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This may all run together-sorry!
BREAST CHANGES
Breast changes in early pregnancy are the result of vessel engorgement. Vessels in the breasts become engorged because of smooth muscle relaxation. The smooth muscles in the veins relax which in turn causes the valves located in the veins to work less efficiently. This results in the vessels becoming engorged with blood. Wearing a good support bra, properly fitted, will help. If your breasts are large, wearing a bra while sleeping may be beneficial. If you have breast implants, check with your doctor concerning the advisability of breastfeeding.
VAGINAL DISCHARGE
Vaginal discharge increases normally in pregnancy due to the rapid turnover of cells. This should be white, odorless and non-irritating. You may be more comfortable wearing a panty liner if your discharge is copious. If the discharge becomes very thick, cottage cheese-like, odorous or itchy, call your doctor. Yeast infections are very common during pregnancy and should be treated by a doctor. Remember, even simple things should be handled differently during pregnancy.
Whitish mucousy vaginal discharge, common during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider if there is a lot of discharge, you notice a strong or offensive odor, or if accompanied by labial/.vaginal itching or swelling.
Occasionally, a woman will continue to have a small, red or pinkish vaginal loss for a day or so around the time that their period would have been due (for example at around 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of the pregnancy). This is more common during early pregnancy, but can persist into later pregnancy as well.
Some women will experience bright spotting (fresh bleeding), or brown spotting (bleeding that happened a day or so ago), at some stage during their pregnancy. This may appear as a heavy bleed (like a period), a 'light period', or as something that she notices when wiping herself after going to the toilet. About 50% of women who experience bleeding during the first 12 weeks of their pregnancy will continue to experience a normal pregnancy. However, up to 50% of women will experience a miscarriage at some point after the bleeding starts. Early pregnancy bleeding is usually investigated by an ultrasound.
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