White Discharge During Pregnancy

Most women panic with the sight of white discharge, but do you know that it is actually a natural way to keep the vagina clean? White discharge, which is also known as leukorrhea carries the old cells, keeps the area clean, and puts a 'No Entry' board for the bacteria.

White discharge is a very common condition, which most women are familiar with. Usually, it is reported during the onset of puberty and thereafter, present throughout the reproductive years of a woman. In most of the cases, it is believed to be an early sign of pregnancy and remains very active in all the three trimesters.

However, many pregnant women, due to lack of proper knowledge, get alarmed at its sight. The truth is that this discharge is perfectly a normal condition, although there are certain facts that you must know, to be able to differentiate normal from abnormal!

The white discharge that you notice at various stages of pregnancy is nothing but cervical mucus. This mucus performs various functions in a woman's reproductive system. During this period, a mass of cervical mucus (mucus plug) is formed at the mouth of the cervix to guard the uterus and fetus against infections, which results in white discharge.

Thick discharge in all the stages of pregnancy is common due to the changes in the texture of mucus. It is no longer clear and watery, but has a consistency of a lotion. Although the odor is not exactly unpleasant, you may find it different from the usual.

Sometimes, you may have pinkish, or brownish discharge; however, this is mostly due to old blood. The thick white discharge during early pregnancy is due to the elevated levels of estrogen and increased blood supply to the vaginal area.

Generally, the discharge is thin and clear in the first trimester, but it is always more than the usual cyclic one. As the pregnancy progresses, you may observe thick and creamy discharge. It is very necessary to keep a check on the color and odor of the discharge, which may result in any kind of infection.

The flow continues in the same way during the second trimester. Here, the discharge may be creamy, or the texture may resemble the egg white part. It might look like the pre-pregnancy discharge as well.

There is no need to worry if it remains odorless, or emits a very mild odor. If you observe a lot of blood flow in this stage, then it is very necessary to consult your doctor.

Although you will continue to get white discharge throughout the nine months, its appearance in the later stage will differ significantly from the previous trimester. In the final weeks of pregnancy, the discharge is characterized by "bloody show". The mucus plug, as mentioned above, comes off loose along with old blood from the uterus.

Thick blood clots may also be seen during this period. Besides, the process of effacing or thinning of the cervix also results in white discharge. Generally, it is thin and watery.

Discharge during late pregnancy is often an indication that the body is preparing for childbirth. Just a few days before your labor, you may experience a watery discharge, which you may mistake for urine. This is nothing but leaking of amniotic fluid, and you are on your way to the hospital.

White discharge does not harm you or your baby on its own. However, if it gets infected in some way, then the infection could spread to your cervix. Hence, undertaking extensive hygiene measures is the best solution to keep the risk of infections at bay.

It is very necessary to keep an eye on the color, odor, and texture of the discharge. If the color is transparent, or creamy and has no odor or has a very mild odor, then there is nothing to worry about. However, if you observe any of the following changes in the discharge, you might need a quick talk with your doctor as it can lead to an infection.

Symptoms:

• Lumpy and white in color
• Pain while urinating, or burning sensation in your vagina
• Occurs with overgrowth of yeast in the vaginal area

Symptoms:

• Thick and yellow in color
• Odor is unpleasant

Symptoms:

• Gray, or green in color
• Odor is fishy
• Occurs due to imbalance in the growth of bacteria

Symptoms:

• Copious, frothy, and green in color
• Irritation and discomfort while urinating
• Odor is unpleasant

Symptoms:

• Purulent and malodorous
• Painful urination and fever

Symptoms:

• Transparent but in huge amount
• Foul smell
• Affects the cervix, or the endometrium

There are certain abnormal cases that may warrant medical intervention. In these cases, you have to consult your midwife or caregiver as soon as possible.

Watery white discharge before 37 weeks is abnormal, as leakage of amniotic fluid means that the amniotic sac has ruptured, and your baby is no longer securely contained in your uterus. If you experience a gush of water, or continuous wetting of your underpants weeks before your due date, call your doctor immediately.

Talk to your doctor regarding your concerns, or anything that you feel is far from normal. Remember, it is important to get your doubts cleared for the sake of a safe pregnancy.

The following measures will help you prevent the risk of infections and keep the area clean, when you are having a white discharge.

• Use pads or panty liners, which will make you feel dry and comfortable.
• Always wear a clean, cotton underwear and make it a point to change it at least twice a day.

• Wash your nether region with soap a couple of times in a day to keep it clean, and pat it dry.
• While wiping the area, wipe it in a front-to-back motion and not the other way round.
• Prefer breathable cotton clothes at night over silk, or nylon.
• Always use a condom so as to avoid the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

• Avoid using any public lavatory in order to stay away from germs (that could harm you, or your baby).
• Don't try to overcome the foul smell with any kind of genital or fancy sprays and powders.

• Do not use any kind of scented creams, or bubble baths.
• Avoid the use tampons as they can introduce microbes in the vagina and cause an infection.
• Do not attempt to treat itching, redness, swelling, etc., on your own.
• Do not douche as it may wash away the helpful bacteria needed by your vagina.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical professional.