Answers to Your Most Embarrassing Pregnancy Questions

If you are currently pregnant, or have ever been pregnant, or are married to someone who is pregnant - then you certainly know that pregnancy causes all sorts of bizarre changes in a woman's body. Pregnant women very often become concerned by some of these changes, wondering if they are normal or not, but are too embarrassed to ask their doctor about them. Presently six months pregnant with my third child, I set out to answer some of these questions to help myself and other pregnant women everywhere. Below are some questions and concerns that often come up during pregnancy - and the answers that will hopefully put your mind at ease.

The answers to these questions are based on my own experience and research, and consultation with my obstetrician. If you continue to have any concerns about symptoms you are experiencing during your pregnancy, please ask your doctor as soon as possible. It is always better to be safe than sorry, and trust me when I say that NOTHING you can ask will shock your OB.

1. What is a mucus plug, what does it look like, and how do I know if I've lost mine?

The mucus plug is simply a collection of mucus that seals the opening of the cervix during pregnancy to prevent bacteria from reaching the baby. It may look similar to the mucus found in your nose, is generally thick and stringy, and may be clear or contain streaks of pink, red, or brown. Some women lose their mucus plus in pieces, while others will lose it at all once. Other women might not ever notice losing theirs at all.

Generally, the plug falls out during the last couple of weeks of the pregnancy, but it is not that unusual to lose it earlier or during actual labor. Losing your mucus plug does not necessarily mean labor is about to begin. However, if you notice blood tinged mucus more than three or four weeks before your due date, please report it to your doctor at once.

2. Am I supposed to have this much vaginal discharge, and how do I know if mine is normal or not?

Vaginal discharge normally increases during pregnancy due to increased hormones and blood flow to the vaginal area. Normal discharge, called leukorrhea, is odorless or mild-smelling and appears thin and milky. If your discharge is green or yellow, accompanied by redness or itching, or has a strong odor, it should be reported to your doctor at once as it might be a sign of a bacterial or yeast infection. Also notify your doctor if your discharge suddenly changes in quantity during your pregnancy or becomes bloody.

3. What is going on with my bowel movements? I am either constipated, or suffering from loose stools, or alternating between the two.

Once again, your hormones are to blame. Constipation affects at least half of all pregnant women and is caused by several factors, including hormonal changes in the pregnant body which cause the muscles in the intestines to relax and slow down intestinal movement. Supplements containing iron and calcium are also often a cause of constipation for some women. Increasing your intake of water and eating foods high in fiber should help relieve your constipation. If dietary changes do not help, please consult your doctor. Constipation can become serious if left untreated, and your doctor can recommend a laxative to help.

Loose stools, while less common than constipation, is often a normal part of pregnancy as well. If your bowel movements are very frequent or watery, however, you need to bring this symptom to your OB's attention - as diarrhea can lead to dehydration which can trigger contractions in some women.

4. Why am I so gassy now that I am pregnant and what can I do to fix it?

Excessive gas during pregnancy is very common, and is caused by the same factors that lead to constipation. Slowing of the digestive processes allows gas to build up in the intestines. Some women notice an increase in gassiness after eating certain foods. Paying attention to your diet might help with this common complaint.

5. Why am I leaking urine and does it mean something is wrong?

As your pregnancy progresses, your growing uterus presses against your bladder and it is not uncommon to leak a bit of urine at this time, especially while coughing, sneezing, or laughing. If you experience any symptoms such as burning during urination, please consult your doctor as this could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. Performing Kegel exercises can help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and minimize the problem of stress incontinence.

6. What in the world are those strange bumps all around my nipples?

Those small bumps located around your areola are called Montgomery's tubercles, which are small sebaceous glands that secrete a lubricating and protective substance that helps discourage bacterial growth and keeps the skin healthy for breastfeeding. Montgomery's tubercles are a normal part of your breast, but become more prominent during pregnancy.

7. Suddenly I have hair growing in strange places all over my body. What is going on?

During pregnancy hormonal changes can cause the hair on your head to grow in thicker and healthier, but those same hormonal changes can also lead to increased hair growth on your face, breasts, stomach, back, and other areas of your body. There is no need to worry about this common pregnancy condition, and when hormone levels stabilize after the birth of your child, you will discover that this problem almost always resolves itself.

8. Is it normal to experience an increase in body odor during pregnancy?

Yes. It is also normal to experience a change in body odor, and an increase in sweating in general. All of these things are still more symptoms of the hormonal changes your body is going through. If the change in body odor is bothering you, you can try using different deodorants or dusting with powder in areas prone to excessive perspiration.

9. I think I have hemorrhoids. How do I know for sure, and what can I do to help this unpleasant condition?

Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectal area that often cause itching, pain, or bleeding. Many women get hemorrhoids for the first time during pregnancy or during the pushing stage of labor. As your uterus grows it puts pressure on your pelvic veins, slowing the return of blood from the lower half of your body, and causes dilation and swelling of the blood vessels below your uterus. Hormones also cause the walls of your veins to relax, making them more prone to swelling, and the strain of constipation can aggravate the condition even more.

Ice packs bring relief to some pregnant women, and others find that sitting in a warm bath helps with the swelling and discomfort. Hemorrhoids sometimes clear up on their own after delivery, but may require medical intervention.