Discharge in Pregnancy - All You Need To Know!

What is Pregnancy Discharge?

Discharge during pregnancy, medically known as leukorrhea, is your body’s natural way of keeping things clean. It starts early in pregnancy and might increase as you approach delivery. Blame it on those hormones—particularly estrogen—and the increased blood flow to your pelvic area. Your body produces this discharge to protect your growing baby by preventing infections and maintaining vaginal health.

According to studies, about 95% of pregnant women experience an increase in vaginal discharge at some point. So, if it’s happening to you, know you’re in the vast majority.

What Does Pregnancy Discharge Look Like?

Pregnancy discharge can vary in amount, color, and texture. Women will start to experience this in the first trimester itself, in some cases its the first sign of pregnancy! Its essential pregnant moms know whats normal and expected and when to seek help! Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Normal Discharge: Thin, milky white, or clear with a mild odor. This is completely healthy and expected.
• Yellow or Green Discharge: Could indicate an infection like bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection. Speak to your doctor.
• Thick White with Itchiness: Might be a sign of a yeast infection (very common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes).
• Brown or Pink Discharge: Often harmless and could be due to implantation or cervical changes, but always consult your doctor if it’s persistent.
• Bright Red with Pain or Clots: Could be a sign of complications and needs immediate medical attention.

Keep an eye on how it smells too. A strong, fishy, or foul odor could signal an infection and you need to consult your gynecologist as soon as possible. 

When Does Discharge Start, and What Does It Mean?

For most women, discharge becomes noticeable in the first trimester. It might increase as your pregnancy progresses, peaking closer to your due date when your body prepares for labor. Here is what you can expect as your trimesters progress.

First Trimester (Weeks 1–12)

• What to Expect:
  Discharge often starts increasing early in pregnancy due to the surge in estrogen and blood flow to the pelvic area. It’s usually thin, milky white, or clear (known as leukorrhea) and has a mild odor.
• What It Means:
  This discharge is your body’s way of keeping the vagina clean and preventing infections, creating a protective barrier for your developing baby.
• When to Be Concerned:
  If the discharge is yellow, green, or has a foul smell, it could indicate an infection like bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Speak to your doctor promptly.

Second Trimester (Weeks 13–26)

• What to Expect:
  Discharge tends to increase as pregnancy progresses, remaining similar in color and consistency—thin, milky white, or clear.
• What It Means:
  The increase in discharge is due to your body’s continued hormonal changes and the need to maintain a clean, infection-free environment for your baby. It’s completely normal unless accompanied by discomfort or unusual changes.
• When to Be Concerned:
  If the discharge is accompanied by itching, redness, or a cottage-cheese-like texture, it might be a yeast infection, which is common during pregnancy. Consult your gynecologist for appropriate treatment. This is a common time moms experience fungal infections so its very important to be cautious! 

Third Trimester (Weeks 27–40+)

• What to Expect:
  In the third trimester, you might notice thicker or more abundant discharge. Toward the end of pregnancy, some women experience a jelly-like discharge or streaks of blood. This could be part of the mucus plug, which blocks the cervix and protects the baby from infection. Losing it is a sign that labor may be approaching.
• What It Means:
  Heavier discharge is your body’s way of preparing for childbirth. The cervix softens and produces more mucus as it gets ready for delivery.
• When to Be Concerned:
• Bright red bleeding: Could indicate complications like placenta previa or placental abruption. Seek immediate medical attention.
• Watery discharge: Could be amniotic fluid leaking, which may signal premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• Blood stained mucous: This is usually a sign that labor is starting as the mucous plug is getting discharged. If the blood is brown, its a sign of worry and need to get checked urgently. 

If you’re ever unsure, trust your instincts. No concern is too small to discuss with your gynecologist.

How to Take Care of Pregnancy Discharge?

