Vaginal discharge—it’s something most of us are familiar with and will continue to deal with for years to come. Vaginal discharge, in all its various colors and consistencies, can be a normal part of everyday life, or can sometimes be a sign of something else. That’s why it’s important to be familiar with your own discharge, especially during pregnancy.
What is vaginal discharge?
If you’re a woman, you’re probably familiar with vaginal discharge. The fluid that comes out of your vagina, usually as a clear white or off-white liquid, that’s the vaginal discharge we’re referring to. Vaginal discharge is primarily made of cells and bacteria and is produced by the uterus, cervix, and vagina. It’s a healthy bodily function in most cases, designed to clean and lubricate the vagina or help fight against bacteria and infection. Some women produce more discharge than others.
What is a normal discharge?
Discharge is natural and normal, and some women may experience more discharge than others. Normal vaginal discharge has several purposes: cleaning and moistening the vagina, and helping to prevent and fight infections. It's normal for the color, texture, and amount of vaginal discharge to change at different times of the month during a menstrual cycle. Normal vagina discharge is usually clear, white or off-white. The thickness and consistency can change throughout the cycle. Here is more information on normal discharge and its qualities.
- Texture: Discharge can vary in texture. Some examples of discharge texture are watery, sticky, gooey, and thick and pasty. Hormones can cause the change. Learning more about discharge texture and what it means can help you understand what your body is going through in your cycle. Discharge that is chunky or accompanied by irritation can be a sign of infection.
- Color: Healthy vaginal discharge is usually clear, milky, white or off-white.
- Smell: Discharge can have an odor, but it should not be overwhelming. If you notice discharge has a fishy or foul smell, you should contact your doctor.
- Quantity: Some women produce more discharge than others. There are some factors, such as pregnancy or conception methods that can impact how much discharge you produce. If you notice any sudden changes in your natural discharge amounts, you should contact your doctor.
During pregnancy, some women see an increase in vaginal discharge. The influx of hormones released when pregnant tells your body to do a lot of things, including producing more discharge. So, in most cases, there’s no reason to be alarmed about a sudden increase showing up in your underwear.
Why does vaginal discharge occur in pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the cervix (neck of the womb) and vaginal walls get softer, and discharge increases to help prevent any infections traveling up from the vagina to the womb. Increased levels of pregnancy hormones can also make you produce more fluid.
Does vaginal discharge change when pregnant?
Typical vaginal discharge ebbs and flows with your menstrual cycle, but during pregnancy, it remains relatively constant. It may be a bit thicker than your regular discharge, or just more prevalent.
How does vaginal discharge change during pregnancy?
Throughout your first and second trimesters, you may not see a lot of changes in your discharge pattern. However, in the third trimester, and as you get closer to labor, vaginal discharge may increase significantly. As your body prepares for childbirth, you may notice a thick, mucus-y discharge that may contain pink or red streaks. This could be the “bloody show,” or a release of your cervical mucus, and usually occurs just days (or hours!) before your baby arrives.
What causes vaginal discharge changes during pregnancy?
Hormones are the number one contributing factor to changes in vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Your body experiences a dramatic increase in progesterone and estrogen—which famously affects mood during pregnancy—and also sends signals to your vagina to increase discharge.
The main function of this increase in discharge is to protect the womb from infection.
What color is vaginal discharge when pregnant?
Normal, healthy discharge should be clear or milky white. A few days before labor, there may be some pink or red streaks in your discharge, indicating that your cervix is preparing for delivery.
What is considered abnormal vaginal discharge in pregnancy?
As we mentioned earlier, vaginal discharge can alert you to infections and disease. During pregnancy, yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are common and can show up with itching, swelling, and foul-smelling discharge. If you notice discharge that is an unusual color—brown, green, bright yellow, etc—or any other abnormal changes, talk to your doctor right away.
What does pregnancy discharge look like?
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. 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 labor.
How early in pregnancy does discharge start?
An increase in vaginal discharge is often one of the earliest signs of pregnancy that can surface as soon as one to two weeks after conception. Discharge can continue throughout the pregnancy, usually being the heaviest at the end of the pregnancy.
What color is vaginal discharge when pregnant?
Pregnancy causes changes in vaginal discharge, which can vary in color, texture, and volume. Healthy vaginal discharge is usually thin, clear or milky white, and should not smell unpleasant.
Tips for managing vaginal discharge during pregnancy
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy can be pretty annoying—especially when it feels like your underwear is always wet. As long as your discharge is normal and healthy, there are some things you can do to manage it.
Panty liners
A lot of women deal with discharge by buying disposable panty liners in bulk. This option can help with the feeling of wetness, but can also be a bit of a hassle to keep up with. Skip tampons during pregnancy.
Leakproof underwear
Our number one tip for dealing with pregnancy discharge is to wear absorbent underwear! Our leakproof underwear are buttery-soft undies with built-in leakproof protection. Designed to protect against leaks, our leakproof underwear delivers powerful yet discreet protection.
Shop our Everyday Collection for leakproof underwear designed for everyday wear and protection. Buy as many pairs as you need to feel protected. Remember, discharge may not be the only type of leak you experience. Our leakproof underwear can protect against all different types of leaks.
Good hygiene
Be sure to rinse your vagina regularly with warm water, and dry off before getting dressed. Always avoid scented soaps and douching, as they can create serious irritation and disrupt your pH levels.
Loose-fitting clothing
Another way to decrease your risk of infection when dealing with pregnancy discharge is to wear loose-fitting bottoms and breathable fabrics. Certain materials, like polyester, and tight-fitting pants can trap moisture and invite bad bacteria to the party.
Conclusion
Vaginal discharge is not something we can control, but we can protect against it, making it more comfortable down there. During pregnancy, vaginal discharge protects your vaginal canal from carrying infection up to the womb, and prepares your body for delivery. Although an increase in discharge can be an annoyance during pregnancy, our absorbent leakproof underwear can help. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns, or if you notice abnormal changes like increased thickness, discoloration, and strong odors in your discharge.
Related Posts
Sources:
Cleveland Clinic. Vaginal Discharge,
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4719-vaginal-discharge,
Healthline. Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy: What’s Normal?
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/vaginal-discharge-during-pregnancy
What To Expect. Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy (Leukorrhea),
https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/vaginal-discharge.aspx#tips
Health Shots. 6 tips to maintain intimate hygiene during pregnancy,
https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/vaginal-discharge.aspx#tips
Cleveland Clinic. Vaginal Discharge,
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4719-vaginal-discharge