As soon as you conceive, you may start white vaginal discharge. White discharge during pregnancy and you might have a lot of questions like Is White Discharge before period is sign of pregnancy, why white discharge happen during early pregnancy, vaginal discharge during 1st week of pregnancy and lot many…

In this article we will talk about some of the facts about Vaginal Discharge specially during pregnancy.

Some Key Facts About Vaginal Discharge

Vaginal discharge is a body fluid that keeps your vagina clean and moist. It helps stop infections from developing in your vagina. Vaginal discharge varies from person to person—some people have a lot of discharge, while others may have light discharge. Normal vaginal discharge changes over the course of your menstrual cycle and when you are pregnant or breastfeeding. So basically, white discharge or brown discharge can happen from pre pregnancy till the entire nine months of pregnancy.

Increased white discharge during pregnancy or vaginal discharge during pregnancy is caused by higher levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone in your body. Almost immediately after conception, the walls of your vagina start to thicken, producing a white, milky discharge that may continue throughout your pregnancy.

Smell: Vaginal discharge may have an odour, but it shouldn’t be strong or unpleasant. As your pregnancy progresses, this discharge usually becomes more noticeable, and it is heaviest at the end of your pregnancy. Vaginal discharge helps prevent infections from traveling up from the vagina to the womb.

In your vagina, there are good bacteria called lactobacilli that help keep it healthy. If the balance of bacteria is disturbed, leading to an overgrowth of yeast or bad bacteria, you might develop an abnormal vaginal discharge. An abnormal vaginal discharge is most often caused by an infection. When you’re pregnant, you have a higher risk of developing vaginal thrush or bacterial vaginosis, which can cause unusual vaginal discharge.

Colour of Discharge :

Vaginal discharge can be:

  • Clear or milky white
  • White and lumpy
  • Green or yellow
  • Grey
  • Brown
  • Pink

Discharge Colours and Their Meaning :

Different colours may indicate different health issues:

  • Brown Discharge : It is usually old blood that has taken longer to exit the uterus. Light spotting can occur when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining.
  • Clear or Milky White Discharge : This suggests leukorrhea, which is usually a normal and healthy discharge, especially if it smells mild. However, any changes in its quantity or consistency may suggest an issue.
  • White and Lumpy Discharge : Lumpy, white, or off-white discharge resembling cottage cheese can indicate a yeast infection. Yeast infections are common, especially during pregnancy. Other symptoms include itching, burning, and painful urination or intercourse.
  • Green or Yellow Discharge: This is not healthy and suggests a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Other symptoms may include redness or irritation in the genitals. STIs sometimes do not cause symptoms but can lead to complications affecting both the woman and child.
  • Grey Discharge : May indicate bacterial vaginosis, which often has a fishy smell that becomes stronger after intercourse.
  • Pink Discharge : Pink discharge may or may not be normal. It often occurs during early pregnancy or in the final weeks as the body prepares for labor. However, it can also indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.

Important to Know :

  • Before labor, you might have a ‘show,’ which is a sticky vaginal discharge that has been sealing your cervix during pregnancy.
  • See your doctor or midwife if your discharge changes in color, consistency, or smell.

Does Discharge during pregnancy Have a Smell ?

Just as our mouths salivate, a woman’s vagina has a certain amount of normal discharge, and every woman also has her own unique smell—this is perfectly natural. Vaginal discharge, or leucorrhea, is a fluid discharged from the vagina.

Checking Your Vaginal Discharge :

To check your vaginal discharge:

  • Wipe the opening of your vagina with white toilet paper or tissue and check the colour and texture.
  • Observe the discharge on your underwear.
  • Insert clean fingers into your vagina and check the mucus’s colour and texture.

Your discharge may be abnormal if it:

  • Looks green, yellow, brown, or grey
  • Has a bad odour
  • Is blood-stained
  • Changes in texture (thin and runny, cottage cheese-like, or frothy)
  • Is accompanied by itching or pain

Dealing With Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy :

An increase in the volume of mild-smelling vaginal discharge during pregnancy is normal, but unusual colours and odours often indicate infection. A doctor can prescribe antibiotics or other medications for treatment.

To maintain vaginal health during pregnancy:

  • Use unscented personal care products, including toilet paper and soaps.
  • Wear panty liners to absorb excess discharge.
  • Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
  • Dry the genital area thoroughly after showering or swimming.
  • Wear breathable underwear.
  • Avoid tight jeans and nylon pantyhose.
  • Maintain a healthy diet and limit sugar intake to prevent yeast infections.
  • Consume probiotic foods and supplements that are safe during pregnancy to help prevent bacterial imbalances.

When Should You See Your Doctor ?

See your doctor if you notice any unusual vaginal discharge. It could be a sign of an infection. Your doctor will ask about your discharge and other symptoms, possibly recommending a swab test to check for infection. If diagnosed, your doctor will prescribe treatment. Some genital infections can cause pregnancy complications, so timely medical advice is crucial.

Pregnancy increases the risk of:

  • Vaginal thrush
  • Bacterial vaginosis

It is essential to discuss any unusual discharge with your doctor, as untreated infections can lead to complications. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience bleeding or fluid leakage from your vagina during pregnancy.

Difference Between Vaginal Discharge and a ‘Show’

A ‘show’ is a specific type of discharge that appears shortly before labor. During pregnancy, a mucus plug seals the cervix to prevent infections. When the cervix starts to dilate in preparation for labour, the mucus plug is expelled, called a ‘show.’ It may be watery, sticky, or jelly-like, sometimes containing blood or appearing pink or brown.

If you see bright red blood or blood that is not mixed with mucus, contact your doctor immediately—this is likely not a ‘show.’

Difference Between Vaginal Discharge and Your Waters Breaking

During pregnancy, your baby is inside a sac filled with amniotic fluid. When the sac breaks, it releases amniotic fluid, known as your waters breaking. You will feel liquid trickling or gushing from your vagina and won’t be able to hold it in.

Your waters usually break during labour but can happen earlier. If this happens before you reach full term, contact your doctor immediately.

The Takeaway

Having thin, whitish, and creamy discharge during pregnancy is completely normal. You might notice an increase in this type of discharge a few weeks after fertilization, and it will likely become more abundant as your pregnancy progresses.

If you experience symptoms such as itching, stinging, a foul odour, or discharge that is yellow, green, or resembles cottage cheese, consult your doctor. They can determine if treatment is needed. Avoid self-medicating or following social media advice without professional guidance.

Pregnancy brings many bodily changes, but try not to be overly concerned. Vaginal discharge is a sign of your body working to protect your baby. Maintaining good vaginal hygiene is key to staying healthy.

Disclaimer :

This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, every pregnancy is unique, and individual circumstances may vary. If you experience unusual vaginal discharge, pain, bleeding, or any concerning symptoms, please consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article.