White Discharge In The 9th Month Of Pregnancy

It is common for women to experience vaginal discharge starting from their puberty years till menopause. In fact, most women experience vaginal discharge during pregnancy as well. Vaginal discharge during pregnancy mostly occurs due to hormonal fluctuations, and also because your body is preparing itself for labour and delivery. Let’s get to know why vaginal discharge happens and what you should do in that case.

White Discharge During Pregnancy In The 9th Month

As you enter into the ninth month of pregnancy, you will experience an increase in vaginal discharge. But there’s nothing to worry about the white discharge during the ninth month of your pregnancy.

Your vagina secretes a thin milky white discharge in the 9th month of pregnancy called leucorrhoea. It is thin and white and has a mild odour. Its volume increases throughout pregnancy to reduce the risk of vaginal and uterine infections. You might have to wear panty liners and pads to absorb the excess discharge.

Reasons For White Discharge During Pregnancy In The 9th Month

During pregnancy, your hormone levels change as the blood supply to the cervix increases. This causes a higher amount of milky white discharge in the 9th month of pregnancy. It also occurs due to the shedding of a substance called the mucus plug. The mucus plug originally forms at the beginning of pregnancy and thickens during the later stages, causing heavy white discharge.

It plays a major role in preventing bacteria from reaching the uterus and harming your baby. When labour approaches, the mucus is released to prepare your body for birth. Here are the characteristic features of a normal discharge:

• It is odourless
• It is whitish, runny, or even slightly yellow
• It can be slightly pinkish as your delivery date gets closer

Is White Watery Discharge In The 9th Month Of Pregnancy Normal?

It is normal to have a vaginal discharge in pregnancy. Increased levels of the hormone progesterone is responsible for producing more fluid during this time that leads to white watery discharge during the 9th month of pregnancy. As your due date approaches, you might also notice blood-stained, thick white discharge which happens when the mucus present in your cervix  gets dislodged.

Abnormal White Discharge During 9th Month Of Pregnancy

Yellowish or greenish discharge during pregnancy is considered abnormal, and if you notice them, you should immediately consult your doctor. The discharge may or may not be accompanied with a foul smell. Nevertheless, it is advisable to get in touch with your doctor in to avoid any complications.

Common Reasons For An Abnormal Discharge during Pregnancy

Some of the most common reasons for an abnormal discharge during pregnancy include:

• Bacterial Vaginosis: Bacterial Vaginosis is a condition that is caused by the imbalance of the bacteria present in the vagina or cervical canal. Its symptoms include a stinging or burning sensation during urination. If not treated, it can cause preterm birth.
  
• Candidiasis: Candidiasis is a yeast infection that can result in yellowish or greenish discharge, which is not normal. Candidiasis can also cause itching and irritation.
  
• Chlamydia: Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease and can cause vaginal discharge that is thick in texture and yellowish in colour. It is recommended to inform your doctor and start the treatment as it can cause preterm delivery or even transfer of infection to the unborn child.
  
• Leucorrhoea: The increase in the levels of oestrogen during pregnancy causes leucorrhoea. It results in a thick, yellowish discharge that is a combination of normal bacterial flora found in the cervix, old vaginal cells, and other secretions of the vagina and cervix.

How To Deal With White Discharge During Pregnancy In The 9th Month?

Using protection like condoms during sex can prevent sexually transmitted diseases, preventing abnormal discharge in the 9th month of pregnancy. Here is a list of do’s and don’ts that will help you deal with vaginal discharge and prevent infection.

Do’s:

• You can use panty liners that will keep you dry and comfortable.
• Protection while having sex can prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
• Washing the vagina a couple of times a day with water and a medicated soap that is recommended by your doctor can be helpful.
• When drying or wiping your vagina, the hand movement should be from front to back and not back to front.
• Try to wear cotton pants to ensure optimum breathability. Change it twice a day.

Don’ts:

• Try to avoid tampons, as these can cause infections.
• Avoid using scented creams and bubble baths.
• Public toilets should be avoided to prevent any infections.
• Avoid douching as it may wash off the good bacteria in the vagina.

A white watery discharge in the 9th month of pregnancy is common. However, an abnormal discharge of yellowish or greenish colour may  require immediate medical attention. It is also advisable to consult your doctor if the discharge has an unusual texture, or a foul smell. Proper treatment will help cancel the risk of any pregnancy complication and ensure the health of your baby.

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