Caring for your intimate hygiene during pregnancy is key to staying healthy. In our session on intimate care, our moms discussed various ways to stay comfortable. Here are some simple tips which you can try:

1. Wear Breathable Fabrics: Cotton/Modal Is Your Best Friend

• Why Cotton/Modal?
  These fabrics are soft, breathable, and allow air circulation, reducing the chances of moisture buildup that can lead to infections.
• Cotton underwear is widely available in India, and brands now even offer maternity-friendly designs that provide extra stretch and support.
• Modal, a sustainable alternative, is lightweight, moisture-wicking, and perfect for humid climates.
• What to Avoid:
  Synthetic materials like nylon or lace may look appealing but can trap heat and moisture, increasing the risk of infections. Opt for practicality and comfort during this phase.

2. Stay Dry: Change Damp Underwear Promptly

• Why It Matters:
  Increased discharge during pregnancy can leave your underwear damp, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Changing into dry underwear regularly helps prevent infections.
• In India’s warm weather, sweat can mix with discharge, making this even more essential.
• Pro Tip:
  If you’re stepping out or find it inconvenient to change underwear frequently, consider using moisture-wicking maternity innerwear or panty liners (discussed below).

3. Skip Harsh Products: Trust Your Body’s Natural Cleaning System

• Why Avoid Douches and Scented Wipes?
  Many moms may turn to scented products and “washes” thinking they’ll "clean better" or mask odors. However, these products often disrupt the vagina's natural pH balance, leading to irritation or infections.
• Traditional soaps, often perfumed, are also a no-no for intimate hygiene. Stick to unscented, pH-balanced washes designed for the vaginal area. 
• Our gynecologist advises that only water is enough! Your vagina has its own natural cleaning mechanism. Over-cleaning with harsh products does more harm than good.

4. Hydrate and Eat Well: Nutrition for Vaginal Health

• How Water and Food Help:
  Staying hydrated flushes out toxins and keeps your body balanced. A diet rich in probiotics like curd (dahi), buttermilk (chaas), or idli/dosa batter can promote healthy gut bacteria, which also benefits vaginal health.
• Indian-Friendly Probiotic Options:
• Homemade curd is a staple in Indian kitchens and a great source of probiotics.
• Fermented foods like dosa, idli, or kanji (fermented rice water) are both nutritious and beneficial.
• Avoid excessive sugar, as it can promote yeast infections.

5. Communicate with Your Doctor

• Why You Should Speak Up:
  Many  moms shy away from discussing discharge with their doctor due to cultural taboos or embarrassment. Remember, your doctor is there to help, and no question is "too small." If you notice changes in the color, smell, or texture of discharge, don’t hesitate to bring it up.
• What to Discuss:
  Ask about safe products to use, how to manage heavy discharge, or whether certain foods or habits are affecting your vaginal health.

6. Use Panty Liners

• Why Panty Liners Work:
  Many moms swear by panty liners to manage heavy discharge during pregnancy. These thin, disposable pads keep you dry and comfortable throughout the day.
• Key Benefits:
• They’re moisture-wicking, which prevents the damp feeling that comes with discharge.
• Ideal for Indian weather, especially in humid regions where staying dry can be a challenge.
• Convenient for moms on the go—just replace and toss them without worrying about frequent underwear changes.
• Choosing the Right Panty Liner in India:
  Look for unscented, breathable liners that are gentle on sensitive skin. Many brands like Carefree, Whisper, Pigeon, or Sofy have options widely available online and in stores.

Share your experience with Pregnancy Discharge!

Talking about discharge, or any intimate health issue, doesn’t make you “too sensitive” or “awkward.” It makes you human. Discharge is often your body’s way of saying it’s doing its job. Many women we spoke to felt conscious about this very normal body function and this shouldn't happen! You’re not alone in this journey. 

Share your experience or questions in the comments below. What have you learned about pregnancy discharge, or what’s been your biggest concern? We’re here, ready to listen—and you never know, your story might just be what another mom needs to hear today. ❤️