Your embarrassing pregnancy questions answered

Haemorrhoids, leaking nipples and chronic wind; just three of the less than dignified side-effects of pregnancy. For many women pregnancy is a time when their body starts behaving in all sorts of bizarre and bewildering ways. But don’t fret - most symptoms are completely harmless. Read on for answers to some of the most blush-inducing pregnancy questions.

I’m windier than a bean eating convention
First of all, passing wind anything up to 40 times a day is considered normal, so try not to worry too much. Excess flatulence is caused by the pregnancy hormone progesterone, which causes the bowel to relax and become less efficient at moving along waste, in turn causing constipation and wind.

Try exercise, particularly yoga, to gently work the bowel. Avoid foods known to cause flatulence, such as onions, Brussels sprouts, beans, cabbage and cauliflower. Fizzy drinks should be avoided as the carbon dioxide found in them will do your bowels no favours. Opt for several small meals throughout the day rather than one or two heavy meals, and try to eat your food slowly, chewing as thoroughly as you can.

There are nasty things in my knickers
It’s quite common to have increased vaginal discharge in pregnancy. Again, it's due to the raised level of hormones in the body, as well as the increased blood flow to the vaginal area. Normal discharge is thin and milky, odourless or doesn't have a strong odour. If discharge is green or yellow, accompanied by itching or redness or has a strong odour, then get yourself along to the doctor's as soon as possible as it might be a sign of a yeast or bacteria infection. 

To help keep your genitals healthy, wear loose-fitting cotton underwear and avoid nylon tights, bubble bath, scented toilet paper, deoderant and feminine wipes. Don't douche, as this can increase your risk of infection. Do see your doctor if your discharge becomes bloody.

My nipples are turning into the Trevi Fountain!

You may start producing colostrum from as early as 14 weeks into your pregnancy. Colostrum is the first fluid a woman's breasts produce. It's clear or creamy-yellow in colour and is very rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and immunity factors to help protect your baby against infections. The breasts are capable of replenishing colostrum and breast milk every three-four hours, so don't worry, there will be more than enough when your baby arrives. If you're worried about staining on your clothes, slip some cotton nursing pads into your bra.

I'm so hairy it's scary

If you could give Chewbacca a run for his money in the hairy stakes, good old pregnancy hormones are to blame again. The surge of progesterone in your body can cause hair to thicken or sprout on your face, breasts, stomach and even your back. This is a common pregnancy condition and, when your hormone levels stabilise following the birth of your child, it will most probably resolve itself. The upside is that the hair on your head will probably benefit from this surge of hormones too and you may find it glossier and thicker than ever before.

I've got a pile of problems

Lots of women get haemorrhoids for the first time when they're pregnant. Haemorrhoids are actually a type of varicose vein in the rectal area that can cause itching, pain, or bleeding. As your baby grows, your enlarged uterus puts pressure on your pelvic veins, slowing the return of blood from the lower half of your body. All your veins, especially those below your uterus, become dilated. Constipation, which frequently occurs in pregnancy, can aggravate the condition. To avoid constipation, try to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day; eat lots of fruit and fibre; give yourself at least 15 minutes to sit on the loo after breakfast (try to relax and don’t strain); and take regular gentle exercise. 

Ice packs can bring some relief and you may find sitting in a warm bath helps with the swelling and discomfort. Haemorrhoids sometimes clear up on their own after the birth but may require medical intervention.

I'm leaking like a faulty tap 

As your uterus enlarges in pregnancy, so it increases the pressure on your bladder and it isn’t unusual to leak urine from time to time, especially when you cough, sneeze or laugh. Kegel exercises will help you retain control of your bladder. Here’s how to do them:

• Locate your pelvic floor muscles by trying to stop the flow of urine when you’re sitting on the loo.
• Once you've located your pelvic floor muscles, firmly tense them for a count of five seconds, then relax. Do this four or five times in a row. Work up to keeping the muscles contracted for ten seconds at a time, relaxing for ten seconds between contractions. Try not to hold your breath.

• Try to perform a set of ten Kegel exercises three times a day. Because it’s such a discreet exercise, you can perform it anywhere.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Published: July 2008

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