Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is one of the most common changes that most women face in their early pregnancy.
These secretions may be different in terms of color, texture, and volume in different people. In many cases, having this change is only known as one of the first symptoms of pregnancy, but in some more serious cases, it can indicate the presence of diseases or other serious problems.
Today in this article, we will tell you in detail about all the causes and types of vaginal discharge during pregnancy. So stay with us until the end of the article.
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What is normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy?
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy, as mentioned at the beginning of the article, is one of the most common signs of early pregnancy. Natural vaginal discharge, also called leucorrhea, is a thin, clear, or white discharge with a mild odor. The reason for the appearance of this natural complication is the increase in secretion volume during pregnancy, and it greatly reduces the risk of cervical and uterine infections.
In the final weeks of pregnancy, these secretions may contain pink mucus, which has reached its highest level. In some people, it may be sticky and jelly-like, which indicates that the body is ready to give birth.
What is abnormal vaginal discharge in pregnancy?
In some special cases, vaginal secretions in pregnancy may be green, yellow, or brown in color with a pungent smell. These cases are symptoms of vaginal infections that should be checked by a midwife or gynecologist as soon as possible. Fungal infections are very common during pregnancy, and by following some very simple tips, you can avoid this condition to a large extent. Things like:
- Use of cotton underwear
- Drying the vagina after going to the bathroom, taking a shower, or exercising…
- Add yogurt and other fermented foods to your diet to increase healthy vaginal bacteria
- Full body examination by a doctor for sexually transmitted diseases
The type of discharge during pregnancy
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy can have different colors, each of which indicates a different issue in pregnancy and individual health problems.
All these are mentioned in the table below:
1-Clear white or milky or watery discharge
Seeing clear or milky vaginal discharge in early pregnancy is not a problem and is completely normal. Sometimes, these secretions may have a texture like egg white, but you should not worry about anything and consider it as a sign of pregnancy. But if you notice any changes in the size of these secretions, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible because it may indicate premature labor.
2- White and globular secretions
Lumpy, globular, or white discharge with a cheese-like texture can indicate a yeast infection in the vagina. Because the body is very susceptible to various infections during pregnancy and may have symptoms such as itching, burning in the urine, or experiencing painful sex.
3-Green or yellow discharge
Green or yellow vaginal discharge is slightly dangerous and indicates sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia or trichomoniasis. Sometimes you may see symptoms such as redness or irritation in the genitals, which may affect both the mother and the fetus.
4-Gray discharge
Gray vaginal discharge indicates a type of vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis, which may smell like fish after sex. This infection is due to the bacterial imbalance in the vagina, which is the risk factor for this infection, which is the most common vaginal infection in reproductive years.
5-Brown discharge
The secretions that usually leave the body due to bleeding are brown in color, which may be considered the first signs of pregnancy. These brown discharges are usually harmless, and if you feel that the color tends to be dark, be sure to contact your doctor.
6-Pink discharge
Pink discharge is more common in early pregnancy or in its last weeks. Sometimes it may happen before the abortion or during an ectopic pregnancy. These secretions are mostly during the first trimester of pregnancy, which will not pose any danger. Sometimes these secretions may be due to having sex or vaginal infections, which are not serious problems, and if they continue, they will need to be checked by a doctor.
7-Red vaginal discharge
Red vaginal discharge should be checked by a doctor, especially if it is clotted with heavy bleeding and cramping and abdominal pain. These secretions indicate the symptoms of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Of course, these red secretions in the first trimester of pregnancy may be due to implantation or infection, which is not a serious problem.
What is the cause of vaginal discharge in pregnancy?
Sometimes, the increase and change in secretions can be the cause of vaginal discharge in pregnancy and various infections. Among the infections that should be recognized as risks of vaginal secretions in pregnancy are:
1-Fungal infection
Fungal infections may have symptoms such as itching, redness, and inflammation in the vaginal area, odorless, white, cheese-like discharge, and you may feel pain during sex and a slight burning sensation when urinating.
2-Vaginal bacterial infections
Bacterial vaginosis infection causes this infection, which often has no specific symptoms, and in some cases, there may be a discharge with a fishy smell after having sex, along with itching or burning. These infections are extremely dangerous and can spread upwards and downwards. enter the uterus and cause rupture of the water sac and eventually premature delivery.
3-STDs ( sexually transmitted diseases)
A sexually transmitted disease such as chlamydia can cause vaginal discharge with a smell or sometimes without any discharge. In some cases, these secretions indicate gonorrhea, which may be yellow in color.
If the same person suffers from trichomonas sexually transmitted disease, he may witness yellow or green secretions, which often bring pain and itching, painful sexual intercourse, and burning urine. These diseases may cause premature birth and uterine infection after delivery. In some cases, it may pass through the placenta during pregnancy and have a negative effect on the fetus.
4-Thrush infection
Thrush infection is one of the most common infections of this era, and by wearing loose cotton underwear and not using some hygiene products such as soap or scented detergents, the risk of contracting this infection can be reduced to some extent.
How to reduce the risk of leaking water during pregnancy?
By following a few simple tips during pregnancy, you can ensure the health of you and your unborn baby. Things such as:
- Bathing daily and regularly
- Using cotton underwear
- Daily changing of underwear and washing and putting them under the sun
- Using daily pads to better control vaginal secretions during pregnancy
- Not using tampons during pregnancy
- Not taking vaginal douches during pregnancy
- Not using aromatic health products
- Completely drying the vagina after showering or swimming and using the toilet
- Not wearing absorbent jeans, nylon tights, etc.
- Having a healthy diet and avoiding excessive sugar consumption and consuming foods rich in probiotics and supplements.
When should you see a doctor?
It is very important to talk to your doctor about any unusual vaginal discharge every month. Because these symptoms may indicate an infection that needs immediate treatment or may indicate a serious problem in pregnancy. Failure to treat these symptoms in time can lead to bad consequences. Whenever you feel:
- It has yellow, green, or gray secretions
- You felt a strong and unpleasant smell during sex
- You witnessed redness, itching, or swelling of the skin of the vaginal area
- In your normal discharge, you felt that there were streaks of blood
Consult your doctor as soon as possible to get help through the possibility of online consultation with the obstetrician and gynecologist at the clinic. If you have similar experiences, we will be happy if you share your experiences with us at the end of this article so that others can make the most of them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to not have discharge during pregnancy?
Having discharge during pregnancy is one of the most common symptoms during this period. If you don’t have any discharge during this period, it may be due to diseases such as bacterial vaginosis, fungal infections, or some sexually transmitted diseases that cause a decrease in vaginal discharge.
Are vaginal secretions dangerous during pregnancy?
If the vaginal secretions are green, yellow, or gray in color during this period and are very foul-smelling and accompanied by burning and itching, it is a cause for concern and you should definitely consult your doctor. If you don’t have these symptoms, these secretions are nothing to worry about and will end after pregnancy.
When will pregnancy discharge completely end?
These secretions may continue until the last day of pregnancy and even reach their peak in the last days. But there is nothing to worry about and it is completely normal and indicates that the time of delivery is approaching.
What discharge should I worry about during pregnancy?
What does pregnancy discharge look like?
What color discharge is normal during early pregnancy?
When do you see early pregnancy discharge?
In conclusion, vaginal discharge is a common occurrence during pregnancy, and in most cases, it is a normal part of the body’s natural processes. However, it is important for pregnant women to monitor their vaginal discharge and be aware of any changes in color, odor, or consistency that may indicate an infection or other health concern. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider if there is any concern about vaginal discharge during pregnancy. With proper care and attention, women can enjoy a healthy and comfortable pregnancy.
