I'm pregnant: I have a discharge, lost appetite
Oct 04, 2012
QDear Doctor, I am two months pregnant, but sometimes there is water-like substance that comes out of my vagina, wetting my knickers. Does this need medical attention? I also lost my appetite from the time I got pregnant. What can I do to regain it?
QDear Doctor,
I am two months pregnant, but sometimes there is water-like substance that comes out of my vagina, wetting my knickers. Does this need medical attention? I also lost my appetite from the time I got pregnant. What can I do to regain it?
Annette
ADear Annette,
It is quite common to have more vaginal discharge during pregnancy. What you are noticing could probably be normal leucorrhoea; an odourless and mild-smelling milky discharge. It is made up of secretions from the cervix and vagina, old cells from the walls of the vagina and normal bacterial flora from the vagina.
There tends to be a lot more of it during pregnancy because of increased oestrogen production and greater blood flow to the vaginal area. You might actually notice more discharge as you approach labour, although it is likely to look somewhat different from the flow you have become accustomed to.
However, it could also be something else; your amniotic fluid could also be leaking. Sometimes the amniotic sac can leak without essentially breaking. Think of water dripping through a pin-sized hole. If you are leaking amniotic fluid or your water has broken, the fluid is likely to saturate your underwear over and over again.
The fluid may be clear or contain white flecks, perhaps with a shade of blood or mucus that is not likely to smell. In this case, you should seek medical intervention immediately because this could have been caused by an infection that could get to the baby. Also, leaking of the amniotic fluids before birth could require immediate removal of the baby. See a doctor immediately.
Secondly, pregnancy brings about tremendous changes in a woman’s body and loss of appetite is no exception. Many women find themselves unwilling to eat from time to time during pregnancy. This means that some reasons for the loss of appetite during pregnancy are unavoidable.
Eat frequent, small meals to keep the stomach from feeling too full and to help prevent nausea and avoid underfeeding. Remember, the immunity of pregnant women tends to lower, however, intake of the right nutrients can help fight or fend off infections.
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I have a swelling on my anus
QDear Doctor,
I have a small painless swelling on my anus. What could be the cause and how can I get rid of it?
Anonymous
ADear Anonymous,
There is a set-up of small blood vessels within the lining of the anus and lower rectum. These veins sometimes become thick and inflamed with more blood than usual.
These swollen veins and the overlying tissue may form into one or smaller, usually painless swellings called haemorrhoids.
The exact reason for the changes leading to the formation of haemorrhoids is not clear. These swellings seem to develop for no clear cause, but, it is thought that the pressure in and around the anus can be a major factor in many cases.
If the pressure in and around the anus is increased, it could lead to a swelling(s). In many cases, haemorrhoids are small and the condition eases without treatment.
However, there are various treatment options; avoid constipation and straining at the toilet, drink a lot of fluids and eat lots of fibre.
See a doctor for examination to rule out a lump which may point to colon cancer.
My temperature is too high
QDear Doctor,
I am aged 24 and for a long time my temperature has been high. I am always hot even when it is too cold. When I shake people’s hands, I feel my hands are warmer than theirs.
Many times people who touch me say my temperature is abnormally high. I have not seen a doctor yet. Am I normal, or do I have a problem?
Anonymous
ADear Anonymous,
Unfortunately, you have not told me if this happens all the time, or at a specific time of the day. The normal body temperature of a healthy, resting adult is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.0 degrees Celsius. However, individuals’ body temperature can vary.
The normal range of human body temperature varies, depending on one’s metabolism rate; the faster it is, the higher the normal body temperature and the slower the metabolic rate, the lower the normal body temperature.
Other factors that might affect the body temperature may be the time of day or the part of the body in which the temperature is measured.
The body temperature is lower in the morning, due to the rest that the body received at night, and higher at night after a day of muscular activity and food intake.
Body temperature can also vary at different parts of the body. The temperature between parts of the body that are usually folded will be higher than the normal core body temperature. But you should see a doctor. Your physician might recommend a thyroid examination to check your iodine levels.