
Do not douche: Douching can irritate the vaginal tissues and allow the bacteria to enter your urinary tract and spread an infection. You can clean your vagina with lukewarm water. Using sprays or scented soaps is not required.
A foul-smelling vagina during pregnancy could mean just about anything. It could be something as harmless as hormonal fluctuations or it could be a sign of an infection. Thankfully, there are plenty of remedies that can help reduce the smell or eliminate it completely. If you have smelly vaginal discharge, make sure that you maintain proper hygiene. However, if the problem persists, consulting a doctor would be your best bet.
Also Read:
Watery Discharge During Pregnancy
Jelly Like Discharge in Pregnancy
Vaginal Swelling while Pregnant Read more
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Your 33 Week Old Baby - Development, Milestones & Care
By the end of 33 weeks you'll see your child progressing well in terms of development both physically and mentally. This time might be characterised by random mood swings- your child will be all giggling and cooing for anyone one moment, and suddenly start crying inconsolably the next.
Even in terms of food, your child will be inconsistent, to say the least. One day, he will be receptive to healthy solid family food, and on the next day he will show interest in nothing except milk. It can be a confusing time for parents considering the breakneck speed at which their child seems to be developing.
A 33 Week-Old Baby Development
In a 33 week old baby, growth spurts are common. Within the span of a few months, your child will start crawling, and then progress to standing up and even walking. The weight of the baby also increases quickly, and his muscles also strengthen. Your baby will most definitely be grabbing on to stuff and trying his new muscles by throwing them away.
Sometimes, the rapid development of the child can be a bit overwhelming for the baby himself. The child may want to be left alone in some days but may cling to you all day in some others. However, confusing it gets, it will all be for the best- by the end of this period, your baby will be completely transformed, with new skills and capabilities on every front.
Children at this age will most likely be crawling around a lot, in a quick manner. In ideal circumstances, your child will already be pulling himself up to a standing position using furniture and maybe even walking a bit using his arms for support. However, you need to keep an eye on your child all the time when this happens, as your child is sure to fall at some point or the other. There will be plenty of falling, so ensure that he does not have any sharp edges or surfaces around him which can hurt.
In terms of communication, the child will already have been babbling for some time now. During this time, however, he might utter his first words- ‘mama’ can really mean mama, at this time. He might already have associated certain sounds to certain objects by this age, so brace yourself for the first words of your baby.
Grabbing and holding skills of the child also develop well, to the point that he will be able to hold his own bottle during feeding. Even if he does not hold his bottle a lot, do not worry- this most likely explanation is that your baby is simply not willing to hold the bottle himself.
Changing diapers at this time also becomes harder than ever. Previously, your child will have been offering least resistance while changing diapers, but now, the same activity has the potential to turn into something longer and messy. Therefore, always keep something that can keep your child engaged during the time you change his diaper.
[Also Read: 8 Months Old Baby Development]
A Thirty-Three Week-Old Baby's Milestones
Some of these milestones will already have occurred in your child, but in some cases, they might not have- this does not indicate the capabilities of your child in any way. Milestones are simply guidelines to give parents an idea of how your child will be developing, rather than being a system of rigid rules.
The fingers of your baby will have strengthened to the point that he will be able to point at items he wants and grab light objects like toys and bottles.
Your baby will have been blabbering for a few months now, but that would have hardly main any sense until now. However, his first words will be uttered quite soon, with the forerunners usually being ‘no’, ‘mama’ or ‘dada’.
Teething will also occur, with your child having more than a few teeth by now. This means that he will put anything he gets his hands on direct to his mouth, so always keep an eye on him.
[Also Read: 8 Months Old Baby Milestones]
Feeding
By this time, your child will already have transitioned into solid food to a great degree. Even though he might still prefer breast milk during some days, family food will be his preference on most days. You can start feeding him pureed or mashed items, simply by spoon-feeding him with small quantities.
Even though molars will not have grown, chewing is still possible with the strong gums the child has. He will be able to chew most food items, barring extremely tough items. Always keep a few food items for your baby whenever you go out, in case you have something that is not suitable for your child (e.g. Fast food). This is a great hack for mothers who travel a lot with their child.
