From random cravings to mood swings, there’s no dearth of gyan on what to expect when you’re expecting. However, there is a common pregnancy symptom that no one talks about—vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Why does it happen? Should you be worried? Does it change over different trimesters? What colour and texture should you expect? If you’re a mommy-to-be, these questions about vaginal discharge during pregnancy could be bothering you. And while your gynaecologist is the best person to guide you, we’re here to help you get some info on the matter. Read on to find out everything about vaginal discharge during pregnancy.
What is Vaginal Discharge?
Vaginal discharge is a fluid in the body that keeps your vagina moist and clean. It also prevents infections from developing in your vagina. Normal discharge changes throughout your menstrual cycle and with other situations such as pregnancy, and breastfeeding. It varies from person to person- some people experience very light discharge while others might have a lot of discharge. A normal vaginal discharge doesn’t smell strong, should be clear, white or cream-coloured.
Most often, abnormal vaginal discharge is caused by an infection. It happens due to some medicines, health conditions or using products that irritate your vulva or vagina. While pregnancy, white discharge is something you might notice more than usual.
Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy
Whether you’re pregnant or not, a white or clear, non-offensive discharge is absolutely normal. According to a study published in the journal BMJ, it is a sign of a healthy vagina and nothing to worry about. However, vaginal discharge during pregnancy can vary in colour, texture, and volume from your regular vaginal discharge. The blame goes to hormonal changes. While most of these changes are NBD, some may indicate infection or other problems. Let’s break it down further and understand what different kinds and pregnancy discharge colours may indicate:
Clear Or Milky White Pregnancy Discharge
A clear or milky white discharge during pregnancy with a mild smell is called leukorrhea. It may begin as soon as you conceive, increase with time, and last for your entire term. Chillax! It is usually normal and healthy. However, if this clear discharge leaks continuously or becomes thick and jelly-like, you must visit a doc. These changes may be a sign of preterm labour.
White & Lumpy Pregnancy Discharge
Pregnancy can make you more susceptible to yeast infections down there. An egg-white or off-white vaginal discharge during pregnancy that’s lumpy like cottage cheese could be a sign of it. This kind of pregnancy discharge is usually accompanied by symptoms like itching, burning, painful urination, and irritation. You must check with your doc immediately if you experience it.
Green Or Yellow Pregnancy Discharge
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), green or yellow vaginal discharge during pregnancy is unhealthy. It’s usually a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like chlamydia or trichomoniasis. Unfortunately, it can cause pregnancy complications and affect the nervous system of the fetus. This pregnancy discharge may be accompanied by redness and irritation in the genitals or no symptoms at all. Remember, it needs immediate medical intervention.
Grey Pregnancy Discharge
Grey vaginal discharge during pregnancy with a strong fishy odour is a sign of bacterial infection in the vagina called bacterial vaginosis (BV). Douching and maintaining poor intimate hygiene during pregnancy can make you more susceptible to the condition. However, it can be controlled with timely medical intervention.
Brown Pregnancy Discharge
Brown pregnancy discharge is usually old blood leaving the body. It’s normal if you experience it during early pregnancy. However, if you notice it when you’re far along, get in touch with your doc immediately.
Pink Pregnancy Discharge
Pinkish discharge during pregnancy may or may not be normal. It usually occurs during early pregnancy or in the final weeks when the body preps for labour. But it can also occur before a miscarriage or during an ectopic pregnancy. Visit your gynae. They will help you figure out if it’s something to worry about or not.
Red Pregnancy Discharge
Red pregnancy discharge requires immediate medical attention—especially if the bleeding is heavy, contains clots, or is accompanied by cramps and abdominal pain. These symptoms suggest miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Other causes of red discharge may be less serious, especially during the first trimester. It can happen due to implantation or infection too.
