Changes In Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

If you are a expectant first-time mother, you may not be aware that it is perfectly normal to have more discharge than usual during the first months of pregnancy. Here we go into more detail through the changes in vaginal discharge that occur during pregnancy.

White or milky discharge

During the first months of pregnancy, it is normal for women to often feel the need to go to the toilet. Some women are bothered by the moist feeling that comes from an odorless, whitish vaginal discharge that is a bit thick and firm, in medical terms also known as leukorrhea.

This white vaginal discharge (which does not smell or cause discomfort) occurs as a result of increased blood flow and estrogen production, which increases from the moment an egg is fertilized.

The bodily changes that occur during pregnancy give rise to more vaginal discharge. These are meant to produce the mucus plug that protects the baby until delivery. The liquids that have the task of creating this mucus plug are naturally excreted.

When should you consult your doctor about vaginal discharge?

See your gynecologist if you notice any of the following:

• If the vaginal discharge causes itching or burning.
• If your vagina is red and inflamed.
• If you notice frothy or frothy vaginal discharge.
• If it burns when urinating.

Leukorrhea is a whitish discharge with a milky appearance. They occur during pregnancy.

When does vaginal discharge warn that something is wrong?

• If you have a vaginal infection.
• If the discharge is watery after passing the embryonic stage.

• If the discharge is a result of the amniotic fluid leaving before week 37. When the water passes prematurely, you must be kept under medical supervision and this may mean mandatory rest for the rest of the pregnancy.
• When the discharge has a bad odor or a greenish or yellow color. It can be an infection caused by fungi or bacteria and must be treated before delivery.

Discharge that warns of problems can cause discomfort of varying intensity for pregnant women. Sometimes, due to the inflammation that causes them, they can result in premature birth or premature ejaculation. If the placenta ruptures prematurely, it can expose the baby to certain risks.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. You may have a urinary tract infection, bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or a fungal infection.

What can you do when you get more vaginal discharge during pregnancy?

To avoid discomfort, keep your genital area clean and dry, especially if you notice large amounts of vaginal discharge. You can use hygienic wet wipes, panty liners or cotton swabs.

You will also notice more vaginal discharge as the due date approaches. At the end of pregnancy, vaginal discharge is usually dense and sticky, and may even be accompanied by some blood. This secretion is due to gradual or sudden loss of the mucus plug that protects the uterus. The mucus plug loosens as the cervix begins to dilate in preparation for childbirth.

During the latter weeks of pregnancy, a vaginal cell test is sometimes performed to rule out a group B streptococcal infection. You can transmit these to the baby through the birth canal, but it is easy to treat with the right medication.

Things to think about…

• Wear underwear made of cotton or natural fibers. Synthetic garments can cause irritation.
• Do not use perfumed toilet paper or bath soap when washing. The chemicals they contain can cause irritation.
• Wash your underwear with neutral instead of regular detergent.
• Pregnant women often use daily panty liners, but they are not recommended for women who have long-term irritation.

Changes in vaginal discharge are natural during pregnancy. Follow our advice to reduce the risk of suffering from infections.