What Would Pregnancy Discharge Look Like?
Pregnancy is a life-changing experience filled with many physical and emotional changes. As your body changes, you may notice different kinds of discharge. So, what would pregnancy discharge look like? What’s normal?
In this blog post, we'll discuss what normal discharge looks like during pregnancy and when to seek medical help.
What Would Pregnancy Discharge Look Like?
It is normal for women to experience increased discharge during pregnancy. It is because hormonal changes in the body make the cervix produce more cervical mucus, which forms thin, milky-white, and mild-smelling discharge.
The discharge, commonly referred to as leukorrhea, helps to keep the vagina clean and protect the baby from any infection.
In the first trimester, the discharge may be thin, milky white or clear, and odorless.
However, towards the end of pregnancy, the discharge may become thicker, and at times, it may be slightly tinged with blood or yellow-tinged as the time of delivery approaches.
What Is Not Normal Discharge During Pregnancy?
While increased discharge is normal during pregnancy, some changes could indicate a problem.
If you experience any of the following signs, you should seek medical help immediately:
Vaginal bleeding or spotting
Vaginal discharge with a foul or fishy odor
Discharge that appears green or yellow
Discharge that causes pain, itching, or irritation
Discharge accompanied by fever
Your healthcare provider may want to test your vaginal discharge for any infections and provide appropriate treatment.
How to Manage Pregnancy Discharge?
To manage pregnancy discharge, it is essential to keep the area clean, wear loose clothing, and change your underwear regularly. You may also want to consider wearing panty liners to help absorb any excess discharge.
Avoid douching or using any scented or heavily fragranced products in your vaginal area as it may disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and cause irritation.
When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider?
If you have any concerns about your discharge or experience any of the abnormal symptoms mentioned above, you should talk to your OBGYN immediately. Some signs may indicate an underlying problem that requires prompt treatment, and your provider can advise the appropriate course of action.
You should also discuss with your healthcare provider if you develop any new symptoms or if your vaginal discharge abruptly changes.
Schedule an OBGYN Consultation Today!
Please call our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our highly skilled and experienced OBGYN specialists.