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Thick white vag discharge pregnancy


What is pregnancy discharge like and when is it a concern?

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Pregnancy can be a “juicy” time—and we’re not talking about “is she or isn’t she?” gossip. Some women might notice extra saliva, a runny nose and, yes, more vaginal discharge. “It’s just a normal thing that happens during pregnancy,” says Kerry Harris, a midwife based in Vancouver. This milky-white pregnancy discharge is called leukorrhea and it is usually nothing to worry about. In fact, an increase in discharge is sometimes a clue that you're pregnant! From there, it tends to increase more toward the end of the third trimester.

What is leukorrhea and what causes it?

Leukorrhea is the medical term for vaginal discharge. During pregnancy, many women find leukorrhea, or discharge, increases. You can thank your hormones: Your body’s increased levels of estrogen during pregnancy boosts blood flow to your pelvic area and stimulates your mucous membranes. The discharge does have a purpose, though. Harris says that it makes the vagina a “self-cleaning system,” helping to prevent infections by flushing away bacteria, keeping the vagina at a normal pH level and getting rid of dead cells.

Is discharge a sign of pregnancy?

After implantation, your body immediately begins to produce pregnancy discharge. However, because discharge fluctuates throughout the course of your cycle, you may not notice these subtle changes. On the other hand, if you're monitoring your cycle closely and you notice an increase in discharge, it very well may be a sign that you're pregnant!

What does normal pregnancy discharge look like?

Normal vaginal discharge in pregnancy is thin, milky white and mild-smelling or odourless. “Everyone’s got their normal, and that can increase in pregnancy,” says Harris. “If it changes from normal, that’s a good thing to talk about with your healthcare provider.”

When should I worry about discharge during pregnancy?

Yellow or green discharge

Any discharge that greenish or yellowish, causes vaginal itchiness or pain, smells bad or has a strong odour should be checked by your healthcare provider because it could signal an infection. This can be easily treated once a diagnosis is confirmed by your doctor or midwife.

Thick white clumpy discharge

Thick, cheesy-looking discharge is also a sign of infection. Make sure you get checked out by your health care provider.

Pink or brown discharge

Pinkish or brownish discharge is probably the result of mild bleeding from your cervix being bumped during sex or a vaginal exam. As long as it’s not heavy bleeding, all is probably well, but you can ask your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Watery discharge

If you have very watery discharge, contact your healthcare provider because it could mean that you are leaking amniotic fluid and need to be monitored.

How to tell if it's discharge or the mucus plug?

When you’re pregnant, a thick plug of mucus blocks the cervix to stop bacteria from getting into the uterus. Toward the end of the third trimester, this plug may (or may not) move down into your vagina, resulting in more discharge that could be clear or tinged pink or brown if there’s blood in it—sometimes called a “bloody show. ”

"All it means is that the cervix is starting to ripen and change and that the mucus that previously filled the cervix now has enough space to fall out,” says Harris.

The mucus plug is thicker or more jelly-like than normal pregnancy discharge, which is thin and milky-white.

How do I deal with discharge during pregnancy?

For most women, pregnancy discharge isn’t cause for concern and is just one of those oh-so-fun side effects of pregnancy. “I used panty liners through pretty much my whole pregnancy,” says Destinee Heikkenen, a mom of a four-month-old baby from Thunder Bay, Ontario. “I was a little surprised because I hadn’t noticed the discharge much with my other three kids, but my midwife assured me that everything was fine.”

Don’t use tampons, douches or vaginal washes or wipes because you don’t want to interfere with the natural balance of bacteria and pH levels in your vagina. If you want to go commando at home to help stay clean and dry, well, that’s a pregnant lady’s prerogative.

This article was originally published on May 03, 2022

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy | BabyCenter

You may notice an increase in white creamy discharge early in pregnancy, due to higher levels of estrogen. White vaginal discharge (called leucorrhea) is nothing to worry about: This early pregnancy discharge is normal and can be clear to milky white, thin or thick, and mild-smelling or odorless. Vaginal discharge that's green, smells unpleasant, causes pain or itching, or seems unusual in any other way could be a sign of infection or another problem.