If your child has not been showing much inclination to solid food, it is best not to force something onto him. This might result in bad associations and problems in the future. You have to remember that even though your child is supposed to have solid food by the end of nine months, breast milk still remains his main source of nutrition.
[Also Read: 8 Months Old Baby Food]
Sleeping
For a 33 week old baby, sleep becomes disruptive due to development of the muscles occurring at night. In this period, his habit of taking daytime naps decreases to just two- this results in disruptions of both your sleep patterns. During the initial days of this transitioning period, your child might be crankier and more tired than usual.
He might wake you up frequently at night with cries for attention, so co-sleeping is still the best option for both of you. Ensure that there is a safe sleeping place for your baby, and let him cry for a few minutes before checking up on him- most of the time, your baby will simply go back to sleep soon. In order to increase the quality of his sleep at night, you can reduce the amount of time he sleeps during the day.
[Also Read: 8 Months Old Baby Sleeping Basics]
A 33 Week-Old Baby's Care Tips
Co-sleeping is the best option so that you get to sleep some more at night.
If your child starts crying in the middle of the night, attend to him only if he continues for a few minutes. In most cases, your child will quickly pass onto a deep slumber.
Teething toys help the child relieve the discomfort associated with the eruption of teeth, so let him bite into cold and chilled items a few times during the day.
Tests and Vaccinations
Your child will have been given a number of vaccines during his 6-month checkup, and the next set of vaccination will be scheduled only after he becomes a year old. However, do check up with your paediatrician to know more about the vaccination schedule- he might prescribe a meningitis vaccine or a flu shot if he thinks that your baby is at risk of contracting the disease.
Games and Activities
Controlled movements are all the rage at this period, so encourage your child to wave and clap as much as possible. This helps develop the motor skills of the child and also helps strengthen the muscles of his body. You can play simple games of pointing and waving with your child, as a fun, bonding exercise.
This is also the period when your child becomes a keen listener- noises and sounds delight him more than you think. So you can play simple noise association games with him, by banging utensils or dropping squeaky toys onto the floor, and even let him explore the various sounds around him. Also, talk to him as much as possible. His first words will most likely be a word that is uttered a lot, and in most cases, it will be ‘no’. ‘Mama’ and ‘dada ‘ are possible alternatives, too.
Encourage him to develop his fine motor skills as much as possible, even though they do not appear to be controlled movements at first. Waving and clapping, as mentioned above, are the best choices for these.
[Also Read: 8 Months Old Baby Games and Activities]
When to Consult a Doctor
In case you have missed any vaccinations, you should definitely pay the doctor a visit. The risks of not being vaccinated far outweigh the comparatively small bouts of fever or rashes that your child may get after vaccination. If you feel that there is something wrong in the way your child is behaving, it will be better to check it up with the doctor- better safe than sorry. As mothers, trust your instincts rather than logic to know what is best for your child.
It is during this age that your baby starts to form a personality and become very playful. Your child will be a joy to watch, even though your sleep may be compromised. So always be on the lookout for his first words and carry a camera around so that you do not miss any of your child's fun actions.
Previous Week: 32 Weeks Old Baby
Next Week: 34 Weeks Old Baby Read more
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Vitamin B6(Pyridoxine) In Your Pregnancy Diet
As a mommy-to-be, you have to take a balanced diet for you and your baby. An adequate amount of vitamins and minerals not only help you cope up with the changes happening in your body in pregnancy but they are also beneficial for foetal growth and development. Vitamin B6 which is also known as Pyridoxine is responsible for producing amino acids and metabolising macronutrients such as, proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Vitamin B6 is of utmost importance in performing vital functions, such as blood cell generation to the proper functioning of the brain. Including Vitamin B6 in your diet helps you sail healthily and smoothly through your pregnancy.
Is it Safe to Take Vitamin B6 During Pregnancy?
Yes, it is not only extraordinarily safe but necessary to take Vitamin B6 during pregnancy. However, it is recommended to take this vitamin from the natural sources, which is from the diet that you eat and not by consuming supplements.
