Thick white discharge when pregnancy
Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy | Types and Symptoms
By Ashley Parker, MD, Obstetrician and Gynecologist—Virtua Ob/Gyn - Voorhees
During pregnancy, you may notice changes in your vaginal discharge. Even before pregnancy, vaginal discharge can vary from day-to-day or week-to-week. This is because of hormonal changes that take place during the menstrual cycle.
When you’re pregnant, those hormonal changes are even more significant. This can lead to some normal variations in vaginal discharge. However, you shouldn’t ignore certain types of vaginal discharge, especially during pregnancy.
If you’re pregnant, here’s what you need to know about vaginal discharge color changes that may require treatment.
White or off-white
White or off-white, thin, mostly odorless discharge during pregnancy is called leukorrhea. Leukorrhea happens for several reasons, including:
- The high estrogen levels women experience during pregnancy
- The cervix creating more mucus to protect the pregnancy
- An increased blood flow to the vaginal walls
Nearly every pregnant woman experiences this but it’s not dangerous or bad – just annoying. You can use a panty liner or pad if it’s bothersome. Avoid tampons and douching, as they can introduce harmful bacteria into the vagina. Washing with warm water is sufficient.
Clumpy and white or off-white
If you experience thick or clumpy discharge, it may be because yeast is present. About 1 in 4 women have vaginal yeast overgrowth during pregnancy.
Yeast or a yeast infection won’t hurt the baby, so there’s no need to hit the panic button. You’ll want to talk to your ob/gyn or midwife, however, if you experience burning or itching and need relief. Most prescription and over-the-counter remedies are safe during pregnancy, but it’s best to ask about what’s best for you.
Yellow or green
If you experience darker yellow or green discharge that has a strong, unpleasant odor that’s accompanied by burning or itching, call your doctor or midwife. These are signs of two common vaginal infections: bacterial vaginosis (the overgrowth of common bacteria that causes vaginal inflammation) or trichomoniasis (a sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite trichomonas vaginalis).
These symptoms alsomay be a sign of other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. These infections may increase the risk for premature rupture of the membranes and early delivery. They also can cause infection in your baby’s eyes or lungs if present during delivery. Therefore, it's important to seek treatment promptly from your provider. These infections are treated easily with prescription medications that are safe to take during pregnancy.
Brown or red
Generally, red or brown bloody discharge isn’t considered “normal” during pregnancy and is a reason to call your doctor or midwife. At the same time, many things can cause bloody discharge that aren’t related to a pregnancy complication. Before you panic, talk to your health care provider and describe the situation. He or she will help you determine the appropriate next steps.
Watery and clear or light yellow
If you experience a gush or continuous trickle of watery and clear or light yellow fluid during pregnancy, it may be either urine or amniotic fluid.
It’s common to experience incontinence (the involuntary loss of urine) during pregnancy, especially in later stages when your growing baby is pressing on your bladder. However, it can be challenging to know whether you’re leaking urine or amniotic fluid. When in doubt, call your ob/gyn.
If you’re ever unsure about a symptom, always call your provider instead of worrying that something is wrong.
Have you signed up for childbirth class?Virtua Health is offering both live maternity support and breastfeeding classes via Zoom meeting, as well as online, interactive courses, including childbirth preparation, baby basics, breathing and relaxation, and more. See all of the available classes.
Updated January 14, 2022
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
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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, candidate of medical sciences Daiva Pikauskaite understands in which cases white discharge is the norm, and in which they are dangerous for the woman and the fetus. nine0007
Characteristics of white discharge during pregnancy
White discharge is distinguished by the following characteristics.
