I know I am probably crazy and paranoid to say the least but I really could do with some words of advice or even better, reassurance (again).

Some of you might have seen my earlier posts as I have been experiencing shooting pains in the cervix/vagina which were really concerning me. I tested negative for a UTI and cream for an external infection (canesten) has had no effect. The maternity assessment unit seemed to think was just stretching or thrush (even though i explained canesten not done any good) when I phoned them.

In the past 24 hours however, the pain down below has got particularly worse, and more constant. It is stinging/burning and I think it is external and I am hoping it is as that'd mean it is nothing serious. Though I have also been getting internal shooting pains too which I've earlier put down to be stretching.

I know with external infections, and in pregnancy in general, discharge is common and perfectly normal. Before all this started in the past week, I had a bit more discharge than normal but not excessive, however i have had loads in last few days to the point where a few times I have felt it come out (sorry if tmi!) and there has been a large visible wet patch of clear discharge in my pants or on pantyliner. The pain down there is more constant and I am also getting on and off abdominal pains (not severe and just like stretching). Here is where you are going to think I am crazy, but I read a few articles on google which I know is wrong, but I am starting to panic over incompetent cervix (because of the pains) and worry I might be leaking amniotic fluid as the discharge is so heavy!

Please don't think I am nuts, but can anyone help me with any advice or reassurrance? (though be honest if you think I should be worried)

Thanks in advance!

If it is thrush, an external cream wont get rid of it inside. You need the pessary (which is totally safe in pregnancy providing you insert it with a finget not the applicator). Maybe go to the doctors and get some swabs done? Make sure there are no other infections going on?
xx

How long has it gone on? And how far along are you? If you don't mind me asking. Just that at around 15-18 weeks I experienced a lot of pain and discharge and was constantly paranoid that something was going wrong. It was just a massive growth spurt I think and after a few weeks settled down. Good luck and def get checked out further if you are worried.

Does it feel like you are being stabbed by a knitting needle? Is it like a sharp, shooting pain? If so it is perfectly normal. I had it a lot in the my last pregnancy during the 2nd trimester. It is not incompetent cervix (although I was worried about the same thing at the time) and plenty of other pregnant ladies experience the same sensation. When I asked the drs about it I got a range of explanations for it, I.e baby kicking a nerve, stretching etc.

Oh and the discharge if clear and not offensive smelling is perfectly normal and unrelated. I had loads during the 2nd trimester to the point I thought I was leaking fluid too (I was an paranoid first timer) and I even went to the hospital about it. They took swaps to check for leakage but it was just regular pregnancy discharge. I used to feel (tmi) little gushes of it coming out. Despite my paranoia and anxiousness about the same things you are worried about I had a perfectly normal healthy pregnancy. I am much more relaxed this time around. Thank god, all the worrying really took it out of me!

Thanks everyone, you have helped reassure me.

beth-terri, I am going to see my doctor again just in case I do need a pessary. Not sure if it is an infection or just stretching. soo frustrating!

mandwrx, it has gone on now for nearly a week but has got slightly worse yesterday and this morning. I am 18 weeks and 3 days. You may be right and it could be a growth spurt. I had shooting pains at 15 weeks (but without the added discharge) and they calmed down so hopefully this is all it is this time too.

Babyface179, thanks for your help, and yes it is EXACTLY like being stabbed doen there by a knitting needle, you couldn't have put it better to describe it. I just wish I knew what to expect as maybe then I'd stop worrying, lol.

xxx