Sensitive, Personal Subject

Updated on March 01, 2008
N.K. asks from Pittsburgh, PA
26 answers

I am pregnant with my second child, therefore am familiar with all of the things that come along with being pregnant, some good, some not so good. I am having an issue with something I've not previously dealt with though. After becoming pregnant, I know that a woman's discharge can change, and sometimes become more prevalent, sometimes less. Mine is fine, except for an odor. I've spoken to my Ob about it and it's not a yeast infection. Also, not a month before becoming pregnant, I had my yearly exam and everything came back fine, so it shouldn't be anything else. She gave me a gel to use that was for vaginal infections, or when a pH balance is off. I finished using it 2 days ago and the odor is starting to come back.
I guess what I'm here for, is to ask if any of you other ladies have dealt with this and what the solution was. It's hindering on my sex life, because I am so self-concious about it. I go back to my OB in about a month, but I know there's not much more to be done while I am pregnant. I'm just hoping that it's common and will go away.
Thanks for "listening" and for any advice you can offer!

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So What Happened?

Thank you to everyone who responded with the info and well wishes! I went to see my OB and they actually took a slide of some of my vaginal cells, to look at under a microscope, and it is indeed VB. That's what I'd already been treated for, but since I was still in my first trimester, it had to be the gel medication, which is not as effective. So, I'm on the pill form of this medicine (I'm 13 weeks now) and it should definitely clear up with that.
As one or 2 moms mentioned, VB while pregnant can lead to early delivery, so it's a good thing I'm determined to fix this and went back. While I asked the doc about the supplements and dietary changes, she said it was up to me, but I'm already into eating yogurt a lot, so I'll just go with that and hope it helps keep me balanced.
Again, thank you to everyone!

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D.S.

answers from State College on

I had the same thing when I was pregnant. The doctor said I was fine, but recommended that I wash with baking soda if that would help make me feel better. It worked!! I just kept a box in the bathroom and sprinkled some on a wet washcloth and took that in the shower with me. Good luck!

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E.S.

answers from Allentown on

Ok it sounds exactly what I just went through with my second pregnancy. With my first it never happened. I would shower every day, using lots of soap and body wash, change my underwear 2-4 times a day, and I would still notice a strong odor. And yes it was stronger after sex. I talked to my husband about it and he said he didn't notice it much. So maybe part of it is increased sense of smell in pregnancy. I would discuss the issue with your doctor just to be sure, but my doctor said it was a result from increase in hormones and only told me to just keep the area clean and change your underwear throughout the day if you feel the need. But it would not cause infection with you or the baby or cause preterm labor, it has nothing to do with that. But I would talk to your doctor just to make sure it is the same thing and not something else, because there are various bacterial infections that need treatment and could cause problems. I will tell you I just had my baby on the first of the month and the strong odor is gone. So it will go away after birth. But I totally understand and know how you could feel about it. It was a sensitive issue with me too and took me a while before I got up the nerve to bring the subject with my doctor and my husband even. Hang in there

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C.P.

answers from Reading on

Hi N.,

I had that discharge when I was pregnant also, and even though odors like that bother me, they didn't bother my husband - I don't know if these things generally bother us women more than the men, but maybe you could ask your husband if he minds the odor, in order to ease your mind so you can relax. Chances are, he doesn't mind, but is grateful you're still willing to be intimate with him during your pregnancy. Some women become too uncomfortable during pregnancy to have sex, so I'll bet your husband is willing to overlook the odor in order to continue your intimate time together as a couple. Most likely, he's not even bothered by the odor or doesn't notice it alltogether!

I think the only thing I did about those odorous discharges was buy scented panty liners and change them often.

My applause to you for deciding to stay home with your kids!!!

Sincerely,
C. Phillips

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D.V.

answers from Philadelphia on

Yes, I had the same problem when I was pregnant with my 2nd and she is now 2 and it is still there although not as bad. It has nothing to do with yeast or infection or cleanliness. I am very neat and change underwear several times a day, bath, etc. My doctor says it happens-like body odor. It's hormones and could change back over time. I get urine leakage now too. It really sucks.

