9.9 Checking for a vaginal infection
The normal vaginal discharge is not smelly, it is small in amount, and it does not stain or wet the underwear.
Warning symptoms
If a pregnant woman has an infection in her vagina, the signs are:
- Whitish or curd-like discharge
- Bad-smelling discharge
- Itching of the external genitalia (look back at Figure 3.2 in Study Session 3 to remind yourself of the anatomy of the female genital area)
- The vulva could be swollen
- There may be burning during urination
- The woman may report she has pain during sex.
If a pregnant woman has an abnormal discharge, or reports any of the other symptoms listed above, refer her to the nearest health centre as soon as possible.
9.8.2 How to help a woman with diabetes