| Color | Available in clear, whitish or light colors. |
| Odor | Should normally be absent, but slight sourness is acceptable. |
| Structure | There must be no bloody inclusions, lumps, cheesy flakes. |
| Consistency | May be slimy, thin, thick or viscous. |
| Sensations | Discharge should not be accompanied by pain, burning, itching, swelling of the vaginal mucosa. |
Liquid consistency
Sometimes a thin white discharge seems so normal that it is difficult for a doctor to recognize signs of pathology in them. However, they can be one of the symptoms of an infectious-inflammatory disease. For example, a fishy smell may indicate a violation of the vaginal microflora, and blood streaks - about inflammation of the cervix or its erosion. Also, such discharge may occur due to an allergic reaction to intimate hygiene products or pads. nine0007
Cheesy consistency
Cheesey discharge usually indicates candidiasis. May be accompanied by a sour smell, burning and itching. Unpleasant symptoms are aggravated after sexual contact, water procedures and at night.
During pregnancy, the disease worsens due to changes in hormonal levels. The danger of pathology for the expectant mother 一 the risk of losing a child. The appearance of symptoms of candidiasis before childbirth increases the risk of infection of the child at the time of his passage through the birth canal. nine0007
Creamy consistency
A whitish-transparent creamy discharge due to increased blood flow to the vagina. (1) Congested blood vessels cause temporary disturbances in the functioning of the bladder, ureters, and kidneys. The reproductive system reacts to changes with abundant secretions, similar to cream.
Photo: @mart-production, pexels.comMucus discharge
Mucous discharge that is not accompanied by an unpleasant odor, burning or itching is considered normal. This is the result of the formation of a mucous plug that prevents infections from entering the vagina. The mucous secretion may acquire a milky hue, contain dense clots. The formation of a cork is completed by about the 12th week of pregnancy, then the nature of the discharge changes.
nine0007
Foamy discharge
A common cause of frothy discharge during pregnancy is trichomoniasis. Illness in the early stages can lead to miscarriage. Self-treatment is strictly contraindicated. Having found foamy discharge, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible and follow all the instructions.
Why white discharge occurs during early pregnancy
– Vaginal discharge without unpleasant symptoms is an absolute norm and is observed in most pregnant women, says obstetrician-gynecologist Daiva Pikauskaite. - From the first to the third trimester, their number increases. nine0007
However, there are also warning signs:
- discoloration to reddish or greenish;
- significant and abrupt increase in excretions;
- odor change;
- burning, itching or pain.
Any of these factors is a reason to see a doctor as soon as possible. (2)
1st trimester
Conceiving a child always affects a woman's body.
Hormonal changes begin, often accompanied by light or white discharge. Also, the cause of secretion is the fixation of the embryo in the uterine cavity or the formation of a mucous plug that protects the embryo from infection. nine0007
Over time, the amount of discharge decreases. They become more viscous and transparent.
Why white discharge occurs during late pregnancy
White discharge is most often safe in late pregnancy.
- Slight, odorless discharge is considered normal. Usually they are transparent or slightly milky in color. The consistency is reminiscent of raw egg white, - says obstetrician-gynecologist Daiva Pikauskaite, - the secretions are mainly protective, preventing ascending infection of the fetus. nine0007
2nd trimester
In the 2nd trimester, a thin, white discharge is considered normal. (3) They help keep the vagina healthy. The main thing is that there should be no foreign inclusions and smell. Any deviation from the norm is a reason to contact a gynecologist.
3rd trimester
Toward the end of pregnancy, white discharge may indicate the following processes:
- the mucous plug begins to move;
- the head of the fetus is pressed closer to the exit from the birth canal, that is, to the cervix; nine0076
- amniotic fluid leakage (usually occurs later in pregnancy).
– In the event of unusual discharge and an increase in its amount, you should immediately consult a doctor. The specialist will assess the nature of the secretions and their volume in order to exclude leakage of amniotic fluid and the presence of infectious and inflammatory diseases, explains obstetrician-gynecologist Suzanna Grigoryan.
How to deal with white discharge during pregnancy at home
– If the discharge does not bother you, then nothing needs to be done about it, especially at home, says Daiva Pikauskaite. - It is only important to observe intimate hygiene, undergo examinations at the doctor on time and take the necessary tests.
For any warning signs, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist.
