The body undergoes many transformations during pregnancy1, and even the vagina changes during pregnancy. You can notice changes on the outside as well as the inside, such as texture, color, appearance, and many other characteristics, compared to before pregnancy. Just like the rest of the body, the vagina goes through many changes over a lifetime. However, the time it changes most is during pregnancy.
Vaginal Changes
The sexual organs respond to all hormonal stimuli during the cycle. In the non-fertile period, women tend to be drier and the vulva usually does not appear swollen. In the fertile period, the vagina and vulva appear more swollen and also wetter. After the fertile period, it goes back to being dry, but may remain swollen due to blood circulation. If the vagina remains swollen after a missed period, this may be a strong indication that there is enough hormonal stimulation for a pregnancy in progress.
Vaginal Color
If you are already pregnant, the changes can occur even before a woman suspects she is pregnant. The vagina is an area with many nerve endings and blood vessels. They may cause different sensations at the start of pregnancy and even in more advanced stages2. Because changes in the vagina alone are not reliable enough to be sure of a pregnancy, it is necessary to use pregnancy tests to be 100% certain of the result. If you want more certainty when confirming a possible pregnancy, tests are essential and easy to use. Regarding the color of the vagina, it can get darker due to the increase in melanin in this area. Just like the vagina, the armpits and also the vertical line dividing the abdomen will become more marked. This is the so-called linea nigra or alba, as it is also known.
Vaginal Swelling
A swollen vagina during pregnancy is a common and normal change, but it can become uncomfortable for some women, especially if it is accompanied by a warm sensation. Some women already have naturally fuller labia, and they may become even more voluminous. However, the swelling should not be accompanied by itching, a large amount of whitish discharge, burning, or brownish discharge.
Hormonal Discharge
Speaking of discharge, the vagina during pregnancy is flooded with hormones that will produce a much greater amount of secretions. You know that discharge with a moisturizing cream-like appearance? That is the main mucus, but other types may appear. It is similar to the fertile period, but don’t worry because it’s perfectly normal for an egg white-like mucus to appear from time to time. If there is blood in this discharge, or if it is very dark brown or yellow, talk to your obstetrician.
What is the Texture of the Vagina in Pregnancy?
The texture of the vagina changes a great deal from woman to woman3. Some have the inside of their vaginas with a bumpy feel, and this is normal. Others have smoother walls, with a lighter or darker appearance, or even pink, purplish, or reddish. All of this is physiological and every body is different. It is important to issue a warning about trying to check the texture of the vagina during pregnancy. If done carelessly, touching can bring some problems. For example, it can cause the cervix to open. This could result in a miscarriage, especially in the first few months of a high-risk pregnancy. It’s rare, but it can happen. Frequent touching also increases the risk of infection. So, checking the cervix yourself is not recommended, unless it is done by a doctor in a clinic.
How to Examine Vaginal Texture
The most that is recommended to recognize the “terrain” during pregnancy is to use a mirror. Squatting is the best position to really see how the vagina looks externally and partially internally. However, avoid inserting your fingers or any pointed or hard objects so that the area is not harmed.
Sebaceous Bumps
Some problems may occur in the vagina during pregnancy, such as sebaceous bumps. They are similar to nabothian cysts and Bartholin cysts, which happen when the oily secretion of the area gets trapped in a hair follicle. If you shave with a razor or wax, they may occur, sometimes with pus inside, like a pimple. These bumps may cause some pain in the area. Therefore, remember that any abnormal modification in the vagina during pregnancy should be reported to your obstetrician immediately!
How to Care for the Vagina
Intimate hygiene is important not only during pregnancy but outside of it as well. You can wash the vulva with a soap suitable for this purpose. Neutral or glycerin soap are great options. Also, it is recommended not to wash the area with very hot water. Try to do intimate hygiene at least twice a day: once in the shower with a suitable soap, and another time just with water. Washing the vulva too much can disrupt the pH and allow microorganisms to grow. Wearing looser panties, preferably cotton, is also a great choice. Avoid using panty liners every day, and whenever possible, go without underwear to let your vagina breathe. In summary: we can say that at the beginning of pregnancy, the most consistent change is swelling and increased libido. If you experience more lubrication, this may also be a sign that a baby is on the way!
Readers’ Questions:
Does the internal texture of the vagina change during pregnancy?
Yes, the internal vaginal texture can change in appearance, texture, and color during pregnancy and may vary from woman to woman.
Does the vagina get tighter during pregnancy?
Some women report feeling “tighter” during pregnancy, and this is caused by the hormonal variations that lead to changes in vaginal texture. It doesn’t happen to everyone, but it’s considered normal.
Can changes to the vagina indicate pregnancy?
Of course, there are some vaginal changes during pregnancy, but nothing “striking” that can point out pregnancy for sure. Also read: Can the Size of the Uterus Indicate Pregnancy?
