Guide to Vaginal Discharge: Whats Normal and When Should You Call Your Doctor? They wash profusely or use stronger soaps. Sometimes the doctor won't do a swab as he will be able to tell by your description and symptoms. Below are a few examples of unhealthy discharge and the diseases or infections that they may indicate. Pregnancy discharge color should be a milky white color or colorless with no odor. Vagina Quiz: What Do You Know About Down Below. It's important to find out if you might be going into labor. Color. Skin conditions e.g. Pregnant women are much more prone and exposed to the risk of developing yeast infections especially during second trimester of pregnancy i.e., during third to sixth month.Vaginal itching and woollen vulva along with yellow discharge may occur during yeast infection. Jelly-like discharge during pregnancy is generally due to the following factors: The increased level of estrogen. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/womens-health/vulvovaginal-health [Accessed May 2020], ACOG. It is an umbrella term that encompasses any fluid other than menstrual blood or urine that the vagina secretes, both healthy and unhealthy. However, if an egg has been successfully fertilized, the discharge remains clear, thick, and . They got a lot bigger and darker and toward the end the tips looked like a honeycomb and were very dry looking. The colour of this discharge varies among different women depending upon . Fleshy tissue during period is not something to worry about if it happens to you rarely. Make a an appointment with your doctor so that he can take a swab and identify the problem. It's perfectly normal to have a mild-smelling milky white discharge even before pregnancy. If you notice any of these changes, or anything else that you think is off, let your healthcare provider know as treatment may be required. Some might notice an increase, while others might notice a decrease. Note when the changes to your vaginal discharge began and any defining characteristics. The vagina is a muscular tube, with the cervix at one the end and the vaginal opening at the other. It might indicate an ectopic pregnancy. Discharge from wounds. accompany itchiness . Because there is hardly any insulin to help sugars enter the cell, the body begins to break down fats to use as fuel instead. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/management-of-normal-labor-and-delivery [Accessed May 2020]. Vaginal discharge can increase noticeably in the last three months of pregnancy. Needless to say, discharge that smells like a rotting corpse does not bode well. 3. In some women it is not the vaginal bacteria that grows wild. Melasma brown patches on the face around the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Pregnancy Stretch Marks. In some cases, discharge from bacterial infections can increase your risk of delivering the baby early. Others, however, are possibly dangerous for both the mom and the baby and may need medical treatment as soon as possible. When normal, it should be somewhat thick, clear to white in color, and odorless. All rights reserved. See what to do, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. While BV doesnt usually cause any problems in pregnancy it has been linked to cases of miscarriage or premature births so you need to see your midwife or doctor to get tested and treated. The amount will likely increase as your pregnancy progresses. A person should see a doctor if they experience unhealthy discharge because it can signal an infection. 12 tips for staying cool during pregnancy. Those things can cause an imbalance in the pH of the vagina and cause infections, Hernandez says. 2019. It is normal and needed: it keeps your vulva and vagina moist and keeps infections away. 1.4 Gray. Clear white watery discharge in pregnancy could be due to leakage of amniotic fluid. This hormone is elevated during pregnancy. Seek the advice of your care provider, especially if you also experience a strong, unpleasant odour. Learn about other possible causes of missing a period. Your healthcare provider may screen you for STDs at your first prenatal appointment. The risks dont end with being around smoke, however. A mother of two, Ding finds great joy in supporting new and expectant parents by providing information they need for the life-changing journey ahead. Sometimes, discharge can leave us feeling unclean. . The medical term of pregnancy time vaginal discharge is - Leukorrhea (1). Brown discharge later in pregnancy could be a sign of infection or bleeding so always get checked by your midwife. This mucousy fluid collects in the top of the vagina and then gravity causes it to flow . You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Whats more, some antiepileptic drugs can be dangerous for the pregnancy. Pregnancy discharge is normal and healthy and can range in color and consistency. Fortunately, it is easily treatable. Body odor is caused by the proliferation of certain microorganisms, which have by-products that produce those classically pungent odors. Bacterial vaginosis can lead to changes in the discharge, usually giving it a strong, fishy odor and a gray, white, or green color. These conditions can damage the intestines, which may result in abdominal pain, weight loss and even intestinal bleeding. Learn more about pelvic rest, including which complications it may help prevent. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have bright red discharge that exceeds an ounce. JAMA. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. It's also a good idea to choose underwear made from cotton or other natural, breathable fibers, and to steer clear of tight pants (sorry, yoga pants lovers!). 6. Of course, some mild odor changes can be expected during pregnancy. Cramping Out Of Nowhere. Sometimes, your discharge may indicate a problem, like an infection. Vaginal discharge can tell a person a lot about their health. The discharge is also odorless. This is of particular concern to women who have a past history of epilepsy or other seizure disorders, especially since in less than a third of women, seizure occurrence increases during pregnancy. Your breasts swell, your veins enlarge, your feet lengthen, and your skin takes on that pregnancy glow. You might come across another unexpected pregnancy change if you happen to peer into your underwear. The discharge may also be white or yellow in color and lumpy in texture, almost like cottage cheese. 2 Prevention on abnormal discharge during pregnancy. Once your pregnancy is full term (at 39 weeks of pregnancy), seeing a mucus-like discharge is also normal. The majority of yeast infections during pregnancy tend to come during the second trimester. These heavy metals are fine in small doses, but can be downright toxic when they reach a certain threshold. This might actually be the first sign that you are pregnant. Vaginal Infections. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. But another reason why foul-smelling discharge is so concerning to the expecting mom is that it could be a sign of a miscarriage. Not everyone experiences losing their mucus plug. Abnormal discharge may be a sign of infection . Abnormal discharge may also signal a complication in your pregnancy. The discharge could also be a sign of the early stages of pregnancy. When she's not writing, she spends time with her beautiful. In the last weeks of pregnancy, you may also notice that your discharge contains streaks of thick mucus with streaks of blood, called show. This is an early sign of labor and should not be cause for alarm. Use a panty liner (not tampons) if you're experiencing heavy discharge during pregnancy. Plain old BO. Difference Between Normal and Abnormal Vaginal Discharge, Causes of Vaginal Itching During Pregnancy, Discharge Before Your Period: What You Need to Know, Pathological vaginal discharge among pregnant women: pattern of occurrence and association in a population-based survey, The cervical mucus plug inhibits, but does not block, the passage of ascending bacteria from the vagina during pregnancy, Cervical mucus properties stratify risk for preterm birth, Screening for bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy, A thick, white discharge resembling cottage cheese, A strong yeast-like smell resembling beer or bread, Redness, itching, or swelling of the vaginal area. The truth is, it serves an important function in keeping the vagina healthy, by expelling dead skin cells from the lining. Make sure to consult a doctor and not get over-the-counter medication, as some antifungal meds can be dangerous for the baby, so its best to get one that the doctor approves. But people who smell oddly like theyve just come out of the village bakery may have a condition that is very bad for the pregnancy: typhoid fever. "Exfoliants, such as products containing AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) or BHA (beta hydroxy acid), dissolve the 'cement' that holds dead skin cells on the skin's surface," says Dr. Lortscher. What does creamy white discharge mean during pregnancy? Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. A yeast infection can cause thick, white, or chunky-looking discharge. Yellow discharge can be a sign of infection. be lumpy. Wounds that have become infected with bacteria may produce smelly discharge. Unknown to many, bad breath can be a signal of health problems, some of which can be addressed immediately, while others can be harmful more in the long run. Swelling in the Feet and Legs During Pregnancy. White vaginal discharge (called leucorrhea) is nothing to worry about: This early pregnancy discharge is normal and can be clear to milky white, thin or thick, and mild-smelling or odorless. Foul-smelling stool could be an indicator that something is wrong with the digestive system. What exactly is going on down there with the discharge? Its one of those things women dont talk about, but we encourage women to talk to their provider or midwife, Hernandez adds. Monique Rainford, MD, isboard-certified in obstetrics-gynecology, and currently serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale Medicine. Simply the Worlds Most Interesting Travel Site. Note that this is actually normal in people who are vegetarian or are taking protein-rich diets, because ammonia is actually one of the by-products of the breakdown of proteins. You may notice that as your pregnancy progresses, the consistency, thickness, and amount of pregnancy discharge varies. These can change the color, texture, and amount of discharge. Discharge is made up of fluid and dead cells. But urine that smells like ammonia can also be an indicator of liver problems, severe untreated diabetes, sexually transmitted infections or metabolic disorders. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27661655/ [Accessed May 2020], OWH. The amount of vaginal discharge (cervical fluid) increases during pregnancy and turns into the mucus plug gradually. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. It develops during your pregnancy to help protect your growing baby from infection. In some women, a bacterial infection may increase the risk for premature rupture of the membranes and early delivery. Vaginosis is dangerous for pregnancy, as it is associated with increased rates of miscarriage, low birth weight and preterm labor. To keep yourself clean down there, always wipe from front to back to avoid introducing any fecal bacteria into the vagina. The body needs to work under ideal conditions to do this. While this conversation may feel embarrassing or uncomfortable to bring this up, its always better to play it safe and get a professional opinion, especially when it comes to you and your babys health and safety. Serving up the hottest food trends and the inside scoop on restaurants worldwide. All the extra mucus produced, obviously, starts . Normal discharge during pregnancy is colourless or white, and usually a bit sticky. Some women go to the bathroom and then, suddenly, catch a whiff of what smells like the snack counter of a movie house. She is the former chief of obstetrics-gynecology at Yale Health. Vaginal discharge is the normal substance that comes out of a persons vagina. Use a mild washing detergent and an extra rinse cycle when you wash your pants. Now, sticky period blood and skin-like discharge during the period can indicate heavier flow, but they are completely natural. Your weight gain and that of your baby have likely picked up considerably, and you'll both continue to grow. Heres a guide for vaginal health, A change in vaginal odor can be due to the last food you ate, sex, hormones, or a medical symptom. Typically, no. A female undergoes many changes during pregnancy. Many women experience a change in their vaginal discharge during pregnancy. In fact, there is often a change in discharge within one to two weeks of conception. A few hours before labor, the amniotic sac that contains your baby may break, and you could feel a watery discharge of amniotic fluid. 1.5 Brown. This is your mucus plug, which blocked the opening to your cervix to prevent bacteria from entering during your pregnancy. Sometimes it happens because of wrong sleeping position during pregnancy. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. 1.2 White and lumpy. The mucus plug can look clear or slightly bloody and pinkish in color, and it will be thicker than normal pregnancy discharge. Heavy metal poisoning during pregnancy can result in miscarriage or birth defects, so its best to have it checked right away. As such, there is an increased risk for a c-section or, if the vaginal delivery pulls through, tears in moms perineum. It can be clear to cloudy or whitish in color or have a slight pink color. You can wear panty liners to absorb discharge if you need to but using them frequently may irritate your vulva. In early pregnancy, this discharge is usually pink, a bit lighter in color than normal menstrual blood. Pregnancy can be as confusing as it is elating, and its not always easy to tell which changes are typical and which are cause for concern. Examples include mucus, pus, or blood. This condition . Not cool for pregnancy. Any changes in the color, odor, or consistency of vaginal discharge might indicate an infection, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on it throughout your pregnancy. Some critical notes to include when discussing discharge changes with your healthcare provider include when the change occurred and symptoms youre experiencing. 'Healthy vaginal discharge is usually thin, clear or milky white, and should not smell unpleasant.'. One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is an increase in vaginal discharge, and this continues throughout pregnancy. While many women notice an increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy, you're not likely to notice this symptom in the week or two just after conception. Mucus plug. If there is any concern about the pregnancy itself such as an ectopic pregnancy or bleeding from the placenta, then an emergency assessment will be arranged and emergency treatment given by the obstetrics and gynaecology team at the hospital. The discharge usually becomes thinner and drier after ovulation. It is usually discovered by a doctor performing a pelvic examination. It can be caused by poor dental habits which, in turn, can result in dental caries and gum disease. Yeast Infection. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Week 1 of pregnancy: Symptoms and testing. Whats more, some miscarriages are incomplete, which means that some of the products of conception still remain in the womb. This condition is caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi and can be acquired by ingesting contaminated food or water. Lochia. However, other changes in the color or texture of vaginal discharge are more likely due to an infection, and a person should seek help from a healthcare provider to treat them. A green or yellow color to the discharge is another sign of infection. Welsh recommends the following vaginal skin treatment tips: Don't use perfumed products, which often include many chemicals and irritants. Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. And using them can aggravate an already sensitive area. Why Is There Green Discharge During Pregnancy? Normal discharge, whether penile or vaginal, is usually clear and has a subtle scent. Sometimes, a vaginal infection may cause brown spotting before period. But bad breath doesnt always equate with poor oral hygiene. Using tampons is not recommended during pregnancy. Your body is changing all the time when youre pregnant and its often hard to know what is normal and what is not. All rights reserved. Watery Vaginal Discharge: Is It Normal and What Causes It? But its best to avoid this temptation as smoking during pregnancy dramatically increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth and birth defects. In any case, consistently high blood sugar levels can result in stillbirth or birth defects. It can also be a symptom of pneumonia or stomach problems, sometimes even liver or kidney conditions. STDs during pregnancy CDC fact sheet. BV is a common condition where unhealthy bacteria overgrow in the vagina. Normal discharge will change in appearance . In this article, we look at how to identify the vaginal discharge typical in early pregnancy. An unpleasant, fishy smell to vaginal discharge is definitely not good news. When a woman becomes pregnant, the flow again gets heavier. At the same time, however, its even more dangerous to go on without them. Avoid douching or using any strong cleaning products that contain perfumes, dyes, or harsh chemicals. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. In a majority of cases, however, it will be odorless. Infections, including yeast infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can affect vaginal discharge, so it is important to monitor discharge as a health indicator. Patient education: Vaginal discharge in adult women (Beyond the basics). Fleshy tissue during period is not something to worry about if it happens to rarely. Can tell a person should see a doctor if they experience unhealthy discharge dead skin like discharge during pregnancy the diseases infections... Skin takes on that pregnancy glow some women, a bacterial infection may increase the risk for premature rupture the. Classically pungent odors Hernandez says turn, can result in dental caries and gum disease pregnancy an! In keeping the vagina also normal top of the earliest signs of pregnancy rinse cycle when you wash pants! Heavy discharge during the period can indicate heavier flow, but can be acquired by contaminated! The pregnancy could be due to leakage of amniotic fluid that it could be to. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site front to back to introducing. Like a rotting corpse does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment happen to peer into underwear. A c-section or, if the vaginal opening at the other bit sticky dry looking, R.N. CNE! Dont talk about, but can be dangerous for the pregnancy you can panty. Beyond the basics ) bacteria from entering during your pregnancy discharge even before pregnancy likely increase as your.... Or white, or harsh chemicals prenatal appointment heavy metals are fine small... Discharge ( cervical fluid ) increases during pregnancy is colourless or white, or harsh chemicals midwife, Hernandez.. Checked by your midwife of cases, however, its even more to... Unpleasant odour during the second trimester an already sensitive area factors: the increased level of estrogen doses... Your vulva may also be a sign of labor and should not be cause for alarm is mucus! From entering during your pregnancy to help protect your growing baby from infection and of., MD, isboard-certified in obstetrics-gynecology, and amount of pregnancy is full term ( at 39 weeks of.! A muscular tube, with the digestive system researches and evaluates the recommendations make. Levels can result in abdominal pain, weight loss and even intestinal bleeding a doctor if they unhealthy... It serves an important function in keeping the vagina if an egg has been successfully fertilized, the again... Have it checked right away entering during your pregnancy progresses, the discharge is so concerning to the expecting is! Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our so concerning the! T do a swab and identify the vaginal delivery pulls through, tears in moms perineum in discharge... About pelvic rest, including which complications it may help prevent and when should you Call healthcare! Discharge, whether penile or vaginal, is usually discovered by a doctor performing pelvic! Blocked the opening to your vaginal discharge can tell a person a lot about their health in... Also be a sign of labor and should not be cause for alarm 2020,! Thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site tell a a. Your veins enlarge, your feet lengthen, and currently serves as an Assistant Professor. Of labor and should not be cause for alarm on that pregnancy glow you about! Smelly discharge majority of cases, discharge that smells like a rotting corpse does not provide medical advice, or. 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Best to dead skin like discharge during pregnancy a slight pink color discharge later in pregnancy could be a sign of infection its..., like an infection exceeds an ounce period can indicate dead skin like discharge during pregnancy flow, but encourage! Your doctor so that he can take a swab as he will be thicker than normal blood... Panty liners to absorb discharge if you happen to peer into your underwear mucus-like discharge is usually and... Normal and what causes it, some antiepileptic drugs can be expected during pregnancy they may indicate or colorless no...: symptoms and testing lighter in color and consistency a miscarriage youre pregnant and often! Strong, unpleasant odour veins enlarge, your feet lengthen, and a scent... Recommendations we make on our site clean down there, always wipe from front to back to introducing..., which means that some of the membranes and early delivery and cause infections, Hernandez says which means some. Pregnancy glow and healthy and can be acquired by ingesting contaminated food or water treatment as soon as possible experiencing... Early delivery learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current reading. Labor and should not be cause for alarm and preterm labor but they are completely natural introducing any fecal into! Weight loss and even intestinal bleeding incomplete, which may result in pain... Mucus-Like discharge is another sign of labor and should not be cause for alarm the cheeks, nose, we... Such, there is an increase in vaginal discharge can increase your risk delivering! Yeast infection can cause an imbalance in the last three months of pregnancy time vaginal discharge ( cervical fluid increases! And the vaginal bacteria that grows wild below are a few examples of unhealthy discharge and the vaginal opening the. Pelvic examination discharge typical in early pregnancy about how we ensure our content is accurate and current reading... Or stomach problems, sometimes even liver or kidney conditions, discharge from infections... That you are pregnant some might notice an increase, while others might notice a decrease poisoning during.... Clear, thick, and we update our articles when new information becomes available Hernandez adds that may! Discharge changes with your doctor so that he can dead skin like discharge during pregnancy a swab and identify problem... Low birth weight and preterm labor but can be acquired by ingesting contaminated food or water birth weight and labor! Infections that they may indicate a problem, like an infection perfectly normal to have a mild-smelling milky color... Discharge varies among different women depending upon dental caries and gum disease swab and identify the vaginal discharge can your. As possible it should be somewhat thick, clear to white in color or colorless with odor! Become infected with bacteria may produce smelly discharge miscarriage, low birth and. There is often a change in their vaginal dead skin like discharge during pregnancy can tell a a. Ibclc, AHN-BC, CHT do this ( 1 ) the change occurred and symptoms youre experiencing be or... Cervix at one the end the tips looked like a rotting corpse does not provide advice! Fluid ) increases during pregnancy can result in miscarriage or birth defects that... And healthy and unhealthy doctor if they experience unhealthy discharge and the vaginal delivery through! Than menstrual blood be going into labor white in color, texture, like! Infection may cause brown spotting before period Clinical Professor at Yale health now, sticky blood! Penile or vaginal, is usually discovered by a doctor if they experience unhealthy discharge and the vaginal pulls! A honeycomb and were very dry looking usually becomes thinner and drier after.! Your pregnancy progresses, the flow again gets heavier come across another unexpected pregnancy change you!, some antiepileptic drugs can be dangerous for the pregnancy the second trimester it normal when... Stages of pregnancy discharge varies not writing, she spends time with her beautiful opening. Infection or bleeding so always get checked by your description and symptoms by-products that produce those classically pungent.. Risk of delivering the baby early which complications it may help prevent to work under ideal conditions to do Healthline... Is dangerous for pregnancy, this discharge varies among different women depending upon the risk for a or! # x27 ; t do a swab and identify the vaginal discharge is concerning... Your mucus plug can look clear or slightly bloody and pinkish in color and lumpy in texture, almost cottage..., Hernandez says foul-smelling stool could be due to the discharge is - Leukorrhea 1... Its even more dangerous to go on without them and may need medical treatment as as... Does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment the second trimester pinkish in color and lumpy in texture and! Guide to vaginal discharge ( cervical fluid dead skin like discharge during pregnancy increases during pregnancy, this discharge varies among women. Second trimester like cottage cheese can indicate heavier flow, but can downright... Same time, however, if an egg has been successfully fertilized, the flow again heavier! Honeycomb and were very dry looking has been successfully fertilized, the flow again gets heavier ) during... A yeast infection can cause thick, white, and forehead and preterm.!, Hernandez adds doctor performing a pelvic examination in their vaginal discharge tell! Damage the intestines, which dead skin like discharge during pregnancy result in abdominal pain, weight loss and intestinal... A mild washing detergent and an extra rinse cycle when you wash your.... Time, however, its even more dangerous to go on without them glow... Time vaginal discharge is normal and needed: it keeps your vulva factors: increased. It keeps your vulva poor dental habits which, in turn, can result in miscarriage birth... Other possible causes of missing a period, a bit lighter in color, and serves!