White Discharge During Pregnancy

White discharge is first noticed a couple of years before puberty. After that, it is experienced throughout the reproductive period and often a couple of years after menopause. The nature and consistency of this discharge varies a great extent throughout this period. White discharge particularly becomes very active during pregnancy. However, many women, due to lack of proper knowledge, get alarmed at the sight of white discharge during pregnancy. The truth, however is that, discharge is very much common during pregnancy and almost all women experience it throughout their pregnancy. However, there are a certain facts that you must know, to be able to differentiate normal from abnormal.

White Discharge During Early Pregnancy and Implications

The white discharge that you notice at various times during your reproductive years is nothing but cervical mucus. The cervical mucus performs various functions in a woman's reproductive system. During pregnancy, a mass of cervical mucus (mucus plug) is formed at the mouth of cervix to guard the uterus and fetus against infections. Thick white discharge during pregnancy in first trimester is very common, due to the changes in the texture of cervical mucus. It is no longer clear and watery, but has a consistency of a lotion. Although, the odor is not exactly unpleasant, you may find it different from your usual one. Sometimes, you may have pinkish, brownish discharge, however, this is mostly due to old blood. The thick white discharge during early pregnancy is due to the elevated levels of estrogen and increased blood supply to the vaginal area. While it is normal to have some discharge you need to take certain measures to prevent infections and keep the area clean. The following measures should help you prevent any infection and maintain good hygiene.

Always wear a clean, cotton underwear and make it a point to change it at least twice a day. Do not use tampons as they can introduce microbes in vagina and cause infection. Use panty liners or pads instead. While wiping the area, wipe it in a front to back motion and not the other way round. Do not use scented creams or bubble baths. Do not attempt to treat itching, redness, swelling etc., on your own.

White Discharge During Pregnancy in Third Trimester

Although, you will continue to get white discharge throughout your pregnancy, the appearance of discharge in late pregnancy will differ significantly from that in the first trimester. In the final weeks of pregnancy, the discharge is characterized by 'bloody show'. The mucus plug, as mentioned above, comes off loose along with old blood from the uterus. Thick blood clots may also be seen in bloody show. Besides, the process of effacing or thinning of cervix also results in white discharge. This discharge is often thin and watery. White discharge during late pregnancy is often an indication that the body is preparing for childbirth. Just a few days before your labor, you may get watery discharge which you may mistake for urine. This is nothing but leaking of amniotic fluid.

When to Call Your Care Giver

As mentioned above, white discharge during pregnancy is pretty common and often there is no cause to worry. However, certain abnormal cases may warrant medical intervention. If you have a white discharge that is extremely foul-smelling, or has a consistency of a cottage cheese, then you have a reason to worry. Creamy, yellowish discharge is often an indication of infection. Yeast infections are very common during pregnancy, hence look out for other yeast infection symptoms in women such as irritation, itching, burning etc. Greenish yellow discharge, gray discharge could be an indication of a sexually transmitted disease. In these cases, you have to consult your midwife or care giver as soon as possible. Watery white discharge during pregnancy, before 37 weeks is also abnormal, as leakage of amniotic fluid means that the amniotic sac has ruptured and your baby is no longer securely contained in your uterus. If you experience a gush of water, or continuous wetting of your underpants weeks before your due date, call your doctor immediately.

Although white discharge during pregnancy is pretty common, you have to be vigilant about it. Talk to your doctor regarding your concerns, or anything that you feel is far from normal. Remember, it is important to get your doubts cleared for the sake of safe pregnancy.