Why Do You Need Pyridoxine/Vitamin B6 During Pregnancy?
You need Pyridoxine or Vitamin B6 during pregnancy because of the following reasons:
Intake of Vitamin B6 helps in easing nausea and vomiting
It aids in regulating blood sugar levels in your body
Consuming Vitamin B6 in pregnancy boosts your baby’s brain development and nervous system
It also metabolises carbohydrates and protein in your body
It also aids in generation of red blood cells and antibodies in your body
How Much Vitamin B6 Do You Need?
Women
Daily requirement of Vitamin B6
In Pregnancy
1.9 mg
While Breastfeeding
2.0 mg
Others (non-pregnant women 19-50 years)
1.3 mg
* mg = milligrams
It is crucial for a pregnant woman to consume the required amounts of Vitamin B6; however, it is also advised to monitor any excess intake of this vitamin. Though limited excess amounts do not pose much threat, high levels of Vitamin B6 may lead to numbness, nerve damage and other serious complications.
Various Food Sources of Vitamin B6
Here are some food sources of Vitamin B6:
Cereals and whole wheat grains
Nuts and seeds, such as hazelnuts and cashew nuts
Fruits, such as papaya and banana
Lentils, such as chickpeas and kidney beans
Fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals and bread
Poultry, such as turkey and chicken
Fish, such as salmon and tuna
Lean beef and lean pork
Dried fruits, such as apricots and prunes
Leafy vegetables such as spinach
Vitamin B6 Snack Ideas
Here are some delicious Vitamin B6 snack ideas:
You may roast some hazelnuts, cashew nuts and pistachios, add a little salt. These may taste yummy, but it is advised not to go overboard with it.
You may bake a sweet potato and sprinkle some salt and few drops of lemon for a perfect filling snack.
You may eat your favourite breakfast cereal with some milk.
You may snack on raisins, apricots and prunes. It also satiates your sugar craving.
You may try natural vegetable juices. Keep in check the added sugar that you may be consuming.
You may opt for prune juice, though everyone may not like its taste it is rich in Vitamin B6.
You may eat boiled or canned chickpeas, though cooked chickpeas would be a better and a healthier option.
You may pop in some sunflower seeds as a quick snacking option.
You may eat a medium sized banana or avocado
Can You Take Vitamin B6 as a Supplement?
Though most of your Vitamin B6 requirement in pregnancy is taken care of by the food, you eat. Most pregnancy multivitamins also contain reasonable amounts of Vitamin B6; however, if your health practitioner feels that you need supplements, you will be prescribed the required amounts of supplements. You will be prescribed Vitamin B6 supplements to ward off morning sickness or nausea. It is recommended not to take any Vitamin B6 supplements on your own, since it may lead to various health complications for you and your foetus.
Symptoms of Vitamin B6 Deficiency
Many reasons cause a deficiency of Vitamin B6 in your body. Though the deficiency is generally milder in non-pregnant women, it may reach alarming levels in pregnancy due to your body’s increased demand for Vitamin B6. The most common cause of the deficiency is not getting adequate amounts of Vitamin B6 from your diet, however, increased consumption of processed foods, sugary foods or alcohol may lead to this deficiency also. Some health conditions or illnesses may also lead to a deficiency of Vitamin B6. You need adequate amounts of pyridoxine hydrochloride during pregnancy, and in case you have a deficiency of this vitamin in your body, you may notice the following symptoms:
It may lead to lethargy and fatigue
It may cause neurological degeneration
It may cause mood swings and depression
It may cause inflammation of the digestive system, joints and skin
It may also cause anaemia
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advised to seek immediate medical help. Prompt action and assistance in dealing with Vitamin B6 deficiency may not cause severe complications for you or your baby.
Taking care of your health in pregnancy is of utmost priority, and this includes consuming right kind of diet. Vitamin B6 is an essential element of your diet. In case you feel that you may not be drinking adequate amounts of Vitamin B6 in your pregnancy, you may get in touch with a doctor and know how to add this wondrous vitamin efficiently in your diet.
