Why do i have white discharge during pregnancy

Vaginal discharge - NHS

You will always have some vaginal discharge starting a year or 2 before puberty and ending after the menopause.

How much discharge you have changes from time to time. It usually gets heavier just before your period. When you're pregnant, it's normal to have more discharge than before.

Healthy vaginal discharge is usually thin, clear or milky white, and should not smell unpleasant.

Non-urgent advice: Call your midwife if you have vaginal discharge and:

• it smells unpleasant or strange
• it is green or yellow
• you feel itchy or sore around your vagina
• you have pain when you pee

Any of these could be symptoms of a vaginal infection.

Urgent advice: Urgent

Contact your midwife or doctor immediately if you have any vaginal bleeding while you're pregnant.

Is it normal to have vaginal discharge in pregnancy?

Yes. It is normal to have more vaginal discharge in pregnancy. This helps prevent any infections travelling up from the vagina to the womb.

Towards the end of pregnancy, the amount of discharge increases further. In the last week or so of pregnancy, it may contain streaks of sticky, jelly-like pink mucus.

This is called a "show", and happens when the mucus that's been present in your cervix during pregnancy comes away.

It's a sign that the body is starting to prepare for birth. You may have a few small "shows" in the days before you go into labour.

Read more about the signs that labour has begun.

Thrush in pregnancy

Thrush is an infection that can cause unusual vaginal discharge. if you get thrush when you're pregnant, it can easily be treated - talk to your midwife or doctor.

Thrush can cause:

• increased vaginal discharge which is usually white (like cottage cheese), and does not usually smell
• itching and irritation around the vagina

Always talk to your doctor, pharmacist or midwife if you think you have thrush, as there are some thrush medicines you should not use while you're pregnant.

You can help prevent thrush by wearing loose cotton underwear. You may find it helps to avoid perfumed soap or perfumed bath products.

Find out more about vaginal discharge.

Page last reviewed: 31 March 2021
Next review due: 31 March 2024

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

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All women, whether they’re pregnant or not, have some vaginal discharge starting a year or 2 before puberty and ending after the menopause. How much discharge you have changes from time to time and it usually gets heavier just before your period.

Is it normal to have vaginal discharge in pregnancy?

Almost all women have more vaginal discharge in pregnancy. This is quite normal and happens for a few reasons. During pregnancy the cervix (neck of the womb) and vaginal walls get softer and discharge increases to help prevent any infections travelling up from the vagina to the womb. Increased levels of the hormones progesterone can also make you produce more fluid.

Increased discharge is a normal part of pregnancy, but it’s important to keep an eye on it and tell your doctor or midwife if it changes in any way.

How does vaginal discharge change during pregnancy?

Increased discharge can be a sign that you are pregnant — though many things can influence vaginal discharge so you can’t be sure this is the reason.

The amount of discharge may increase throughout the pregnancy. Towards the end, there may be so much you confuse it with urine.

Towards the end of pregnancy, the amount of discharge increases and can be confused with urine.

In the last week or so of pregnancy, your discharge may contain streaks of thick mucus and some blood. This is called a 'show' and happens when the mucus that has been present in your cervix during pregnancy comes away. It's a sign that the body is starting to prepare for birth, and you may have a few small 'shows' in the days before you go into labour.

When to see your midwife or doctor

You should tell your midwife or doctor if your vaginal discharge increases a lot in later pregnancy. If you have any vaginal bleeding in pregnancy, you should contact your midwife or doctor urgently, as it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem such as a miscarriage or a problem with the placenta.

Normal healthy discharge should:

• be clear and white
• not smell bad

Tell your midwife or doctor if:

• the discharge is coloured (greenish or brownish)
• there is blood in the discharge
• it smells strange
• you feel itchy or sore

If the discharge is coloured or smells strange, or if you feel itchy or sore, you may have a vaginal infection such as thrush, which your doctor can treat easily, or bacterial vaginosis. Do not try to treat it yourself — always talk to your doctor, pharmacist or midwife if you think you have an infection.

You can help prevent thrush by wearing loose cotton underwear, and some women find it helps to avoid perfumed soap or perfumed bath products.

Sources:

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Last reviewed: November 2020

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Related pages

• Common discomforts during pregnancy
• Vaginal thrush during pregnancy

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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.

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.

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. 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

1. Cervicitis in pregnant women / Sverdlova E.S. // 2010. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/tservitsity-u-beremennyh
2. 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
3. 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:

1. With or without scent.
2. Depending on the color - transparent, white, cream, yellow, greenish, bloody.
3. According to the 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 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:

1. Severe pain in the perineum, bleeding, difficulty defecation, convulsions - these may be injuries to the vaginal mucosa.
2. Nausea, profuse vomiting, swelling, 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. nine0076
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 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 doctor. 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.

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