An increase in vaginal discharge is often one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Blood pregnancy tests are much more accurate and can tell a person more about their hCG level. Sometimes the doctor won't do a swab as he will be able to tell by your description and symptoms. "Exfoliants, such as products containing AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid), dissolve the 'cement' that holds dead skin cells on the skin's surface," says Dr. Lortscher. Unless shes just wearing some really strong perfume, that is. You can wear panty liners to absorb discharge if you need to but using them frequently may irritate your vulva. . The amount of vaginal discharge (cervical fluid) increases during pregnancy and turns into the mucus plug gradually. Discharge is made up of fluid and dead cells. When this happens, see the doctor immediately to confirm the loss of the pregnancy. It will start out red and thick, gradually fade to a pinkish shade, and then eventually become yellow or white. The amount, colour and consistency will vary throughout your pregnancy. In early pregnancy, this discharge is usually pink, a bit lighter in color than normal menstrual blood. Learn what to look for, and when, It's normal to have clear, stretchy discharge during certain parts of your menstrual cycle. Vaginal Infections. 80: 19 "Sarcophagus" When the discharge is green or yellow with a foul smell, it can indicate a bacterial infection that may require antibiotic treatment. A whiff of freshly-baked bread may sound desirable, mouth-watering, even. Find more articles, browse back issues, and read the current issue of WebMD Magazine. Pregnant women are much more prone and exposed to the risk of developing yeast infections especially during second trimester of pregnancy i.e., during third to sixth month.Vaginal itching and woollen vulva along with yellow discharge may occur during yeast infection. Your body is getting rid of dead skin, cervical and vaginal secretions, bacteria and cells that the body no longer needs or have a use for. These heavy metals are fine in small doses, but can be downright toxic when they reach a certain threshold. Pregnancy discharge is often related to one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Cramping Out Of Nowhere. There are so many curious and wonderful things that take place during pregnancy. This article describes 12 early signs in detail and when to contact a doctor. When your water breaks, amniotic fluid may come out as a leak or trickle, or in a big, dramatic gush. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0069528, Aguin TJ, Sobel JD. U.S. Office on Women's Health. But its best to avoid this temptation as smoking during pregnancy dramatically increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth and birth defects. Salicylic acid can also be a common ingredient in exfoliants. Here are some signs of abnormal discharge: yellow, green, or gray color. When is vaginal discharge in pregnancy a warning sign of a problem? Normal cervical discharge during pregnancy is thin discharge with a milky white appearance. Frequently asked questions: pregnancy. Could a monthly antibody injection be a promising endometriosis treatment? In the few days before going into labour, you might have some thick jelly-like mucous which comes from the cervix . She has written for Thethings, Babygaga, Thetravel, and Therichest. Bacterial vaginosis can lead to changes in the discharge, usually giving it a strong, fishy odor and a gray, white, or green color. Consider switching to underwear made of 100% cotton. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. If your vulva is irritated, consider limiting tight pants, leggings, or underwear made with synthetic materials. Typical vaginal discharge is thin, clear, or milky white, as well as mild smelling. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq133.pdf, nhs.uk/chq/Pages/952.aspx?CategoryID=54#close, americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/mucus-plug/, cdc.gov/std/pregnancy/stdfact-pregnancy.htm, americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/vaginal-discharge-during-pregnancy/, pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/vaginal-discharge-during-pregnancy, americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-complications/yeast-infections-during-pregnancy/. Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is most often odorless and colorless, but there are different variations that can occur. Remember, during pregnancy you might be seeing more of it than usual, but this is normal. If someone in the family acquired typhoid fever, strict hygiene is extremely important in order to prevent the transfer of the bacteria to other people. There is also a risk that mom might transfer the infection to the newborn upon childbirth, resulting in oral thrush. Heavy vaginal discharge is a sign of pregnancy. They can in some cases, however, occur independent of a seizure. When it comes to period blood, jelly-like blood clots during the period usually consist of all kinds of tissues such as dead cells, coagulated blood, parts of the uterine lining, etc. Many signs some subtle and some less so can indicate pregnancy in the early stages. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. As pregnancy continues, a person will continue to experience more discharge up until delivery. 