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P.B.

answers from Philadelphia on

Call your OB. I agree with the first three ladies thinking, that it could be a bacterial infection. I've had that twice before, and it was similar to a yeast infection with how it felt (itchy). It could also just be that with your changing hormones, your "natural scent" has changed, too. Talk to your hubby, too. He might not have noticed or if he did, it might not bother him. Then he might not be wondering why things have changed. If it isn't an infection, you might want to buy some adult wipes (I know Charmin makes some or Summer's Eve) to use before bedtime. They don't have a strong odor, and you'd be able to "freshen up" without using anything internally. I hope this problem goes away soon for you.

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N.M.

answers from Erie on

I had a bit of the same thing while pregnant and my midwife told me it was because my vaginal flora was just a little off kilter due to the hormones. She suggested live Acidophillus pills (the active culture in yogurt)to help keep the flora regular. You can buy them at any drug store. Hope this helps.

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E.L.

answers from Philadelphia on

oh the wonderful and wacky things our bodies go through during pregnancy! If your OB has ruled out a yeast infection, you may just have a pH imbalance. There is a great product called Today Daily pH Balance Vitamin C Tablets. They are vaginal suppositories that are completely safe during pregnancy. They are simply vitamin C. They help to maintain normal pH to promote the body's natural protection of the vaginal environment - which will help eliminate BV. They can even be used long term as a monthly maintenance. During my last pregnancy I had pH balance problems due to all the hormone flux and this really helped, and I wasn't nervous about using it, as opposed to other medications. I think you can even get it at Target, not sure though - I always got it through my midwife. Good Luck to you. I hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly.

Beth

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D.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi N.,

Same thing happened to me during this pregnancy. I didn't let my husband near me unless I just took a shower. I am told it is normal that I am not "dirty" and that it will go away after the baby is born. Maybe you could ask your doctor for more of that cream? I used feminine wipes, too. My baby is due the end of March - so here's hoping for a nice fresh Spring, Ha!

Deb

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D.B.

answers from Allentown on

Hi N. K.
I just wanted to let you know that your not alone. You may want to try Summers Eves line of products. They have the wash that is very good and they have wipes for your needs as well and they are asfe to use during pregancy. I use the line of products prior to having kids, and I made sure with my doctor that I could use them during my pregancy as well. Good luck to you.

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L.B.

answers from Allentown on

Sweetie don't get to upset. I have had this same thing before, it is called BV- bacteria vaginosous (spelled that wrong) lol. It is very common my ob said some get them some don't but you do need medicine for it. It will continue to get worse, my advise is to call your ob and let them know asap. I just called mine and if not taken care of it could hurt you or the baby. It is very common though most woman don't like to talk about it because an odor is involved. Hope this helped and god bless you and your family.

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J.H.

answers from Erie on

It sounds like a BV infection. It's a very common infection in women (NOT AN STD)! It's caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. It is treated with antibiotics. Please make sure you follow up with your doctor right away. I have read that left untreated it can lead to pre-term labor. Prevention tips: NEVER douche, wear cotton undies only, also try taking an over-the-counter probiotic (the good bacteria found in yogurt). Good luck.

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A.T.

answers from Philadelphia on

hi N.,
you are not alone!! when I was pregnant I felt like the neighborhood cats were following me around. Like the pied piper or something. I always was super self conscious about it but according to my husband he said that it was all in my head. he is extremely open about everything and said that it did smell different but it wasn't bad. I don't know who lost their marbles but u are not alone!! My husband is one of those weird guys that thinks that everything that has to do with pregnancy is wonderful. being women on the other hand we know otherwise. good luck and it may not be as bad as you think.

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K.B.

answers from Harrisburg on

I had recurring BV during my pregnancy. Sorry if this is TMI but I noticed the smell got worse after my hubby and I "did the deed." I would definitely call your OB to see if that is what you have. It needs to be treated if that is the case. Don't worry though, because it is treatable and it is normal. Good luck!

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S.C.

answers from York on

Dear N.,
I noticed the same issue with my second pregnancy (not so much with my first). For me, changing underwear multiple times a day wasn't really an option, so I wore pantiliners. (much more convenient) I also used Summers Eve when I showered, and kept a dryer sheet in my underwear drawer. The combination seemed to help me not to notice it as much. My husband said he didn't really notice, but he drives tractor trailer and jockeys in a plant that uses chemicals, so he's not a great "indicator". Hope you find something that works for you. God Bless ~ I'll be praying for you.

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C.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

it can be a combo of two things. our sense of smell is heightened during prgnenacy and there is usually a change in smell from your vagina during pregnancy. It also can just be one more thing to be uncomfortable about.

