Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

Is it normal to have more vaginal discharge during pregnancy?

Yes, it is quite normal to have this. The type of discharge is a non smelling milky
substance that is normally noticed before pregnancy. You will see a lot more of this
type of discharge because of the increase of blood going to your vagina. So there is
nothing really to fear.

As you get closer to labor, you will have more discharge. The flow will be more because
of the build up during pregnancy. It is a sort of protective layer also known as the
mucus plug, it is a normal progression for all women.

You cervix is dilating slowly throughout pregnancy, as it thins out, it might release
mucus. It will be in the form of a runny nose is and there is a possibility that you
might release a blob of mucus. Every woman is different. Do be alarmed if there is a
little bit of blood though.

When should I call the doctor?

If the liquid continues and is very thin, there is a possibility that you could be
leaking amniotic fluid and you need to contact your doctor right away. You also should
call if you are not yet 37 weeks pregnant and have a watery discharge. If there is a
brownish color, you may be going into preterm labor.

If you worry that you might have an infection, then you need to call your doctor as
well. You might have a yeast infection that you need to have looked at if your vagina
feels burning or is itching. If you have bad smelling or greenish discharge, you can
possibly have a different type of infection such as a STI. Even if you don’t have the
itching and burning feeling, you still could have such an infection. If in doubt
contact your health professional.

No matter what the cause of an infection is, you need to get a prescription from your
doctor and not rely on over the counter medicines. Get a proper diagnosis from your
doctor first to make sure that you're not treating yourself with the wrong medication.

What can I do about discharge during pregnancy?


All you can do is to use  panty liners or pads to stop the discharge from getting on
your underwear. Do not use tampons during pregnancy. You need to keep the genital area clean so that it will stay healthy. You don’t want to wear such things like: tight
pants, nylons, or use hygiene sprays or scented deodorants. Be very careful with 
bubble baths too as they can cause you a yeast or bacterial infection rather easily.

Remember that douching is not good when you are pregnant because it can disturb the
natural order of things  in and around your vagina, most doctors are discouraging them
for the fact that they can cause complications. Be careful and always pay attention to
your body and the changes it will go through.

Remember if in doubt contact your health professional, mum and baby always come first!

Pregnancy Complications