White Discharge During Pregnancy – Natural Protection Against Infection

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey for every woman! However, during this process, various changes take place in your body. Among these changes, white vaginal discharge during pregnancy is the most common symptom experienced by a majority of pregnant women. In fact, there is an increase in the white discharge during pregnancy due to high estrogen hormone levels in the body. This white discharge during pregnancy is called as leucorrhoea, which consists of secretions from the cervix, vagina, and bacteria.

What is White Discharge During Pregnancy?

White discharge during pregnancy, also known as leucorrhoea, is thin, clear, and white, and has a moderate odour. This milky white discharge during pregnancy lowers the risk of vaginal and uterine infections. In the latter stages, this discharge appears the thickest and may contain pink mucus.

What is Leucorrhoea in Pregnancy? 

Leucorrhoea is a milky discharge from the vagina that is odourless. Many women  experience an increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy, either at the beginning stages or as the pregnancy proceeds. 

Experiencing white discharge during pregnancy may raise concerns, however, note that However, this is absolutely normal and healthy in most circumstances.

Why does Leucorrhoea Happen?

Leucorrhoea occurs due to hormonal imbalance, particularly oestrogen imbalance in the body during pregnancy. It is the principal female sex hormone that regulates and develops the female reproductive system, as well as secondary sex traits. Leucorrhoea is basically caused by an infection with bacteria and other microorganisms. 

Causes of White Discharge During Pregnancy

• White discharge during early pregnancy results from the increase in the blood supply in the region of the cervix and vagina.

• Various hormonal changes contribute to the increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy.

• White discharge during the later stages  of pregnancy occurs due to pressure of the baby’s growing head on the cervix.

Types of White Discharge During Pregnancy

• Discharge during early pregnancy can be either thin or thick. The discharge may look like raw egg white or can be colourless with a mild odour or even odourless. Thick white discharge during pregnancy acts as a protective barrier against any kind of infection reaching the womb.

• As your pregnancy advances, the cervical canal starts dilating (effacing) and the discharge gets thick and lumpy. This thick discharge is called a cervical plug, which is located in the cervical canal during the entire course of pregnancy. Discharge of this cervical plug indicates that the body is prepared for childbirth.

The cervical plug sometimes comprises streaks of blood which is termed as ‘show’ and is considered a sign of the onset of labour.

White Discharge During Pregnancy Is Normal

A mild to moderate amount of white discharge in pregnancy that is not associated with itching, pain, burning during urination or any other discomfort is normal  and does not require any treatment.

However, an abnormal white discharge during pregnancy with itching, irritation or pain requires immediate medical attention and suitable treatment.

• Candidiasis or yeast infection is the most common infection occurring during pregnancy. The discharge due to yeast infection is green to yellowish with a strong smell. There is a lot of itching with  pain while passing urine.

• The bacterial infection causes thick yellow or grey discharge with cramps and soreness in the region.

• Frothy greenish discharge with a strong smell is generally due to sexually transmitted diseases and needs immediate medical attention.

• Sometimes the discharge consists of blood or is brownish coloured, which should be checked by a doctor for further evaluation.

• In some cases, there is gushing of yellowish clear fluid, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. This fluid leak is due to the rupture of the bag of water, and indicates the onset of labour. If the fluid leak appears before the third trimester of pregnancy, it requires immediate medical treatment  to prevent preterm delivery.

How to Get Rid of White Discharge during Pregnancy

You will need to take a bath regularly and wear underpants with breathable cotton liners to reduce white discharge during pregnancy . Also, make sure to keep your vaginal area clean to avoid any infections. And the most important thing, keep yourself hydrated and drink plenty of water every day. 

Treatment of White Discharge During Pregnancy

Normal white discharge during pregnancy does not require any treatment. However, you can observe the following tips for treating it and keeping yourself comfortable.

• Use a liner on your undergarments to soak the excessive discharge.

• Avoid undergarments made of nylon or any other synthetic material as they may cause itching

• The undergarments should not be too tight-fitting.

• Keep the area clean and maintain proper hygiene.

• The direction of cleaning the vaginal area should be from front to back in order to prevent the spread of infection from the anus to the vagina.

• Avoid using bubble baths, deodorant soaps or scented tissue papers to clean the vaginal area.

• Most importantly, do not treat yourself without medical advice.

FAQs

Why does leucorrhoea pregnancy happen?

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy happens due to a hormonal imbalance known as oestrogen in the female body. This hormone regulates and develops the female reproductive system as well as secondary sex traits. Leucorrhoea is basically caused by an infection with bacteria and other microorganisms. 

Is white discharge in pregnancy normal?

It’s absolutely normal to experience white discharge during pregnancy. The white discharge in pregnancy is typically thin, transparent, or milky white in colour, and does not have any odour.

When to seek help for abnormal clear discharge during pregnancy? 

If you’re experiencing a deep yellow or green colour discharge, with bad smell, or irritation around the vagina, then, in that case, you should call your doctor to treat this abnormality during pregnancy. 

Is daily white discharge normal during pregnancy?

Yes, thin and white vaginal discharge throughout your pregnancy is absolutely normal. 

Can white discharge mean miscarriage?

Light bleeding before 12 weeks of pregnancy (during the first trimester) is extremely normal and isn’t always a symptom of miscarriage.

How much white discharge is normal in pregnancy?

It’s typical to have more discharge when pregnant than before. Vaginal discharge from a healthy woman is normally thin, transparent, or milky white in colour without an unpleasant odour.

Takeaway 

If your vaginal discharge becomes too heavy later in pregnancy, you should inform your doctor right away. If you have any vaginal bleeding while pregnant, you should call your doctor immediately, since it might indicate a more serious condition, such as a miscarriage or a placental problem. To avoid such concerns, start a good and healthy food diet, drink plenty of water, exercise daily, and take 7-8 hours of sleep. You can also take a look at the detailed information on white discharge during 9 months of pregnancy to get an early idea to overcome it. 

Disclaimer: The information in the article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor.

Also Read:  Your A-Z Guide to Urinary Incontinence!

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