Vaginal discharge during pregnancy: What's normal?

When you’re pregnant, every little change in your body takes on greater significance, and you can read each of them as a sign of what is happening with your baby. That is great, as long as you don’t over-interpret, or assume everything is an indication that things are going wrong! The same thing applies to your discharge.

Table of contents:

• Is discharge normal in pregnancy?
• What is early pregnancy discharge?
• 5 Things you should know about pregnancy discharge
  1. Chances are your vaginal discharge will get heavier during pregnancy
  2. Don’t be concerned when the vaginal mucus plug appears!
  3. Clear watery discharge during pregnancy is generally nothing to worry about
  4. Thrush is quite common in pregnancy – but won’t harm you or your baby
  5. Always pantyliners can help you feel fresh all day everyday
• Dealing with vaginal discharge during pregnancy
• When to see your midwife or doctor

Is discharge normal in pregnancy?

Increased vaginal discharge is not always related to illness - a special period is pregnancy, during which the discharge generally becomes much more profuse. It is important to remember that discharge is a normal pregnancy discharge - a physiological phenomenon that informs the normal functioning of the body of the mother-to-be.

What is early pregnancy discharge?

Pregnancy mucus at the beginning of pregnancy is a purely physiological symptom. Discharge during early pregnancy occur very frequently and plays an extremely important role, as it forms a special protective barrier for both the foetus and the mother, protecting the reproductive tract from infection. Normal mucus at the beginning of pregnancy is transparent or slightly tinged white or yellow. It can be tractable or thinned. In addition, a mucus plug is formed at the beginning of pregnancy, which passes away before the birth.

5 Things you should know about pregnancy discharge

Pregnancy mucus at the beginning of pregnancy is a purely physiological symptom. Discharge during early pregnancy occur very frequently and plays an extremely important role, as it forms a special protective barrier for both the foetus and the mother, protecting the reproductive tract from infection. Normal mucus at the beginning of pregnancy is transparent or slightly tinged white or yellow. It can be tractable or thinned. In addition, a mucus plug is formed at the beginning of pregnancy, which passes away before the birth.

1) Chances are your vaginal discharge will get heavier during pregnancy

The majority of women will find they experience an increase in thin, milky white, or clear discharge during pregnancy, which is perfectly normal.

This is because it is even more important to your body than usual, to prevent any infection travelling up your vagina to your womb – and to the baby. This discharge acts as a barrier supporting good vaginal health, while maintaining the PH balance within.

2) Don’t be concerned when the vaginal mucus plug appears!

Your body creates something called a pregnancy mucus plug to seal off the cervix and prevent bacteria from getting in. This stays in place until your baby is due. It looks like a big lump of jelly-ish, thick discharge in pregnancy, sometimes with streaks of blood in it. It can be quite disconcerting to have this mucus plug pop out, but it is a sign that your cervix is starting to open, and you may soon be going into labour! Assuming you are nearing full term, the appearance of the mucus plug – or ‘show’ as it is also known – is nothing to worry about. Otherwise check with your doctor.

3) Clear watery discharge during pregnancy is generally nothing to worry about

The texture of discharge can vary from person to person, and watery clear vaginal discharge in pregnancy is normally fine. It can occasionally be a sign of an STI though, so if you have any signs such as unpleasant or strange smells, or itchiness or pain in the area, it is worth getting it checked out by your doctor.

4) Thrush is quite common in pregnancy – but won’t harm you or your baby

Pregnancy hormones affect the pH in your vagina, making your more prone to yeast infections. But thrush is more a problem just for being unpleasant to deal with, so it is worth knowing the signs so you can deal with it ASAP. If you notice a yeasty smell, stinging pain when you go to the toilet, or thick white cottage cheese discharge during pregnancy, these all point to thrush. It is worth mentioning to your doctor. He or she will give you treatment – generally in the form of a tablet or cream – to clear up the infection.

5) Always pantyliners can help you feel fresh all day everyday

If the increase in discharge is causing you discomfort it is worth investing in a pack of Always Dailies pantyliners. Wearing them on a daily basis can soak up excess liquid, and keep you feeling dry and fresh. They are dermatologically tested and safe to be worn daily. That way you can focus on more important things – like enjoying your pregnancy!

Dealing with vaginal discharge during pregnancy

At the beginning of pregnancy and during the following trimesters, it is important to pay particular attention to intimate hygiene. It is also advisable to choose underwear made from cotton, which is gentle and will not irritate sensitive intimate areas. It is also very important to use sanitary towels.

When to see your midwife or doctor

It is a good idea to see a doctor if the mucus during pregnancy suddenly turns greenish, dark or completely white and becomes more lumpy in consistency. This is a common symptom of a bacterial infection that should not be underestimated.

• White mucus in pregnancy is usually the result of a fungal infection. The mucus changes its appearance and becomes white and more lumpy. In addition, it causes itching and burning in the vagina and perineum.
• Green mucus in pregnancy is usually a symptom of bacterial vaginosis. In addition, the smell of the mucus becomes very unpleasant, even fishy.
• The mucus in pregnancy can also be frothy and very watery. This form of mucus in pregnancy indicates a vaginal cilia infection (cysticercosis). The mucus becomes more abundant. Its colour is greyish-green and appears frothy. The smell also changes. This type of discharge has a very unpleasant, faint smell.
• If the discharge becomes purulent, this indicates a serious infection, such as gonorrhoea. In this case, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible.
• Brown mucus in pregnancy is a signal that a gynaecologist should be contacted quickly. Most often, brown mucus is associated with the presence of blood in it. A small amount of bleeding in pregnancy occurs in 30% of normal pregnancies (mostly in the first trimester) but this symptom should always be checked out by your doctor as it may indicate a problem developing during pregnancy.
• Brown mucus just like bleeding and bloody discharge during pregnancy can result, for example, from problems with the placenta. If it is a minor spotting, it does not necessarily indicate an abnormality. However, you should always consult your gynaecologist.