17-5-2009 - Information I stumbled onto

My mood while writing this blog: Goooood

Many of you have questioned increase in vaginal discharge, while reading “Your Pregnancy Week by Week” week 17 this morning they had a section on this.

“”During pregnancy, it is normal to have an increase in vaginal discharge or vaginal secretions, called leucorrhea. This discharge is usually white or yellow and fairly thick. It is not an infection. We believe it is caused by the increased blood flow to the skin and muscles around the vagina, which causes a violet or blue coloration of the vagina. This appearance, visible to your doctor early in pregnancy, is called Chadwick’s sign. You may have to wear sanitary pads if you have a heavy discharge. Avoid wearing pantyhose and nylon underwear; choose underwear with cotton crotch to allow more air circulation.”

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend reading “Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth” by Jenny McCarthy
It’s an easy and fast read; Jenny McCarthy discusses a lot of topics pregnant women are to embarrass to talk about.

Also tip for week 17 in “Your Pregnancy Week by Week”

"If you experience leg cramps during pregnancy, don’t stand for long periods. Rest on your side as often as possible. Careful stretching exercises may help. You may also use a heating pad on the cramped area, but don’t use it for longer than 15 minutes at a time. Add potassium to your diet to help deal with leg cramps before you –raisins and bananas are excellent sources of potassium. Calcium intake can also affect leg cramps- inadequate calcium can cause cramping. Be sure you take in the recommended amount of calcium-1200mg every day. Drinking lots of water may also help prevent leg cramps.”

My midwife suggested doing leg exercises/stretches before bed; this has really helped limit the number of leg cramps I’ve been experiencing.