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. 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 pregnancy discharge 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.
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, the 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 further and understand what different kinds of pregnancy discharges may indicate:
Clear Or Milky White Pregnancy Discharge
A clear or milky white pregnancy discharge 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 discharge 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 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 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
Pink pregnancy discharge 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—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 pregnancy discharge. 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
Sirona’s Dry Comfort 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.
Also Read
How to Cope With Vaginal Dryness in 5 Simple Ways: Has your vajayjay been high and dry lately? Here’s what to do.
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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