Vaginal discharge alters during pregnancy, changing in color, texture, and volume. One of the first indicators of pregnancy is an increase in vaginal discharge. Some color changes are normal, while others could suggest an infection or another issue.2
Due to fluctuations in hormone levels, vaginal discharge ebbs and flows throughout a woman's menstrual cycle. Hormones continue to play a part in the alterations to your vaginal discharge once you become pregnant. Vaginal discharge is affected by cervix changes during pregnancy. The body produces more discharge as the cervix and vaginal wall soften to assist prevent infections. As you close to the end of your pregnancy, your baby's head may press against the cervix, causing more vaginal discharge. 1
What is Normal Vaginal Discharge?
Discharge is common during different times of the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. Vaginal discharge that is healthy, also known as leucorrhea, is thin, clear, or white, with a slight odor. To lower the danger of vaginal and uterine infections, the volume of discharge increases throughout pregnancy. The discharge is at its thickest in the last few weeks of pregnancy, and it may contain pink mucus. The mucus is usually sticky and jelly-like in consistency, indicating that the body is getting ready to give birth.2
What is Abnormal Vaginal Discharge?
You may have a vaginal infection if your vaginal discharge is green or yellowish, has a strong odor, and is accompanied by redness or irritation. Candidiasis, often known as a yeast infection, is one of the most prevalent vaginal diseases during pregnancy.3
Yeast infections are more common in pregnant women than at any other point in their lives, particularly in the second trimester. Your doctor may prescribe a vaginal cream or suppository if you develop a yeast infection while pregnant. To avoid a yeast infection, follow these steps: 4
> Wear cotton undergarments and loose, breezy cotton clothes.
> Use your blow dryer on a low, cold setting to gently dry the outside of your genital area after regular, thorough cleaning (using unscented, hypoallergenic, or gentle soap).
> After using the restroom, wipe from front to back.
> After swimming, take a shower right away. As quickly as possible, change out of your swimsuit, gym clothes, or other damp clothing.
> Consume yogurt that contain probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus.
> Sugar increases the growth of yeast, so keep it to a minimum.
> To help your body fight infections, get lots of rest.
Do Not:4
> Douche
> Sprays for feminine hygiene
> Use deodorant-containing sanitary pads and tampons.
> Use scented soaps/take a bubble bath
> Use toilet paper that is colorful or scented.
Sources:
Schaeffer Juliann. Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy: What’s Normal? Updated on Maret 7, 2019 Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/vaginal-discharge-during-pregnancy
Leonard Jayne What do different colors of discharge mean in pregnancy? Updated on January 17, 2020 Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323433
American Pregnancy Association. Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy. Accessed on June 06, 2022. Available at: https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/vaginal-discharge-during-pregnancy/
American Pregnancy Association. Yeast Infections During Pregnancy. Accessed on June 06, 2022. Available at: https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-complications/yeast-infections-during-pregnancy/
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