Frequently asked questions and answers
White discharge is most often the norm during pregnancy. However, expectant mothers may be concerned. The most popular questions are answered by gynecologists Daiva Pikauskaite and Susanna Grigoryan. nine0007
What should you not do when you notice a white discharge?
If discharge bothers you, do not do the following:
● use medications on your own;
● Douching or sitz baths with medicinal herbs;
● use soap for intimate hygiene, it dries out the mucous membranes, their protective functions are impaired;
● Wear panty liners or synthetic underwear.
How to distinguish amniotic fluid from abundant discharge?
At the end of pregnancy, the amount of discharge increases. Often they become so plentiful that it seems to the expectant mother that her water is leaking.
It is possible to distinguish amniotic fluid from secretions.
The discharge is thicker, leaving a dried stain or a characteristic white color on the laundry.
Amniotic fluid is water. It doesn't stretch and doesn't leave marks when it dries.
In case of doubt, it is best to consult a doctor, who will accurately determine the cause. Also, the pharmacy sells special tests that show whether there is water leakage. nine0007
Can I use the pool if I have white discharge?
If the discharge does not bother, the pregnant woman can swim in the pool, river, sea and any other body of water. In case of doubt, it is recommended to obtain a doctor's approval.
Sources
- Cervicitis in pregnant women / Sverdlova E.S. // 2010. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/tservitsity-u-beremennyh
- Bacterial infections during pregnancy / Zheksembayeva G.K., Zhumadullaeva G.S., Kadirsizova G.K., Musaeva R.G. // 2011.
URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/bakterialnye-infektsii-vo-vremya-beremennosti - Pregnancy, childbirth, motherhood / Burmistrova E.A. // 2012.
Pregnancy discharge | What are the discharge during pregnancy? | Blog
In the absence of menstruation, girls usually suspect that conception has occurred. However, during pregnancy, the female body may continue to secrete a secret of a different color and character. We recommend that you keep a close eye on everything that happens so as not to miss the development of adverse events. We will talk about how to recognize problem situations during pregnancy in the article. nine0007
What secretions can occur during conception
Many women note that immediately after the delay and in the later stages, the nature of the secretion changes. It can be:
- With or without scent.
- Depending on the color - transparent, white, cream, yellow, greenish, bloody.
- According to the consistency - thick, liquid, cheesy.
- As a symptom for assessing the state of health - threatening, safe.
During ovulation, the egg is released from the ovary, its membrane is blown away, a small amount of fluid is released - so it becomes ready for fertilization. At this time, the thick mucus that fills the cervical canal of the cervix becomes less viscous. This makes it easier for the spermatozoa to penetrate and move further into the tubes for fertilization. At this time, you may notice an abundance of clear mucous secretions.
After the fusion of the egg with the spermatozoon, movement into the uterus begins, which must end with implantation in the inner layer. During penetration, its slight detachment may occur - this causes damage to the blood vessels that abundantly penetrate the muscular layer of the uterus. You may see light brown discharge, which is common during pregnancy. The color is due to the fact that the blood has time to clot. nine0007
Sometimes the discharge is brightly colored and some women mistake it for early menses.
But in this case, a short duration is characteristic, a different shade (dark or scarlet), a slight mark on the linen.
With some features of the structure of the female genital organs (for example, with a bicornuate uterus), after implantation of the embryo in one part, rejection of the endometrium may begin in the other, as is usually the case with menstruation. This rarely happens.
Characteristics of discharge in case of threatened miscarriage
Spontaneous abortion is the rejection of an embryo in the early stages after conception. If at the first signs of pregnancy, you notice spotting, there is a high probability that a miscarriage begins.
Also, miscarriage symptoms include:
- pulling or pressing on the lower abdomen, sacrum, lower back;
- the muscles of the uterus are tense.
The woman may experience cramps. This continues all the time or intermittently. From the vagina there are scarlet or brown discharge during pregnancy, which was previously confirmed.
