What Vaginal discharge in pregnancy is normal?

Pregnancy brings many changes in the female’s body. Pregnancy is a very crucial yet tender phase in which various hormones are released in the female’s body. The female has to take a lot of care and several precautions. Females experience different kinds of vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Some of them may be normal.

But some vaginal discharges may be the body’s way to signal about a certain complication, disease or abnormality. It is important for the female to know exactly what the vaginal discharge indicates and when she should visit her doctor for help or consultation to prevent the risk of complications.

Normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy

In general, a female may have light vaginal discharge once in a while or almost every day. There is no certain purpose or indication for them. Some of it may be normal but some might be your body’s indications for complications with the pregnancy or in general health.

Generally, the clear or white-colored vaginal discharge called leukorrhea is considered normal and poses no threat. This discharge gives a mild odor. This discharge prevents vaginal and uterine infections during pregnancy. That is why this discharge increases with the pregnancy.

During the last week of the pregnancy, this discharge is normal. Females may also see a pink-colored mucus with this discharge in the last days of the pregnancy. This sticky, pink-colored mucus is the body’s sign to indicate that it is being prepared for the labor.

Also Read: How Vaginal Discharge Occurs and How to Prevent It?

Various other discharges during pregnancy

• Clear White or Milky White Discharge

Normal milky or clear white vaginal discharge is generally leukorrhea. The mild smell of the discharge is normal. If the vaginal discharge becomes more frequent or if its quantity increases, consult your gynecologist.

• Lumpy White Discharge

Lumpy white vaginal discharge resembling cottage cheese may be a sign of a yeast infection. It is not a major thing during pregnancy. But if the pain or itching because of it increases, you should seek help.

• Yellow or Green Discharge
  

A yellow or green colored discharge is not a good sign. It generally happens as a symptom of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) like Chlamydia or Trichomoniasis. The female may also experience symptoms such as itching, redness or pain around the genital area. Although, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) show no such symptoms. But, they are indeed harmful to both the female and the fetus.

• Gray Discharge

Bacterial Vaginosis, a bacterial infection in the vagina may cause gray-colored vaginal discharge with a foul, fishy smell. Imbalance in the natural pH balance of the vagina caused because of excessive douching or having multiple sexual partners may result in Bacterial Vaginosis.

• Brown Discharge

Brown discharge, also known as implantation bleeding happens during the early days of pregnancy. A female may observe brown discharge around the time of her regular period days. The flow of this discharge is very mild. This happens when the fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine walls after conceiving. 

• Pink Discharge

Commonly during pregnancy, pink discharge is seen around the last days of pregnancy when the body is preparing itself for labor. It is normal and is not bothering the female.

• Red Discharge

Red discharge is not normal and should not occur during pregnancy. If you see bright red colored discharge with or without blood clots. This may be a sign of miscarriage or some serious complication in the pregnancy. Immediate consultation is required in such a case.

Visit a doctor 

The color of vaginal discharge alone does not define if it is normal or not. If the vaginal discharge is accompanied by irritation, pain, cramps, discomfort, foul-smell or any other abnormal symptoms, consult a gynecologist immediately. Getting professional help is the safest and best answer here. Do not try home remedies or unprescribed medicines during pregnancy as it can be highly unsafe. A doctor is familiar with such situations and will provide the best solution for the betterment of all.