Pregnant and leaking white fluid

Milky White Discharge During Pregnancy

Vaginal discharge isn’t a topic most of us want to discuss with our friends. But the fact is, every woman experiences some degree of discharge. And that’s actually a very good thing; it helps to keep vaginal tissue healthy and protects against infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. What’s more, it’s very normal to have an increase in discharge when you have a baby on board. It’s called leukorrhea of pregnancy, and it’s no big deal. But it may explain why you’re feeling slightly swampy down there. So what exactly is leukorrhea and what does it look like? We’re sharing everything you need to know about this thin, milky white discharge—plus, some tips to help you feel a bit fresher.

In this article:
What is leukorrhea?
What does milky white discharge mean?
What does leukorrhea look like during pregnancy?
When to call the doctor
Tips for coping with leukorrhea during pregnancy

What Is Leukorrhea?

Leukorrhea is the medical term for vaginal discharge, and it’s common to have more of it during pregnancy. In the vast majority of cases, it’s completely normal. But when does leukorrhea start during pregnancy? If you recently learned that you’re expecting, you can also expect an uptick in leukorrhea; early pregnancy is often when many women notice a sudden surge. “Leukorrhea may become more noticeable, especially during the first trimester and toward the end of the third trimester closer to delivery,” says Heather Lopez, MD, an ob-gyn with BJC Medical Group at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. She explains that this is “due to increased blood flow to the vagina as well as an increase in pregnancy hormones.”

What Does Milky White Discharge Mean?

Normal vaginal discharge changes throughout a woman’s cycle; as you approach and reach ovulation, cervical mucus may evolve from a cloudy, milky white hue to a more translucent discharge with a stretchy, slippery texture.

You may have a similar thin, milky white discharge during pregnancy. That’s simply one way to describe the inevitable increase in moisture that occurs during pregnancy; you may also notice an increase in sweat in that general area too, which is also common during pregnancy. (Chalk it up to those surging hormones.) For most pregnant women, leukorrhea does resemble milk; it’s somewhat watery and white or cloudy. Leukorrhea discharge can even leave a chalky stain on your underwear. Still, there are many variations of “normal” when it comes to leukorrhea in pregnancy, so don’t be surprised if your discharge looks a bit different.

What Does Leukorrhea Look Like During Pregnancy?

Heather Bartos, MD, an ob-gyn and medical director at Be. Women’s Health & Wellness in Frisco, Texas, outlines the many different types of leukorrhea discharge: “Normal leukorrhea can be a milky white vaginal discharge that’s opaque. But it can also be a bit yellow or even slightly brown.” If it’s more of a clear mucus, that’s fine too. ”But it’s usually thin, unlike the thicker curd-like discharge you typically see with a yeast infection,” she explains.

So how do you know what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to leukorrhea in pregnancy? Just keep an eye out for any changes to the discharge you’re having. “When I talk to my patients about leukorrhea, we discuss that the amount and frequency of leukorrhea can be different for each patient,” says Lopez.

When to Call the Doctor

While leukorrhea discharge varies from woman to woman, there are some potential red flags to watch for. “Call your doctor if the leukorrhea has changed for you—it now has a different smell or it’s blood tinged, meaning there’s a pink or dark brown tinge to it, or if it becomes very irritating and you’re worried that it might be something like yeast or bacterial vaginosis,” Bartos advises. When it comes to leukorrhea discharge, you’ll want to reach out to your OB or midwife if you experience any of the following:

• A sudden increase in watery discharge. If you’re experiencing what seems like a constant flow or perpetual dripping of thin, watery fluid, it could indicate a small leak of amniotic fluid instead of leukorrhea. How can you tell the difference? Amniotic fluid leak will keep going and may even smell slightly sweet. Leukorrhea can be annoying, but it won’t gush out and shouldn’t smell like much of anything.
• A greenish tint or foul smell. “It’s important to call your doctor if you notice that the leukorrhea becomes associated with a foul odor, or if it’s causing irritation such as painful urination or a burning sensation in the vagina,” says Lopez. These symptoms may indicate an infection.
• An increase in thickness or chunky white discharge. Leukorrhea is typically thin. If it becomes extra thick or has a chunky white texture, it can be a sign of a yeast infection, which your doctor can treat to prevent further discomfort and itchiness.

