Is it Normal to Have White Discharge During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy can be confusing at times because there are a lot of changes associated with it. Pregnant women meet with so many symptoms that are absolutely new for them and may be sometimes worrisome. One of the symptoms which could be worrisome for pregnant women could be any kind of discharge during pregnancy. It may make them feel afraid sometimes. However, it is to be mentioned that it is pretty common to have more vaginal discharge during pregnancy. There are a lot of different kinds of vaginal discharges which can occur during pregnancy. Well! Here in this article we will talk if it is normal to have white discharge during pregnancy.

As mentioned above, it is pretty normal to have odorless or mild-smelling milky white discharge from vagina during pregnancy. It is probably normal leucorrhea which is noticed in your underwear before you were pregnant. This white discharge is just a lot more during pregnancy; maybe because of increased estrogen production or maybe because of greater blood flood to the vaginal portion. The secretions from vagina and cervix, old cells from the vaginal walls and normal bacterial flora from the vagina makes up this milky white odorless or mild smelling vaginal discharge. You will notice more of such vaginal discharge as you approach labor.

This milky white vaginal discharge occurs more during pregnancy. In early pregnancy, cervical secretions fill your cervical canal and develop a protective barrier which is called mucus plug. As your cervix begins to thin out or efface and open up or dilate, it may expel this mucus and thus you notice discharge that looks like egg white or mucus from runny nose. This discharge might also be tinged with a bit of blood. This is absolutely normal in pregnancy.

Though vaginal discharge can be common during pregnancy, however there are also some other types of white discharge which might be problematic and you may require a doctor visit on an immediate basis. Below we will talk about some of such conditions and white discharges.

• If you have an odorless whitish discharge that is causing you discomfort like pain with urination or intercourse; itching, soreness or burning sensation or if your vulva looks like inflamed. You need to visit a doctor immediately as this can indicate a yeast infection which requires strict treatments.
• In case you notice a thin white or gray discharge with a fishy smell after intercourse which may be because of a different kind of vaginal infection known as bacterial vaginosis.
• In case you are not yet at the 37 weeks of your pregnancy and you notice and increase in the vaginal discharge or a change in the type of discharge, like the discharge getting mucus-like or watery or bloody. This can be one of the sign of preterm labor. You need to visit doctor on an immediate basis.

Apart from the above mentioned points, there are several other kinds of vaginal discharge which can be a sign of problem during pregnancy. It is essential for you to consult with doctor or your midwife if you notice any kind of abnormal discharge during pregnancy.

It is advised to keep your genital areas clean and wear cotton underwear during pregnancy.

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