Is creamy white discharge normal during pregnancy?

Yes. It's perfectly normal to have a mild-smelling creamy white discharge even before pregnancy. (It's called leukorrhea.) There's just a lot more of it during pregnancy because your body is producing more estrogen, which signals the vagina to produce more discharge.

This discharge is made up of secretions from the cervix and vagina, old cells, and normal vaginal bacteria. Healthy vaginal discharge is usually:

  • Clear to milky white
  • Thin to thick or mucus-like
  • Mild-smelling or odorless

You'll probably also notice more vaginal discharge as you approach labor, although it's likely to look somewhat different (more on that below).

When to call your doctor or midwife about vaginal discharge

Anything that's unlike the normal white discharge you're used to is worth mentioning to your provider. Vaginal discharge that's different – in color, smell, or amount – could be a sign of a vaginal infection or other problem. (Vaginal infections are more common during pregnancy.)

Even if you don't have other common symptoms such as irritation, itching, or burning, you could have a vaginal or sexually transmitted infection.

"Always mention discharge to your doctor, especially if there's a change," says Layan Alrahmani, ob-gyn and maternal-fetal medicine specialist in Chicago. "Chances are this is normal pregnancy discharge, but it can be a vaginal or cervical infection that requires treatment. "

Call your doctor or midwife right away if:

  • You're not yet 37 weeks pregnant and notice an increase in the amount of discharge, or a change in the type of discharge. For example, more vaginal discharge than usual can be a sign of preterm labor. And if you're continuously leaking clear and watery fluid, this can be a sign that your water has broken.
  • Your vulva looks inflamed, or you have an odorless, whitish discharge that's causing pain with urination or sex, soreness, itching, or burning. This means you could have a yeast infection.
  • You have thin white or gray discharge with a strong fishy smell, which may be more noticeable after sex (when the discharge mixes with semen). This might be a condition called bacterial vaginosis.
  • Your discharge is yellow or green and frothy with an unpleasant odor. This may be a sign of trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted infection. Other possible symptoms of trichomoniasis (or trich) include a red, irritated, or itchy vulva or vagina and discomfort while urinating or during intercourse.
  • Your discharge has a strong and noticeable odor or has changed in color, amount, or consistency from your normal vaginal discharge.

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If you're having discomfort or you think you have an infection, don't try to treat yourself with over-the-counter medications or feminine hygiene products. Many of these products can aggravate an already sensitive area. Instead, see your healthcare provider.

Typically, no. Vaginal discharge is common anytime. And while many women notice an increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy, you're not likely to spot this symptom in the week or two just after conception.

Changes in vaginal discharge isn't one of the early pregnancy symptoms that women commonly report during those first few weeks, either. If you suspect you might be pregnant, your best bet is to take a pregnancy test around the time you would expect your period.

How can I tell if this is vaginal discharge or my mucus plug?

The mucus plug is a collection of gelatinous secretions from your cervix. These secretions fill the cervical canal in early pregnancy and create a protective barrier that stays in place for most of pregnancy.

As you get closer to delivery and your cervix begins to thin out and open up (effacement and dilation), these mucus-like secretions may come out of your vagina. This can be a sign of early labor.

Rest assured, losing your mucus plug isn't like a cork popping. Labor still progresses on its own timeline, and your baby remains well protected.

Not every expecting mom experiences losing their mucus plug. If you do, it might seem like an increased amount of vaginal discharge over the course of a few days, or a glob of thickened mucus that's clear, pinkish, brownish, or tinged with a bit of blood.

How can I tell if this is vaginal discharge or amniotic fluid?

Regular discharge comes out sporadically in small amounts, but amniotic fluid leaks out continuously once your water breaks. Amniotic fluid is usually clear or slightly yellowish, watery, and odorless or slightly sweet-smelling. When your water breaks, amniotic fluid may come out as a leak or trickle, or in a big, dramatic gush. Either way, it will continue to leak out until you have your baby.