Tips for Coping With Leukorrhea During Pregnancy

Experiencing extra leukorrhea discharge during pregnancy isn’t usually something to worry about. It can be kind of inconvenient and annoying, though—feeling perpetually damp or oozy down there isn’t particularly pleasant. The key to abating any discomfort is taking proactive steps to make yourself feel dry and fresh. “If leukorrhea during pregnancy is causing irritation or itchiness, it’s okay to use a zinc oxide cream to form a protective barrier,” says Bartos. She also suggests dusting a pinch of cornstarch into your underwear to help absorb some of the excess moisture. Other helpful tips for dealing with the milky white discharge of pregnancy? Lopez suggests wearing a panty liner and opting for breathable cotton underwear. She also warns against any vaginal douching.

Leukorrhea isn’t the most glamorous side effect of pregnancy, but it’s not something to stress about either. Remember: That thin, milky white discharge is helping keep your vagina clean, and it should eventually subside. Of course, if you have any concerns about normal (or abnormal) leukorrhea or anything else, reach out to your doctor.

About the experts:

Heather Bartos, MD, is an ob-gyn and the medical director of Be. Women’s Health & Wellness in Frisco, Texas. A navy veteran, she spent 12 years serving the women and spouses of the armed forces, and was an associate professor at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. She completed her residency at Baylor College of Medicine, and earned her medical degree at The University of Texas.

Heather Lopez, MD, is an ob-gyn with BJC Medical Group at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. She earned her medical degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Bleeding and Spotting During Pregnancy: What It May Mean

15 Early Signs of Pregnancy

What to Do About Early Pregnancy Cramps

save article

Pregnancy Week by Week

Select your week below to track each stage of your first trimester.

Join

Already a member? Log In

Sign up for weekly updates to help you on the road to parenthood!

Choose Your Journey

Want a personalized experience?

Download The Bump App for daily pregnancy and newborn updates with our free app

Next on Your Reading List

Milky White Discharge During Pregnancy

Vaginal discharge isn’t a topic most of us want to discuss with our friends. But the fact is, every woman experiences some degree of discharge. And that’s actually a very good thing; it helps to keep vaginal tissue healthy and protects against infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. What’s more, it’s very normal to have an increase in discharge when you have a baby on board. It’s called leukorrhea of pregnancy, and it’s no big deal. But it may explain why you’re feeling slightly swampy down there. So what exactly is leukorrhea and what does it look like? We’re sharing everything you need to know about this thin, milky white discharge—plus, some tips to help you feel a bit fresher.

In this article:
What is leukorrhea?
What does milky white discharge mean?
What does leukorrhea look like during pregnancy?
When to call the doctor
Tips for coping with leukorrhea during pregnancy

What Is Leukorrhea?

Leukorrhea is the medical term for vaginal discharge, and it’s common to have more of it during pregnancy. In the vast majority of cases, it’s completely normal. But when does leukorrhea start during pregnancy? If you recently learned that you’re expecting, you can also expect an uptick in leukorrhea; early pregnancy is often when many women notice a sudden surge. “Leukorrhea may become more noticeable, especially during the first trimester and toward the end of the third trimester closer to delivery,” says Heather Lopez, MD, an ob-gyn with BJC Medical Group at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. She explains that this is “due to increased blood flow to the vagina as well as an increase in pregnancy hormones.”

What Does Milky White Discharge Mean?

Normal vaginal discharge changes throughout a woman’s cycle; as you approach and reach ovulation, cervical mucus may evolve from a cloudy, milky white hue to a more translucent discharge with a stretchy, slippery texture.

