Some say that being pregnant is the most magical time in a woman’s life. But it can also be, well, gross. Most women have to deal with an increase in various bodily fluids during pregnancy and after giving birth. Although these bodily fluids during pregnancy are actually normal and mostly nothing to be concerned about, they’re not exactly glamorous.
However, by learning about bodily fluids during pregnancy as well as postpartum bodily fluids, you can be prepared for any situation. By stocking up on leak-proof maternity underwear, nursing pads, and other special pregnancy garments, you’ll be able to handle any unexpected fluids that may arise during or after your pregnancy.
Here are eight common bodily fluids you can expect to deal with before, during, and after pregnancy:
1. Vomit
Pregnancy-induced nausea is very common in the early stages of pregnancy. Although often referred to as morning sickness, it can actually occur at any time of day or night. This condition can vary in severity from mild nausea to frequent vomiting. The good news is that, unless you’re suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, wherein nausea is pretty much a constant feature of pregnancy, morning sickness usually passes after the first trimester.
Along with whatever food and drinks the mother has recently consumed, vomit can contain gastric acids, bile, and (in extreme cases) blood. To cope with this bodily fluid, try to avoid any foods or smells that trigger your nausea and remember it’s especially important to stay hydrated. Some people also find that it helps to eat light, bland snacks throughout the day like crackers or rice cakes. Smelling essential oils like lavender or peppermint can also help quell the effects for many women.
In general, vomiting during pregnancy isn’t a cause for concern, but you should call your provider if you’re vomiting multiple times a day, if you have other symptoms like dizziness or a fast heart rate, or if you find it is disrupting your normal life. Your doctor or midwifecan also advise you about antiemetic drugs.
2. Urine
When it comes to bodily fluids during pregnancy, urine can be one of the least convenient. As your child develops, the expansion of the uterus places pressure on the bladder. This can cause you to feel sudden, strong urges to “go” and result in small leaks when you sneeze or laugh.
To alleviate this, the conventional wisdom is practice Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor. Focus on tightening up and in, hold for three to five seconds, then slowly release and repeat for 10 to 20 reps.
If you’re finding that you have trouble controlling your pelvic floor muscles, aren’t sure whether you’re doing Kegels properly, or continue to be bothered by urine leakage or overactive bladder symptoms, seek out support from a pelvic floor physical therapist, whom you can find on the Motherlode.
3. Blood
Although people don’t menstruate during pregnancy, light spotting can occur, especially during the first trimester. (If you experience heavy or unusual bleeding during the second or third trimester, see your doctor right away.)
You’ll also experience a lot of blood during delivery, as well as postpartum bleeding. It’s common for women to bleed heavily for several weeks after giving birth. This won’t be the period blood you’re used to from pre-baby though, it’s lochia — or a mix of blood, urine, and uterine tissue. (More on that later!) Use pads or period underwear including leak-proof maternity underwear from Motherfigure and talk to your doctor if you have concerns or experience unusual clotting.
4. Vaginal Discharge
Your bodily fluids during pregnancy will change as your pregnancy progresses. Changes to your vaginal discharge may be the first changes you notice. Normal pregnancy discharge is known as leukorrhea. This describes a thin, white, milky, mild-smelling discharge.
Leukorrhea is a sign that your body is functioning normally. If the quantity is more significant than your pre-pregnancy discharge, you may consider using a panty liner or pad. However, if you experience other types of discharge, particularly increased odor or yellow-ish colors, it’s time to see your doctor because this may be a sign of an infection.
5. Mucus
As your pregnancy reaches its final stages, you’re most likely going to be dealing with some mucus — specifically, the so-called mucus plug. The term mucus “plug” is a bit of a misnomer because the mucus is usually runny or gooey, and it doesn’t technically hold anything in.
However, losing your mucus plug is usually a sign that your body is getting ready to go into labor. If losing your mucus plug is accompanied by back pain, contractions, your water breaking, and your baby dropping lower into your pelvis, it’s probably time to head to the hospital or birthing center where you plan on giving birth.
6. Amniotic Fluid
Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds your baby while it’s developing in the womb. It’s a clear, yellowish fluid primarily made up of water from the mother’s body as well as the baby’s urine. Amniotic fluid provides many benefits to the baby, including hormones, nutrients, and antibodies. It also acts as “padding” to protect the baby.
In general, amniotic fluid isn’t one of the bodily fluids during pregnancy that you’ll encounter very frequently. However, as you get close to delivery, the amniotic sac will burst, and the amniotic fluid will be expelled. Commonly known as your water breaking, this won’t necessarily be as dramatic as it’s often depicted in movies. For many women, losing amniotic fluid can be a slow, gradual leak. And in that sense, it can be hard to distinguish amniotic fluid from urine. You can tell the difference between amniotic fluid vs. urine based on duration — amniotic fluid will continue to leak throughout the day, whereas urine tends to come in spurts. Some experts advise going pantyless (and wearing a dress) and lying down for about an hour to see if bodily fluid dribbles out; that’s a sign that it’s amniotic fluid. Others note that amniotic fluid is odorless, but depending on how much water you’re drinking, your urine might be, too. Contact your health provider with questions. They may have you come in for testing to see what’s what.
7. Lochia
Lochia is a type of vaginal discharge that women experience after giving birth. It consists of a mixture of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. Usually, lochia is discharged for four to six weeks in what is sometimes known as a “postpartum period” or puerperium.
Lochia has three phases. In the first stage, which lasts approximately three to five days, the discharge is bright red because of its high blood content. Next, the lochia becomes thinner and turns pale or brownish in color. This second phase usually lasts until ten days postpartum. Finally, the lochia becomes whitish or yellowish because it contains fewer red blood cells.
If lochia occurs for more than six weeks, or you experience signs of infection such as a foul odor or a greenish color, talk to your doctor right away.
8. Breast Milk
Finally, after giving birth, most women can expect to deal with breast milk. Although some people are physically unable to lactate, most new moms will begin producing milk even if they don’t intend to breastfeed.
If you intend to breastfeed or pump, or both, you will benefit from a relationship with a lactation consultant. To find one, consult the Motherfigure directory.
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