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Here's how to cope with leukorrhea, the harmless vaginal discharge that you'll have instead of your period for these nine months of pregnancy. Back to Top In This Article
Vaginal discharge is certainly nothing new. But if you’re trying to conceive or think you could be pregnant, you might be wondering whether changes in vaginal discharge are an early sign you’re expecting. Known as leukorrhea, an increase in vaginal discharge can be an early sign of pregnancy — although some changes in vaginal discharge can be attributed to other things too. What is leukorrhea or pregnancy discharge?Leukorrhea is the medicalese term for the thin, milky white and mild-smelling (sometimes odorless) vaginal discharge that many women first experience in early pregnancy. The amount will likely increase as your pregnancy progresses. Leukorrhea is similar to the vaginal discharge you might experience between periods, only heavier. What causes leukorrhea during pregnancy?When you’re expecting, an increase in estrogen levels causes increased blood flow to the pelvic area. More blood flow stimulates the body's mucous membranes, leading to an increase in vaginal discharge in early pregnancy and beyond. And it has an important purpose: Pregnancy discharge removes dead cells from the vagina, protects the birth canal from infection and maintains a healthy balance of bacteria in the vagina. Is white vaginal discharge normal during pregnancy?Thin, white vaginal discharge is normal and healthy throughout your entire pregnancy. However it could be a sign of an infection if it's lumpy or thick, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms (like itching or a fishy odor). You may also notice your vaginal discharge is brown or pink. In early pregnancy, that could be a sign of implantation bleeding. Later on, vaginal spotting during pregnancy (not heavy bleeding) is also most often normal, especially if it appears after sex or a pelvic exam. But if you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to check in with your doctor. What is early pregnancy discharge?Early pregnancy discharge is vaginal discharge that comes early in pregnancy. It's completely normal, since early pregnancy is typically when you'll first notice leukorrhea. Continue Reading Below Read This NextTips on what to do about vaginal discharge when you're pregnant
When to call the doctor about vaginal discharge during pregnancyCall your practitioner if:
You may have an infection (like a pregnancy-induced yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis), possibly linked to a change in the balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina. Your doctor can prescribe a treatment, such as antifungal medication or antibiotics, to restore the proper balance down there and clear up your symptoms. Abnormal vaginal discharge may also be a sign of sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, gonorrhea or trichomoniasis, all of which require rapid diagnosis and treatment of you and your partner. You'll also want to get in touch with your clinician if you notice excessive watery discharge (a possible sign of leaking amniotic fluid). But while pregnancy discharge can make a mess of your underwear, rest assured that it’s most often perfectly normal and has the noble duty of protecting you and your baby. And if it is something more, a visit to your doctor will get you the answers and treatment you need. From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
Was this article helpful? What does pregnancy discharge look like on your underwear?Normal discharge during pregnancy is clear or white, and usually a bit sticky; it should not have a noticeable odor. It's OK if your discharge looks a little yellow on your underwear or panty liner during pregnancy, too.
What does very early pregnancy discharge look like?What does it look like? Healthy vaginal discharge during pregnancy is called leukorrhea. It is similar to everyday discharge, meaning that it is thin, clear or milky white, and smells only mildly or not at all.
What does vaginal discharge look like before pregnancy?Immediately before and during ovulation, the mucus is typically clear, stretchy, and slippery. After ovulation, it tapers off and becomes more tacky and sticky. You may also experience a few days without any mucus. Pregnancy: Immediately after conception, your mucus can become thick and gummy.
How can you tell the difference between pregnancy discharge and discharge?Healthy vaginal discharge, also called leukorrhea, is thin and clear or white and has only a mild odor. The volume of discharge increases throughout pregnancy to reduce the risk of vaginal and uterine infections. Discharge is at its most heavy in the final weeks of pregnancy, when it may contain pink mucus.
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