The Reason Your Vagina Is Dry During The 1st Trimester

The first few weeks of pregnancy are kind of mind-blowing. Your body can transform so quickly and, if you're a first-time mom, many of the things you'll experience will be brand-new. It can be magical to feel yourself change but, unfortunately, it can also be kind of unpleasant. If you've ever found yourself wondering "why is my vagina dry during the first trimester," those early pregnancy hormones are probably to blame, and it may even be something you'll want to talk about with your doctor.

According to Live Strong, the hormone progesterone is responsible for creating vaginal mucus. So when you suffer from vaginal dryness — i.e., a lack of mucus — it's possible that your body isn't creating enough progesterone. And that's more than a comfort issue. According to the American Pregnancy Association, low progesterone can be one of the signs of ectopic pregnancy and can even lead to miscarriage.

If you think you're dealing with low progesterone in your pregnancy, vaginal dryness won't be the only sign according to Healthline. You might also experience spotting, abdominal pain, extreme fatigue, low blood sugar, and frequent breast tenderness. Many of those symptoms can be common and normal, but let your doctor know to rule out anything more serious.

Healthline also noted that if your vaginal dryness is being caused by low progesterone, there are a few different ways to treat it. There are cream, gels, suppositories, and even oral medications that can help bring your progesterone levels up.

Vaginal dryness doesn't necessarily mean your progesterone is low, however. According to Parents, your body may just be dealing with changing hormone levels and your vagina may simply be more sensitive and easily irritated. Plus, some women find that their sex drive drops off during pregnancy — if you're not into the idea of sex, your vagina isn't going to get as lubricated. You might need some help from store-bought lube to get back into the swing of things.

You may also experience the complete opposite problem during pregnancy— Baby Center noted that hormones can also be responsible for extra discharge. If it's thick and white, it's most likely normal. But if you're seeing a lot of clear, thin liquid, you may want to check with your doctor as it can mean you're leaking amniotic fluid.