Vaginal discharge might occur during your pregnancy. In some instances, this event is normal. However, on other occasions, vaginal excretion might indicate the presence of a problem that should be evaluated by a physician. This short blog will discuss the different types of vaginal discharge you may experience, as well as explain what they might be telling you.

Under normal circumstances, your body produces specific kinds of vaginal discharge to execute important functions like protecting you and your unborn child from infectious particles and better prepare your reproductive tract for the birthing process. That said, sometimes the excretion of discharge could be a sign that a health issue or pregnancy-related complication is present.

 

 

 

Types Of Vaginal Secretions

 

 

 

Leukorrhea

 

If you experience the discharge of a white, thin liquid with little or no odor, your body is releasing a substance known as leukorrhea. Leukorrhea excretion is normal during pregnancy, poses no health threat and is nothing for you to be concerned with.

 

 

 

Mucous

 

This milk-like fluid helps keep the vaginal region clean and prevents infection. It is most commonly seen early and late in the pregnancy stage. Though the secretion and release of excess mucous is considered normal, doctors caution that you should speak with your healthcare provider if this discharge is grey, yellow, green, watery and possesses a foul odor.

 

 

 

Show

 

Your body produces this substance to seal the cervix. However, when you begin to see the release of this clear and potentially sticky liquid, it might mean that you are close to entering labor. In certain instances, this substance might also appear pink or be blood-tinged. That said, this is normal.

 

Medical professionals advise that the appearance of show should prompt you to visit your doctor. Considering that release of the substance e might indicate that your delivery date is approaching, a physician can assess important factors like the extent of your cervical dilation. Additionally, if show is accompanied by moderate to large incidents of bleeding, a meeting with your doctor should be made as soon as possible.

 

 

 

Yeast Infections

 

During pregnancy, your body releases hormones that might increase your risk of developing a yeast infection. This illness often produces a thin and white, yet quite foul-smelling discharge.

 

Should you suspect the presence of a yeast infection, consult with your doctor. Said professional can confirm the diagnosis after performing certain tests. This ailment, which might take up to two weeks to completely eliminate, is typically treated with prescription medications and vaginal creams.

 

 

 

Spotting

 

It is not uncommon and usually no cause for alarm if you excrete tiny quantities of pink or brown liquid from time to time. Spotting occurs most frequently during pregnancy’s first trimester and might be precipitated by intercourse and minor damage to the vaginal wall.

 

However, if you notice that these excretions are bright red, a more significant bleeding incident might be occurring and should warrant a trip to your doctor’s office. Bleeding may indicate serious complications like an ectopic pregnancy or that miscarriage is about to take place.

 

 

 

Amniotic Fluid

 

In most cases, you will release this substance as your pregnancy progresses into its second and third trimester. Amniotic fluid is feels warm and possesses a clear appearance. That said, it is not uncommon for this fluid to appear cloudy, pinkish, yellow or green.

Amniotic fluid is often present when the amniotic sac breaks. This usually occurs at the end of the pregnancy stage and indicates that labor might be nearing. In other cases, this event could signal a condition known as Premature Rupture of the Amniotic Membranes (PROM), a potentially serious condition that warrants medical attention.

 

 

Conclusion

 

It is important for you to pay attention to your body. The release of some of these substances might also indicate the presence of other potentially serious medical conditions. If you are unsure or experience other alarming symptoms, it is best to play it safe and see your doctor.