A woman’s body goes through many changes during the magical nine months of pregnancy. Some of these physical changes are more visible, such as an expanding belly, while other changes are more discreet.
One such change that many pregnant women face is an increase in vaginal discharge and a change in its texture. In this article we bring help you find the causes of white discharge during pregnancy.
Vaginal discharge often changes in colour and texture during the woman’s lifetime. Many women experience a change in the consistency of their vaginal discharge and cervical mucus during the various stages of their menstrual cycle.
Similarly, even during pregnancy, there is a change in vaginal discharge. But what is this vaginal discharge?
Pregnancy discharge, also called Leukorrhea, is a thin, milky white and mild-smelling vaginal discharge that occurs in pregnancy. This discharge is like the vaginal discharge that women experience between periods–The only difference is that it is heavier in quantity and this may increase as the pregnancy progresses.
During pregnancy, there are plenty of hormonal changes that happen in the body. The progesterone and estrogen level rise dramatically and a new hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin gets produced. These hormonal changes cause an increase in the blood flow in the body. It stimulates the body’s mucous membranes. This leads to an increase in white discharge during pregnancy.
In simple words – Yes.
White vaginal discharge is a normal byproduct of a healthy vagina. It also plays an important role in a healthy pregnancy. It helps remove the dead cells, dead tissue and bacteria from dead cells from the vagina, thus keeping it clean. It also helps protect the birth canal from infection and maintains a healthy balance of the ‘good’ bacteria in the vagina.
Word Of Caution: If the vaginal discharge is lumpy, or if you notice a change in colour or odour, consult with your doctor..- HERA
In early pregnancy, vaginal discharge that is brown or pink is a sign of implantation bleeding. This happens in very early pregnancy when the fertilized egg attaches to the lining of a woman’s uterus. It shows the beginning stages of pregnancy.
Implantation bleeding or this early pregnancy discharge light and stops on its own. It is often mistaken for periods.
As the pregnancy proceeds into the third trimester, the higher levels of the pregnancy hormone estrogen in the body causes increased blood flow to your pelvic area. This increased blood flow stimulates the body’s mucous membranes, which in turn increases the white discharge in the third trimester.
As the body prepares for labour, the white discharge thickens and increases in quantity. Pink or bloody streaks in this discharge is a sign that the body is about to go into labour.
Word Of Caution: If the vaginal discharge is filled with blood or clots that are as heavy as a normal period, visit a doctor immediately.- HERA
Healthy vaginal discharge during pregnancy is thin, clear or white and has a mild odour. However, very often a change in the colour of discharge can give a good indication of the woman’s pregnancy and vaginal health.
Some simple ways to deal with white discharge during pregnancy are :
Increase in vaginal discharge is a common pregnancy symptom and is rarely cause for concern. However, you must seek immediate medical attention for any of the following symptoms.
The bottom line,
Vaginal discharge is a healthy bodily function for every woman of reproductive age. It is the body’s way of cleaning and protecting the vagina against infections.
However, changes in the colour or odour of the vaginal discharge signal a problem that may need medical attention. To know more about the various changes that happen in the body during pregnancy, subscribe to the Hera blog.