Many things happen inside your body when you are pregnant. Aside from the growing baby, other structures in the body also start to grow. The body also works twice as hard during pregnancy. You would notice how large pregnant women can become. The vagina, just like the other structures of the body such as the skin and the uterus, also undergoes some changes during pregnancy. The vagina changes in color and this change in color from pinkish to a dark bluish color is due to an increase in blood flow to the vagina. These changes are brought about by chemicals that the body releases when a woman is pregnant. As the flow of blood to the vagina increases, then it begins to pool in the area giving the vagina its bluish color. This change in color is normal and it should not be a cause for worry.
Vaginal Changes Due to Childbirth
Although, it is natural to worry a bit on how one would look after pregnancy, the body is pretty smart in regaining its form and function after birth. With a little exercise and the right diet, it is not hard to be right on track again. It is true though that these changes do vary from woman to woman. Some women don’t gain too much weight during pregnancy. If you are on the heavy side before you are pregnant, chances are you will gain more weight during pregnancy compared to those who have always been slim or skinny.
During childbirth, the vaginal walls and the muscles that support it are stretched. In some cases such as when the child is larger than normal or when the woman has no previous deliveries, the vaginal walls and the vaginal opening can be injured or torn. Repeated childbirth can expand the vaginal canal and it becomes an actual space. The vaginal opening may be cut using a scalpel or surgical knife during childbirth to prevent too much injury on the vagina. The doctor does what we call an episiotomy. After the episiotomy, the cut is repaired by sewing it together. With proper hygiene and medications, the vagina is good as new after a few days.
How often should a woman seek consultation with a gynecologist?
You can start seeing a gynecologist once you have become sexually active or are planning to. You may start consulting a doctor at the age of 21 for a Pap smear to be done. For women 30 years and older, a Pap smear may be done every 2 to 3 years if previous tests have been normal. For women who have had unprotected sex with multiple partners or who have parents or relatives who had cervical cancer, then visits to the physician may be done more frequently.
