INTRODUCTION

Pregnancy comes with a lot of joy and the same amount of struggles. It develops a life inside the mother’s body. But it also comes with several changes in the mother’s body. These changes can be acute and short-term as well as long-term. One of such changes a woman goes through in her journey is leukorrhea in pregnancy Leukorrhea is a vaginal discharge that affects women in their reproductive days. The discharge is yellowish, whitish, or sometimes greenish and can originate from the vagina, ovaries, or cervix. Leukorrhea can also be triggered in pregnancy, which is very normal for many women. It is considered normal when it produces a thin and odorless discharge with no or white color.

SCIENCE BEHIND WHITE DISCHARGE

The white discharge produced in the vagina is actually meant to clean the vagina. This fluid is secreted from the glands inside the vagina. The fluid is secreted regularly to clean the old cells inside the vagina. It is a natural way and mandatory process for vaginal health. The vaginal discharge frequency can be different in different women. Normally this discharge can be clear or milky and can have a subtle odor to it. The frequency, color, and order of the vaginal discharge can be different during the menstruation cycle and on ovulation days. Other than these, if the vaginal discharge shows other irregular behavior, then it can be a matter of concern.

IDENTIFYING LEUCORRHEA DISCHARGE

While a frequent white discharge is very necessary for women, it is very important to identify if the white discharge is normal or due to any other problem. The white discharge in leucorrhea has the following symptoms:

● The white discharge in leucorrhea is thick and white; it can be compared with cottage cheese.
● It can also be yellowish or greenish.
● It can produce foul odor that is very unpleasant and unbearable

OTHER SYMPTOMS OF LEUCORRHOEA

Other than white discharge, it also shows some other symptoms. These symptoms are
● Pain in the abdominal area
● Vaginal bleeding without menstruations
● Intense itching in the vulva
● Headache can be experienced in some women.
● Weakness and lethargic feeling

LEUCORRHOEA IN PREGNANCY

Leukorrhea in pregnancy is a common issue in most women. During pregnancy, due to the increase in blood flow and the hormones called estrogen, this white discharge becomes more frequent and heavy. The heavy blood flow and increase in hormones trigger those membranes in the vagina that produce white discharge, and hence, the number of white discharges increases. It can appear at any time of the pregnancy, and it is often a signal of vaginal cleanliness. But when the symptoms become severe, then it should be consulted with the physician.

WHEN TO CONSULT TO A DOCTOR

If the vaginal discharge is not normal and the intensity or frequency is increased, it must be consulted with the doctor. Consult a doctor if you feel the following problems:
● Burning sensation
● Pain during sexual intercourse
● Pain while urination
● Pain in the abdomen or pelvis
● Foul smell
● Heavy and thick discharge
● Itchiness

WHAT TO DO TO CONTROL LEUCORRHEA IN PREGNANCY

Leukorrhea is considered normal while pregnant as well, but when the symptoms increase, it becomes problematic to handle. Leukorrhea affects pregnancy as it irritates women. This irritation can also cause mental annoyance. Hence, it is very necessary to control it. As during pregnancy, heavy medications are not allowed; it is good to keep any kind of medicine away and try some natural ways to deal with leucorrhea during pregnancy. These are the following ways in which you can control it:

● Use lemon Juice- Squeeze a lemon and mix it with water. Now use this lemon water to clean the vulva. It will help to reduce the foul odor.
● Okra- Also known as ladyfinger, works great to remove the excess mucus from the body. It should be consumed raw or lightly steamed.
● Avoid Sugar-Sugar or anything containing processed sugar should be removed from the diet. Sugar can increase mucus formation and hence needs to be avoided.
● Consume more liquids—Consuming natural liquids like water and juices makes sure to remove toxins from the body, hence can help reduce leucorrhea in pregnancy.

● Avoid Stress—Stress can trigger the condition of leukorrhea. In pregnancy, stress can cause many problems and can even affect the baby’s health. So, it needs to be avoided at any cost.
●  Yoga—In leukorrhea, some women can face the problem of little but frequent urination. To avoid this, physicians say, it is best to perform yoga. It balances the body and gives strength to the bladder. It also relieves stress. Leukorrhea in pregnancy is a very common problem. It cleanses the vagina and vulva. But if the symptoms are unbearable, the above ways can be adopted to control them. It may take time to control but will surely prove to be beneficial. But, even after all the ways it is avoided and causes problems, then it should not be avoided and should be consulted with the specialist.