Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is one of the most normal symptoms that any woman will experience during her months of gestation. In fact, vaginal discharge is one of the first symptoms that appears in early pregnancy, and it will remain for the most part of it. However, vaginal discharge is sometimes normal, but at other times it can be an indication of a more serious problem. In this article I am going to give you a guide so you can know everything about vaginal discharge during pregnancy. When is normal and when should you contact your doctor, we are also discussing about What Does Pregnancy Discharge Look Like, along with some practical tips to keep your vagina healthy during pregnancy.
What Does Pregnancy Discharge Look Like? All About Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy.
Causes of Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy.
As a result of the fluctuating levels of hormones that occur throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle, the amount of discharge that comes from the vaginal canal will varies. Once you become pregnant, hormones will continue to have a role in the changes that take place in your vaginal discharge.
During pregnancy, the cervix undergoes a number of changes that might influence the vaginal discharge. When the cervix and vaginal wall begin to relax, the body responds by producing an increased amount of discharge to help fight off infections. When you are getting close to the end of your pregnancy, the head of your baby may press against the cervix, which typically results in an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge as well.
What Can You Expect?
Even before you’ve stopped having your period, your normal vaginal discharge, which is medically referred to as leukorrhea, will start to change approximately one to two weeks after you get pregnant. This discharge will typically become more obvious as your pregnancy continues, and it will be at its heaviest when you are towards the end of your pregnancy.
During the last few weeks of your pregnancy, you may also notice that your discharge comprises streaks of thick mucus together with streaks of blood. This phenomenon is known as “show.” This is an early indicator of labor, and there is no reason to be concerned about it at this point.
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What Does Pregnancy Vaginal Discharge Look Like?
Normal Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy Should Look Clear or Milky White: Normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy is often thin, clear, or milky white in color, and has an odor that is not overpowering. Throughout the course of a menstrual cycle, there will be variations in it. During pregnancy, you may experience an increase in the amount of discharge, as well as changes in its consistency, thickness, frequency, and volume.
Because of all these changes it is not always simple to distinguish between changes that are normal for pregnancy and those that might raise concerns. Any changes in its quantity or consistency may suggest an issue. A woman who is pregnant but not yet at full term should see a doctor if she experiences an increase in clear discharge that leaks continuously or becomes thick and jelly-like. These changes may suggest preterm labor.
When Should You Call the Doctor Due to the Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy?
When you Experience A bumpy White Color Vaginal Discharge.
A yeast infection may be present when a woman experiences vaginal discharge that is lumpy and either white or off-white in color, resembling cottage cheese. Yeast infections are quite prevalent, and the body is more prone to developing them during pregnancy than at any other time. In addition to this, patients may experience burning, itching, and painful urination or sexual activity.
Yellow and Green Vaginal Discharge.
Discharge from the genital tract that is green or yellow in color is not normal and may be an indication of a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or trichomoniasis. Genital areas may also become inflamed or irritated, which are two additional probable symptoms. In certain cases, sexually transmitted diseases do not cause any symptoms.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is a Trusted Source, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can create difficulties during pregnancy, which can have an effect on both the mother and the child. These issues may not manifest themselves for years after the child’s birth, but they can have a negative impact on the child’s nervous system and development, as well as make it impossible for the woman to have more children.
Gray Vaginal Discharge.
It is possible that you have a vaginal infection known as bacterial vaginosis (BV), especially if your vaginal discharge is gray in color and has a fishy odor that gets greater after you have sexual contact with another person. The presence of BV is due to an unbalanced bacterial population in the vagina. Both double sexual activity and having many sexual partners are risk factors for bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is the most prevalent type of vaginal infection that occurs throughout the reproductive years of a woman’s life.
Brown Vaginal Discharge.
The brown color of the discharge is related to the fact that old blood is leaving the body, which is one of the early signs of pregnancy. In the majority of cases, a brown discharge during pregnancy is nothing to be concerned about. However, women who are pregnant and encounter discharge that is a dark brown color should contact their doctor to get checked.
Pink Vaginal Discharge.
It’s possible that a pink discharge is typical during pregnancy, but it’s not certain. When a woman is in her early pregnancy or in her final weeks before giving birth, her discharge may have a pinkish color. This is because her body is preparing for delivery. It is also possible for it to happen just prior to a miscarriage or even during an ectopic pregnancy. Is always to call your doctor to get checked if this vaginal discharge persists for more than a couple of days.
Red Vaginal Discharge.
Having a red vaginal discharge during pregnancy warrants quick medical treatment, particularly if the bleeding is excessive, contains clots, or is accompanied by cramping and abdominal pain. In all of these cases, a doctor should be consulted.
These signs point to the possibility of a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. It is estimated that anywhere between 10 and 15 percent of pregnancies will terminate in a miscarriage, which is another term for pregnancy loss.
Later in the pregnancy, bleeding can be an indication of potentially significant complications or preterm labor, both of which require prompt medical attention from a trained professional.
Tips To Care for your Vagina, Cope with Vaginal Discharge and Avoid Getting Infections During Pregnancy.
During pregnancy, it is common for a woman to have an increase in the volume of vaginal discharge that might have a mild smell in occasions; however, abnormal colors and odors are frequently signs of infection. When it comes to treating infections in this region of the body, a doctor may give antibiotics or other types of medication.
In most cases, women may keep their vaginal health in good condition during pregnancy by performing the following:
- Avoiding using tampons.
- Douching should be avoided.
- Selecting unscented alternatives for feminine hygiene products, personal care goods, and other toiletries (such as unscented toilet paper and soaps).
- Using panty liners to help absorb any excess discharge, that will help you to control the excess of moisture.
- After going to the bathroom, wiping the genital region in a front-to-back motion is recommended to avoid cross infections.
- After taking a shower or going swimming, making sure the genital areas are completely dry.
- Using underwear constructed from a material that allows air to pass through it.
- Avoid wearing tight jeans and nylon pantyhose, as both of these items raise the likelihood of getting an infection.
- Maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding excessive amounts of sugar, which can promote the growth of yeast infections, can help.
Other posts you might like to read:
Routine Prenatal Screening and Tests During Pregnancy.
25 Most Common Pregnancy Questions Answered.
11 Signs of a Really Early Pregnancy.
Final Thoughts About Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy.
It is common for women to have an increase in their vaginal discharge during pregnancy; however, unexpected discharge that is accompanied by strong odors or discomfort in the vagina or abdomen is sometimes an indication of a health problem. This holds true for discharges that are green, yellow, or gray in color as well.
If a woman experience spotting or bleeding that is heavy, continues for more than a day, or happens in conjunction with pain or cramps, she should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Zadi, xo
Disclaimer: The medical information on this post is for informational, educational and entertainment use only. Under no circumstances, this information is to replace your doctor’s advice or to treat any disease. For proper care, always visit your doctor. Ultrasoundfeminsider is not liable for any injury caused by reading this article.
You broke this down articulately and very clearly as usual Zadi; it is highly informative <3. I am so happy to see that you are still here and doing these helpful topics.
Thank you so much friend. Is an honor for me that you come to my blog to learn as well.
Awww you are so welcome; that is so lovely to hear Zadi, I am very humbled. I love visiting your blog and I really cherish your company.
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