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    Changing Phases: A Guide to Prenatal and Postnatal Care

    Our bodies are always evolving—communicating in ways that are both subtle and profound. From menstruation to prenatal, postpartum, and menopause, these changing phases are milestones of growth and transformation.

    During pregnancy, your body undergoes significant changes to support new life, making prenatal care essential for your well-being. From maintaining a balanced vaginal microbiome to addressing common discomforts, understanding how to care for your body during this time is key.

    Postnatal care is equally important, as your body recovers, heals, and adjusts to its new rhythm. Whether it’s soothing discomfort, restoring balance, or managing dryness, thoughtful care can make all the difference.

    Prenatal Care

    Pregnancy is a time of extraordinary change for the body, marked by radical shifts in hormones and the incredible work of nurturing new life. But amidst all the focus on growing a baby, it’s just as important to focus on yourself—your well-being, your comfort, and yes, your vaginal health.

    Start with Preparation

    A healthy pregnancy begins before conception. Scheduling a pre-pregnancy care visit with your physician is a great first step toward understanding your body’s needs and creating a plan for the months ahead. This is the time to focus on building a foundation of care that includes every part of your health—including nurturing your vaginal microbiome.

    Steps to support yourself before pregnancy include:

    • Get to know your cycle! Understanding the rhythm of your menstrual cycle can help you time conception and tune into your body’s signals such as a rise in libido and fluctuations in discharge.
    • Keep your vaginal microbiome balanced to support resilience. Using products like a natural fertility lubricant helps create a healthy vaginal microbial environment and reduce the risk of infections as you prepare for pregnancy.
    • Make a plan with your physician. Open conversations about your health history, any concerns, and strategies for self-care can help you feel more confident in the months ahead.

    Regular Checkups

    Typically, your doctor will schedule monthly visits during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy. As you approach the third trimester, appointments become bi-weekly, and during the final four weeks, you’ll see your doctor weekly. This stepped-up schedule allows your healthcare team to closely monitor your baby’s growth, your body’s changes, and any signs that labor might be near.

    It’s also important to use these visits as an opportunity to speak up about any discomforts or questions you may have. Keeping a journal of symptoms—like sudden fatigue, new aches, or unusual sensations—can help you communicate effectively. Remember, no concern is too small to discuss!

    Common Vaginal Discomforts During Pregnancy

    Vaginal discomfort is a common experience during pregnancy and these discomforts often include:

    • Pressure.
    • Pain.
    • Itching.
    • Increased discharge.
    • Vaginal swelling due to an increase in blood flow.
    • A feeling of fullness, often due to the growing uterus putting pressure on surrounding tissues and the hormone relaxin loosening pelvic ligaments. While this discomfort can occur throughout pregnancy, it is typically more noticeable in the later trimesters.

    How to Stay Balanced During Pregnancy

    There are a few reasons you may experience vaginal discomfort during pregnancy; the root cause depends on you, your body and where you’re at in terms of gestation. Much of what you’re feeling is tied to your ligaments stretching to accommodate the baby's growth. A constant swirl of hormones also impacts your vagina and keeping a relief gel handy might just be the trick to getting through those uncomfortable moments with a little more ease.

    Supporting your vaginal microbiome during pregnancy is one of the best ways to stay balanced and comfortable. Throughout the first trimester, Lactobacillus species—the local heroes of the vaginal microbiome—begin to dominate. These beneficial bacteria create an environment that’s inhospitable to potential pathogens, playing a vital role in protecting you and your baby from infection.

    Fun fact: This progression toward a more stable microbiome doesn’t just happen in the vagina—it occurs simultaneously in the gut and mouth, showcasing the interconnected nature of your body’s ecosystems.

    To keep your vaginal microbiome thriving during pregnancy, maintaining a balanced pH is essential. This allows Lactobacillus to flourish while reducing the risk of discomfort or infection.

    Postnatal Care

    As it turns out, while our shelves have long been stacked with all manner of information and goods designed with baby in mind, far fewer have addressed the needs of the humans who did the birthing. It’s a disappointing white space considering the first months postpartum are a time positively fraught with emotional and physical challenges that many will find themselves wholly unprepared for. With over four million births in the U.S. each year, that’s millions of bodies recovering, adjusting, and healing from one of the most intense experiences life has to offer. Let’s talk about what that care looks like—and how to make it better.

    Postpartum Recovery Timeline

    Recovering from childbirth is a gradual process, with most physical healing taking six to eight weeks for vaginal births. Cesarean deliveries often require more time and additional care. During this period, your body clears out blood and tissue from the uterus through lochia, a postpartum discharge that can last up to six weeks. Initially heavy and bright red, it tapers off over time, shifting to pink, brown, yellow, or white. Hygiene during this time is key, so keep a pack of wipes made with Bio-Match® technology to gently nourish and cleanse your vulva.

    You’ll likely also experience vaginal soreness and swelling in the early weeks as your body adjusts. Increased blood flow and fluid during pregnancy contribute to this tenderness, which gradually subsides with time. The “fourth trimester” is a time to go at your own pace—wait for your provider’s approval before resuming activities like sex or exercise, and don’t underestimate the power of rest and support as you heal.

    Body Care Tips for Postpartum Recovery

    After giving birth, your body needs time and care to heal. While the postpartum recovery process can feel overwhelming, the right approach can make all the difference in your comfort and healing. Here’s a breakdown of simple, effective tips to care for your vagina and overall well-being after birth, inspired by advice from medical experts and moms who’ve been there:

    1. Stock up on hospital handouts

    You’ll definitely want to grab some freebies from your postpartum recovery room before checking out of the hospital. Get as many of the hospital pads as possible—they’re better than anything you can get in the store. Consider stocking up on the hospital’s mesh panties too. (Don’t be shy—ask your nurse for extras.) When you’re bleeding for weeks on end, disposable panties are a lifesaver. And don’t forget your peri bottle (a squirt bottle for rinsing the vulva). It’ll keep you feeling clean and help ease any stinging sensation you experience around your vaginal stitches after birth when you pee.

    2. Moisturize!

    Applying a moisturizing gel to your vagina and vulva can provide soothing relief, especially if you’re experiencing postpartum dryness or irritation. It’s a small step that goes a long way in supporting your body’s recovery and keeping you comfortable.

    3. Don’t use douching products

    As we mentioned earlier, your vaginal microbiome relies on lactobacilli to maintain its natural balance. These beneficial bacteria produce lactic acid, creating a slightly acidic environment that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. Douching essentially acts as a sweeping mechanism, washing away these protective bacteria and disrupting your microbiome. Instead of douching, focus on supporting your vaginal health with products like vaginal suppositories containing lactobacilli to restore balance and reduce the risk of infection.

    4. Invest in good lube

    It’s true that your vagina will never be exactly the same as it was before baby, but that isn’t a bad thing—and it won’t affect your sex life in the ways you might think. Sure, it’ll take some time for things to feel “normal” again, but when you’re ready for sex after baby—and you’ve held off for the recommended six weeks—feel empowered to go for it. Just don’t forget lubrication! The drop in estrogen after delivery (and while breastfeeding) causes a thinning of your vaginal mucosa, often leading to dryness. All this can make sex less comfortable, but investing in an aloe-based lube can be a lifesaver, providing gentle, soothing moisture when you need it most.

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