Pink Discharge During Pregnancy: Is It Normal?

As a pregnant woman’s body prepares itself for nourishing a baby for the next nine months, there are a plethora of physical changes. Pink discharge during pregnancy is one such change.

The vagina secretes a thin milky-white discharge called leukorrhea during pregnancy and its volume increases throughout pregnancy to reduce the risk of vaginal and uterine infections. But what about pink discharge during pregnancy? Is it normal? Read on to know more.

Is Pink Discharge Normal During Pregnancy?

Pink discharge or light pink spotting during pregnancy is normal and is often nothing more than benign vaginal secretions combined with blood. Medical studies suggest that pink discharge is common during pregnancy and happens to one in every four pregnancies.

Pink discharge in the early stages of pregnancy is a mix of clear vaginal fluid and a little bit of blood. If your pink discharge is related to implantation bleeding (more on that in a minute), it can also look pinkish or brownish.

5 Causes of Pink Discharge During Pregnancy

There are several causes of pink discharge during pregnancy. Some of these are:

1. Implantation bleeding: Pink discharge in early pregnancy might occur due to implantation bleeding.

It is a small amount of light spotting or bleeding that occurs about six to 12 days after conception and happens when the fertilised egg attaches to the lining of the uterus. 

Since the fertilised egg has to burrow into the lining of the implant, it can lead to a spectrum of discharge or spotting from light pink to red or brown.

2. Intense exercise during pregnancy: If you’re performing a lot of heavy lifting or strenuous exercise during early pregnancy, you might observe some pink discharge.

It is advisable to consult a doctor before you start your prenatal exercises.

3. Ectopic pregnancy: From fertilisation to delivery, pregnancy involves a myriad of steps. One of these steps includes a fertilised egg travelling to the uterus to get attached.

If the fertilised egg attaches to the fallopian tube, abdominal cavity, or cervix instead of attaching to the uterus, it is known as an ectopic pregnancy. It leads to pink or brown discharge during pregnancy.

As a fertilised egg cannot grow anywhere other than the uterus, ectopic pregnancy is fatal for the foetus and requires immediate treatment to save the pregnant mum’s life.

4. Tiny vaginal tears: Pink discharge during pregnancy can also be a result of tiny vaginal tears if you have harsh intercourse during pregnancy.

Such a discharge is mainly due to small vaginal lacerations as a result of the intercourse.

5. An ovarian cyst that has burst: Ovarian cysts might also cause pink discharge during pregnancy. These are fluid-filled sacs that form on one or both of a woman’s ovaries.

Sometimes they can rupture during pregnancy and can cause a pink discharge. However, it is usually not a cause of concern.

When to Call A Doctor?

Usually, pink discharge during pregnancy is not a cause of concern. However, it is advisable to call a doctor if:

• The discharge is accompanied by a foul odour.
• The discharge causes redness or itching, or vulvar swelling.
• Intense pain, nausea and vomiting
• Headache

It is recommended to use unscented soap and water for washing your genital area and make sure that your vagina is well-lubricated before having sex. You can try using panty liners that will keep you dry and comfortable in case the discharge increases.

DISCLAIMER: We have taken steps to check the accuracy of the information & practices shared above; however, it is not a replacement for a doctor’s opinion. Please check with either your doctor, or an expert, before trying any suggestion, practice, or medication mentioned here.