You may have a similar thin, milky white discharge during pregnancy. That’s simply one way to describe the inevitable increase in moisture that occurs during pregnancy; you may also notice an increase in sweat in that general area too, which is also common during pregnancy. (Chalk it up to those surging hormones.) For most pregnant women, leukorrhea does resemble milk; it’s somewhat watery and white or cloudy. Leukorrhea discharge can even leave a chalky stain on your underwear. Still, there are many variations of “normal” when it comes to leukorrhea in pregnancy, so don’t be surprised if your discharge looks a bit different.

What Does Leukorrhea Look Like During Pregnancy?

Heather Bartos, MD, an ob-gyn and medical director at Be. Women’s Health & Wellness in Frisco, Texas, outlines the many different types of leukorrhea discharge: “Normal leukorrhea can be a milky white vaginal discharge that’s opaque. But it can also be a bit yellow or even slightly brown.” If it’s more of a clear mucus, that’s fine too. ”But it’s usually thin, unlike the thicker curd-like discharge you typically see with a yeast infection,” she explains.

So how do you know what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to leukorrhea in pregnancy? Just keep an eye out for any changes to the discharge you’re having. “When I talk to my patients about leukorrhea, we discuss that the amount and frequency of leukorrhea can be different for each patient,” says Lopez.

When to Call the Doctor

While leukorrhea discharge varies from woman to woman, there are some potential red flags to watch for. “Call your doctor if the leukorrhea has changed for you—it now has a different smell or it’s blood tinged, meaning there’s a pink or dark brown tinge to it, or if it becomes very irritating and you’re worried that it might be something like yeast or bacterial vaginosis,” Bartos advises. When it comes to leukorrhea discharge, you’ll want to reach out to your OB or midwife if you experience any of the following:

• A sudden increase in watery discharge. If you’re experiencing what seems like a constant flow or perpetual dripping of thin, watery fluid, it could indicate a small leak of amniotic fluid instead of leukorrhea. How can you tell the difference? Amniotic fluid leak will keep going and may even smell slightly sweet. Leukorrhea can be annoying, but it won’t gush out and shouldn’t smell like much of anything.
• A greenish tint or foul smell. “It’s important to call your doctor if you notice that the leukorrhea becomes associated with a foul odor, or if it’s causing irritation such as painful urination or a burning sensation in the vagina,” says Lopez. These symptoms may indicate an infection.
• An increase in thickness or chunky white discharge. Leukorrhea is typically thin. If it becomes extra thick or has a chunky white texture, it can be a sign of a yeast infection, which your doctor can treat to prevent further discomfort and itchiness.

Tips for Coping With Leukorrhea During Pregnancy

Experiencing extra leukorrhea discharge during pregnancy isn’t usually something to worry about. It can be kind of inconvenient and annoying, though—feeling perpetually damp or oozy down there isn’t particularly pleasant. The key to abating any discomfort is taking proactive steps to make yourself feel dry and fresh. “If leukorrhea during pregnancy is causing irritation or itchiness, it’s okay to use a zinc oxide cream to form a protective barrier,” says Bartos. She also suggests dusting a pinch of cornstarch into your underwear to help absorb some of the excess moisture. Other helpful tips for dealing with the milky white discharge of pregnancy? Lopez suggests wearing a panty liner and opting for breathable cotton underwear. She also warns against any vaginal douching.

Leukorrhea isn’t the most glamorous side effect of pregnancy, but it’s not something to stress about either. Remember: That thin, milky white discharge is helping keep your vagina clean, and it should eventually subside. Of course, if you have any concerns about normal (or abnormal) leukorrhea or anything else, reach out to your doctor.