How To Deal With Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy
Once you get a clean chit from your doc about your pregnancy discharge, you may want to look at ways to deal with it. If there is nothing to worry about, you can follow these tips to manage vaginal discharge during pregnancy like a boss:
Maintain Proper Intimate Hygiene
First things first with vaginal discharge during pregnancy—steer clear of douching. It washes away the good bacteria in the vagina and makes you prone to infections. If you want to clean up though, use an unscented, mild cleanser to freshen up your genital area and keep infections at bay. Additionally, make sure to wipe it from front to back after urination to keep it from feeling too wet and sticky.
Eat Right
Consuming a balanced diet is super-helpful when it comes to managing vaginal discharge during pregnancy. It can strengthen your immunity and protect you from infections. While avoiding excessive sugar can prevent yeast infections in the vagina, probiotic foods such as curd can keep bacterial infections at bay.
Wear Comfy Clothes
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy can make you feel excessively moist, itchy, and uncomfortable. However, you can beat the discomfort by opting for underwear and lowers in soft, breathable fabrics like cotton. This will allow the skin to breathe and prevent excess moisture in your intimate area.
Use A Panty Liner
It is not recommended to insert a tampon or a menstrual cup during pregnancy. Super-absorbent sanitary pads can feel uncomfortable too. Enter, panty liners. They’re thinner than pads but are cut out to absorb your vaginal discharge in order to keep your intimate area feeling fresh and clean.
Sirona Recommends Best Panty Liner: Sirona Dry Comfort Panty Liners
These Panty Liners provide protection from that uneasy wet feeling due to urinary incontinence, pregnancy discharge, perspiration, and spotting. Made with ultra-soft cotton, they’re super-breathable, wafer-thin, and have a “no-wear feel”. So you can step out feeling confident and comfortable at the same time. Cool, right?
With this product in your kitty, you won’t have to worry about your pregnancy discharge. Give it a try and thank us later.
When to see a doctor
It is important to discuss any unusual discharge with your doctor as this symptom may suggest any issue with pregnancy or infection that requires treatment. If you ignore the symptoms, these infections can lead to complications.
Takeaway
An increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy is normal. But any unusual discharge with a strong odour or discomfort in the vagina or abdomen often indicates a health issue. This is also the case for vaginal discharge that is green, yellow or grey. Women should seek immediate help if they experience heavy bleeding or spotting that exists for more than one day or occurs alongside cramps or pain.
Also Read
Types of vaginal discharge: Vaginal discharge indicates your health status. However, not all types of vaginal discharge are healthy. But do you know about all the types of vaginal discharge and what do they indicate? Read on!
Postpartum haemorrhage: Do you know what is Postpartum Hemorrhage? If you don’t, read on to know its meaning, causes and how to prevent it.
Causes & types of brown discharge during pregnancy: Brown discharge during pregnancy is common but is it normal? To guide you more on this, hit the link to learn about the causes and types of brown discharge during pregnancy.
Vaginal itching during pregnancy: Have you experienced vaginal itching during your pregnancy? Here’s all the info on its causes and how to deal with it!
What are vaginal boils: Wondering what does a vaginal boil mean? Here are 5 common vaginal boil causes, symptoms and how to prevent it.
Bacterial vaginosis: If you don’t know what is bacterial vaginosis, we’ll help you out. Read on to know its causes, symptoms and how is it different from yeast infection.
Implantation bleeding vs period bleeding: Here’s what you need to know about implantation bleeding and how is it different from normal bleeding. We hope this guide helps!
How to Cope With Vaginal Dryness in 5 Simple Ways: Has your vajayjay been high and dry lately? Here’s what to do.
How to deal with vaginal itching during pregnancy: You’re tired of vaginal itching during pregnancy and finding ways to deal with it? Read through our guide and treat it most effectively.
5 Natural Ways to Reduce Symptoms of Menopause: Are menopause side effects getting the better of you? Here’s how to deal with them.
How To Know Menopause Is Around The Corner?: Have your periods been irregular and light lately? Read on to find out if menopause is near.
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