Vaginal discharge increases during pregnancy and the reason for this is due to:
During pregnancy, the cervix (womb’s neck) and vaginal walls soften and discharge increases to help prevent infections from spreading from the vagina to the womb. Increased progesterone levels can also cause you to produce more fluid.
Increased discharge is a typical pregnancy symptom, but it’s crucial to monitor it and let your doctor know if it changes in any way.
What is the pregnancy discharge?
A woman goes through many changes during her pregnancy, some of which are concerning while others are not, so what about pregnancy discharge? Here’s everything you need to know about it.
Discharges are normal at various stages of the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. Its density increases in the last months so the pregnant woman confuses them with urine.
Vaginal discharges are defined as a mixture of mucous fluid made up of some bacteria and dead cells. It contains many beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus that maintain the vaginal PH, thus preventing the growth of harmful fungi and bacteria.
Pregnancy causes an increase and a change in vaginal discharge, whether in quantity, colour or even texture, but what do different pregnancy discharges mean? And when should you see a doctor?
Different colours of pregnancy discharges and their indications
Healthy vaginal discharge, also known as leukorrhea, is thin, clear, or white, with a mild odour.
In general, an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge is an initial indication of pregnancy, and during its various stages, a woman may notice that these discharges differ.
The first thing that a pregnant woman notices is the difference in the colour of these discharges, knowing that each colour indicates a specific matter, as some changes in them, such as to be yellow, green, or grey, or the issuance of strong and bad smells from them, accompanied by redness, itching or swelling, indicate the presence of infections and infectious diseases such as fungi or sexually transmitted diseases or the presence of Complications of pregnancy, so it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately if the pregnant woman notices any of these symptoms.
An appropriate, healthy discharge should: be pure, white, and odour-free.
Inform your doctor if:
The effusion is coloured (greenish or brownish)
There is blood in the discharge, which smells odd, and you experience itching or soreness.
As these discharges could be one of the following colours:
1- Clear or milky white
These are considered normal and healthy pregnancy discharges, especially if they are not accompanied by a pungent and unpleasant odour.
On the other hand, any change in its quantity or texture may indicate a problem.
In case you notice an increase in the amount of this type of discharge, or its texture becomes hard or thick like a jelly, it is important to visit a doctor, as it may indicate premature labour.
2- White and lumpy
A yeast infection can be identified by lumpy, white or off-white vaginal discharge.
If these discharges are accompanied by the following symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor:
vaginal itching;
vaginal burning;
Pain during urination or sex
3- Green or yellow
Vaginal discharge that is green or yellow is unhealthy and could indicate a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) like chlamydia or trichomoniasis. Redness or irritation in the genital area is an additional potential symptom. STIs can occasionally go unnoticed.
Due to pregnancy complications brought on by STIs, both the mother and the fetus may suffer. These conditions can affect a child’s nervous system and development as well as the mother’s ability to become pregnant, and they sometimes take years to manifest themselves.
4- Gray
Particularly if it also has a fishy odour that gets worse after sexual activity, grey vaginal discharge may be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV).
5- Brown
Discharge, which can be an early sign of pregnancy, is typically brown because it results from old blood leaving the body. Brown discharge during pregnancy is typically nothing to worry about.
However, expectant mothers should call their doctor if they experience a dark brown discharge.
6- Pink
Pregnancy pink discharge may or may not be typical. Early in pregnancy or in the final weeks as the body gets ready for labour, discharge with a pink tint is frequently experienced. Additionally, it can happen throughout an ectopic pregnancy or just prior to a miscarriage.
7- Red
Pregnant women who experience red vaginal discharge should see a doctor right away, especially if it is heavy, contains clots, or is accompanied by cramping and abdominal pain.
Late pregnancy bleeding may be a sign of potentially serious problems or preterm labour, both of which necessitate immediate medical attention.
Advice on how to handle vaginal discharge while pregnant
- Take regular showers and put on breathable cotton-lined underwear. It helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria and ward off vaginal infections by keeping the area clean and dry.
- Put on some pads or pantyliners. These suffocate extra discharge and could make you feel more at ease. Avoid using tampons, which can contaminate your vagina.
- Leave the jerks at the pharmacy. Douching should be completely avoided during pregnancy as it has not been proven to be safe. Additionally, it can cause bacterial vaginosis by upsetting the normal balance of microorganisms in your vagina.
- Put off using wipes. Your vagina cleans itself! Your genital tract’s pH may change as a result of using wipes, increasing your risk of infection. Choose pH-safe wipes that are devoid of chemicals and alcohol if you must have that “clean feeling.”
