The Mother of all Embarrassment

Issue 14

Pregnancy is a time for questions, questions and yet more questions. And some are A LOT more embarrassing than others.

To spare your blushes, we’ve put together the answers to those pregnancy and birth questions that are just too embarrassing to ask How many internal examinations will I need to have?

This will vary depending on how your pregnancy progresses but you will need to have at least one. Although it is not routine, you may need to have an internal examination during your first visit to the doctor to determine the stage of your pregnancy.

It is more likely, however, that you will require internal examinations in the later stages of pregnancy. Your doctor may need to check whether the cervix is ready for labour, or, if you go over your due date, the midwife may perform a ‘membrane sweep’ in an attempt to induce labour.

These sorts of examinations are always uncomfortable, not least because you feel awkward, but try to breath steadily and relax as much as possible. Remember, midwives and doctors are professionals who perform these procedures everyday, so there is no need to feel embarrassed.

Will I have increased vaginal discharge?

During pregnancy the cervix produces more mucus, so most women do experience an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge. This discharge is off-white in colour, does not have an unpleasant smell and will not make you itch.

However, some women will suffer from abnormal discharges but this is usually the result of a minor infection. If your discharge looks thick or watery, is yellow, green or brown and is causing you to itch then you should seek advice from your GP or midwife. These types of infections are usually easy to treat with medication.

Remember, if you are concerned, you should talk to your GP or midwife because your health and that of your unborn baby is much more important than a small amount of embarrassment.

Will I suffer from piles or constipation?

One in three new mums suffer from piles (swollen blood vessels in the rectum), which tend to occur in the later stages of pregnancy. The enlarging uterus pressing on the pelvic blood vessels, hormones, constipation or straining during labour can cause piles. But for most women they are temporary and disappear after birth.

Unfortunately, constipation is very common in pregnancy because hormones slow the movement of the intestine. Try and eat plenty of fruit, drink at least three litres of water a day and include foods in your diet that are high in fibre, such as brown bread, wholegrain cereals and green vegetables.

Can i have sex when I’m pregnant?

Sex is perfectly normal during pregnancy and many women say that their libido actually increases during this time. Contrary to old wives’ tales, having sex during pregnancy does not harm or distress your unborn baby in any way. In fact, it can increase the bond between you and your partner, which will benefit your baby in the long term.

Some men (and women) do worry that the penis will come into contact with the foetus during intercourse but this cannot happen because the membrane, which secures the amniotic fluid, protects the baby.

Are my nipples going to leak?

Many women leak colostrum - the first milk that the breasts produce - during the later stages of pregnancy. The amount of leakage varies from woman to woman, with some experiencing significant discharge whilst others experience little or none at all. For a number of women, the leaking will also continue post-birth.Although nipple leaking can seem like an embarrassing problem it is important to remember that producing milk is your body’s natural response to pregnancy.

If you do feel particularly worried about this then you can purchase disposable breast pads to prevent your clothing from becoming soiled.Will I have a bowel movement during birth?

During childbirth the pressure of the baby’s head on the rectum and the strain of pushing can cause an involuntary bowel movement. This happens to most women and many first-time mums are nervous and embarrassed about it occurring during labour.

As those who have already had children will tell you, the last thing on your mind in the delivery suite will be whether you are going to have a bowel movement. Also, in the event that you do, the medical staff will clean it up quickly and discretely.

Will my vagina look the same after birth?

Lots of women worry that the appearance of their vagina will alter radically after birth, usually because of the amount that it expands during labour or because of tearing and stitches.

The vagina is naturally stretchy - so don’t worry because it will regain its shape after the birth. The prospect of tearing and stitches is obviously daunting but only in rare cases do these cause long-term damage to your vaginal area.

The stitches are internal and usually dissolve between eight and fourteen days after birth. In some instances, to avoid tearing, the doctor may perform an episiotomy, which is a clean cut into the skin between the lower edge of the vagina and the anus. This enlarges the birth opening and is usually performed just as the baby’s head is ready to emerge.

Will I suffer from incontinence after I’ve had a baby?

During pregnancy a woman’s pelvic floor muscles become over-stretched and this is the main reason why incontinence is common after giving birth.

Many women find that they pass small amounts of urine when they cough, sneeze or laugh in the months after their baby has been born. Some women also suffer from faecal incontinence, which can seem even more embarrassing.

Prevention is the best cure for incontinence, so make sure that you do regular pelvic floor exercises throughout pregnancy, and before if possible, to strengthen and maintain this part of your body.

But if you do suffer from incontinence and are worried don’t let embarrassment stop you from discussing your concerns with your GP.

Will my breasts go saggy after pregnancy?

Most women’s breasts change shape during pregnancy and can significantly increase in size during the first three months. The majority of women end up with slighter smaller, less firm breasts after pregnancy, usually as a result of breastfeeding.

However, you can take measures to try and avoid stretch marks on your breasts such as wearing a supportive bra. This will prevent the ligaments from being stretched because if these become over-stretched then this will eventually result in saggy breasts.

How soon after birth can I have sex?

The birth of a baby is likely to leave you and your partner exhausted and you may feel too tired to have sex. Midwives do recommend that you should attempt to have sex before the six-week postnatal check-up with your GP.

Don’t worry if you can’t manage full sex in the first few attempts, this is normal. However, if problems persist then you should talk to your GP because it may be a sign that your stitches have not healed or dissolved properly.