You may experience increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy.  This is your body’s way of keeping the vagina sterile and protecting you and the baby from infections.  Generally it is not a problem and you can wear a pad if you feel it is an issue.  If you have a strong odor associated with the vaginal discharge, it might be a sign of a vaginal infection and make sure to discuss this with your OB.

As your body prepares for the baby’s passage through the birth canal, your vagina and pelvis become swollen with blood and fluid.  This cushions the baby’s passage through the birth canal and helps protect you as well.  However, genital and cervical swelling can make these areas more sensitive and some women experience pain with sex.  Other women find intercourse more enjoyable, and your partner or husband may as well.   In that case enjoy the pleasure and intimacy of sex.  If however, intercourse becomes painful, explore additional ways to satisfy each other, not only for your own physical pleasure, but for the intimacy and emotional support sex provides.  This will be a source of comfort for you and your baby during the nine months of pregnancy.

Hemorrhoids are common in pregnancy.  First, in preparation for delivery your whole pelvic area is being engorged with blood and tissue fluid.  This makes gentler passage for the baby, and also protects your birth canal during delivery.  Secondly, constipation is common in pregnancy, causing you to strain more while having a bowel movement.  The combination of increased blood supply to your pelvic area and straining leads to hemorrhoids. You can reduce your odds of contracting hemorrhoids by relieving the constipation.  Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, 5 glasses of water and 3 glasses of milk a day. Eat a diet relatively high in fiber.  Look for cereals that have 6 grams of fiber or more per serving.  Consider taking a fiber supplement; eat lots of fruits and vegetables.  All this will make elimination of your stool easier and reduce your risk of hemorrhoids.