Pregnancy changes everything. Some changes are expected, like a growing belly, while others can catch you off guard. If you’ve noticed an increase in vaginal discharge, you aren’t alone.
While growing a human is a beautiful process, some symptoms are less than glamorous. As a certified nurse-midwife, I can assure you that vaginal discharge during pregnancy is usually normal, healthy, and serves a specific purpose.
However, it can be unnerving when you first see it. In this guide, we will break down what early pregnancy discharge looks like, why it happens, and how to distinguish normal changes from signs that require a doctor’s visit.
Key Takeaways
- It serves a purpose: Pregnancy discharge, known as leukorrhea, helps keep the vagina clean and protects the birth canal from infection.
- Know the norm: Healthy discharge is typically thin, milky white, and mild-smelling, though amount and consistency can vary.
- Watch for warnings: Contact your provider if you notice foul odors, green or yellow colors, itching, or heavy bleeding.
- Prioritize hygiene: Stay comfortable by wearing cotton underwear and using panty liners; avoid tampons and douching.
What Is Vaginal Discharge?
The technical term for vaginal discharge is leukorrhea (1). While this fluid is present in healthy women even when they aren’t pregnant, the volume and consistency often change once you conceive.
Leukorrhea sounds like a complicated medical term. It’s simple. It stands for white (leuko-) discharge (-rrhea).
Editor's Note:
Caitlin Goodwin, MSN, RN, CNMLeukorrhea is typically clear or milky white and usually odorless. It is made up of your own skin cells and cervical secretions. While you likely noticed discharge during ovulation in the past, pregnancy kicks production into high gear.
The surge in hormones, specifically estrogen, combined with increased blood flow to the pelvic area causes this uptick in discharge. There is no “perfect” amount to expect; some women see a lot, while others notice very little.
You might only see it on toilet paper after wiping, or you might find enough to require a panty liner. Both scenarios are standard for a healthy pregnancy.
The Purpose of Vaginal Discharge
It is easy to forget that our bodies are well-designed machines. While constant discharge feels like a nuisance, it actually performs several critical jobs during pregnancy.
1. Keeping the Vagina Clean
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ (2). While you should always practice good hygiene externally, the vagina cleanses itself internally using these secretions. This flow moves dead cells and bacteria out of the body, keeping the birth canal healthy.
Because this system works well on its own, you should avoid interfering. Scented soaps, harsh perfumes, and douches can strip away healthy bacteria.
Stick to mild, unscented soap and water on the vulva. Shower or bathe regularly, but let your body handle the internal work.
2. Reproduction and Fertility
Before pregnancy, discharge played a massive role in helping you conceive. If you tracked your cycle, you likely noticed a correlation between discharge texture and ovulation.
This is because cervical mucus changes to aid reproduction (3). During ovulation, mucus becomes thinner, slippery, and more watery to help sperm travel to the egg.
When you are not in your fertile window, discharge thickens to become sticky or tacky. This creates a barrier that protects the uterus from infection.
3. Forming the Mucus Plug
during the early weeks of pregnancy, these secretions accumulate to form the mucus plug. This is a literal plug that seals the opening of the cervix (4).
The plug acts as a cork, preventing bacteria from entering the uterus and reaching the baby. It stays in place until the cervix begins to change in preparation for birth.
When your cervix begins dilating, you will lose this plug. This can be a sign of labor, but it can also happen days or weeks before delivery. If you lose it early in pregnancy, contact your provider; however, if you are full-term, it just means you are getting closer to meeting your baby.
What Is Considered Normal?
It is easy to worry that every damp sensation is a problem. First, know that “normal” has a wide range. Second, most people don’t discuss their discharge over dinner, so you might feel like you are the only one dealing with it. You aren’t.
Here is what you can expect during a healthy pregnancy.
1. Pink or Brown-Tinged Mucus
Seeing blood or spotting is alarming. However, pink or brown-tinged mucus is relatively common in healthy pregnancies, especially early on. Brown blood usually indicates “old” blood that is just now making its way out.
While you should mention any bleeding to your provider, slight spotting often happens for benign reasons.
Implantation Bleeding
This occurs very early, right when the embryo attaches to the uterine lining. You might see light spotting or brownish discharge on your tissue roughly six to 12 days after conception.
Implantation bleeding is short-lived, usually lasting only a day or two. Because it happens around the time of a missed period, it is easy to mistake it, and other early symptoms, for the start of a menstrual cycle.
Cervical Irritation
During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by 30% to 50%. The cervix becomes engorged with blood and very sensitive. Minor irritation from sexual intercourse, internal exams, or transvaginal ultrasounds can cause light bleeding or spotting.
