Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

It is very common to have a vaginal discharge during pregnancy. It is caused by normal leukorrhea, the odorless or mild-smelling milky fluid that is normally produced by the vagina and becomes more noticeable during pregnancy. The increased vaginal discharge is due to increased levels of estrogen and increased levels of blood flow to the vaginal area that occur during pregnancy. A red color associated with spotting blood can occur early in pregnancy. Closer to labor and delivery, a more noticeable vaginal discharge will be present. It will have the consistency of an egg white or discharge from a runny nose. This is caused by the thinning out and dilation of the cervix which causes the mucus plug that developed earlier in pregnancy to be expelled. There may also be some blood with the later vaginal discharge from the mucus plug. A doctor or midwife should be notified as this discharge may be associated with leaking amniotic fluid. A doctor should also be notified if there is a change in the type of vaginal discharge before the 37th week of pregnancy, especially if the discharge is watery, mucus-like or bloody as this could be a sign or premature labor.

If the normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy becomes problematic, panty liners may be used for absorption, but not tampons. It is also recommended to wear cotton underwear, avoid tight undergarments, scented pads or toilet paper, feminine hygiene sprays, deodorant soaps, and douching.

If the normal vaginal discharge during pregnency becomes cottage-cheese like, frothy green or yellowish, or gray in color, or foul smelling, it may be a sign of a vaginal infection and the doctor should be notified.