Posts in the category: Pregnancy

Tuesday, 1 September 2020

How Much Discharge is Normal in Pregnancy

how much discharge is normal in pregnancy


Vaginal discharge is one common sign noticed during early pregnancy. But how much discharge is normal in pregnancy?

 Let's start by talking about normal vaginal discharge.


What is vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is the normal fluid released by glands in the vagina, uterus, and cervix. The colour can vary from clear to milky white. Consistency can vary from thin to thick white discharge. This variation depends on the time in your menstrual cycle.  

Discharge is thicker when you ovulate, when you breastfeed or when you are sexually aroused. Vaginal discharge can also increase with pregnancy. Normal vaginal discharge performs the function of helping to clean and protect the vagina.

So yes, it is possible for normal vaginal discharge to increase during pregnancy. Almost all women have increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy. The increase is caused by increased estrogen and vaginal blood flow during pregnancy. This discharge helps to prevent infections from moving up from the vagina to the uterus in pregnancy.

Vaginal discharge changes during pregnancy just like in the menstrual cycle. It is usually thin, milky white or colourless. Another name for this is leukorrhea. As the pregnancy progresses, the discharge helps to form a mucus plug that blocks the cervix to prevent infections from travelling up into the uterus. At the end of pregnancy, the mucus plug breaks down and comes out as clumps or pinkish mucous streaks. This is called the "bloody show" and means birth is approaching.

However, it is important to note some types of discharges could be signs of an infection or pregnancy complication. Speak to your health care provider if you notice any of the following:

  • Itching around the vagina
  • Pain or soreness during urination
  • Foul or fishy smell
  • Green or yellow coloured discharge
  • Bleeding
  • Very watery or excessive discharge
It is important to visit your doctor if you notice any of these types of discharge so your doctor can prescribe the appropriate medication and manage any impending complications.
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Thursday, 12 March 2020

10 Foods To Avoid When Pregnant.



Foods to avoid when pregnant


 Making healthy food choices is very important for women when pregnant. Their diet will provide the right nutrients for the baby to develop and grow and it should keep the mother healthy. Eating a healthy diet that contains all the necessary vitamins and nutrients is recommended.

However, there are some foods that to avoid when pregnant as they can be harmful to you and your baby. They include:

1. Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables

The surface of unpeeled fruits and vegetables may be uncontaminated with bacteria and parasites like Salmonella, Listeria, E.Coli, and Toxoplasmosis. This contamination can occur from the soil or by handling. 

One very dangerous parasite that may be found on unwashed fruits and vegetables is Toxoplasma. Conditions such as blindness or brain damage may develop later in the life of infants infected while still in the womb. Be sure to wash all unpeeled fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.

2. Organ Meat

Organ meat like liver contains several important nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and copper. These nutrients are important for the expectant mother and child.

However, eating too much animal-based vitamin A (preformed vitamin A)  contained in these meats is not recommended during pregnancy. This is because it may cause vitamin A toxicity and high copper levels. These abnormally high levels can cause birth defects.

Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women should not eat organ meat like liver more than once a week.

3. Alcohol

Pregnant women are advised to completely avoid drinking alcohol, as it increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. 

Since no level of alcohol has been proven to be safe during pregnancy, it’s recommended to avoid it altogether. Even a small amount can negatively impact your baby's brain development.

It can also cause fetal alcohol syndrome, which involves facial deformities, heart defects, and intellectual disability.

3 foods to avoid when pregnant

4. Raw or undercooked meat

It is advisable to cook any meat thoroughly until there is no trace of pink or blood. This is because eating undercooked or raw meat increases the risk of infection from bacteria or parasites like Salmonella, E. coli, and Toxoplasma.
These organisms could cause blindness or even stillbirth.


5. Caffeine

Drinking a lot of caffeine has been linked to miscarriage and low birth weight. Caffeine is found in tea, coffee, and chocolate. Not more than 200 mg a day is advised.

6. Raw Eggs

Pregnant women should cook eggs properly before cooking because raw eggs can be contaminated by Salmonella. Salmonella can cause an infection in the mother with symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and nausea. Severe infections may cause cramps which can lead to premature death and stillbirth.


7. High Mercury Fish

Severe infections High mercury fish include Shark, Swordfish, Tuna, King Mackerel. High amounts of mercury can cause kidney problems, nervous system issues, and serious developmental challenges in children.
Pregnant women can eat low mercury fish during pregnancy which is healthy because it contains omega-3 fatty acids.

8. Unpasteurized Milk and Cheese

Raw milk if contaminated can contain bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, E Coli, and Campylobacter. If only raw or unpasteurized milk is available, it is better to boil it before drinking.

9. Sushi

Chilled seafood like sushi, raw oysters, cooked ready-to-eat prawns, and smoked ready-to-eat seafood have a high risk of Listeria contamination.

10. Pre-packaged salads

Prepackaged fruit and vegetable salads from buffets and salad bars have a high risk of Listeria contamination.




 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14647094/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1565377/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25238871/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16555611/


































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Thursday, 4 May 2017

Malaria in Pregnancy







Malaria is one of the most common illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa and it has been described as endemic. Malaria is caused by the transmission of plasmodium falciparum by mosquitoes. Though preventable, around 125 million pregnancies are at risk of malaria every year, and about 200,000 babies die as a result.1

In an endemic region, adults acquire immunity but pregnant women are particularly vulnerable especially if it is their first pregnancy, so adding prevention and treatment of malaria to antenatal care is very important.
The symptoms of malaria in pregnancy vary depending on levels of acquired immunity in the region and malaria transmission intensity. In endemic areas, there may be no symptoms but the parasites may be present in the placenta and cause maternal anemia, a condition in which the red cells in the blood are insufficient.
 Common symptoms of malaria are headache, chills, high fever, and vomiting. These symptoms usually show 10 to 15 days after being bitten. If left untreated, malaria can cause complications like bleeding, enlargement of the spleen, and kidney failure. There is also a great risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, and low birth weight babies. A blood test will confirm the presence of malaria.
Malaria can be prevented by reducing the presence of mosquitoes in the environment since they are the transmitters of the disease. Keeping the surroundings free of mosquito breeding grounds like stagnant water and dirty drains will help. In addition, the World Health Organization recommends the following:

·        sleeping under long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs);

·        intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with the suitable antimalarial drug administered by a doctor;

·        contact a doctor immediately any symptoms are noticed for prompt diagnosis and treatment;

·        use of iron and folic acid supplements as part of antenatal care.


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1. Dellicour Set al. Quantifying the Number of Pregnancies at Risk of Malaria in 2007: A Demographic Study. PLoS Med 7(1):e1000221 (2010)

2. WHO: A Strategic Framework for Malaria Prevention and Control during Pregnancy in the Africa Region.


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