Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

A lot of women tend to get worried when they experience vaginal discharge during pregnancy. The idea is to understand what kind of vaginal discharge is normal and which one could be harmful to the pregnancy.

During pregnancy, there’s an increase in blood circulation and the increase in the body’s liquid part, hence increasing the watery discharge through the vagina. Also, the pH of the vagina becomes acidic and there’s excessive leaking or wetness which helps prevent vaginal infections.

This watery discharge is quite normal and is for good to have during pregnancy. At times this watery discharge might also have a mild odour.

On the other hand, what’s not normal during pregnancy is

· Vaginal discharge with excessively heavy flow

· Pungent or fishy-smelling discharge

· Change in colour of the discharge

· Itchy vagina

· Pain or burning sensation during passing urine.

All these are signs of infection and need the doctor’s attention.

Since pregnancy is a state where a woman has lower immunity, she tends to get prone to various infections. Candida infection (fungal infection) is one of the most common infections seen during pregnancy. When a woman experiences a fungal infection, the same watery discharge tends to become thick or curdy, the vagina becomes itchy, and there’s a pain when passing urine.

Bacterial vaginosis is another common vaginal infection in which the vaginal discharge becomes greyish with a fishy smell. This infection can lead to preterm labour as well as abortions. Bacterial vaginosis is seen to play a role in early abortions as well as second-trimester abortions.

In case of any such abnormal signs and symptoms, it’s important to consult your gynaecologist immediately and get it treated in order to avoid any kind of complications during pregnancy.