All women experience vaginal discharge starting at puberty and ending after menopause. This normal vaginal discharge is thin, clear, or milky white, with a mild smell. It is composed mostly of cervical mucus along with vaginal fluid, some shedding vaginal and cervical cells and bacteria. It helps in keeping the vagina clean and healthy.
During pregnancy, with hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the genital area the colour, odour and consistency of vaginal discharge changes. In this article, we bring you tips to deal with increase in white discharge during pregnancy.
Changes in vaginal discharge start as early as one to two weeks after conception. In fact, for many women, this increase in vaginal discharge is one of the first signs of pregnancy before a missed period.
Many other women experience a small amount of brown or pink discharge, also called spotting at around the time their period is due. This discharge is usually a sign of implantation.
During these initial weeks of pregnancy, vaginal discharge increases to remove dead cells and bacteria from the uterus and vagina. This is essential to prevent infections.
During the second trimester of pregnancy, it is normal for the vaginal discharge to be thin, milky white. However, if the vaginal discharge changes colour to green, yellow, brown or bloody or if it is foul smelling, call your doctor as it is a sign of an infection. Other signs of an infection in the vaginal discharge during pregnancy include :
Any of these conditions need immediate medical attention.
Towards the last trimester of pregnancy, there is usually an increase vaginal discharge. During the last few days of your pregnancy, the vaginal discharge may have a thicker, more mucous or gel-like consistency with streaks of pink. This is called a ‘show’ and is a sign of approaching labour.
Word Of Caution:At any stage of pregnancy if your vaginal discharge is tinged with blood or if you experience bleeding from the vagina, consult with your doctor immediately. .- HERA
Do’s when dealing with white discharge during pregnancy.
Don’ts when dealing with white discharge during pregnancy
The bottom line,
White discharge is normal and healthy throughout the reproductive years of a woman including during her pregnancy. It is only when the discharge changes colour, consistency, or appears bloody that it should be a medical concern.
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