2. High Volume of Discharge
There is no set limit on how much discharge is “too much” unless it is accompanied by other symptoms. As pregnancy progresses, the amount of discharge often increases.
If the volume feels excessive to the point where you suspect your water has broken (amniotic fluid), or if you are worried about an infection, contact your provider. It is always better to get assessed than to self-diagnose.
3. Varied Colors
Normal discharge can span a spectrum of whites and off-whites. It might be clear, milky, or slightly opaque (5).
Changes can happen day to day. Hormonal fluctuations will continue to impact the color and thickness throughout the 40 weeks.
4. Consistency and Texture
Healthy discharge can be thin and watery, or it can be thick and sticky. Both textures fall within the realm of normal. Generally, as long as it is odorless and not accompanied by itching, the consistency is less concerning than the color.
When to Be Concerned
While most discharge is harmless, certain changes can signal an infection or complication. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience the following:
- Foul or strong odors: A strong, fishy smell can indicate Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), while a yeasty odor suggests a yeast infection. Both are common during pregnancy but require treatment.
- Green or yellow mucus: Discharge that looks bright yellow or green is not normal. It can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or vaginitis.
- Itching, burning, or swelling: These symptoms often accompany infections. Do not try to treat them with over-the-counter medication without consulting your doctor first (6).
- Heavy, bright red bleeding: While spotting can be normal, active bleeding similar to a period requires immediate medical attention to rule out complications like placenta previa or miscarriage.
How to Stay Comfortable
Knowing discharge is normal doesn’t make it any less annoying. If the constant dampness is bothering you, try these tips to stay fresh:
- Choose cotton underwear: Synthetic fabrics trap moisture and heat, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Cotton is breathable and helps prevent irritation. Check out these maternity underwear options.
- Use panty liners: If you are changing underwear multiple times a day, panty liners are a lifesaver. If disposable liners irritate your skin, try reusable cloth liners or period panties.
- Keep a spare pair handy: If you are out and about, keeping a spare pair of underwear in your bag can help you freshen up if things get uncomfortable.
To prevent infection and irritation, avoid the following:
- Tampons: Never use tampons to absorb discharge during pregnancy. They can introduce bacteria into the birth canal.
- Douching: Douching disrupts the vagina’s natural pH balance. It can actually push bacteria higher up into the reproductive tract. Doctors recommend avoiding this practice entirely (7).
- Scented products: Avoid perfumed soaps, wipes, and sprays. These can dry out sensitive tissue and worsen skin irritation.
FAQs
What is the Difference Between Pregnancy Discharge and Ovulation Discharge?
Pregnancy discharge, or leukorrhea, is generally milky, thin, and increases in volume over time. Ovulation discharge, on the other hand, is typically clear, very stretchy (like raw egg whites), and slippery. While both are hormonally driven, ovulation discharge is temporary, whereas pregnancy discharge lasts for months.
Is it Normal to Have More Vaginal Discharge In Pregnancy?
Yes, it is completely normal. The combination of high estrogen levels and increased blood flow to the pelvic region stimulates the mucous membranes, resulting in more discharge. It helps protect the uterus from infection.
How Long After Implantation Does Discharge Change?
Some women notice a change in discharge within a few days to a week after implantation. It may become creamier or more abundant. However, many women do not notice significant changes until several weeks into the pregnancy, so a lack of discharge does not mean you aren’t pregnant.
Does Clear Jelly Discharge Mean Pregnancy?
Not necessarily. Clear, jelly-like discharge is most commonly associated with ovulation. However, if this discharge persists past your expected period and turns milky white, it could be an early sign of pregnancy. A test is the only way to be sure.
What Other Signs Can You Look for After Ovulation If Pregnant?
Beyond discharge, look for fatigue, breast tenderness/swelling, frequent urination, nausea (morning sickness), and food aversions. Some women also experience light cramping or implantation bleeding around the time their period is due.
How Do I Know If It Is Discharge or Amniotic Fluid?
Discharge is usually thick, milky, or sticky and won’t soak through clothes instantly. Amniotic fluid is thin, watery, odorless (or sweet-smelling), and often comes in a continuous trickle or gush that soaks through a pad. If you suspect you are leaking fluid, call your provider immediately.
Can Yeast Infections Cause More Discharge During Pregnancy?
Yes. Pregnancy hormones alter the pH of the vagina, making yeast infections more common. This often results in a thick, white, “cottage cheese” discharge accompanied by itching or redness. While common, it requires treatment from your doctor.
