Many women become alarmed by any discharge during pregnancy. But did you know that not all secretions that appear during pregnancy are bad? Discharge is always associated with diseases or infections, but if it is simply a secretion, it’s not always a cause for concern.
Discharge During Pregnancy: What Should I Be Worried About?
The discharge during pregnancy that is actually concerning is the one with a specific color and also a characteristic odor that can vary from woman to woman, but is still similar. Usually, the discharge is a sign that the body is dealing with some infection in the intimate area1.
Symptoms of Infection
Symptoms that a pregnant woman may experience during an infection are:
- Discharge of an unusual color: brown, yellow, greenish, or even grayish
- Itching and burning throughout the day
- Characteristic smell of bleach or some stronger odor
- Thick skin or bumps in the intimate area
Concerning discharge has a strong odor and can sometimes be accompanied by swelling in the vaginal area. There may also be lower abdominal pain as well as internal and external itching. The infection can also cause a stinging sensation when urinating or washing. Urine or water comes into contact with the irritated skin, causing pain and burning. Keep an eye out if you notice yellowish or greenish discharge during pregnancy.
These are symptoms of a possible infection by fungi or bacteria, vaginitis, cervical infections, and even STIs2. Any changes should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible to begin treatment. That’s why pregnant women should pay attention to any differences. A good way to monitor these changes is to always check your underwear. It can show any alteration taking place in the vagina. The woman should also know her usual scent.
IMPORTANT: Under no circumstances should a pregnant woman use medication to treat infections without a prescription from her obstetrician. If you suspect any infection, see your doctor!
What Discharge During Pregnancy Is Not Dangerous?
Many women are not even aware of infection-related discharge. Sometimes they only notice after a while, and by then the condition may have worsened. Usually, the white discharge seen during pregnancy is healthy. That thick, white, ointment-like discharge is a sign that everything is okay. However, this mucus should not have a smell and should be of moderate quantity, without other symptoms. Progesterone mucus may appear frequently. For some women, it can stain their underwear and even leave a hard ring as a mark of this secretion.
Problems arise when this mucus becomes abundant and too thick, indicating that not everything is fine. Because of this, women should follow a strict prenatal care routine so that, in case of any change, the doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Diagnosing problems with discharge during pregnancy is simple. Usually, it’s done through a physical, speculum exam, where the doctor observes the characteristics and color of the discharge. If anything unusual is noticed, the doctor will advise the best treatment.
This treatment may be based on gynecological antifungal creams, and sometimes vaginal douches. The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics or a procedure such as cervical cauterization. It depends greatly on weighing the risks and benefits during pregnancy3. To avoid these discharges during or outside of pregnancy, women should take some precautions:
How to Prevent Discharge
- Wear lighter clothing in summer
- Avoid very tight jeans and wearing them all the time
- Use cotton underwear
- Sleep one or two nights a week without underwear
- Thoroughly dry the vaginal area
The growth of fungi is often the result of tight and warm clothing. If you wear jeans or thick fabrics every day, you should look for alternatives, especially during pregnancy. Cotton underwear is a good option at any stage, and even more so during pregnancy.
Women who wear skirts benefit the most. In this case, ventilation is very helpful in preventing discharge during pregnancy. It’s worth remembering that greenish, yellowish, or white mucus at the end of pregnancy, if it doesn’t have a bad smell, may be a sign that the mucus plug is about to release or is already doing so! We should remember that every pregnant woman needs proper medical care. Any type of discharge during pregnancy that is unusual—inform your gynecologist.
Readers’ Questions:
How do you treat discharge during pregnancy?
Since we must be extra careful with treatments during pregnancy, you should consult your gynecologist before starting to use any creams or medications. Depending on the type of discharge, a vaginal cream or, in some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed.
What color is discharge during pregnancy?
Discharge considered normal during pregnancy is clear, white, or gelatinous in appearance. Yellowish or greenish discharge, especially those accompanied by itching and bad odor, should be investigated.
What are the risks of discharge during pregnancy?
If the discharge is considered normal, there is no risk. But if it is caused by infections, it should be treated to avoid complications with the baby. Some complications are premature birth, premature rupture of membranes, and infection at the time of delivery.
