6 Types of Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

Different types of Discharge during pregnancy 

During pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes which are natural. You may also observe changes in vaginal discharge during pregnancy. The vaginal discharge during pregnancy is normal and this vaginal discharge is called Leukorrhea. There is no need to worry about leukorrhea. 

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy can be of different types they can be differentiated depending upon the colour, volume and texture of the discharge.

The colour of the discharge is a simple sign to know whether it is normal or you are having any infection or any problem.

So let us tell you about different types of discharge during pregnancy based on their colour. Generally, vaginal discharge can be seen in different colours. They are could be

• White
• Greenish-yellow 
• Grey
• Brown 
• Pink
• Red

1. White Discharge

White discharge is again classified into two types. They are:-

• Clear and milky white:- If your discharge is clear and milky white in colour then that is normal during a healthy pregnancy. It also smells mild. This kind of discharge is called Leukorrhea.
• Lumpy and off white:- If you experience any discharge which is off white in colour and cheesy or lumpy in nature then that is an indication of infection. This kind of discharge is seen during a yeast infection. The symptoms may be like itching, burning sensation, pain during urination and intercourse.
  

2. Greenish-yellow Discharge

The green or yellow discharge is not a good sign during pregnancy. The symptoms may include irritation or redness in the vaginal area. 

This kind of discharge is caused because of sexually transmitted infections. This is not safe for both the mother and the child during pregnancy according to the Centre for Disease Control and prevention. It may affect the development of the child and may even cause infertility in women.

3. Grey Discharge

The colour of the discharge will be in grey colour due to some vaginal infections. The odour might be fishy. This kind of vaginal infection is called Bacterial Vaginosis.

This bacterial vaginosis is caused by frequent deep cleaning or washing of the vagina with vaginal hygienic products often called douching, having sex with multiple partners and several other reasons.

4. Brown Discharge

The discharge is brown in colour because of old blood present in the body expels out through vaginal during pregnancy. It is a sign of early pregnancy. But there is nothing to panic. If you are worried about the flow and if the discharge is darker, then you may consult your doctor.

5. Pink Discharge

Pink discharge may or may not be normal sometimes. It is caused in various cases but depending on how far into pregnancy you experience it you can decide the whether it is of concern or not.

These cases include:

• During early pregnancy 
• Final weeks of labour 
• During ectopic pregnancy 
• During miscarriage. 
• The other causes may involve vaginal infections or due to sexual intercourse. 

6. Red Discharge

If the colour of the discharge is red followed by clots, heavy bleeding and abdominal pain then it is a serious situation. It is very important to consult your doctor immediately.

Because these kinds of symptoms generally indicate miscarriage or loss of pregnancy.

If you experience red discharge during the early weeks of the first trimester then it is not so serious because the red discharge during early pregnancy is caused due to implantation or due to any infection.

But it is still better to consult a doctor for guidance to cure if any infections exist.

When to Consult your Doctor

If you experience any discharge with an unusual colour and odour it may be due to some infection or any underline health problem.

It is important to take medical care by consulting the doctor otherwise it may lead to any medical issue. In case if you experience any heavy bleeding with cramps then also it is crucial to visit the doctor for treatment.

Precautionary measures

• Consume food which prevents bacterial infections in the vagina during pregnancy.
• Avoid eating excess sugar during pregnancy as it may cause yeast infections.
• Don’t wear tight clothes like jeans, leggings which are tight as they may cause infections. Try to wear breathable clothes and panties.
• Avoid douching as it is associated with Bacterial Vaginosis.
• Try to prevent using scented vaginal hygiene products.
• Avoid tampons completely.
• Try to keep the genital area dry after urination, after shower to prevent any infection.
• Try to wear panty liner to absorb any discharge .