External female genitalia are structures external to the vagina. These structures are sometimes collectively named the vulva

Advising the pregnant woman to keep this area clean through good personal hygiene is very important as infections of the bladder and vagina are common in pregnancy, and if bacteria get into her uterus, she could loose the baby

The vulva

The vulva consists of:

Mons pubis: hairy, fatty part of the vulva.

Clitoris: small and shaped like a flower bud. It is the part of the vulva that is most sensitive to touch.

Vaginal opening: entrance to the vagina.

Hymen: thin piece of skin just inside the vaginal opening. A hymen may stretch or tear and bleed a little because of strenuous exercise, as well as by the first sexual penetration.

Perineum: skin-covered muscular area between the vaginal opening and the anus. It helps to support the contents of the pelvic cavity.

Anus: opening of the intestine, where waste (stool) leaves the body. The anus connects to the rectum (the lower part of the intestine).

Urethral opening: short tube that carries the urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.