Is it normal to have vaginal discharge in pregnancy?
Almost all women have more vaginal discharge in pregnancy. This is quite normal and happens for a few reasons. To help prevent any infections from rising from the vagina to the womb, the cervix (neck of the womb) and vaginal walls soften and discharge increases during pregnancy. You may also produce more fluid if your progesterone levels are higher.
Pregnancy is common for there to be an increase in discharge, but it’s important to monitor it and let your doctor or midwife know if it changes in any way.
How does vaginal discharge change during pregnancy?
Though many factors can affect vaginal discharge, so you can’t be sure this is the cause, increased discharge can be a sign that you are pregnant.
The amount of discharge may increase throughout the pregnancy. Near the end, there might be so much that you mistake it for urine.
The amount of discharge increases as the pregnancy progresses and can be mistaken for urine.
Your discharge may have streaks of thick mucus and some blood in the final week or so of pregnancy. When the mucus that has been present in your cervix throughout pregnancy comes away, it is known as a “show.” You may experience a few minor shows in the days before going into labor as a sign that the body is beginning to prepare for giving birth.
It’s always better to be safe and call your doctor if you’re unsure. Make a note of the beginning of the changes in your vaginal discharge and any distinguishing features. This will enable your doctor to decide whether or not your discharge warrants concern.
Abnormal discharge may be a sign of infection. Yeast infections are common during pregnancy. Your doctor might suggest a vaginal cream or suppository if you get a yeast infection while pregnant. To avoid a yeast infection:
Another factor that can contribute to abnormal discharge is an STD. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise all expectant women to get tested for STDs. At your initial prenatal visit, your healthcare provider might perform an STD check on you. To lessen the chance of passing an STD to your unborn child, it’s crucial to inform your doctor as soon as possible if you think you may have an STD.
An increase in vaginal discharge is one of the first signs of pregnancy, and it persists throughout the entire pregnancy.
You might also notice that your discharge has “show,” or thick mucus streaks with blood, in the final weeks of pregnancy. This is a precursor to labor and is not a cause for concern.