Is White Discharge Normal During Pregnancy?

Amidst the whirlwind of pregnancy, your body goes through all sorts of changes. So, wondering whether a particular change is good or bad is perfectly normal. One such change that often worries moms-to-be is the change in vaginal discharge.

You may wonder, ‘Is white discharge normal during pregnancy?’ Or should I be hitting the panic button? Mostly, it’s nothing to worry about unless you notice something out of the ordinary.

While it all may be confusing, we will dive deep into what it means to have white discharge during pregnancy in the second trimester. In this article, we will talk in detail about what normal vaginal discharge is and what’s not.

What is vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is the fluid that comes out of your vagina. It is typically colourless or white, with varying consistency from thin to thick and sticky to slippery. Think of it as your body’s self-cleaning mechanism for your lady parts.

Vaginal discharge is mostly a mixture of

1. Fluid: It keeps the vagina moist and prevents irritation.
2. Cells: They are from the lining of the vagina that are naturally shed and replaced.
3. Good bacteria: These bacteria keep the bad bacteria in check and thus prevent infections.

There’s no defined period when you can notice this discharge. It’s an ongoing process of cleaning whenever necessary.

Is it normal to have a vaginal discharge in pregnancy?

Yes, it is perfectly normal to have white discharge during early pregnancy. In fact, you will notice an increase in the discharge amount. That’s because your body is growing a baby in there, and there’s no way it’s taking even minor risks by keeping your vagina unclean. So, it gears up and makes vaginal discharge a common occurrence during pregnancy.

And for those who are wondering ‘Is white discharge normal during pregnancy?’ – it totally is the right kind of discharge during pregnancy. If there’s anything else besides white and colourless, you should be worried.

You experience a lot of changes during pregnancy. If you are finding it hard to keep track of all symptoms, you can get some help from our list of common symptoms during the first month of pregnancy.

Discharge During Trimesters

You can experience varying vaginal discharge during different trimesters in pregnancy.

White discharge during pregnancy in the first trimester

In the first trimester, the white discharge is usually very low. You might see light spotting of blood in the discharge. This comes when the foetus implants in the walls of the uterus.

White discharge during pregnancy in the second trimester

In the second trimester, the white vaginal discharge is usually noticeable. Your body works extra to ensure your vagina is free of infections. This causes the white discharge.

White discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester

The amount of white discharge is the most in the third trimester. As the delivery date approaches, this discharge significantly increases. For some women, it is so heavy that they have to wear panty liners continuously.

What kind of discharge should I get help for in pregnancy?

While increased white discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester is totally normal, there are definitely some red flags to watch out for.

1. Change in Colour

Healthy pregnancy discharge is usually clear, white, or slightly off-white. If your discharge becomes yellow, green, or grey, it’s time for a checkup. These changes could indicate an infection.

1. Strong Foul Smell

A slight odour is normal, but a strong, unpleasant, or fishy smell could mean an infection like bacterial vaginosis. It must be treated promptly with antibiotics.

1. Itching and Burning

Itching and burning sensations accompanying discharge or after you pee are not normal. It could signal a yeast infection and needs immediate attention during pregnancy.

1. Blood in discharge

Spotting or bleeding at any point during pregnancy can be a concern. Contact your healthcare provider right away because this is a really serious thing while you are pregnant.

Causes of white discharge during pregnancy

These are the reasons that cause white discharge during early pregnancy.

1. Thickened Walls

Right after you get pregnant, hormones start messing with your body. That includes thickening of the walls of your vagina. This can lead to that white, milky discharge.

1. Protection for the Baby

Your body is in protective mode as soon as there’s a pregnancy. Part of that protection includes increased discharge to help block any unwanted things from getting near the baby.

1. Sexual Arousal

You might notice more discharge when you’re turned on. It acts as a lubricant so things can go in smoothly. This reduces the chances of further skin irritation or abrasions.

1. Cervical Changes

Your cervix softens during pregnancy and produces extra discharge. This is to flush out bacteria and keep your reproductive system healthy.

How much white discharge is normal during pregnancy?

It’s common to notice an increase in white discharge during pregnancy in the second trimester, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to ‘how much is normal?’ Every woman and every pregnancy is a bit different!

You will notice more discharge than you normally would. It might also be a bit thicker and creamier. As you get closer to your due date, the amount will increase even more. You might want to wear a panty liner to protect your undies. You also use wet wipes like TEDDYY WET WIPES to wipe the discharge from time to time.

Conclusion

So there you have it, mummy-to-be! White discharge during early pregnancy is often as normal as craving pickles at midnight. But it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for any changes that seem off, like a funky smell, weird colour, or itching and irritation down there.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor if you feel something’s not right. So go ahead, rock that baby bump. You’ve got it, Mommy!