Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be both exciting and confusing, and it is not always easy to understand which changes are normal and which should raise concerns. An early sign of pregnancy is an increase in vaginal discharge that continues throughout the pregnancy. Vaginal discharge is often thin, transparent, or milky white, and has a slight odour. Throughout the menstrual cycle, it will change. The pregnancy discharge types, which can be different in consistency, thickness, regularity, and volume, will get more severe during pregnancy.

Scroll down to understand when to worry about pregnancy discharge, how to handle leukorrhea, the harmless vaginal discharge that will occur during these nine months of pregnancy.

What is Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge is a natural bodily fluid that helps keep your vagina clean and moist. It also helps in preventing vaginal infections. During your menstrual cycle, as well as during pregnancy and lactation, the characteristics of normal vaginal discharge begin to change. 

Each person experiences vaginal discharge differently. Some individuals may experience less discharge, while others may have more. Clear discharge during pregnancy is usually normal, especially if it doesn’t have a strong odour and appears white or cream in colour. 

Your vagina also has good bacteria called lactobacilli that help maintain the health of your vagina. An abnormal vaginal discharge may occur if the bacterial balance is upset and there is an excess of yeasts or harmful bacteria. An infection is the main reason for an abnormal vaginal discharge. It may also be brought on by certain medications, medical disorders, or the usage of products that irritate your vagina or vulva.

Is It Normal To Have Vaginal Discharge In Pregnancy?

Increased normal vaginal discharge in pregnancy is common. Leukorrhea, a common vaginal discharge, begins to change one to two weeks after conception, even before you miss your period. This discharge typically gets heavier and more noticeable toward the end of your pregnancy. This helps prevent infections from spreading from the vagina to the uterus. 

Your body creates more progesterone and estrogen during pregnancy, which causes your vaginal discharge to increase. During the last week, there may be pink, jelly-like, mucous streaks in the discharge. It's referred to as a "show," and it occurs when the mucus surrounding your cervix during pregnancy disappears. It indicates that the body is beginning to get ready for childbirth. You may have a few minor "shows" in the days leading up to labor.

Also Read: Bleeding during Pregnancy

Does Vaginal Discharge Change During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy-related vaginal discharge is common, although the discharge itself should look like a normal vaginal discharge. You should speak to your doctor if the discharge:

• Turns gray, green, yellow, or brown,
• Has a strong or unpleasant smell,
• Contains blood (outside of expected spotting),
• Become very watery, foamy, or thick, resembling cottage cheese,
• Comes with itching, burning, or pain.

Discharge Colours And Their Meaning

The various colors of vaginal discharge can indicate a number of health issues. When it comes to vaginal discharge and pregnancy symptoms, here’s what different colours might mean: 

When Should I See My Doctor?

Any abnormal discharge should be reported to your healthcare professional because it may indicate an infection or pregnancy issues. Make quick contact with your midwife or doctor:

• If you notice any fluid leaks or experience vaginal bleeding during your pregnancy. 
• If you experience any unusual vaginal discharge, which may indicate an infection.

To check for infections, your doctor may recommend a swab test and suitable treatment according to the infection. Some genital infections might lead to pregnancy complications. Therefore, you must consult your doctor. You might be more susceptible to the following infections when pregnant:

• Vaginal Thrush: Unusual vaginal discharge can be a symptom of thrush, a type of yeast infection. Thrush often causes an increase in vaginal discharge, which is typically white (similar to cottage cheese), odourless, and may be accompanied by itching and irritation around the vagina.
• Bacterial Vaginosis: This infection is caused by changes in the balance of bacteria in the vagina. The most typical symptom is a discharge that smells like fish.

Dealing With Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is normal to experience mild-smelling vaginal discharge. However, unusual colors and odors may indicate an infection. To treat infections in this area of the body, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other drugs. Women can usually maintain their vaginal health during pregnancy by practicing the following:

• Avoid using tampons.
• Avoiding douching.
• Choose unscented feminine hygiene and personal care products, such as soaps and toilet paper.
• Wearing pantyliners to absorb any extra discharge.
• Wiping the genital area from front to back after urinating or bowel movements.
• Completely dry the genitals after swimming and getting a shower.
• Wear breathable fabric underwear.
• Avoid wearing nylon pantyhose and tight pants since these can increase the risk of infection.
• Consuming a balanced diet and limiting sugar intake might prevent yeast infections.
• Trying safe-to-consume probiotic foods and supplements throughout pregnancy that may help avoid vaginal bacterial imbalances.

Take Preventive Steps to Get Rid of Pregnancy Complications!

An increase in discharge during pregnancy is common, but unusual discharge combined with strong odours or discomfort in the vagina or abdomen is usually a sign of a medical condition. This also holds for other pregnancy discharge types, such as gray, yellow, or green discharge. If a woman has severe spotting or bleeding that lasts more than a day or is accompanied by pain or cramps, she should get medical help right away.

At Apollo Spectra, we can help you with your pregnancy and delivery, whether you are trying to conceive or are already pregnant. We treat conditions like heavy vaginal discharge and painful bleeding, improve women's quality of life, and handle problems like gestational diabetes and ectopic pregnancies that need to be treated immediately. Contact one of our obstetricians for effective care!