Flo Helps You Understand The Signs Of Pregnancy, Including The Earliest Symptoms. Learn how to track and spot early signs of pregnancy. Try Flo to be prepared.
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Is vaginal discharge normal during pregnancy?
What does vaginal discharge look like during pregnancy?
What does a healthy vaginal discharge look like?
When does a vaginal discharge start?
Why is vaginal discharge common during pregnancy?
Why is my discharge so heavy during pregnancy?
Vaginal discharge in pregnancy. You will always have some vaginal discharge starting during puberty and reducing after the menopause. How much discharge you have changes from time to time. It usually gets heavier just before your period.
- Overview
- What is normal discharge?
- Discharge colors and their meaning
- Dealing with vaginal discharge during pregnancy
- When to see a doctor
- Takeaway
Vaginal discharge can vary in color, texture, and volume during pregnancy. Most discharge should be clear or milky white. Other colors, such as green or yellow, can sometimes indicate an infection or other problems.
An increase in vaginal discharge is often one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.
Color is one of the most noticeable changes that can occur. Discharge can be:
•clear or milky white
•white and lumpy
•green or yellow
It is normal to have discharge at various stages of the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy.
Healthy vaginal discharge, also called leukorrhea, is thin and clear or white and has only a mild odor.
The volume of discharge increases throughout pregnancy to reduce the risk of vaginal and uterine infections.
Discharge is at its most heavy in the final weeks of pregnancy, when it may contain pink mucus.
Clear or milky white
This color suggests leukorrhea, which is usually a normal and healthy discharge, especially if it smells mild. However, any changes in its quantity or consistency may suggest an issue. A woman who is pregnant but not yet at full term should see a doctor if she experiences an increase in clear discharge that leaks continuously or becomes thick and jelly-like. These changes may suggest preterm labor.
White and lumpy
Vaginal discharge that is lumpy and either white or off-white, resembling cottage cheese, can indicate a yeast infection. Yeast infections are common, and the body is particularly susceptible to them during pregnancy. Other symptoms include itching, burning, and painful urination or intercourse.
Green or yellow
Green or yellow vaginal discharge is not healthy and suggests a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or trichomoniasis. Other possible symptoms include redness or irritation in the genitals. STIs sometimes do not cause any symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), STIs can cause complications during pregnancy that can affect both the woman and child. These complications sometimes do not present until years after the birth, but they can affect the nervous system and development of the child and cause infertility in the woman. People may occasionally think that they have yellow discharge when they are merely leaking small amounts of urine.
An increase in the volume of mild-smelling vaginal discharge during pregnancy is normal, but unusual colors and odors often indicate infection.
A doctor can prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat infections in this area of the body.
Women can usually maintain vaginal health during pregnancy by doing the following:
•Avoiding using tampons.
•Avoiding douching.
•Choosing unscented personal care products and feminine hygiene items, including unscented toilet paper and soaps.
It is essential to discuss any unusual discharge with a doctor as this symptom may suggest an infection that requires treatment or an issue with the pregnancy. Without treatment, infections can lead to complications.
An increase in discharge during pregnancy is normal, but unusual discharge alongside strong odors or discomfort in the vagina or abdomen is often indicative of a health issue. This is also the case for discharge that is green, yellow, or gray.
Women should seek immediate medical care if they experience spotting or bleeding that is heavy, persists for more than a day, or occurs alongside pain or cramps.
Mar 8, 2019 · Typical vaginal discharge is thin, clear, or milky white, as well as mild smelling. It will fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, the discharge will...
- Juliann Schaeffer
In this article, Dr. Celestine explains why discharge is important during pregnancy, what different-colored vaginal discharge might mean, and when (or if) you should seek medical help.
Vaginal discharge is a fluid or mucus that keeps your vagina clean and moist and prevents infection. It gets heavier during pregnancy, especially towards the end, as it helps to stop bacteria going up to the womb from the vagina. You’re also likely to get more discharge when you’re pregnant because more blood is flowing to the area.
Oct 23, 2023 · Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is common. Normal discharge is known as leukorrhea and has a milky white or clear color. It is thin and has a mild scent. An increase in normal discharge is often the first sign of pregnancy.
Jan 9, 2024 · What does pregnancy discharge look like? Learn what to know about vaginal discharge during pregnancy, what’s normal and when to call the doctor.
