Pregnancy Discharge Colour: What Is Considered Normal?

If you are a first-time mum, witnessing vaginal discharge anytime during pregnancy can raise concerns and panic. While you may have been told that it only appears during the first few weeks of pregnancy, and disappears afterward, you cannot help but worry if it’s normal. 

According to experts, as long as any symptoms or side effects do not accompany your vaginal discharge, it should not be considered an alarming situation. To help you better understand this condition, we explain the causes of pregnancy discharge colour, how to manage it, and when it may require medical attention. 

Why Do Women Experience White Vaginal Discharge?

Typically, white or milky discharge is made inside your cervix and vagina that helps flush out dead cells and bacteria. It keeps the female reproductive areas clean, and also prevents infections. While this discharge is normal during other times, you may wonder why it happens during pregnancy, and whether it is considered normal.

What Does White Discharge During Pregnancy Mean?

White discharge is considered normal during pregnancy, as it is around the time of your period. In fact, there may be an increase in white discharge during pregnancy, as your body produces more oestrogen, and more blood flows into your pelvic region, triggering the mucus membranes. The clear-to-white discharge that you experience is made up of vaginal and cervical secretions, old cells, and bacteria. A few other reasons why there is an increase in white discharge during pregnancy:

• As your baby’s head presses against your cervix, the pressure could increase the discharge flow during the later stages of pregnancy.
• Your vaginal and cervix walls become softer and increase the flow of white discharge to prevent any infections from entering the womb through your vagina.

When Is White Discharge Considered Normal During Pregnancy?

White discharge during pregnancy is normal if it appears thin and milky, looks clear, and has a mild smell. This discharge is also known as leucorrhoea, which is similar to the one women experience when they are not pregnant. 

This discharge appears thicker at the later stages of pregnancy, and may also contain some blood, which is an indication of your body preparing for birth.

Abnormal Pregnancy Discharge Colour: What Does It Indicate?

Pregnancy vaginal discharge is considered abnormal if:

• It is green, yellow, or brown in colour
• It has a fishy or strong odour
• Your vagina feels itchy 

Abnormal vaginal discharge during pregnancy usually indicates an infection. We have discussed more details about these conditions in the next section, and tips to manage them.

• Cottage cheese-like discharge with irritation, itching, and smell: This may signify candidiasis or yeast infection. Vaginal yeast overgrowth is fairly common during pregnancy, but it does not harm your baby’s health. It can be managed by over-the-counter medicines, prescribed by your doctor.
• White, yellow, or grey discharge with a fishy smell: This is a  symptom of bacterial vaginosis, a condition that occurs due to the growth of anaerobic bacteria, instead of lactobacillus flora. This condition could cause premature birth, preterm labour, and amniotic fluid infection, and requires immediate medical treatment.
• Greenish or yellow discharge with a foul smell: This could be an indication of trichomoniasis. It is a sexually transmitted infection that may increase the chances of premature delivery or low birth weight in your newborn.
• Brown discharge: This could imply an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition for the mum and needs to be aborted immediately. In some cases, brown discharge may also occur if your cervix is irritated during a medical checkup or sexual intercourse. 

What Causes Abnormal Discharge During Pregnancy?

Abnormal vaginal discharge might be the result of:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Gestational diabetes
• Use of scented soaps, taking a bubble bath
• Poor hygiene
• Use of antibiotics

How to Deal With Abnormal Discharge During Pregnancy?

It’s a good idea to be extra careful and report any abnormal symptoms to your doctor immediately, such as vaginal discharge accompanied by foul smell and irritation. Besides that, you can also follow these tips to maintain a healthy vagina and prevent infections. 

• Keep your vaginal area clean: Avoid the use of scented soaps in an attempt to control vaginal odour. Plain water is enough to help keep your vaginal area clean.
• Wear panty liners or pads: This will prevent the feeling of wetness, especially on days when you are experiencing heavy white discharge. Panty liners/ pads can help absorb the discharge, and keep you feeling hygienic and dry.
• Avoid using tampons: Tampons may have bacteria sitting on their surface, which may enter your body through the vagina and harm your baby’s health.
• Wear cotton underwear: Opt for breathable cotton underwear instead of synthetic ones. They will prevent irritation and itching.
• Do not use scented products: Fragranced soaps, sprays, or toilet paper may increase the risk of infection in your vagina, and hence, it’s best to avoid them at all times. 
• Consume probiotic-rich foods: Add probiotic foods to your pregnancy diet to help build good bacteria.

Conclusion

Pregnancy discharge colour may vary at different stages during this time, but if you notice any abnormality, the first thing you should do is consult your healthcare provider. There could be an infection in your vagina that needs immediate medical care and treatment to prevent any further harm to your or your baby’s health. Also, throughout pregnancy, ensure to maintain good intimate hygiene habits to prevent bacterial infections or irritation.

Also read:

Symphysis pubic dysfunction: Why does symphysis pubic dysfunction occur during pregnancy and how to deal with this condition? Get all the details in this post.

Frequent urination in pregnancy: Learn the causes of frequent urination in pregnancy and tips to deal with it.

Varicose veins during pregnancy: What causes varicose veins during pregnancy? Learn all the causes here, as well as tips to manage this condition. 

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