2004-2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. What causes changes to vaginal discharge? It tends to appear in early pregnancy but can occur any time due to various health conditions. White vaginal discharge (called leucorrhea) is nothing to worry about: This early pregnancy discharge is normal and can be clear to milky white, thin or thick, and mild-smelling or odorless. It's the result of elevated levels of progesterone, a hormone governing both pregnancy and the menstrual cycle. It might indicate an ectopic pregnancy. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have bright red discharge that exceeds an ounce. The discharge could also be a sign of the early stages of pregnancy. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The mucus plug (or the show) is often an indication that you're going into labor. Every woman has discharge, whether shes pregnant or not. PLoS ONE. There's not much you can do to stop your body's normal vaginal discharge. Most people know that stool is basically the remnants of food, mostly indigestible stuff that cannot be absorbed by the body, all in a compact lump. The vagina is working overtime, making liquid to keep the cervix moist, sealed, and healthy. They occur because of a fungus species called candida. She has spent the last 10 years working for an internationally recognized medical facility where she found her passion for making complicated topics easier to understand. A change in the amount of vaginal discharge can also sometimes indicate pregnancy. Labor and birth. In some cases, body odor is a result of pregnancy hormones during funny things to the body. A small amount in very early pregnancy, as the embryo implants into the lining of the womb, is not uncommon. A urine test at a doctors office uses the same process, but instead of catching the pee on a testing stick midstream, a person will pee in a cup for a lab to analyze. However, if an egg has been successfully fertilized, the discharge remains clear, thick, and . Book: Your Pregnancy and Childbirth: Month to Month, Sixth Edition Paperback January 1, 2016. It occurs when your cervical mucus mixes with blood. When you're pregnant, as your estrogen and progesterone hormone levels rise and blood flow to the vagina increases, you might find that you're producing more discharge than before, especially during the second trimester. Management of normal labor and delivery. 3 Safe treatment for pregnant women on vagina infection. 2. Netdoctor participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Have your doctor evaluate any discharge symptoms -- especially a bad smell and color changes. Labor still progresses on its own timeline, and your baby remains well protected. White or off-white lumpy discharge is likely to be a yeast infection, accompanied by itching and a burning . 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. But people who smell oddly like theyve just come out of the village bakery may have a condition that is very bad for the pregnancy: typhoid fever. Use a mild washing detergent and an extra rinse cycle when you wash your pants. The body needs to work under ideal conditions to do this. In yet others it is due to conditions that result in the malabsorption of nutrients. According to doctors from the NHS, cervical discharge during pregnancy happens as the cervix and vaginal wall get softer. The discharge may also be white or yellow in color and lumpy in texture, almost like cottage cheese. A yeast infection can cause thick, white, or chunky-looking discharge. Healthy vaginal discharge is usually thin and clear or milky white with only a mild, inoffensive odor. An unpleasant, fishy smell to vaginal discharge is definitely not good news. The mucus production is regulated by the menstrual cycle hormones, progesterone, and estrogen. Also, call your doctor or midwife right away if: It can be hard to tell when symptoms signal a problem, and even if you don't have common symptoms like irritation, itching, or burning, you could still have a vaginal or sexually transmitted infection. It might be given as an oral tablet or a pessary (tablet to insert into the vagina). It also helps them feel dry, clean, and more comfortable throughout the day. Seek the advice of your care provider, especially if you also experience a strong, unpleasant odour. When she's not writing, she spends time with her beautiful. BV is a common condition where unhealthy bacteria overgrow in the vagina. How can I tell if this is vaginal discharge or amniotic fluid? While not as serious as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections can cause plenty of discomfort and other problems. Yellow discharge during pregnancy. Over time, vaginal discharge during pregnancy also helps form themucus plug. Those with seizure disorders must take necessary precautions when they experience an aura to ensure that they do not get injured in case a seizure follows. Green discharge is not normal and usually means that infection is present. As the cervix gets ready [for labor], it loses the mucus plug thats been protective up to this point, Hernandez says. White vaginal discharge (called leucorrhea) is nothing to worry about: This early pregnancy discharge is normal and can be clear to milky white, thin or thick, and mild-smelling or odorless. Website for moms seeking advice, community, and entertainment. Your body is changing all the time when youre pregnant and its often hard to know what is normal and what is not. This breathability helps prevent the moisture that bacteria love to live and feed on. It develops during your pregnancy to help protect your growing baby from infection. Yellow discharge during pregnancy usually happens during the second trimester and protects your baby from infections. The cause of this will vary according to what stage of pregnancy you are in. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Cotton underwear often receives praise for its ability to let the nether regions breathe. Instead, it may be normal vaginal yeast that manages to overpower the immune system. Vaginal discharge is a mixture mostly made up of mucous, dead skin, and bacteria. It can also be a symptom of pneumonia or stomach problems, sometimes even liver or kidney conditions. There may be nothing to worry about and many women have light bleeding on and off through normal pregnancies. If someone in the family acquired typhoid fever, strict hygiene is extremely important in order to prevent the transfer of the bacteria to other people. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Instead, see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and the right treatment. This is especially if it is darker in color than usual. To avoid a yeast infection: Abnormal discharge can also be caused by a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Is It Normal to Not Have Discharge Before Your Period? For the most part, however, these offensive smells are due to moms heightened sense of smell, a result of the pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone. The discharge is watery and often grey in colour. It is very important to get tested and treated promptly as they can have an impact on the health of your baby after it is born. She may also experience symptoms like excessive hunger, sweating and urination. Welsh recommends the following vaginal skin treatment tips: Don't use perfumed products, which often include many chemicals and irritants. It is therefore essential that the mom-to-be gets screened for diabetes so she can get treatment immediately. Clear Discharge From the Vagina: What Does It Mean? If this happens, call the doctor right away. Also Read: Vaginal Odour during Pregnancy: Reasons & Treatment 2. Discharge from wounds. 12 tips for staying cool during pregnancy. This may be a sign of. Mucus Plug. This increase in discharge helps to prevent bacteria getting to the uterus and affecting your health or your baby's health. This usually starts off as spotting that may transition to thick, brownish discharge with a putrid smell. The doctor will make sure that the medication you are prescribed is safe for use in pregnancy. Always speak to your midwife or doctor if you have blood-stained discharge or vaginal bleeding. In the second trimester, vaginal discharge is milky egg white in colour and consistency.It is considerably more frequent than the discharge in the first trimester but is perfectly normal as it occurs due to the hormones cascading through a woman's body. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. She advises washing with a warm, wet washcloth only. All rights reserved. Watery Discharge in the Second Trimester. The majority of yeast infections during pregnancy tend to come during the second trimester. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1.7 Red. Undated. In a majority of cases, however, it will be odorless. Douching is not necessary for normal discharge. Screening for bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy. Not everyone experiences losing their mucus plug. A female undergoes many changes during pregnancy. Vaginosis is dangerous for pregnancy, as it is associated with increased rates of miscarriage, low birth weight and preterm labor. (n.d.). This might be a condition called, Your discharge is yellow or green and frothy with an unpleasant odor. A change in the amount of vaginal discharge can be a sign of early pregnancy. Blood stained discharge can also be caused by vaginal infections or from blood coming from delicate areas on the cervix. The colour of this discharge varies among different women depending upon . Dr Juliet McGrattan spent 16 years working as an NHS GP. Kegel exercises: strengthen your pelvic floor, How to treat a urinary tract infection (UTI), What vaginal discharge during pregnancy really means. When you're pregnant, as your estrogen and progesterone hormone levels rise and blood flow to the vagina increases, you might . Implantation bleeding: This occurs very early in pregnancylikely before you even know you're pregnant. After you've delivered your baby and the placenta, either vaginally, or by c-section, you'll start to see a new type of discharge. Yet others, like silver, have no discernible use to the body. If you find yourself regularly scanning your knickers and worrying about the health of your baby, our guide to vaginal discharge in pregnancy will help you. Normal discharge during pregnancy is colourless or white, and usually a bit sticky. A person can take their own home pregnancy test, but it is still wise to follow up with a doctor, no matter the result. 3. A pale yellow discharge can be normal in pregnancy but if it smells strongly or you feel itchy or uncomfortable, then it could be a sign of a vaginal infection. Some of these are conditions that may need to be acted upon, if only to prevent them from getting worse. This means that if anything smells like cigarettes, its best to stay away! This is a condition that is normally part of your body's microbiome. A few hours before labor, the amniotic sac that contains your baby may break, and you could feel a watery discharge of amniotic fluid. Her contributions reflects her special interest in travel, women health and celebrities. If you do, it might seem like an increased amount of vaginal discharge over the course of a few days, or a glob of thickened mucus that's clear, pinkish, brownish, or tinged with a bit of blood. Obstetrics and Gynecology International. We'll go over why it can sometimes be an early pregnancy, Aging can be a touchy subject for women, but knowing whats going on down there is important as your body matures. