Pregnancy causes a lot of changes in the body. During pregnancy, the color and texture of vaginal discharge also change. Different colors of pregnancy discharges have a different meaning. Some discharges are normal while some can be a sign of infection. As the pregnancy progresses the vaginal discharge keeps on changing.
In this article, we will explain to you the different types of vaginal discharge and their meaning.
There are a lot of hormonal changes in the body during pregnancy. Vaginal discharge during pregnancy increases due to hormonal fluctuations and increased blood flow. White discharge during pregnancy is normal. You may find clear or milky white discharge during menstruation also. The volume of discharge increases throughout pregnancy to reduce the risk of infections. But, if the pregnancy discharge turns yellow or green, you may need to worry about it.
Apart from hormones, changes in the cervix during pregnancy also affect vaginal discharge. The cervix wall will soften and produces more discharge to prevent infection in the vagina.
A point to remember- A white discharge during pregnancy is normal. It is produced by the body to protect the baby from infection. White mucus seals the cervix and prevents the infection to reach the uterus.<br /> .- HERA
Discharge during pregnancy is of various colours. Different types of pregnancy discharges are:-
Yellow, green, and dark brown discharge can be the symptoms of certain infections. These types of discharges can be a sign of infections:-
HERA pro tip: If you are having a pain or burning sensation during discharge, don't use feminine hygiene products. These products can aggravate the infection and lead to more discomfort..- HERA
Different discharge colours during pregnancy indicate different conditions. These include:-
White discharge
White discharge during pregnancy suggests leucorrhoea. It is usually healthy if it smells mild. It is produced by the body to protect the baby from infections. Any changes in the consistency of the discharge may suggest some health issues. White discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester that leaks continuously may suggest a water break. Thick white discharge during the third trimester suggests preterm labour.
White and lumpy
Lumpy discharge during pregnancy that is white or off white is a sign of yeast infection. During pregnancy, the body is more vulnerable to yeast infections. Itching, burning sensation, and painful urination are symptoms of yeast infection. Pregnancy hormones disturb the PH balance in the vagina and increase the risk of yeast infection. It is more common in the second and third trimester of pregnancy.
Brown/Dark Brown
Brown discharge during pregnancy is generally the older blood that stays in the uterus for long. Brown discharge is usually normal and in most cases harmless. If the discharge has a pungent smell and is painful it may be a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, and problems with the placenta. You must see a doctor if you see dark brown discharge during pregnancy.
Green and yellow
Green and yellow discharge during pregnancy is not normal. Yellow discharge during pregnancy indicates a sexually transmitted infection. It may be a sign of chlamydia or trichomoniasis. Its symptoms may include redness or irritation in the vagina. These STIs may be harmful and can cause complications during pregnancy. STIs can affect the development of the child and cause infertility in women. Sometimes what may seem like yellow discharge can be urine.
Grey
Greyvaginal discharge during pregnancy may suggest a vaginal infection. If the grey discharge has a fishy smell and becomes pungent after intercourse, it indicates bacterial vaginosis. It is a common infection in women of childbearing age. Its other symptoms include vaginal pain or discomfort, itching or burning sensation, and fishy smell. This bacterial infection is more common in the second and third trimester. Douching and frequent sex with multiple partners can cause this infection. It can be treated with antibiotics.
Pink
Pink discharge during the early or final weeks of pregnancy can be normal. In the early stage during implantation, you may notice pink discharge. In the final week, pink discharge can be a sign of your body being prepared for labour. Pink discharge can also occur before miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. If the pink discharge is watery, see your doctor immediately.
Red
Red or blood clot discharge during pregnancy is a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. If the discharge is heavy, contains blood clots with abdominal pain, it may indicate a pregnancy loss. Red discharge during the first trimester of pregnancy can be a sign of implantation or infection. Red discharge in the final weeks of pregnancy may indicate preterm labour. You should seek medical care if you see heavy red discharges.
Water
Water discharge during the 9th month of pregnancy states that the amniotic sac has broken. Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds a foetus in the womb. A heavy watery discharge during your due date implies a preterm birth or even water breaking. If your watery discharge during the 9th month of pregnancy is greenish, it may indicate that you need to deliver the child.
The bottom line
An increase in discharge during pregnancy is normal. If the vaginal discharge during pregnancy changes its colour or texture then it may suggest a health issue. Green, grey, and yellow discharge may either indicate a bacterial infection or STIs. If you notice unusual discharge, pain, itching, or discomfort during discharge, you should immediately seek medical care.