If you are a first-time mom-to-be, witnessing white vaginal discharge during pregnancy may raise concerns. Even though others may have told you that it only appears in the first few weeks and will disappear afterward, you cannot help but worry. It is normal to be extra careful and skeptical about even the slightest changes during pregnancy out of concern for your baby. In addition, complications such as a miscarriage or other pregnancy-related problems may have crossed your mind. But do not worry. As long as the vaginal discharge is not accompanied by any other problems or side effects, it should not be considered an alarming situation during pregnancy. To help you better understand this condition, we have gathered all the required information about it. In this post, we explain the causes, significance, and management of normal and abnormal vaginal discharge during pregnancy and when it may require medical attention. In addition, we have answered some frequently asked questions about vaginal discharge in pregnancy.
Why Does White Discharge Happen In Women?
White milky discharge is a fluid made inside the cervix and vagina to flush out the bacteria and dead cells. It keeps the female reproductive parts clean, and prevents infection. Therefore, the discharge is like a cleansing lotion for your private parts. Now, you might wonder if the discharge continues even during pregnancy.
Why Do Women Have White Discharge During Pregnancy?
White discharge is as common during pregnancy as it is around your period time. During pregnancy, the discharge increases because your body produces more estrogen, and more blood flows into the pelvic area triggering the mucous membranes. The clear-to-white discharge is made up of cervical and vaginal secretions, old cells, and vaginal bacteria.
Also, as your baby’s head presses against the cervix, the pressure could increase the flow in the later stages of pregnancy.
The cervix and the vaginal walls become softer, and send out the white thing to prevent the infections entering the womb via the vagina. It means, the discharge is, in a way protecting the little life growing inside you. So, you wouldn’t mind having that white, wet matter troubling you!
When Is White Mucus Discharge Normal During Pregnancy?
White discharge during pregnancy is normal if it looks clear, is thin and milky, and has a mild smell. Eric Grossman, obstetrician and gynecologist at non-profit health systems provider Virtua, says: “Nearly every pregnant woman is going to experience this. It can be annoying, but it’s not dangerous or bad .” The normal discharge, called leucorrhea, is similar to the one women have when they are not pregnant. For many women vaginal discharge increases when they are pregnant, and it becomes thicker in the later stages of pregnancy. At the end of the gestation, the discharge can contain thick mucus and some blood (1) as the body prepares for the birth of the baby. But you have to worry if white discharge becomes abnormal.
What Does Discharge Look Like During Pregnancy?
Before we go to abnormal discharge, it will be useful to know the various types of discharge and what they mean. Vaginal discharge is fine as long as it is white in color and odorless. But if it is in any other color or smell and is accompanied by itching, then it may not be normal.
Abnormal White Discharge During Pregnancy And What Does It Indicate?
Vaginal discharge is abnormal if:
It is yellow, green or brown in color
Has a strong or fishy odor
Your vagina turns red or itchy
Abnormal discharge usually indicates an infection
During the early weeks of pregnancy, get a screening test done for any sexually transmitted infections, because it is one of the most common causes of abnormal vaginal discharge during pregnancy. But can the discharge be caused due to any other reasons?
Causes Of Abnormal Discharge During Pregnancy
Abnormal vaginal discharge can also be a result of:
The use of antibiotics Cervical cancer Diabetes Use of scented soaps, bubble bath, etc Pelvic inflammatory disease Poor hygiene
What To Do In The Case Of Abnormal Discharge?
Sometimes, abnormal discharge might be harmless. But you cannot take a risk as it could also be pointing towards a health condition. Therefore, do not try to cure it through self-medication. Visit a doctor for professional advice, and follow the medication prescribed by them.
Diagnosis and treatment
The doctor would ask you some questions on your sex life, color and smell of the discharge, when it began, etc. They might perform a pelvic examination to check the external genital area. A speculum would be inserted to observe the vaginal walls and cervix. The healthcare provider might also collect the discharge sample to examine it under the microscope and for a culture test. Once the tests confirm an infection, you would be prescribed antibiotics that are safe to use during pregnancy. However, along with medication, there is something else you need to do to avoid any embarrassment, or uneasiness in your panty.
How To Deal With Normal And Abnormal White Discharge?
White discharge, whether normal or abnormal, can be irritating as it flows throughout the day – be it at work, home, or a party. You can avoid that feeling of the ‘flow’ by following these tips: If the discharge is due to an infection, the first thing you should do is to see a doctor. You may follow the above measures while taking the medication regularly. White discharge during pregnancy is not a cause of worry. As long as it is white, odorless and not itchy or painful, you can ignore it as another sign of pregnancy. Take care of your hygiene and use panty liners if the flow is high. But what you should definitely do is to monitor the texture, color and the smell. If you observe anything wrong with them, see your doctor immediately. As we have comprehensively covered about white discharge during pregnancy, let’s now answer some questions that our readers have been asking us frequently.
References:
Observe and track your mucus throughout your menstrual cycles to notice the change during ovulation. You may have unprotected sex during this time to get pregnant. If you observe thick or milky white discharge around the time of your missed period, then it most probably is an early sign of pregnancy. White discharge along with nausea, tiredness and a missed period indicates pregnancy. However, not every woman has vaginal discharge during the early days of pregnancy. Therefore, you might still be pregnant in its absence.
