WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Vaginal Discharge: Is It Normal?

Pregnancy
Pregnancy follow-up
Vaginal Discharge: Is It Normal?
Vaginal discharge is a natural and normal occurrence in women, including during pregnancy.
It refers to the fluid that is produced by the glands in the cervix and vagina.
This discharge plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and functioning of the reproductive system.
Let's delve into the medical explanations and causes behind vaginal discharge during pregnancy.
Biological Explanation: How Cervical Glands Work During Pregnancy
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is closely related to the functioning of the cervical glands. These glands, located in the cervix, produce mucus that serves important biological purposes during pregnancy.
As hormonal changes occur, particularly an increase in estrogen levels, the cervical glands become more active, leading to an increased production of vaginal discharge.
The cervical mucus acts as a protective barrier and plays several essential roles, including:
  • Lubrication: The mucus helps to lubricate the vagina, providing comfort and reducing friction during sexual intercourse.
  • Protection: It acts as a natural defense mechanism by preventing harmful bacteria and other pathogens from entering the uterus and potentially causing infections.
  • Sealing the cervix: The cervical mucus forms a plug that seals the cervix during pregnancy, providing a protective barrier against external contaminants and reducing the risk of infection.
The Purpose of Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy
Vaginal discharge serves important purposes during pregnancy, supporting the overall health and well-being of both the mother and the developing baby.
Here are some key reasons why vaginal discharge is useful during pregnancy:
  • Protection against infections: The increased production of cervical mucus helps to prevent infections by creating a physical barrier against harmful bacteria and other pathogens.
  • Maintaining a healthy vaginal environment: Vaginal discharge plays a crucial role in maintaining the pH balance within the vagina, creating an optimal environment for healthy bacteria to thrive while keeping harmful bacteria in check.
  • Supporting the implantation process: The cervical mucus helps to facilitate the journey of sperm through the cervix and into the uterus, supporting the process of fertilization and implantation.
  • Monitoring changes and indicators: Changes in the color, odor, or consistency of vaginal discharge can serve as indicators of potential issues such as infections or hormonal imbalances. Regular monitoring of vaginal discharge can help identify any abnormalities that may require medical attention.
Common Causes of Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy
Here are common causes of vaginal discharge during pregnancy:
  • Leukorrhea: This is the term used to describe the normal, increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Leukorrhea is typically thin, milky white, and odorless. It helps to flush out bacteria and dead cells from the vagina, maintaining a healthy vaginal environment.
  • Yeast Infection: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can create an environment that is more prone to yeast overgrowth, leading to a thicker, cottage cheese-like discharge accompanied by itching and irritation.
  • Bacterial Vaginosis: This common vaginal infection occurs due to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria. It can cause a grayish-white discharge with a fishy odor.
  • Sexual Arousal: Sexual activity or arousal during pregnancy can increase blood flow to the vagina, stimulating the production of vaginal discharge. This is a normal response and should not cause concern unless accompanied by other symptoms.
Note: This article provides general information and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your specific pregnancy journey.
All you need to know
Your Vaginal Discharge Guide
1 min read
R
Ria
6 Jan 2024

I experienced some very light vaginal bleeding is this normal it stopped but I’m worried

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
2 comments
Y
Yurislay
Yes, is completely normal
27 Mar 2024

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A
Aigner
It’s normal but check to make sure you have no yeast infection or BV
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tiana
7 Dec 2023

How much discharge is normal? I'm 9 weeks, yesterday i had some mucus discharge. Today it was a couple times I wiped and I saw a good bit.

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4 comments
C
Crystal
Not sure what color it is but my obgyn says it’s normal it increases why pregnant
27 Mar 2024

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A
Alena
Girl my discharge is ridiculous. Maybe tmi but mine is thick white and it's visible in the toilet and bubbles out eveytime I use the bathroom.😂 🙇‍♀️🤦‍♀️🙈
27 Mar 2024

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E
Elva
9 Sep 2023

Question mommas. Has any had an increase of vaginal discharge? Like having some everyday? Not a lot but here and there through out the day? I’m just curious and what to see if it’s normal. I read that it is but I want to know if anyone else experiences this? Thanks mommas!!

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4 comments
S
Shawna🩵👣🍼
Yes I have it too so I wear panty liners or small pads that way it’s not getting all over my underwear
27 Mar 2024

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E
Elva
Thanks momma. Glad I’m not alone. 🫶🏻
27 Mar 2024

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H
Hay
14 Jun 2023

TMI, but is anyone having a lot of discharge, it’s normal discharge… but it’s just so much of it 🥴

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7 comments
H
Hay
I may have to get pads, it’s awful 😂
27 Mar 2024

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M
Mel
Yes it’s so annoying, it’ll happen at the most random moments and I’ll have to go shove some toilet paper in my underwear 😭😂
27 Mar 2024

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S
Sham
25 Apr 2023

Is it normal for discharge to become more watery? My discharge used to be more whitish on underwear but past few days just looks wet. Happens a few times a day. Is this normal?

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3 comments
M
Megan
Mines more on the watery side, it kind of goes between the two- thin and watery/thicker and white
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ana maria
2 Mar 2023

Is it normal to have discharge during pregnancy.No Bleeding,,I’m 11Weeks 4Days.

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4 comments
t
tt
What kind of discharge what color is it ?
27 Mar 2024

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A
Ana maria
Light yellow
27 Mar 2024

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H
Harley
10 Jan 2023

Weird question… I’m 13 weeks pregnant, and my discharge I can constantly smell it, is that normal? It’s not a disgusting smell, I can just constantly smell it. I shower daily?! I’m not sure if that’s normal with pregnancy? #discharge #help #13weekspregnant

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4 comments
M
Melissa
Could be a bacterial infection that's what was going on when I had one and then girl I took the medicine the antibiotics for the bacterial infection and got a damn yeast infection from the antibiotics😮😮😮
27 Mar 2024

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H
Harley
Is it normal during pregnancy? I’ve never had any infections or yeast infections, except when I was little I had yeast infections all the time! I had my 12 week appointment last Friday, and they took a specimen test, and they called me today to tell me the people didn’t come to get the test so I have to go back tomorrow and redo it! Will it cause harm to the baby? And if you had a specimen test, do you know how long yours came back?
27 Mar 2024

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R
Rais Kadeh
13 Oct 2022

Is it normal that I have a little bit of clear discharge on my underwear I'm having a little bit of discharge on my underwear is that normal?

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
8 comments
S
Sarafina
that’s normal
27 Mar 2024

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R
Rais Kadeh
so it's normal to have a little bit on my underwear right
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kay
29 Aug 2022

Hello, I’m having sharp vaginal pain (kinda like to much pressure). I’m 37 weeks. Is this normal? Every step I take hurts so bad. The hospital was of NO HELP when I called. #pains also no there is no discharge at this time. Everything else seems normal. She’s even moving a little in there.

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2 comments
A
Alice
Lightening crotch?
27 Mar 2024

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R
Rell
I’ve been having a lil bit of vaginal pain, I’m also 37 weeks. A couple moms on here told me to put a pillow in between my legs, when I’m laying down. It’s been working, I still feel the pain a lil bit but it’s not as bad. Hope this helps
27 Mar 2024

Answer

a
aumari
20 Jun 2022

Can someone tell me the actual difference between pregnancy discharge and normal discharge and the amount of it

Pregnancy Pregnancy follow-up
1 comments
B
Blocked user
Everyone is different.
27 Mar 2024

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