Although many women find the second trimester to be easier than the first, mid-pregnancy often brings new physical side effects and other concerns. Knowing about potential problems and knowing when to contact your doctor are just as important now as they were during the first trimester. Some common concerns during mid-pregnancy are discussed on the following pages.
Many women have an increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy.
It is caused by the effects of hormones on glands in the cervix, which stimulate the production of mucus. A normal vaginal discharge in a pregnant woman is thin and white and has a mild odor. Its high acidity is thought to play a role in suppressing growth of potentially harmful bacteria. Normally, the vagina contains various organisms that tend to keep one another in check. This is common during pregnancy because of hormone changes.