WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Vaginal Discharge in the Second Trimester

Pregnancy
Pregnancy follow-up
Vaginal Discharge in the Second Trimester
Vaginal discharge during the second trimester, commonly known as leukorrhea, continues to be a normal and common occurrence for many pregnant women.
This discharge is typically thin, clear or milky, and mild-smelling or odorless.
It results from ongoing hormonal changes, particularly increased estrogen levels, and greater blood flow to the pelvic area.
Juliette
Midwife for 8+ years
Is It Normal?
Experiencing vaginal discharge in the second trimester is normal and a standard part of the body’s response to pregnancy.
It helps to keep the vaginal area clean and reduce the risk of infection.
Percentage of Women Affected
A significant majority of women continue to experience increased vaginal discharge during the second trimester:
  • Fourth Month: Approximately 70-80% of women notice an increase in discharge.
  • Fifth Month: The prevalence may remain steady or slightly increase, with around 80-85% experiencing noticeable changes.
  • Sixth Month: Most women will continue to have some level of increased vaginal discharge.
Tips to Prevent and Care for Vaginal Discharge
  • Maintain Good Hygiene: Regular bathing and the use of breathable, cotton underwear can help in maintaining hygiene and comfort.
  • Avoid Douching and Scented Products: These can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and are generally not recommended.
  • Use Panty Liners for Comfort: If the discharge is heavy, panty liners can be used, but avoid tampons.
  • Monitor for Any Changes: Keep an eye on changes in color, smell, or consistency, as these could indicate an infection.
I advise against using any internal washes or douches. The vagina is self-cleansing and only needs external washing with mild, unscented soap and wate.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
When Should I Consult?
It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider if:
  • The discharge has a foul odor, is green or yellow, or is accompanied by itching or burning, which could indicate an infection.
  • You notice any bleeding or spotting, as this may require medical attention.
  • There are significant changes in the amount, color, or consistency of the discharge.
  • You have any discomfort or concerns related to the discharge.
Top Asked Questions
Is it normal to continue having increased vaginal discharge in the second trimester?

Yes, this is a typical occurrence due to ongoing hormonal changes.

What changes in discharge should prompt me to see a doctor?

Any changes in odor, color, or if it's accompanied by itching or discomfort should be evaluated.

How can I best manage increased discharge during this time?

Good hygiene and the use of panty liners can help manage the discharge comfortably.

Can increased discharge affect my pregnancy?

Normal discharge is not harmful, but any signs of infection should be treated promptly.

  1. Is it normal to continue having increased vaginal discharge in the second trimester? Yes, this is a typical occurrence due to ongoing hormonal changes.
  2. What changes in discharge should prompt me to see a doctor? Any changes in odor, color, or if it's accompanied by itching or discomfort should be evaluated.
  3. How can I best manage increased discharge during this time? Good hygiene and the use of panty liners can help manage the discharge comfortably.
  4. Can increased discharge affect my pregnancy? Normal discharge is not harmful, but any signs of infection should be treated promptly.
View Sources
More info
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l
leah
9 Sep 2023

I am 15 weeks and 6 days and this morning I had brown discharge does anyone what does that mean ? I am in my second trimester and I don’t feel sick or anything just a bad headache. Please help !

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
2 comments
E
Elizabeth
Was it a lot?
27 Mar 2024

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V
Vanessa
17 Dec 2022

This nausea still kicking my ass in the second trimester 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
2 comments
d
dev💕
Really? Usually calms down in the 2nd. Even still it's not uncommon. U taking any nausea meds ?
27 Mar 2024

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V
Vanessa
Naah maybe I need to be 😩
27 Mar 2024

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Q
Qune
6 Dec 2022

I’m currently 26 weeks & 3 days … are any other mommies experiencing pain in their vaginal area and like a heavy feeling ? … I have 2 other children and I know what contractions feel like ,this is different 😩 #26weeks #6months #second-trimester

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
2 comments
D
Destiney
Yes I go to the bathroom and have this pain soo bad that it feels like I have to push and I’m only 23 weeks
27 Mar 2024

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A
Alexzandria
19 Jul 2022

Okay so I'm only 14 weeks pregnant but I've been experiencing sharp pain in my vaginal area randomly off and on and it sounds like lightning crotch but it says that it happens mostly in the third trimester. Has anybody else experienced this feeling in their second trimester?

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
3 comments
K
Kari
I'm almost 12w pregnant and it is quite weird. That pain throws me off too.
27 Mar 2024

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A
Alexzandria
oh wow yeah I'm gonna ask my ob about it..I know every body is different but I'm still curious.
27 Mar 2024

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💕🌈Amber LeAnn🌈💕
11 Jul 2022

I am so thankful to be in the second trimester now with my rainbow baby girls. But now that I’m in the second trimester I’m starting to think about the birthing plans and everything to do with the baby shower since I am expecting twins. Is any momma who is having twins planning on a C-section or a Vaginal Birth? Me personally I really bad want to try for my vbac if my obgyn allows me to with my hernia. I’m just so nervous 🙈🥺🤰🏼👶🏻👶🏻💖💖

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
24 comments
M
M4M4B34R
I would look into the c section birth. I know alot of twins are born at 28 or 30 weeks and most Come as a c section. (This is my family's personal experience it may not go for everyone)
27 Mar 2024

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💕🌈Amber LeAnn🌈💕
I know a momma whose done vaginal with her twins and my grandmother in law and great grandmother did vaginal as well. I’m hoping I can, but if I can’t then I know it wasn’t my body who let me down.
27 Mar 2024

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