Things you are desperate to ask your midwife, but not sure how to…

Pregnancy can be a time of intense learning and discovery.

From day one until the arrival of your baby, new questions and doubts are likely to arise daily. Many of these may be answered by your midwife, friends or families but some may feel too personal or, even, embarrassing to ask face-to-face. That’s where we come in! There is no judgement here…

Let us do the work and put your mind at ease on things you wanted to know...

So let’s get into it! 

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Can I have sex?

YES DO IT, unless you don’t feel like it or it makes you feel uncomfortable.

Penetrative sex will not hurt your baby or cause your waters to break. Your libido (sex drive) may increase or decrease during pregnancy and both of these changes are normal.

Hormones, tiredness, changes in body image or physical symptoms can affect how we feel about ourselves and towards our partner. Some women report feeling extremely sexual and attractive during their pregnancy, whilst others couldn’t think of anything worse. As long as it is consensual, you don’t feel uncomfortable or in pain and there is no medical reason why you should abstain, there’s no reason not to indulge.

If you do have sex and it is painful, or bleeding occurs after sex - please do contact your midwife in your local maternity unit. And remember if your waters have broken, we say not to have sex. 

Why am I so hairy?

There are two main reasons for this: a sharp rise in the levels of the hormone estrogen and the fact that you have reduced hair fall during pregnancy.

The latter often means luscious locks on your head and, yes, more ‘fuzz’ on your body. Hair fall resumes again a few months after your baby’s birth, translating into a less ‘hairy belly’ and, sadly, a less thick head of hair.

Another note: as midwives we don’t care about hair, especially “down there” (your vagina), so don’t worry or stress if you haven’t managed to groom or tidy up down there, we don’t care, we are just here to support you in your birth journey. 

Is it normal to leak urine?

Leaking urine during pregnancy is not uncommon.
Not only does your bladder have to contend with the increasing weight of the womb and your baby’s movements, but increased hormone levels in pregnancy can relax the smooth muscle of the bladder, making it less efficient at holding larger amounts of urine.

A weakened pelvic floor (the sling of muscles that support your pelvic organs) will not help matters. You can prevent or minimise leakage by regularly emptying your bladder and toning your pelvic floor with pelvic floor exercises.

If you want more information about pelvic floor exercises or want to have a discussion with us - book a consultation call in:

https://calendly.com/thebloomcollaboration/30min

https://calendly.com/thebloomcollaboration/60-min-1-1-consultation

Why do I ‘fart’ and ‘burp’ so much more?

Levels of the hormone progesterone increase during pregnancy, causing tissues to relax. The digestive system is also affected by this rise in progesterone, which can cause a slowing down in the digestion of food and the movement of your bowels, leading to a build-up of gas, as well as constipation. 

The stomach is also reduced in size as the pregnancy progresses, meaning larger portions of food sit in it for longer, producing gas and, possibly, feelings of indigestion. Hence why you may have heard a lot of women carry Gaviscon nearby, later on in pregnancy (this can help with that sensation of indigestion). 

I get shooting pains into my vagina, should I worry?

Aaaah this is my favourite, because we call it either “fanny daggers” or “lightning crotch” - which is basically shooting pains in your pelvic area. These are very common and can increase as your pregnancy progresses. 

Reason for this sensation is usually caused by pressure on the nerve complex that connects your womb, cervix and vagina or by stretching the broad ligaments which attaches your uterus (Womb) to your groin area. Baby’s wonderful movements can also set off these pains, sometimes come in spasms which can be sharp but short lasting.

If this pain continues for a long time and worsens or associated with other symptoms it is worth getting in touch with your midwife and local midwifery unit (link at bottom of page).

What’s all that discharge?

 Vaginal discharge does change in pregnancy and tends to increase as you reach your due date.

In pregnancy, this discharge is known as leucorrhea (or leukorrhea) and it helps to keep your vagina clean by washing away unwanted bacteria and pathogens, protecting your unborn baby from infection. It also helps to maintain a balanced pH and acts as a lubricant in labour.

Any vaginal discharge that has an odd or offensive odour (any smell that’s doesn’t smell normal to you is worth getting checked out), is green or yellow in colour, looks abnormal to you or is accompanied by burning, itching or pain (in your vagina or lower abdomen), should be looked at by your midwife or doctor, who may take swabs with your consent to see if it may be an infection and if you need some cream treatment of antibiotics so it is worth getting looked at!

Embarrassing question about pregnancy are common and can be difficult to find an answer for. We have covered some of these to try and reassure you without putting you on the spot.

If there is any questions that you are worried about asking your midwife or want an answer ASAP - Get in touch with us, either on our socials by popping us a DM or reaching out to us and booking a consultation call: 

Instagram : @Bloom_midwives 

Calendly Consultation call with 1:1 midwife 

30 mins https://calendly.com/thebloomcollaboration/30min

60mins https://calendly.com/thebloomcollaboration/60-min-1-1-consultation