Discharge During Pregnancy: Types and What Is Considered Normal

Pregnancy changes familiar things, and the nature of vaginal discharge is no exception. There is more of it, and in most cases this is a sign that the body is working properly. Below is what normal looks like and when there is a reason to see a doctor.

What discharge can be like during pregnancy

Vaginal discharge is a mixture of mucus from the cervix, fluid from the vaginal walls, shed cells, and the bacteria that live there. During pregnancy the volume of discharge increases due to higher levels of estrogen and progesterone, and this is normal: the mucus helps prevent infection from passing from the vagina into the uterus.

Healthy discharge is usually thin, clear or milky white, and without an unpleasant odor. The consistency can vary — from watery to thick and sticky — and the color may be white or yellowish: when exposed to air, the secretion often changes shade. Normal discharge during pregnancy does not contain blood and does not cause itching. The acidity of the environment during pregnancy is higher than usual: this is a protection, but the body is more sensitive to yeast infections.

White discharge in early pregnancy and in the 1st trimester

White, milky discharge is the most common normal variant. At the beginning of pregnancy there is usually more discharge than before: this is how estrogen and progesterone act. If it has no odor and does not cause itching or irritation, there is nothing to worry about.

A different picture is thrush. Its discharge is white, thick, and resembles cottage cheese, usually without odor, and is almost always accompanied by itching and irritation around the vagina. Thrush during pregnancy is treated, but some medications are not used during this period, so the choice is up to the doctor.

Yellow and yellowish discharge: what it may indicate

A pale yellowish tint without odor or itching may be a normal variant. Yellow or green discharge, especially with odor, itching, or pain when urinating, is a reason to see a doctor.

The causes vary: sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis), bacterial vaginosis with gray discharge and a fishy odor, which is not sexually transmitted. The exact cause can only be determined by examination results.

Green, watery, and thin discharge: what it means

Green color is not a normal variant. Together with an unpleasant odor, itching, or pain when urinating, it may indicate an infection — in that case you need to contact a doctor.

Thin and watery discharge, on the contrary, is among the usual consistency variants. It should be assessed as a whole: if the amount has changed sharply, or odor, itching, irritation, or discomfort has appeared, this is no longer normal. Changes in volume, color, consistency, or odor are considered abnormal, especially together with itching.

Discharge in the 2nd trimester and later

The closer to childbirth, the more discharge there is. A yellowish tint without odor or itching may itself be a normal variant, and toward the end of pregnancy the volume of discharge increases even more.

In the last week or so, streaks of sticky, jelly-like pink mucus may appear in the discharge. This is the so-called plug — the mucus that covered the cervix throughout pregnancy and now begins to come away. This is how the body prepares for childbirth; it may come away several times in the days before contractions.

When discharge during pregnancy requires seeing a doctor

There are four signs for which you should call the doctor managing your pregnancy:

• the discharge smells unpleasant or strange;
• it is green or yellow;
• you feel itching or soreness around the vagina;
• urination is accompanied by pain.

Any of these may be a symptom of a vaginal infection. Any vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is a separate reason to seek help without delay. An unscheduled visit is also needed for a sharp change in the amount, color, odor, or consistency of discharge, or for fever or pain in the pelvis and abdomen. At the appointment the doctor performs an examination, including a gynecological one, and if necessary orders tests: a culture from the cervix and microscopic examination of the discharge.

Discharge by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — if vaginal bleeding begins during pregnancy and you cannot get to a doctor quickly.

This material is for reference: it helps you understand what is happening with your body, but does not replace consultation with a doctor who sees your situation as a whole.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer