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2 Apr 2024

Normal Discharge and Infection, The Differences

Pregnancy
Pregnancy symptoms
Normal Discharge and Infection, The Differences
During pregnancy, it's common to experience various types of vaginal discharge. Understanding the different types and their characteristics can help you differentiate between them.
Here are the most common types of vaginal discharge you may encounter during pregnancy:
1. Leukorrhea:
Leukorrhea is a normal and healthy vaginal discharge that increases during pregnancy. It is typically thin, milky white, and odorless.
This discharge plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal hygiene by flushing out dead cells and bacteria.
Leukorrhea may be more noticeable during the second trimester and towards the end of pregnancy.
2. Bloody or Brown Discharge:
At times, you may notice a small amount of blood in your vaginal discharge during pregnancy.
This can occur after sexual intercourse, a vaginal exam, or due to slight bleeding from the cervix.
The color of the discharge may vary from light pink to brown. It is usually nothing to be concerned about, but if you experience heavy bleeding or have any concerns, it's important to consult your healthcare provider.
3. Yellow or Green Discharge:
Vaginal discharge that is yellow or green in color may indicate an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection.
This type of discharge is often accompanied by itching, foul odor, or discomfort.
If you notice these symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
4. Thick, Cottage Cheese-like Discharge:
A thick, white, and clumpy discharge resembling cottage cheese may be a sign of a yeast infection.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can create an environment that favors yeast overgrowth.
If you suspect a yeast infection, it's important to consult your healthcare provider for appropriate treatment options.
5. Watery or Clear Discharge:
Watery or clear discharge is common throughout pregnancy and is generally normal. It helps to maintain the vagina's pH balance and provides lubrication.
However, if you experience a sudden increase in watery discharge that feels more like a gush or a trickle, it could be a sign of amniotic fluid leakage. In such cases, it's crucial to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Distinguishing Between Different Types of Discharge
Distinguishing between the different types of vaginal discharge can help you understand whether it's normal or requires medical attention. Here are some factors to consider:
  • Color: Pay attention to the color of the discharge. Leukorrhea is typically milky white, while yellow, green, or gray discharge may indicate an infection.
  • Consistency: Notice the consistency of the discharge. Leukorrhea is usually thin and watery, while a thick, clumpy texture resembling cottage cheese may indicate a yeast infection.
  • Odor: While some vaginal odor is normal, a strong, unpleasant odor accompanying the discharge may be a sign of infection.
  • Other Symptoms: Take note of any accompanying symptoms such as itching, redness, or discomfort, as they may indicate an infection.
  • Timing: Consider the timing of the discharge. Leukorrhea is common throughout pregnancy, but if you experience sudden changes or significant increases in discharge, it's advisable to consult your healthcare provider.
Remember, it's essential to trust your instincts and consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or uncertainties about the type of vaginal discharge you are experiencing.
All you need to know
Your Vaginal Discharge Guide
1 min read
v
vonne
31 Dec 2023

Why do I have milky discharge 🌚? Is that normal or is it an infection? Or am I being dramatic 😭😭

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
1 comments
T
TonyaMomof6
Your 39 weeks that's normal.
27 Mar 2024

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L
Lucy
14 Dec 2023

Is it normal to cramp? (Nothing intense, lower abdominal pain that lasts like 5 seconds) also my discharge looks thicker than usual but I don’t have any infection or symptoms of anything. this app had a pop up of “understanding miscarriages and it said cramping and change of discharge could be symptoms so now I’m just worried. my first appt is Dec 28 . Please comment!!

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
2 comments
L
Luz
If you’re not bleeding like period then you’re fine . I had cramps at the biggining of my pregnancy.
27 Mar 2024

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Lucy
Thank you, I’m not bleeding or spotting
27 Mar 2024

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Kayla
30 Jul 2023

Ok guys maybe a little tmi but what does normal pregnancy discharge look like.. I have had a yeast infection for the better part of the first half of my pregnancy and I'm a first time mom so idk what the normal looks like. I took all the meds to doc gave me and think the infection is gone but every now and then if I go number 2 or strain real hard puking there is discharge and it's not alot sometimes just on the paper and sometimes a little tiny bit in the toilet but it's very pale yellow no smell doesn't inch nothing.. is this the normal.?

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
6 comments
K
Kayla
It's just barely yellow it looks more white. Usually when I have bv it's like plain out yellow. That's why I was wondering.
27 Mar 2024

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Sarah
29 Jun 2023

Anyone else have weird yellowish gross discharge but no infection 🤔 I’m almost 33weeks

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5 comments
J
Jaylyn
Yes! I get tested every time I go in and nothing
27 Mar 2024

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Sarah
Me and my Dr thought for sure I had BV cuz when she checked me down there I had a ton of discharge just sitting inside of me and she swabbed it and nothing came back 🤔 it does at times smell bad too… does urs have an odor ?
27 Mar 2024

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Samantha
28 Mar 2023

Might be WAY too soon, but I'm 2 dpo and having cramps, bloated and having more of a watery discharge than normal.. is this normal?

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
5 comments
🫧
🫧alexis 🧸✨
yes my last 2 cycles my discharge was hella extra, had cramps, bloated & everything but my period ended up coming on. baby dust to you though mamas it may be time for u💕
27 Mar 2024

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Samantha
thats the only 3 things that's going on... im not nauseated but I eat some and then it's like... im not hungry anymore.
27 Mar 2024

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R
Rie🧿
5 Oct 2022

Yaw so I keep leaking! It’s not urine. The tests are coming back negative for amniotic fluid or infection and I haven’t had any seggs or interactions so I know it’s not an STI. I have normal discharge and the rest is like water. Does this happen to anyone?? Should I try and see a different hospital for a second opinion? I’m at 36/37 weeks

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21 comments
K
Krystina
Did you call your doctor?
27 Mar 2024

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Rie🧿
Yes every time I come in and get checked they test it and say it’s not amniotic fluid
27 Mar 2024

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H
Heritier
24 Sep 2022

Having yellow and green discharge and white Sametimes abt three weeks now is it normal 

Pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms
2 comments
b
brianna
Green discharge means there’s some typa infection.. white and clear and light yellow should be normal
27 Mar 2024

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ivonne
27 Aug 2022

Just got out the urgent care they said I have a viral respiratory infection. They did pregnancy test and it was negative.. They gave me an inhaler and mucinex pills .. and yet I still have a lot of mucus discharge.. I got tested for everything and everything came back normal.. I'm still wondering why I been having mucus discharge for 6 days now

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1 comments
☺
☺️💜💜Stephanie💜💜
That was me and I turned out to be pregnant
27 Mar 2024

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S
Savannah
11 Jan 2022

I just noticed today I have light yellow discharge. So I’m guessing I have an infection of some sort? I’ve never had a uti, yeast infection or bv so I’m not sure what to expect. I don’t have any other symptoms. What have you all done for that? I’m calling my doctor in the morning but will they give meds or have me come in to be checked out? Or can I just get something OTC? Or have y’all had yellow discharge and it been completely normal?

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0 comments
K
Kat
Discharge can mean a lot of things, from nothing at all to all sorts of stuff. If your doc is concerned, they'll have you come in and check you out. If your only symptom is the discharge though, it's probably nothing- changes in discharge are really normal during pregnancy
27 Mar 2024

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