Also Read: Lemon Juice During Pregnancy: Safety, Benefits and Side Effects Read more
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The Perfect Diet When It's Raining Outside
A diet plan for monsoon is essential to stay healthy. If you want to stay away from indigestion or food poisoning, you should ensure that you and your kids follow the right diet to ward off seasonal illness.
Who doesn't enjoy sipping tea or coffee and nibbling at crispies during the monsoon? However, for proper health, there are certain dietary changes that you need to make to keep diseases at bay. Knowing what to eat in the rainy season will help you enjoy the beautiful rains so much more!
Diet Plan for Better Monsoon Health
1. Spicy foods spell trouble
If you suffer from skin allergies during the rainy season, say no to spicy food. Yes, this sounds cruel but such foods invite boils, rashes and other skin problems. Your best option during this season would be cooling foods like corn, chick peas, gram flour, brown rice, oats and barley.
2. Seasonal fruits and bitter veggies
Load up on seasonal fruits like apples, pomegranates, plums, pears, mangoes and litchis during the rainy season. Why? Well, non-seasonal fruits are more likely to get infested with worms! Also among great monsoon foods are bitter vegetables like bitter gourd and herbs like turmeric, neem and basil leaves.
3. Replace heavy oils with light oils
Indigestion is one of the most common woes during the monsoon. Avoid mustard, sesame and peanut oils as they are heavy. Opt instead for light oils like corn or olive oil that are easier on the digestive tract.
4. Cold salads should be a no-no
The rainy season is rife with all sorts of bacteria and viruses, thus rendering cold salads definitely not the food to eat in rainy season. They may be appetizing but are also inviting to pesticides and worms! Have steamed salads instead and save yourself a whole lot of health trouble.
5. Soup frenzy
You'll be pleased to know that soup, the staple answer to what to eat during the rainy season, is indeed very healthy! Soups lift your mood and stimulate you with their warmth - a must during days when it is dank and dreary. They also offer good protection against rampant colds, fevers and body aches. Try adding a dash of garlic to your soups to boost your body’s immunity to infections.
6. Acquire a seasonal vegetarian palette
Food during the rainy season must be light and easy on the stomach, which is why you should stay away from meat and fish. Meat can generate undesired heat in the body this time of the year. As for fish, the rain is their mating season so you're more at risk of contracting severe allergies! Yes, the rain can be hard for the die-hard non-vegetarians, but why not use this time to discover a few vegetarian delights?
If you can't get through the monsoon without binging on a samosa or a pakora (well, neither can we!), make sure you prepare them at home. Roadside shops may be charming at this time but their food could be more prone to infection. Adhere to these rainy season health tips and revel in good old monsoon glory! Read more
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. left side pain kyu hota h
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
5 hours ago
A. many times and the most common cause would be due to accumulation of milk clots and sometimes it can be neurogenic pain and sometimes it might be a partx any local mass like lymph nodes or tissue pain.
if it is not improving with simple massage as well as simple hot compressesx and expression of accumulated milk then meet your doctor at the earliest for local examination.
you can take paracetamol for pain.
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
4 hours ago
Q. I got chicken pox in my 8th week..it's just started how I can deal with it?
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
4 hours ago
A. Hello dear! Chicken pox during pregnancy is a matter of concern. Consult your doctor for personal evaluation and seek medical advice. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and follow your doctor’s advice. Good luck and take care
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. is sesame seeds healthy in 37th week of pregnancy
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
2 hours ago
A. yes you can have but limited .
During pregnancy it is always advisable to have your normal routine foods and include more of sprouted grains along with green leafy vegetables and adequate water intake which helps maintain good health
Do have regular daily walking
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
26 mins ago
Q. ninth month mein kab tak delivery ho sakti hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
New Answer
A. anytime after full term ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
14 mins ago
Q. which good formula milk or baby food for 4 months old baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
New Answer
A. no complementary foods below 4 months can use any branded formula milk. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
13 mins ago
Q. Iam 9month pregnant and having very painful condition due to constipation and gastric issues
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
New Answer
A. during pregnancy better not to take medicines for constipation take lot of water green leafy vegetables seasonal fruits you can try suppository if the problem is more o k o k
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