You may want to share your concern with your husband. It might not bother him at all and you may be jumping to conclusions.

I think the doctor would have noticed if it was bactierial vaginosis. I would not think it was that because BV comes with nasty discharge too.

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H.B.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I agree with Jen it sounds like Bv call your Ob tomorrow and ask to get checked. few months back i was going through this and thought omg did my husband do something all things ran through my mind. here when i went to My Ob thats what it came back Bv and when he told me it's a normal thing for women to have and it is not a STD i felt so much better. I did hear it is more common to get while pg. good luck hope you start feeling better soon.

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J.O.

answers from Lancaster on

Hi N.,
From my experience a number of things can affect chemical changes which may change your normal vaginal scent. My first question to you is are there any other symptoms,, itch, discomfort? Hormones, Foods you eat and insufficient hydration may change the scent of secretions. Are you taking any medications? This can affect secretions too.

If you are experiencing excessive thirst, hunger or urination in conjunction with the 'odor', I would suggest you have your blood sugar checked ASAP. I would suggest this be checked anyhow just to be sure.

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M.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

trust me, you're not alone on this one. Everytime I am prego it seems to be so bad. my better half even notices it. so it dampins my sex life as well. It's just a natural way of your body still cleaning itself out because you are prego it is unable to fully clean itself(monthly friend). And because you are prego there isn't much to be done. What I use to help is "EVE" woman wash for down there. Every time before we have intercourse i'll take a shower and use it. It helps with the ordor and I can enjoy it more instead of worrying about it. Hope this helps.
M.

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D.B.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi - You may want to switch your vitamins if you are taking any. I noticed during the changing of my vitamins there were different odors. Just something that came to mind when reading your subject.

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H.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi N.,

Me too! I was very smelly with my pregnancy! I just chalked it up to my body being on overdrive and that creation can be stinky sometimes;) The discharge after I gave birth was pretty smelly too but now that that is all over, everything is back to normal. I asked my mother about it and she said it was 'the scent of womanhood' - go figure - I guess we all have to be stinky every once in a while - it happened to her too. Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much. Sounds like you are in good hands.
take care,

H. M.

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M.G.

answers from Philadelphia on

Have you changed your diet any lately?

I had the same problem when I was pregnant when I started eating yogurt daily. It got worse when I would change my milk intake or forget to eat a yogurt. The worst was the probiotic yogurt...even after my son's birth, I cannot eat the probiotic yogurt without getting the smelly discharge or having huge glops come out.

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A.D.

answers from Portland on

At my last prenatal appointment, one of things mentioned was how vaginal infections can sometimes cause early labor, and that pregnancy makes women more susceptible to vaginal infections. I must admit that I'm rather ignorant on the subject because I've never had an infection, so I asked the doc how to prevent it.

She said that the first thing to do is always wear cotton panties.

She said it's even better to wear a cotton panty-shield as well.

Never douche or wash the vaginal area with antibacterial soap, as this can get rid of the "good" bacteria that fight infection. I was using antibacterial soap, so she advised me to buy Dove or some other non-scented, non-antibacterial soap.

She said to shower more than once a day. This is prolly not an option for a lot of mommies, but she said it helps.

As far as I can recall, that is all she advised. I hope it helps. If it is affecting your sex life, would it help to shower before bed, or before when you think you will have sex?

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L.S.

answers from Lancaster on

I agree, ask your OB if you can try OTC Probiotic supplement, you could just have an over/under growth of bacteria in your body due to a different body chemistry with your hormonal changes from pregnancy.
Good luck, and remember pregnancy eventually ends!

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B.L.

answers from Philadelphia on

My husband swore he couldn't "smell" anything, too. I used wipes, pantie liners, showers, and I changed my panties 3-4 times a day. My husband thought I was imagining it, but I am so glad to know I wasn't alone! Thank goodness that it didn't last longer than the pregnancy!

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J.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

I had the same problem with my discharge, and it lasted through my entire pregnancy. I just figured it had something to do with the hormone levels. Unfortunately, I have no advice regarding miracle cures or anything that helped me. I just tried to ignore it because there was nothing that I could do and I did not want to take any medications while I was pregnant. Hopefully someone else had more success with a treatment.

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M.Z.

answers from Houston on

I agree with Jen...it sounds like BV...also if it isn't try making some changes in your diet...some online research will help you with that! Best of luck!

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