Sometimes the period may be still small, and the first signs did not have time to appear. nine0007
After 22 weeks, this phenomenon is called preterm labor. The child in this case is still weak, the organs are not sufficiently developed, and there is little chance of survival.
The following factors increase the risk of miscarriage:
- various diseases;
- progesterone deficiency;
- nervous and physical strain;
- pathologies in the genitals;
- fetal developmental defects.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound scan. If it shows that the fetal heart rate is disturbed, the tone of the uterus is increased, its size differs from normal for this period, hospitalization will be recommended to maintain pregnancy. nine0007
What discharge during pregnancy is considered normal
This secretion does not pose a threat to health:
- transparent;
- whitish;
- yellowish;
- odor free;
- mucous;
- without itching, burning, redness of the genitals.
Clear fluid on underwear is a symptom of ovulation. During pregnancy, the activity of ongoing processes in the body increases, so the amount of secretion secreted may increase. However, a violation of the norm is the leakage of amniotic fluid. You can determine the problem with the help of special diagnostic tests that the doctor will prescribe if he has suspicions. nine0007
White color, small amount, homogeneous structure should also not cause concern. The increased volume of fluid in this case is associated with increased hormonal activity.
One of the variants of the norm is mucous discharge, which smells of slight sourness. If there is no pain, discomfort, there is nothing to worry about.
Yellow discharge, there are signs of pregnancy, there is no unpleasant odor - everything is in order. Some women had this color before conception, only they did not pay attention. Now there are more of them, therefore more noticeable. nine0007
Sometimes a woman observes that the laundry gets wet and there is a smell of urine.
This may indicate incontinence due to the constant pressure of the growing uterus. In this case, it is recommended to go to the toilet more often, change underpants twice a day.
What discharge during pregnancy is considered a sign of infection?
White discharge during pregnancy with a cheesy texture is a symptom of thrush (candidiasis). In pregnant women, it is diagnosed quite often - the reason is a change in hormonal levels. The disease is accompanied by itching, redness of the vulva, a strong sour smell. Sometimes external manifestations are not detected, then treatment is not carried out. nine0007
Infection is indicated by pain, pain, skin irritation, ulcers, smell of rot or fish, gray or green color, frothy fluid, increased nervousness, large inguinal lymph nodes. The reason may lie in sexually transmitted infections. This includes syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia and others. They are dangerous because they cause premature birth and fetal developmental defects.
Which discharge during pregnancy should be paid special attention to and should I consult a doctor? nine0011
The following indicates that pregnancy is at risk:
- Severe pain in the perineum, bleeding, difficulty defecation, convulsions - these may be injuries to the vaginal mucosa.
- Nausea, profuse vomiting, swelling, headaches, cough, hypertension, bright red secretion are symptoms of hydatidiform mole (abnormal development of the embryo).
- A drop in blood pressure, pallor, weakness, sweating, pulling sensations, bleeding during pregnancy against the background of a lack of growth of hCG in the blood - this is how ectopic attachment manifests itself. nine0076
- Isolation of clots, sharp pain, vomiting, diarrhea may indicate a frozen fetus.
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
It is also necessary to contact the clinic if you have been physically abused, had rough sex, had an accident, fell, hit.
The likelihood that the situation will be resolved successfully is much higher if you do not delay the visit, listen to the symptoms and take good care of your health. nine0007
Remember that although pregnancy is a normal state of health for a woman's body, diagnosis and treatment are different due to the many restrictions on manipulations and medications during pregnancy. That is why diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy should take place only under the supervision of a physician. By ignoring the symptoms or self-medicating, a pregnant woman risks not only her health, but also the health of her child.
Doctors of the Leleka maternity hospital manage pregnancies of any complexity, including those aggravated by infections, pathologies, and the threat of miscarriage. Our own diagnostic laboratory allows us to accurately and in the shortest possible time to obtain the results of the tests. Thanks to constant medical supervision throughout the entire period, the chances of a successful birth are greatly increased.