If you think it's possible you're leaking amniotic fluid, contact your provider immediately. It's important to find out if you might be going into labor.

If you're less than 34 weeks pregnant and you think your water has broken, you may need steroid shots and other medications to delay labor, speed up the development of your baby's lungs, and protect against infection.

What can I do about vaginal discharge during pregnancy?

There's nothing you need to do about your body's normal vaginal discharge. You can wear panty liners to absorb discharge if you want to, but it's definitely not necessary.

Here are some ways to keep your genital area healthy:

  • Always wipe from front to back.
  • Change out of sweaty workout clothes or wet swimsuits promptly.
  • If your vulva is irritated, avoid tight pants, leggings, and underwear made with synthetic materials.
  • Avoid bubble bath, scented pads, scented toilet paper, feminine hygiene sprays, and scented or deodorant soaps. These scents can be irritating to your sensitive areas.
  • Don't use tampons during pregnancy. If you're spotting or bleeding, call your provider.
  • Don't douche. Douching can upset the normal balance of bacteria in your vagina and increase the likelihood of infection.

Learn more:

  • Frequent urination during pregnancy
  • Pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore
  • Prenatal testing

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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.

What discharge 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:

  1. With or without scent.
  2. Depending on the color - transparent, white, cream, yellow, greenish, bloody.
  3. By consistency - thick, liquid, cheesy.
  4. As a symptom for assessing the state of health - threatening, safe.

During ovulation, the egg is released from the ovary, its membrane is deflated, 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 should 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.

Sometimes the discharge is brightly colored and some women mistake it for a period that has started too early. 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 usually occurs during menstruation. This rarely happens.

Characteristics of discharge in the event of a 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 feel 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.

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 overexertion;
  • 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.

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.

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 - you are all right. Some women had this color before conception, only they did not pay attention. Now there are more of them, therefore more noticeable.

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.

Infection is indicated by pain, pain, skin irritation, ulcers, smell of rot or fish, gray or green color, frothy discharge, 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.

What kind of discharge during pregnancy should I pay special attention to and should I consult a doctor?

The following indicates that pregnancy is at risk:

  1. Severe pain in the perineum, bleeding, difficulty defecation, convulsions - these may be injuries to the vaginal mucosa.
  2. Nausea, profuse vomiting, edema, headaches, cough, hypertension, bright red secretion are symptoms of hydatidiform mole (abnormal development of the embryo).
  3. 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.
  4. 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 go to 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.

Remember, despite the fact that pregnancy is a normal state of health of the female body, the diagnosis and treatment tactics are still 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.

Trust the life and health of your child to Leleka doctors, and we will make sure that you are satisfied.

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, doctor of ultrasound diagnostics, candidate of medical sciences Daiva Pikauskaite understands in which cases white discharge is the norm, and in which it poses a danger to the woman and the fetus.

Characteristics of white discharge during pregnancy

White discharge is distinguished by the following characteristics.

Color Available in clear, whitish or light colors.
Smell Should normally be absent, but slight sourness is acceptable.
Structure There should be no bloody inclusions, lumps, cheesy flakes.
Consistency May be slimy, runny, thick or viscous.
Feelings 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.

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.

Creamy consistency

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.com

Mucus 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.

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 appears 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.

However, there are also warning signs:

  • color change 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.

Over time, the amount of discharge decreases. They become more viscous and transparent.

Why do white discharge occur during late pregnancy

White discharge is most often safe in late pregnancy.

- Slight, odorless discharge is 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.

2nd trimester

In the 2nd trimester, a thin, white discharge is 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.

Photo: @amina-filkins, pexels.com

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;
  • 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.

What should you not do when you notice white discharge?

If the 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 and leaves a dried stain or 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.

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

  1. Cervicitis in pregnant women / Sverdlova E.

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