White Discharge During Pregnancy in Second Trimester

All women have to deal with vaginal discharge at some point in her life. It is common for them to have some vaginal discharge starting a year or two before puberty and ending after menopause. Most women have more vaginal discharge during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester.

The vagina secretes a thin milky-white discharge called leukorrhea during pregnancy. It is thin and white and has a mild odour. The volume increases throughout pregnancy to reduce the risk of vaginal and uterine infections.

It comes from your cervix, the neck of the uterus. You might have to wear panty liners and pads to absorb the excess discharge.

However, it is important to note the colour, smell and amount of discharge during the second trimester as it might call for immediate medical attention. For instance, if the colour of the discharge is yellow or green and has a foul smell, you should consult your doctor.

What Is Vaginal White Discharge?

During pregnancy, the oestrogen production in your body increases, causing a greater flow of blood to your vagina. As a result, more mucus is produced from your cervix glands. This comes out of your vagina as a white discharge.

Vaginal white discharge during pregnancy is similar to the one that women might experience between periods. This is due to the change in hormonal levels. However, the consistency differs from phase to phase.

For instance, while a woman is ovulating, the consistency of the discharge is thin and stretchy and when she is not ovulating, the consistency is thick and sticky.

In most cases, vaginal discharge is nothing to be worried about and is considered normal as long as it does not come along with irritation, discomfort, a foul odour, and itching.

Reasons for White Discharge During Second Trimester of Pregnancy

There are several causes of having a thick white discharge during pregnancy in the second trimester. Some of the reasons for white discharge during second trimester of pregnancy are:

1. Leukorrhea: The most common reason for an increased white discharge during pregnancy in the second trimester is leukorrhoea. It is normal and happens to several women.

2. Yeast infection: If you experience vaginal and vulval itching, soreness, and burning, it might be the sign of a yeast infection in your vagina.

With yeast infections, you might also notice swelling in the folds of skin on the exterior of your vagina. The discharge will usually be white and lumpy and can have a texture that resembles cottage cheese.

3. Bacterial vaginosis (BV): As the name suggests, bacterial vaginosis is caused by an imbalance in the normal bacteria existing in a woman’s vagina and is a serious concern during pregnancy. It also leads to an increased risk of preterm birth or miscarriage.

The discharge is thin and greyish-white, green, or yellow in colour. This discharge can have a fish-like odour and becomes stronger after penetrative vaginal sex.

4. Sexually Transmitted Infections: Sexually transmitted infections are bacterial or viral infections that are transmitted through oral or anal sex. It causes a yellow or white discharge and has a foul smell. You might also experience pain during sex and urination.

Gonococcal infection is the most common STI. However, these infections can be treated with antibiotics.

How To Get Rid of White Discharge During The Second Trimester of Pregnancy?

While some cases of vaginal discharge might indicate medical attention, there are some steps that you can follow to deal with the problem and make yourself more comfortable:

1. Try using panty liners that will keep you dry and comfortable.

2. Wearing underwear that is crafted from cotton will allow your skin to breathe.

3. It is advisable to change your underwear at least two to three times a day.

4. Use unscented soap and water for washing your genital area.

5. You must wash your hands properly before and after touching your vagina.

6. Make sure your vagina is well-lubricated before having sex.

7. You can clean your vagina by wiping from front to back, especially after having sex.

8. Try to avoid wearing a tampon to absorb the discharge. These are not recommended for pregnant women.

9. Avoid wearing smeared underwear for a long time as the continued wetness can make your vagina a susceptible to infections.

Should You Consult A Doctor?

Normal white discharge during pregnancy does not need medical attention. However, you must consult a doctor if you have an abnormal discharge. Some of the signs of abnormal discharge are:

• Yellow, green, or grey colour of the discharge

• Discharge having a foul odour

• Discharge accompanied by redness or itching, or vulvar swelling

FAQs

Is white discharge normal in the 2nd trimester?

White discharge in the second trimester is normal. It can be sticky, clear or white. However, if the discharge is accompanied by pain, soreness or itching in your vaginal area, it can be an abnormal discharge.

What type of discharge is normal in the second trimester?

White vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) is normal in the second trimester. You can wear a panty liner to absorb the discharge.

However, if the discharge is yellow or green in colour and has a foul smell with blood stains, it is not normal. You should contact your doctor in such cases.

Conclusion

Vaginal discharge is a way a woman’s body expels fluid and cells. The production of vaginal discharge varies from woman to woman. The consistency and appearance changes depending on many factors. White discharge throughout pregnancy is common, especially in the second trimester.

White discharge during the second trimester is normal. There’s nothing to worry about unless its colour changes and has a foul odour.