It is quite common for the women to have vaginal discharges in pregnancy. This is one of the many pregnancy complications that a woman encounters and has to face the same with courage and determination. Pregnancy is a very delicate period and every step shall be taken with due caution. Whether it is diet, general hygiene, prevention against diseases and trauma, exercises, medications, moral support of family members, timely and regular check-ups and other things, all shall be duly paid attention to. Even the choice of doctor has to be done very carefully. The past history of successful cases and the number of years past experience is important to know.

If the discharge is similar to or a little more than the one you used to experience before pregnancy, then there is nothing to worry about. During the early stages of pregnancy, these types of discharges of white fluids shall not bother you though it is better to keep the doctor informed of these. It is important to take note of the color (white, brown or red) and smell of fluid discharged (foul smelling or odorless) as well. These discharges are usually due to some urinary tract infection or yeast infection.

However, one shall carefully note whether vaginal bleeding is occurring as well. If bleeding does happen in any stage of pregnancy, then it is not a good sign and doctor shall be consulted immediately. In the later stages of pregnancy as well, the vaginal discharges shall be taken seriously. The unstoppable discharges could be of amniotic fluids in which the fetus develops in the uterus and is, therefore, a potentially dangerous situation for the baby. Doctor’s advice shall be taken immediately.

Vaginal discharges can also be due to wrong position of fetus development i.e. fetus development in fallopian tube rather than uterus. Or, these could also be due to some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Whatever may be the reason, keep the doctor informed and in case doctor calls for check up, it shall not be delayed at all. It is strictly not recommended that you waste time in seeking advice from others or take over-the-counter medications.

Some of the discharge situation may warrant immediate surgery, usually within 24 hours and you shall be mentally prepared to meet the situation. If this situation arises in the seventh or eighth month, you might be close to delivering a premature but otherwise healthy baby. If it happens early, then the development of fetus is not complete and can be a problem situation.

Pregnancy is a very tender stage in woman’s life cycle. There are lots of myths surrounding it which you might get to hear from the near and dear ones. However, it is advisable not to take these pregnancy myths on the face value and always consult your doctor for every small or big thing that might confuse you. Some of the common myths that can be told to you are:

1. Sex hurts baby: Only in certain cases, the pregnant woman is advised against carrying on with sex. The doctor will be able to guide you after doing proper diagnosis.

2. Morning sickness means that baby is low on nutrition: If you have had a healthy diet before pregnancy, there is no need to worry. But, do keep taking the nutritional supplements that your doctor may advise you.

3. Minor bumps hurt the baby: Unless the bumps result in cramps or vaginal bleeding, the baby is considered safe. The baby is naturally protected from minor bumps by the uterus.

4. Stop all exercise: Only those exercises need to be stopped which make you breath heavily or which involve lots of movements or those which can tire you out. It is better to shift to walking.

5. Flying is not safe at all: You can fly for short durations once in a while if the delivery date is more than six weeks away. Passing through the airport scanners is not going to be a problem either. But, if you are in the flying job, then you must reschedule the job as per the doctor’s advice.

6. Gender prediction: People hold many myths pertaining to the gender of child. The only thing which determines the gender is the chromosomes. It is not manifested outwardly in the craving of salted or sugary foods, low or high baby positions, etc.

As would be clear from the article that these myths have mostly resulted from the over cautious mind sets. These cannot be held to be false but at the same time, these do not warrant a panicky or paranoid behavior. People tend to play on the safer side and therefore adopt the most cautious approach. After all, it is matter of nine months. A broad minded, positive, caring and a little careful outlook towards pregnancy is what will work the best for the child rather than thinking about these myths all the time and getting worried. So, keep these myths aside and take care of your pregnancy health.