Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy: Common Reasons And 5 Ways To Deal With It

During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes several changes. This often causes confusion in expecting mums as they find it difficult to determine which change is normal, and which one is a cause of concern. One such change occurs in vaginal discharge; and if you are a first-time mumma bear, witnessing white discharge during pregnancy may raise concerns in your mind. 

While you may have already heard from others that vaginal discharge only appears in the first weeks of pregnancy, and disappears afterward, you may still not stop worrying. In fact, it’s normal to be skeptical and careful about even the slightest changes during pregnancy as they can affect your growing baby. But as long as vaginal discharge is not accompanied by any other side effect or problem, it shouldn’t be considered alarming during pregnancy. But let’s dig deep (mind the pun) to know the ways to manage vaginal discharge during pregnancy. 

Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy: What’s Normal And What’s Not?

During pregnancy, white discharge appears due to the increased production of estrogen in the body. An increase in estrogen levels causes more blood to flow into the pelvic area, triggering the mucous membranes. This leads to clear-to-white discharge made up of vaginal and cervical secretions, vaginal bacteria, and old cells. Although you may find vaginal discharge during pregnancy troubling, you should know that it actually helps prevent infections and bacteria from entering the womb through the vagina, thereby, keeping your little one protected.

Is White Mucus Discharge Normal During Pregnancy?

White discharge during pregnancy is considered normal if it has a thin and milky consistency, looks clear, and has a mild smell. This discharge is medically termed leucorrhea and is similar to the one that women have when they aren’t pregnant. As your baby’s head presses against the cervix, you may notice an increase in white discharge during the later stages of pregnancy. Also, at the end of your gestation period, the discharge can be accompanied by some blood and thick mucus as your body prepares for childbirth.

What Is Considered Abnormal Discharge During Pregnancy?

Vaginal discharge is considered abnormal if it appears yellow, brown, or green in colour, has a strong and fishy odour, or causes your vagina to turn red and itchy.

Causes Of Abnormal Discharge

Abnormal vaginal discharge can happen due to:

• Diabetes
• Use of antibiotics
• Pelvic inflammatory diseases
• Cervical cancer
• Poor hygiene 
• Use of scented bubble baths, soaps

What Are The Indications Of An Abnormal Discharge

Abnormal discharge usually indicates an infection. In some cases, it also indicates the presence of an underlying health condition. It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor if you notice abnormal discharge. Based on the colour or texture of the discharge, your doctor will prescribe a helpful treatment method. Usually:

• White, yellow, or grey discharge with a fishy smell indicates bacterial vaginosis. This happens due to the anaerobic bacteria in place of lactobacillus flora. It can cause premature birth, preterm labour, and amniotic fluid infection in expecting mums. 
• Cottage cheese-like discharge with irritation and itching signifies yeast infection. This condition occurs in one in four women during pregnancy, but don’t worry, it does not harm the baby. There are many over-the-counter medications available to treat this infection. However, make sure to consult your doctor before using them.
• Brown discharge can imply ectopic pregnancy (a condition where pregnancy occurs outside the uterus) or miscarriage. Brown discharge may also happen when the cervix is irritated during a medical checkup or sexual intercourse. In this case, it’s perfectly normal.
• A greenish or yellowish discharge with a foul smell indicates trichomoniasis. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), around 25 million pregnant women are affected by this sexually transmitted infection. In some cases, this condition can increase the chances of premature delivery and low birth weight in the newborn.

5 Ways To Deal With Normal And Abnormal Discharge During Pregnancy

Vaginal discharge, whether normal or abnormal, can be irritating as it flows throughout the day. Here are some ways to deal with discharge during pregnancy.

• Use an intimate wash to keep your vaginal area clean: Instead of using scented soaps that irritate your vagina, use a natural intimate hygiene wash to gently clean your vaginal area. Make sure to look for ingredients like tea tree oil, chamomile, and coconut as they help soothe irritation, prevent odour and infection, and maintain the ideal pH balance of the vaginal area. 
• Wear panty liners: This will help you avoid the wet feeling, especially on days you have excessive white discharge. The panty liners will help absorb the discharge and keep you clean and dry.
• Keep away from douches: Douching can alter the natural bacteria in your vagina and cause infections. Also, if air passes to your vagina during the process, it could be harmful to the baby.
• Wear cotton panties: Make sure to fill your wardrobe with super-breathable and light cotton panties. They will allow airflow and keep your vagina soothed and comfortable.
• Add probiotic foods to your diet: Increase intake of probiotic foods such as yogurt, and buttermilk to build good bacteria and prevent infections. 

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is normal and not a matter of concern. However, if you do notice a change in the colour, texture, or smell, do consult your doctor immediately. In most cases, these infections result from poor hygiene. Therefore, make sure to follow intimate hygiene, use an intimate wash, avoid wearing tight clothing, and include healthy probiotic foods in your diet.