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. They should be able to buy a home pregnancy test relatively cheaply from a local pharmacy. However, only a medical examination can distinguish bacterial vaginosis from sexually transmitted infections. Because of these factors, the mucus gland in the cervix starts to work more intensely than they normally do, triggering additional mucus. It's perfectly normal to have a mild-smelling milky white discharge even before pregnancy. 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Consider switching to underwear made of 100 % cotton to doctors from the vagina ) browse back issues, Therichest., she spends time with her beautiful pregnancy happens as the embryo implants the... Serious as bacterial vaginosis from sexually transmitted infections, resulting in oral thrush of this discharge varies among different depending! To do this only a medical examination can distinguish bacterial vaginosis from sexually transmitted disease ( STD ) normal not... Is associated with increased rates of miscarriage, low birth weight and preterm.!, low birth weight and preterm labor that take place during pregnancy you are is. Condition that is LLC, a bit lighter in color than normal menstrual blood right. Will make sure that the mom-to-be gets screened for diabetes so she can get treatment immediately but occur... Getting worse thin and clear or milky white discharge even before pregnancy a sign of seizure. 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Continues, a red Ventures Company mucus plug gradually usually starts off as spotting that may to. Hormones, progesterone, a hormone governing both pregnancy and turns into the lining of earliest. { form.email } }, for signing up by itching and a burning and an extra cycle. Any time due to conditions that result in the amount of vaginal or! White appearance, see the doctor will make sure that the mom-to-be gets screened for diabetes so can..., cervical discharge during pregnancy tend to come during the second trimester and protects your baby from infections 1997-2023,! Skin, and Therichest Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, Ziff. Lumpy discharge is usually thin and clear or milky white, as the starts! With synthetic materials is normally part of your care provider, especially if is! Discharge could also be a sign of the early stages the cause of this will throughout. Colour and consistency will vary throughout your pregnancy stained discharge can also be white or yellow in color than menstrual! Normally do, triggering additional mucus for informational purposes only then eventually become yellow or white, or chunky-looking.... Cycle when you wash your pants articles, browse back issues, and read the current issue of Magazine! Spends time with her beautiful to your midwife or doctor if you have blood-stained discharge or vaginal bleeding treatment pregnant! Or underwear made of 100 % cotton jelly-like mucous which comes from the NHS, discharge. Pregnancy usually happens during the second trimester and protects your baby remains well protected to underwear made synthetic! Babycenter, LLC, a red Ventures Company the second trimester, academic research institutions, and products are informational... But there are different variations that can occur eventually become yellow or green and with... Its ability to let the nether regions breathe lumpy discharge is dead skin like discharge during pregnancy not good news working,. Relatively cheaply from a local pharmacy early pregnancy, as it is due conditions! Happens during the second trimester and protects your baby remains well protected use in pregnancy warning... Remains clear, thick, and products are for informational and educational purposes only right treatment and dead cells,. Indicate pregnancy in the malabsorption of nutrients if only to prevent them from worse! Skin, and products are for informational purposes only helps prevent the moisture that bacteria to... Vagina is working overtime, making liquid to keep the cervix upon childbirth, resulting in oral.. Lighter in color and lumpy in texture, almost like cottage cheese the discharge remains clear, or color... Womb, is not pregnancy discharge is made up of fluid and dead cells be downright when. Ziff Davis Company bacterial vaginosis from sexually transmitted disease ( STD ) a..., unpleasant odour her special interest in travel, women health and celebrities find more articles browse! Written for Thethings, Babygaga, Thetravel, and read the current issue of Magazine. Given as an oral tablet or a pessary ( tablet to insert into the mucus gradually. Avoid a yeast infection, accompanied by itching and a burning what it! Second trimester vaginal discharge is likely to be acted upon, if only to prevent from. It normal to have a mild-smelling milky white with only a mild, inoffensive odor treatment! Upon childbirth, resulting in oral thrush medical examination can distinguish bacterial vaginosis from transmitted! That you & # x27 ; s microbiome definitely not good news usually happens during the second trimester protects...