Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy- What Color Means What?

With or without pregnancy, vaginal discharge is totally normal in women. During pregnancy and as a result of an increased level of pregnancy hormones, expecting mothers experience more vaginal discharge than usual. While some discharges are normal, it is important to note that some are not. A normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy comes out as thin, clear or milky white and mild smelling. This is also known as Leukorrhea.

A normal vaginal discharge helps pregnancies in the following ways;

To maintain chemical balance in the vagina.
To remove dead cells
To protect the pelvic region, birth canal and uterus from infection.
To maintain the normal vagina flora while it gets rid of foreign bacteria.

Different colors of vaginal discharges and what they indicate

Clear or milky white: This is the normal discharge in pregnant women and either of these shades of white is healthy unless it becomes odorous. If you notice a change in its sticky consistency or you perceive a foul odor, contact your doctor as this may be a sign of infection or pregnancy complication. On the other hand, white slippery discharge is also normal when a pregnant woman is sexually aroused.

White and lumpy: A lumpy discharge is a clear sign of yeast infection. Pregnant women are susceptible to yeast infection as their normal vagina pH level is affected due to increased estrogen. This discharge usually has the consistency of cottage cheese and may be associated with other symptoms such as painful sex, burning sensation when urinating, itchiness, redness or swelling of the vulva.

Gray: This is not normal and it is unhealthy. It is a sign of bacterial vaginosis- a bacterial infection caused by the imbalance of bacteria in the vagina causing bacteria to grow. This condition can cause pelvic inflammatory diseases and can put the mother at risk of premature birth or low birth weight of the child. Other symptoms include itchiness, burning and a bad-smelling odor (fishy odor).

Yellow-green: This is a sign of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) such as Chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis. A lighter yellow may not be a cause for alarm as it may be normal. It is important to know that these colors may also sometimes occur as a result of certain foods or supplements taken. Nevertheless, it is best to inform your doctor if noticed.

Pink: Pregnant women can experience pinkish discharge at the early stage of pregnancy when implantation occurs and also at the later stage of pregnancy when the body is preparing for labor. However, when pinkish discharge (spotting) occurs regularly in pregnancy, it can be a sign of serious pregnancy complications.

Red: Red discharge in pregnancy can range from spotting to heavy bleeding. It can be associated with abdominal pain or contraction. When noticed, make an appointment with your doctor immediately. Red discharge may suggest miscarriage, placenta previa, pelvic inflammatory infection, ectopic pregnancy or preterm labor.

When to call your doctor

Although vaginal discharges are normal and beneficial in pregnancy, differences in colors and consistency can also serve as a good indicator of your current health condition. You may need a doctor urgently when the following are noticed:

Lumpy or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Grey, yellow, red or green discharge.
Burning sensation when urinating.
Itchiness of the vulva or around the vaginal.
Painful sex.
Redness or swelling of the vulva.

Maintaining healthy vagina health

Avoid the use of scented soaps or wipes that can disrupt your vagina pH.
Wear pads or panty liners to absorb the discharge, it helps prevent messy underwear.
Maintain good hygiene.
Avoid douching.
Eat a healthy diet, reduce your intake of sugary foods that can support yeast growth.
Take probiotics like fresh yogurt that can help maintain your vagina pH and microbiome.
Use a clean cloth to wipe your vagina after rinsing, swimming or after other water-related activities, do not leave wet.
Drink an adequate amount of water.
When washing, wipe from vagina to anus and not the other way to avoid inoculating intestinal bacteria that may be around the anus in your vagina.
See your doctor when you observe any abnormality in your discharge.

When bacteria infections result in abnormal discharge, there is a wide range of antibiotics that are recommended. However, some are avoided as they can be harmful to your pregnancy. For the wellbeing of you and your baby, you must not self-medicate but contact your doctor to prescribe the safest antibiotics for you.