Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNormal Pregnancy DischargeDischarge ColorsCausesCopingWhen to Seek Medical Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Normal Pregnancy Discharge
Discharge Colors
Causes
Coping
When to Seek Medical Care
Experiencingvaginal dischargeduringpregnancyis normal. Vaginal discharge can vary in color, texture, volume, and odor throughout pregnancy. It can also fluctuate during themenstrual cycle.
An increase in discharge is also one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. However, color is one of the most noticeable changes.Most discharge should bemilky whiteor clear and thin, with a mild scent. Other colors, likeyellow, green, or gray, can sometimes indicate an infection or other problem.
This article covers what the different colors of discharge mean, how vaginal discharge typically changes during pregnancy, and when to see a healthcare provider.
AleksandarNakic/ Getty Images
What’s Normal for Pregnancy Discharge?
Normal pregnancy discharge, known asleukorrhea, is usually clear or milky white and thin. It has only a mild odor. It is expected to experience an increase in this type of vaginal discharge during pregnancy. An increase in discharge is often the first sign of pregnancy.
Discharge Colors in Pregnancy and Their Meaning
When vaginal discharge changes color, volume, orsmell, it may indicate an infection or serious health condition. Discharge that requires treatment may appear yellow, green, or gray.
Research shows that about half of pregnant people who experience concerning vaginal discharge also report other symptoms likeitching, foul odor,pain with urination, painful sexual intercourse, and psychological distress.
Clear or Milky White
Clear or milky white discharge with no smell is usually considered normal leukorrhea.Normal discharge is thin and does not have any lumps or clumps.
White and Lumpy
White, lumpy vaginal discharge may mean that you have ayeast infection. This type of discharge usually resembles cottage cheese and has an off-white color.
Yeast infections are the most common fungal infections in the vagina. They occur when there is an overgrowth of candida yeast in the vagina. Pregnancy raises the risk of increased yeast and yeast infections.
Other yeast infection symptoms include itching, burning, and painful urination.Treating a yeast infectionimmediately is important because an infection can raise the risk of serious complications, including premature birth, low birth weight, andmiscarriage.
Green or Yellow
Vaginal yellow orgreen dischargemay mean that you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI).Trichomoniasis vaginalisis spread through sexual contact. It is the most common nonviral STI and causes yellowish-green discharge, itching, irritation, pelvic pain, and pain with urination. Trichomoniasis vaginalis is treatable and may lead to poor birth outcomes if left untreated.
Chlamydiais a common STI that can cause yellow or green discharge and painful urination. Untreated chlamydia can lead to infertility over time. Chlamydia does not always cause symptoms, so ask a healthcare provider about getting regular screenings, if necessary.
Gray
Bacterial vaginosis is treatable. See a healthcare provider if you develop symptoms because this infection can lead to serious pregnancy complications, including preterm labor and postpartumendometritis.
Brown
A small amount of old blood is usually normal, but contact a healthcare provider if you experience a large amount of dark brown discharge or red blood.
Why Is My Discharge Black? 7 Causes
Pink
Pink vaginal dischargeusually indicatesspotting, a minimal amount of blood. Experiencing a few drops of blood from the vagina in early pregnancy can be normal. This may be a sign of implantation bleeding. It is also possible to experience spotting after sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam.Call a healthcare provider if you experience bleeding.
Red
What Causes Changes to Vaginal Discharge?
Dealing With Pregnancy Discharge
Treating pregnancy discharge varies based on the underlying cause. There is no need to contact a healthcare provider for normal vaginal discharge that is white and not causing other symptoms. If the increased amount is bothersome, try wearing a panty liner to absorb the discharge.
See a healthcare provider for vaginal discharge that has changed its color, volume, or smell. This is especially important if you are experiencing additional symptoms like itching or pain. Many infections that cause a change in vaginal discharge can be treated with medication.
To lower your risk of contracting a vaginal infection during pregnancy, avoid the following products:
Always wipe your genital area from front to back to lower the risk of bacteria entering the vagina. Thoroughly dry your genital area after showering or swimming to avoid a moist environment for yeast growth.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
See a healthcare provider whenever you notice a change in your vaginal discharge during pregnancy. The infections that cause changes to vaginal discharge are usually treatable with prescription medication. When left untreated, some infections may lead to serious complications, including:
Summary
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is common. Normal discharge is known as leukorrhea and has a milky white or clear color. It is thin and has a mild scent. An increase in normal discharge is often the first sign of pregnancy.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Khaskheli M, Baloch S, Baloch AS, Shah SGS.Vaginal discharge during pregnancy and associated adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(5):1302-1308. doi:10.12669/pjms.37.5.4187Center for Young Women’s Health.What is leukorrhea?.National Center for Biotechnology Information.Vaginal yeast infection (thrush): Overview.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.STDs & pregnancy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chlamydia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Bacterial vaginosis.MedlinePlus.Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy.Office on Women’s Health.Vaginal yeast infections.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Khaskheli M, Baloch S, Baloch AS, Shah SGS.Vaginal discharge during pregnancy and associated adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(5):1302-1308. doi:10.12669/pjms.37.5.4187Center for Young Women’s Health.What is leukorrhea?.National Center for Biotechnology Information.Vaginal yeast infection (thrush): Overview.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.STDs & pregnancy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chlamydia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Bacterial vaginosis.MedlinePlus.Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy.Office on Women’s Health.Vaginal yeast infections.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Khaskheli M, Baloch S, Baloch AS, Shah SGS.Vaginal discharge during pregnancy and associated adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(5):1302-1308. doi:10.12669/pjms.37.5.4187Center for Young Women’s Health.What is leukorrhea?.National Center for Biotechnology Information.Vaginal yeast infection (thrush): Overview.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.STDs & pregnancy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chlamydia.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Bacterial vaginosis.MedlinePlus.Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy.Office on Women’s Health.Vaginal yeast infections.
Khaskheli M, Baloch S, Baloch AS, Shah SGS.Vaginal discharge during pregnancy and associated adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(5):1302-1308. doi:10.12669/pjms.37.5.4187
Center for Young Women’s Health.What is leukorrhea?.
National Center for Biotechnology Information.Vaginal yeast infection (thrush): Overview.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.STDs & pregnancy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Chlamydia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Bacterial vaginosis.
MedlinePlus.Vaginal bleeding in early pregnancy.
Office on Women’s Health.Vaginal yeast infections.
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