Be assured however, it's not like a cork popping. During pregnancy, there is an increased blood supply to the vagina and cervix. In the last weeks of pregnancy, you may also notice that your discharge contains streaks of thick mucus with streaks of blood, called show. This is an early sign of labor and should not be cause for alarm. However, it may have some unappetizing implications. For example, if you're continuously leaking clear and watery fluid, these can be signs that your water has broken or you're in, Your vulva looks inflamed, or you have an odorless, whitish discharge that's causing pain with urination or intercourse, soreness, itching, or burning. Netdoctor participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Susan Hernandez, CNM, MSN, chief nurse-midwife at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston., USPSTF: Bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy to prevent preterm delivery: Screening., Mayo Clinic: Labor and delivery, postpartum care., Cardiovascular Journal of Africa: Physiological changes in pregnancy., Circulation: Cardiovascular physiology of pregnancy., Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: Renal physiology of pregnancy.. You might find that your discharge is generally waterier in pregnancy than your normal discharge but if it starts to smell strongly (its often a fishy smell) or your vagina or vulva feel uncomfortable, then it could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis (BV). As a healthcare provider caring for pregnant women, you play a key role in safeguarding the health of both a mother and her unborn child. Having a clear, jelly-like discharge during early pregnancy isn't always a problem. This may be a sign of. You may notice itching, discomfort and an unpleasant smell but these may not be present. Unhealthy discharge can: be foul smelling. She is the former chief of obstetrics-gynecology at Yale Health. It is believed that these hormones try to put the mom-to-be off even the slightest unusual odors to ensure that she doesnt eat anything that can harm the baby. These changes may suggest preterm labor. When this fluctuation happens, youre more susceptible to yeast infections. "Vaginal discharge is fluid secreted from glands in the vagina and cervix," says Evelyn Mitchell, MD, an OBGYN at Keck Medicine of USC and clinical assistant . Its best to ask the doctor for a pregnancy-safe antifungal medication. This is whether the mom-to-be has had it before or if she has gestational diabetes, a condition that only develops during pregnancy. Don't use bubble bath, scented pads, scented toilet paper, feminine hygiene sprays, and scented or deodorant soaps. Sometimes, however, that is what happens with certain cases of heavy metal poisoning. 1997-2023 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Also, call your doctor or midwife right away if: It can be hard to tell when symptoms signal a problem, and even if you don't have common symptoms like irritation, itching, or burning, you could still have a vaginal or sexually transmitted infection. What causes changes to vaginal discharge? Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. During pregnancy the bodys fluid requirements are increased. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Dr.Garima Sawhney. It is necessary to talk to a doctor to adjust medication dosage to balance both the babys and the moms safety. In later pregnancy it could indicate bleeding coming from the placenta. Lochia. While BV doesnt usually cause any problems in pregnancy it has been linked to cases of miscarriage or premature births so you need to see your midwife or doctor to get tested and treated. This discharge typically has a mild odor. This is a condition that is normally part of your body's microbiome. Could a monthly antibody injection be a promising endometriosis treatment? Sometimes the doctor won't do a swab as he will be able to tell by your description and symptoms. Even if you're not carrying a child, that discharge still helps to . This can make the pregnant mom prone to fungal infections. The discharge your vagina creates has the critical job of protecting your body from infection. Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Week 1 of pregnancy: Symptoms and testing. It might be given as an oral tablet or a pessary (tablet to insert into the vagina). Brown discharge in early pregnancy can also sometimes indicate a miscarriage but the bleeding usually gets heavier and turns more red in colour. Left untreated, any of these can cause discomfort to the expecting mom or even harm the pregnancy. Many signs some subtle and some less so can indicate pregnancy in the early stages. However, if an egg has been successfully fertilized, the discharge remains clear, thick, and . Another reason why you may be having dead skin on your nipples is a yeast infection, or Candida Albicans. A person should see a doctor if they experience unhealthy discharge because it can signal an infection. Color. Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is completely normal and it's just one of the changes that happens when you're pregnant. Many a romantic poem praises the lady love for her sweet smell, among other things. Amniotic fluid is usually clear or slightly yellowish, watery, and odorless or slightly sweet-smelling. Call your doctor or midwife if you have bleeding, spotting, or pain; if your baby seems less active; or if your water breaks. White vaginal discharge (called leucorrhea) is nothing to worry about: This early pregnancy discharge is normal and can be clear to milky white, thin or thick, and mild-smelling or odorless. In some cases, discharge from bacterial infections can increase your risk of delivering the baby early. It is usually accompanied by weakness, fast breathing, body aches, nausea and vomiting. . Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Cervical mucus refers specifically to the substance that the cervix releases. Any substance that comes from the anus besides stool is called anal discharge. After you've delivered your baby and the placenta, either vaginally, or by c-section, you'll start to see a new type of discharge. Have breath that smells like fruits or, even, nail polish? It also helps them feel dry, clean, and more comfortable throughout the day. Vaginal discharge that's green, smells unpleasant, causes pain or itching, or seems unusual in any other way could be a sign of infection or another problem. If you develop a yeast infection during pregnancy, your doctor may recommend a vaginal cream or suppository. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2013;8(8):e69528. The discharge comes from glands inside your vagina and your cervix. Fortunately, however, fungal infections are treatable. But not all bad body smells during pregnancy can be blamed upon moms now-delicate nostrils. By the way, if you've recently discovered you're pregnant, check out our Due Date Calculator to get an estimate of when your little one might be arriving. This includes nicotine, cyanide, formaldehyde, tar and carbon monoxide. Learn what to look for, and when, It's normal to have clear, stretchy discharge during certain parts of your menstrual cycle. It's also a good idea to choose underwear made from cotton or other natural, breathable fibers, and to steer clear of tight pants (sorry, yoga pants lovers!). PLoS ONE. A change in the amount of vaginal discharge can also sometimes indicate pregnancy. Make sure to consult a doctor and not get over-the-counter medication, as some antifungal meds can be dangerous for the baby, so its best to get one that the doctor approves. Its primary characteristic is increased blood pressure in women who were not hypertensive prior to the pregnancy. Unless shes just wearing some really strong perfume, that is. 2016. Otherwise, it is worth looking into. In this case, the doctor may have to take out any remaining tissue manually to prevent complications. Your discharge may get thicker and stickier during late pregnancy, and it's not uncommon to see mucus (which may be clear or red-tinged) during the last few weeks of your pregnancy. Clear white watery discharge in pregnancy could be due to leakage of amniotic fluid. When to call your midwife about vaginal discharge during pregnancy. It can also, in part, be exacerbated by moms increased sweating, which can deliver much-needed nutrients to the said microbes. "Symptoms of both menstrual periods and miscarriage can include heavy bleeding, pain, and cramping," note the Clue scientists. It is also linked with risk for premature rupture of membranes, or early breakage of the amniotic sac, which could, in turn, put the baby at risk for infection. Many women experience a change in their vaginal discharge during pregnancy. 2. Douching is not necessary for normal discharge. It shouldn't smell bad. It may be an icky subject, but it's one many moms-to-be have on their minds. With Rachel on board, the assassination is a success, as is the elimination of a pesky African revolutionary leader. It is alarming as it looks like old blood with dead blood cells. If you find yourself regularly scanning your knickers and worrying about the health of your baby, our guide to vaginal discharge in pregnancy will help you. Skin conditions e.g. When it comes to period blood, jelly-like blood clots during the period usually consist of all kinds of tissues such as dead cells, coagulated blood, parts of the uterine lining, etc. As long as the mom-to-be maintains a balanced intake of nutrients and receives screening during her prenatal checkups, this should be fine. However, pregnancy can cause the amount of discharge to increase. The Effects of STDs During Pregnancy. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Increased discharge also helps protect the fetus by preventing external infections from traveling up from the vagina to the uterus. 2019. Vulvovaginal health. Having pink or red streaks of blood in your discharge are a sign of bleeding. Sometimes, discharge can leave us feeling unclean. The mucus plug can look clear or slightly bloody and pinkish in color, and it will be thicker than normal pregnancy discharge. Bleeding during pregnancy. Management of normal labor and delivery. If you have a strong-smelling discharge, it may indicate a form of vaginal infection, and you must get it checked as soon as possible. When you're pregnant, as your estrogen and progesterone hormone levels rise and blood flow to the vagina increases, you might find that you're producing more discharge than before, especially during the second trimester. While not as serious as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections can cause plenty of discomfort and other problems. Yes, a thick, white, creamy discharge typically means your period is coming. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 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