Discharge from pregnancy is vaginal discharge — a liquid-like substance that comes from the vagina, the so-called leucorrhoea– it happens during pregnancy. Every adult with a female reproductive system has vaginal discharge, but many people notice an increase in discharge during pregnancy. In fact, an increase in vaginal discharge can be one of the first signs that you are pregnant.
Although discharge during pregnancy is normal and usually nothing to worry about, it could mean you have an infection when it is associated with a bad smell, itching or pain. If left untreated, infections can lead to pregnancy complications. Talk to your doctor as soon as you notice changes in your vaginal discharge to make sure you get a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Normal discharge during pregnancy is similar to the discharge you may have throughout your adult life. Similar to vaginal discharge when you are not pregnant, this discharge changes throughout the day.
Discharge during pregnancy will also change during pregnancy. You will usually notice more discharge during pregnancy than before, but this can vary from person to person.
Normal pregnancy discharge can:
- Sometimes you look thinner or fatter
- Be clear, white or light yellow
- Have a milky appearance and texture
- Have a mild or musky smell
Discharge during pregnancy can sometimes be mixed with blood, appearing as light pink discharge. Older blood can cause brown discharge. Light spotting during early pregnancy is common and usually nothing to worry about. However, contact your doctor immediately if you experience period-like bleeding or heavy bleeding.
In addition to vaginal discharge during pregnancy, you may notice that your vulva is more swollen than usual and that the color of your vulva and vaginal area darkens during pregnancy. These changes are typical due to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.
What discharge should not look like during pregnancy
It is important to understand the difference between normal discharge during pregnancy and discharge that may indicate an infection. Abnormal discharge during pregnancy can:
- Look grey, yellow or green
- Having a bad or fishy smell
- Look chunky, like cottage cheese
- Be accompanied by itching, burning, soreness or pain during urination
Discharge is a normal part of pregnancy as long as it is not accompanied by other symptoms, such as burning, itching, pain, an unpleasant smell or an unusual color (gray, green, yellow). There are many reasons why you may have normal or abnormal discharge during pregnancy.
The cause of normal discharge in pregnancy
All vaginas produce discharge. When you’re not pregnant, you may notice that your discharge changes during your menstrual cycle – it changes in amount and consistency due to changing hormones.
Pregnancy is no different: During pregnancy, your discharge usually increases, which can be caused by rising levels of the female reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone. This spike also increases blood flow to your vagina and vulva, darkening the color and causing slight swelling.
The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy—along with the weight and pressure of your fetus and uterus—also make you more vulnerable to developing varicose veins in your vagina and vulva. Varicose veins are twisted veins that are visible under the skin.
You may also experience hemorrhoids (swollen, inflamed veins) in the anus due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Causes of abnormal discharge
Bacterial or fungal infections are usually the cause of abnormal discharge during pregnancy. The discharge is yellow, green or greyish and can have a different consistency. It is also usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as burning, itching and pain.
In the same way that pregnancy hormones can cause more vaginal discharge, these same hormones can change the balance of bacteria and fungi in your vagina, making you more susceptible to infection.
Some of the common infections that people develop during pregnancy include:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV): Bacterial overgrowth in the vagina
- trichomoniasis (trich): A sexually transmitted infection (STI) that a parasite can cause
- Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection): A yeast infection that can develop due to an overgrowth of yeast
Discharge during pregnancy is usually quite normal. It is also normal to have more discharge during pregnancy. A normal discharge does not require a visit to your doctor. However, if you have questions and concerns about discharge or other changes to your body during pregnancy, you should not hesitate to contact your doctor.
If you show any signs of a vaginal infection – burning, itching, foul-smelling discharge, unusually colored discharge – talk to your doctor right away. The earlier a vaginal infection is diagnosed and treated during pregnancy, the less likely the infection will affect your pregnancy or your baby.
You should also contact your doctor if you notice blood mixed into your discharge. Although light spotting may be normal in early pregnancy, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor to be sure. Heavy bleeding during pregnancy requires immediate medical attention because it can be a sign of a more serious condition such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
Normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy does not require treatment. If you have more discharge than usual, wearing panty liners can help you deal with it if it gets annoying.
However, abnormal discharge usually requires treatment. Your healthcare provider will likely need to test your vaginal discharge to determine the infection causing the abnormal discharge. This usually involves taking a swab of your vagina and sending the sample to a lab for tests.
The type of treatment depends on the specific pathogen causing the infection. Bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and other bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics; Your doctor will choose an antibiotic that is safe for pregnancy. Vaginal candidiasis (fungal infections) are usually treated with antifungal medications.
Discharge during pregnancy is usually normal and does not require prevention. You can take steps to prevent vaginal infections during pregnancy that could lead to abnormal discharge by doing the following:
- Keep your vagina and vulva dry
- Wear breathable cotton underwear
- Wash the vagina with plain water or simple soap
- Use condoms to prevent STIs
- Avoid rinsing
- Introduce probiotics into your diet or take probiotic supplements
- Contact your doctor if you notice signs of infection
Normal discharge in pregnancy does not cause complications, but infections that cause abnormal discharge can. It is important to seek treatment immediately if you have signs of a vaginal infection. The earlier you receive treatment, the less likely you are to experience complications.
Every vaginal infection comes with its own pregnancy risks. for example:
- Bacterial vaginosis can cause premature labor, premature rupture of membranes (water breaks), and postpartum endometritis (uterine infection).
- Vaginal candidiasis (yeast infection) can cause miscarriage, low birth weight and premature birth.
- Trichomoniasis can cause premature birth, low birth weight and premature rupture of membranes.
It is normal to have vaginal discharge during pregnancy and your typical amount of discharge will increase during this time. Discharge during pregnancy is usually nothing to worry about and is caused by a change in hormones.
People sometimes experience abnormal discharge during pregnancy, such as discharge that smells bad, is gray or green in color, and is accompanied by itching, burning, and pain.
If you have abnormal discharge during pregnancy, it is important to see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.