Pregnancy is an exciting and memorable phase in every woman’s life. Every day during pregnancy, you could go through a variety of experiences. Among all, vaginal discharge in pregnancy is quite common. But to have a safe pregnancy, you must be aware of the colour and texture of your vaginal discharge. Let’s see more about vaginal discharge in pregnancy in this blog
What is vaginal discharge?
Vaginal discharge in women is common after puberty. It is the fluid or mucus that leaks from the vagina. A daily discharge of 2 to 5 ml is pretty normal for a woman. Vaginal discharge is also called as leucorrhoea
Vaginal discharge in pregnancy
During pregnancy, you may notice an increased vaginal discharge. It often has a clear or white appearance and doesn’t have a strong smell. It happens because of higher levels of the estrogen and progesterone hormones during pregnancy. Furthermore, the colour, texture, and volume of vaginal discharge can all change throughout pregnancy.
Is a vaginal discharge during pregnancy normal?
A thin, clear, or white vaginal discharge that has a mild odour is a sign of good health and normal vaginal discharge . The body produces an excessive amount of discharge as the cervix and vaginal wall soften during pregnancy to help in preventing infections. When you are in the final stages of pregnancy, the head of your baby may also press against your cervix. It leads to more vaginal discharge. However, any variations in its amount or consistency can indicate a problem.
Knowing the colours of discharge
Lumpy and white discharge
A yeast infection may be indicated by lumpy, white or off-white vaginal discharge. You don’t need to panic it won’t harm your baby. Moreover, it is a common infection during pregnancy. Burning, itching(itching in pregnancy), and painful urination are some more symptoms you can have when you have this infection. To avoid yeast infection, you can wear loose cotton undergarment clothing and dry your genital area.
Green or yellow discharge
Vaginal discharge that is green or yellow is unhealthy and could indicate an STD (sexually transmitted infection). STIs during pregnancy can result in complications that could harm the baby as well as the mother. Hence, it is better to consult your gynecologist if you notice this kind of discharge.
Grey discharge
Grey vaginal discharge could be a sign of the vaginal infection bacterial vaginosis (BV). It is the condition of an altered vaginal microbe.
Pink discharge
During the first trimester of pregnancy or in the latter weeks as the body gets ready for labour, pink discharge can commonly be seen. Additionally, it can happen during an ectopic pregnancy or before a miscarriage. Sexual activity and vaginal infections are two additional reasons that might contribute to light spotting during pregnancy.
Red discharge
Red discharge during pregnancy may indicate a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. In some cases, red discharge may not be harmful in the first trimester where it may indicate an implantation. The presence of bleeding later in pregnancy may be a sign of serious health issues or preterm labour. However, red vaginal discharge during pregnancy needs immediate medical attention.
Brown discharge
In most cases, brown discharge during pregnancy is not harmful. On the other hand, pregnant women who have a dark brown discharge should consult their gynecologist.
To sum up
Thus, vaginal discharge in pregnancy is common but unusual discharge with changes in colour, odour and texture may indicate a problem. In such situations, it is better to consult your gynecologist for further assistance and better treatment
