Discharge during pregnancy: When to worry
While it is normal to have vaginal discharge during pregnancy, there are a few red flags you should be aware of.
Pregnancy is filled with many exciting moments and a beautiful growing belly, but it can also come with some unwanted side effects, such as tender breasts, hormonal changes and a vaginal discharge. Sometimes it can be hard knowing what’s normal and what’s not. Read on:
Milky white
During pregnancy, a lot of blood flows into the cervical area, which can cause more discharge from the cervix – also known as the neck of the womb, explains independent nursing and midwifery consultant Prof Diana du Plessis. “This increased discharge is nothing to be concerned about, as it’s fairly common for pregnant women and it’s usually harmless,” she says. As this type of vaginal discharge is more common in the first and third trimester of pregnancy, you might want to use panty liners at this time, change your underwear regularly, and use unscented, non-irritating soaps when washing, advises Prof Du Plessis.
When to see the doctor: See your gynae or midwife if you have a vaginal discharge with a strong, unpleasant smell, if it’s white, grey-yellow, or even green, and if it’s watery and/or frothy.
Clear or blood-tinged
“Show” is also known as the mucus plug. Its purpose is to seal the cervix to help prevent infections. It forms early in pregnancy, at about seven weeks, explains Prof du Plessis. When show starts to be released, it’s a sign that your cervix is starting to open and labour may follow. For a first-time mom, labour may only start in another week or so after losing the mucus plug, whereas if you’ve had a baby before, it may mean that active labour is a few hours away. The mucus plug is usually clear, slightly pink or blood-tinged in colour, according to the American Pregnancy Association. It can also be sticky or stringy in consistency.
When to see the doctor: If your mucus plug comes out, it’s always a good idea to see your doctor, who will need to assess how far you are from delivery and how much your cervix has dilated. It’s even more important to see your doctor if you experience any bleeding.
Pale pink or brown
Although it might be alarming to see any bloody vaginal discharge in your underwear, in some cases, especially in the first trimester of pregnancy, spotting is fairly normal, explains Prof du Plessis. It’s a bloody discharge that’s either pale pink or brown in colour. If it’s red, it’s a sign to see your doctor.
When to see the doctor: Spotting can be caused by several things, including sexual intercourse, a tear in the vaginal wall, or an infection, says Prof du Plessis. Some moms may also experience a menstrual cycle in their first trimester, which is quite rare. However, bleeding in pregnancy should never be ignored, says Natalie Peters, senior midwife at Flora Clinic in Johannesburg. This is because, in some cases, spotting could be an early sign of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or placenta praevia.
White, strong-smelling
Pregnancy hormones affect the vaginal pH, making it more susceptible to pathogenic organisms that cause infections such as yeast infections, says Natalie. Therefore, pregnant women often experience yeast infections, especially in the second trimester. Yeast infections can be harder to treat during pregnancy, and may take up to two weeks to go away, explains Prof du Plessis. To prevent additional infections, wear cotton underwear and always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement, she suggests. It’s a thin, white, strong-smelling vaginal discharge, which can also have a “cottage cheese”-type texture.
When to see the doctor: If you think you have a yeast infection, contact your gynae or midwife, who will take a vaginal swab to confirm the diagnosis. They may recommend an over-the-counter vaginal cream, too, says Prof du Plessis.
Yellow
Also described as “liquor”, amniotic fluid can leak anytime during pregnancy – but it normally happens in the second or third trimester, as you approach your due date. It’s usually warm and you’ll feel wet immediately – it won’t feel like you’ve passed urine, explains Natalie. It can be clear, cloudy, or light pink if mixed with a bit of blood, says Natalie. It can also be yellowish or green if meconium (a dark greenish substance) is present, she says. It’s a myth that amniotic fluid smells like urine. In fact, it tends to have no odour or have a faint sweet scent.
When to see the doctor: If you suspect your vaginal discharge is amniotic fluid, go to your maternity unit or labour ward immediately.