About the experts:

Heather Bartos, MD, is an ob-gyn and the medical director of Be. Women’s Health & Wellness in Frisco, Texas. A navy veteran, she spent 12 years serving the women and spouses of the armed forces, and was an associate professor at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. She completed her residency at Baylor College of Medicine, and earned her medical degree at The University of Texas.

Heather Lopez, MD, is an ob-gyn with BJC Medical Group at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. She earned her medical degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Bleeding and Spotting During Pregnancy: What It May Mean

15 Early Signs of Pregnancy

What to Do About Early Pregnancy Cramps

save article

Pregnancy Week by Week

Select your week below to track each stage of your first trimester.

Join

Already a member? Log In

Sign up for weekly updates to help you on the road to parenthood!

Choose Your Journey

Want a personalized experience?

Download The Bump App for daily pregnancy and newborn updates with our free app

2nd trimester of pregnancy: what happens to the fetus

Most women enjoy the 2nd trimester of pregnancy more than the first, with the disappearance of morning sickness, breast tenderness and fatigue. But be prepared for some other symptoms to appear!

• Pain. As a result of stretching of the tissues of the body, you may experience pain in the sides and under the abdomen. Weight gain can cause back pain and leg cramps. The doctor will advise you on simple exercises for such cases. nine0008
• Stuffy nose. Increased hormone levels can lead to nasal congestion and nosebleeds.
• Soft gums. Your gums tend to bleed, so oral hygiene requires special attention and careful brushing.
• Skin itching. The skin of the abdomen may itch as a result of stretching associated with the growth of the child. Try to use a moisturizer daily to avoid stretch marks. nine0008
• Varicose veins and hemorrhoids. During pregnancy, you will be more susceptible to varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Try not to stand or sit for too long, and avoid crossing your legs while sitting. If discomfort or pain occurs in the anus, the doctor may prescribe a remedy for hemorrhoids.
• Vaginal discharge. A white, thin vaginal discharge called leucorrhea is normal during this period of pregnancy. These secretions help keep the vagina healthy. If you find discharge of a different type or color, contact your doctor for advice. nine0008
• Violation of skin pigmentation. Pregnancy hormones may contribute to the appearance of dark spots on the face and abdomen. The sun can exacerbate the appearance of spots, so use sunscreen when you go outside. Sun exposure without skin protection is contraindicated!
• Shortness of breath. As your lungs allow more oxygen to meet your baby's needs, you may experience shortness of breath or a faster rate of breathing.
• Increased appetite. As your child grows, you may feel hungry all the time, but there is no need to "eat for two". If you need to snack, choose healthy foods like fruit or yogurt.

• The first time you can feel the baby moving at 18-20 weeks of pregnancy. This phenomenon is called "revival" and is initially felt as a flutter in the abdomen.
• As your baby grows, your belly will grow. nine0008

End of 2nd trimester:

• Your baby moves and responds to touch and sound.
• Eyelids begin to open, eyebrows and eyelashes are visible.
• The skin is covered with fine, downy hairs and a creamy white substance called primordial lubrication.
• Swallowing and sucking reflexes develop.
• Hair began to grow on the head.
• Fingerprint lines have formed on the fingers. nine0008
• Baby's body length is about 23 cm from head to lower torso.

Mobile application of the clinic

You can make an appointment with a doctor, get tests
and much more...

Fill out the form to make an appointment or order a call back

I agree with personal data processing policy and user agreement I also give my consent to the processing of personal data. nine0003

Sign up for a consultation

I agree with personal data processing policy and user agreement I also give my consent to the processing of personal data.

By continuing to use rd.clinic23.ru, you agree to the use of cookies. How to ban the use of certain cookies can be found in Politics

why they appear in the early and late periods, in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester, what to do at home

Expectant mothers are worried about any changes in the body. Noticing an unusual white discharge, some pregnant women begin to worry. "Komsomolskaya Pravda" together with obstetrician-gynecologist Susanna Grigoryan and obstetrician-gynecologist, ultrasound diagnostics doctor, Ph.D.