Discharge in Pregnancy
Last updated
First published
Discharge is quite normal and occurs in all women. However, it can also quickly happen more strongly during pregnancy, which is the case for most pregnant women.
Therefore, if you experience more discharge from the vagina than you are used to, this is quite normal.
The discharge from the vagina can also look and smell different than usual without it having to mean that something is in the way.
Mucus production increases during pregnancy
Blood flow increases quite naturally when you are pregnant. It also occurs in the genitals, resulting in more fluid being released from the blood vessels in the vaginal walls. It gives a higher mucus production. Along with the increased rejection of cells from the lining of the vagina, it gives you an experience of more discharge.
The discharge will usually be whitish and thick without any particular odor. As time goes on and you approach the last part of the pregnancy, however, you may also find that the discharge becomes thinner and waterier and can give you a feeling of being moist in your underpants all the time.
Discharge is not something you need to worry about as it is a natural part of the pregnancy and the process in the body to keep the area of the vagina healthy.
If it changes color, however, you should pay attention.
Brown discharge
Brown discharge can occur at the beginning of pregnancy without meaning that you are about to have an abortion. It often comes at times when menstruation should have come.
Some pregnant women may also experience a small amount of bleeding from the cervix, which causes a brown discharge because the mucous membrane is very fragile and therefore bleeds easily during pregnancy. Usually, it is pretty harmless and is often experienced after sex.
If you get a brown discharge at the beginning of your pregnancy and gradually become darker red, bleeding with pain from the abdomen, it may signify an incipient abortion.
If you have the slightest doubt about why you have had a brown discharge and it worries you, you should call a midwife or doctor to find out.
Yellow discharge
If you experience yellow discharge at some point in your pregnancy, it is not something you must ignore. During pregnancy, the pH of the vagina increases, causing the acidity to decrease. This can increase the risk of infection with bacteria or fungus, which can be seen in the form of yellow discharge.
If you have yellow discharge, and if you also have irritation, itching, swelling, or an unpleasant odor from your shot, you should see a doctor to check if you have an infection or a fungus.
The yellowish discharge does not have to mean that you have an infection or a fungus, but the likelihood of it is present.
Green discharge
Green discharge is not dangerous to have but, in all probability, means that you have an infection or fungus in the vagina. It is also often very foul-smelling and may be accompanied by itching and burning in the vagina. However, it can also easily be an infection or fungus, even if it does not immediately have any altered or strong odor.
It is not dangerous, but it should be treated as it can be pretty uncomfortable for you. You can take a urine sample at the doctor's and then get medicine that can immediately remedy the infection or fungus.