Is it normal to have colored discharge when pregnant

It's called leukorrhea. There's just a lot more of it during pregnancy because your body is producing more estrogen, which signals the vagina to produce more discharge. This discharge is made up of secretions from the cervix and vagina, old cells, and normal vaginal bacteria. Healthy vaginal discharge is usually:.

You'll probably also notice more vaginal discharge as you approach labor, although it's likely to look somewhat different from the flow you've become accustomed to. 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. 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.

And using them can aggravate an already sensitive area. Instead, see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and the right treatment. Typically, no. And it's not one of the early pregnancy symptoms that women commonly report during those first few weeks.

If you suspect you might be pregnant, your best bet is to take a pregnancy test around the time you would expect your period. The "mucus plug" is a collection of gelatinous secretions from your cervix. These secretions fill the cervical canal in early pregnancy and create a protective barrier for most of pregnancy. As you get closer to delivery and your cervix begins to thin out efface and open up dilate , these mucus-like secretions may come out of your vagina.

This can be a sign of early labor. Labor still progresses on its own timeline, and your baby remains well protected. Not everyone experiences losing their mucus plug. If you do, it might seem like an increased amount of vaginal discharge over the course of a few days, or a glob of thickened mucus that's clear, pinkish, brownish, or tinged with a bit of blood. Regular discharge comes out sporadically in small amounts, but amniotic fluid leaks out continuously once your water breaks.

Amniotic fluid is usually clear or slightly yellowish, watery, and odorless or slightly sweet-smelling. Studies indicate that between 7 and 24 percent of women bleed during early pregnancy. Bleeding later in pregnancy can indicate potentially serious issues or preterm labor, which will require immediate medical attention.

An increase in the volume of mild-smelling vaginal discharge during pregnancy is normal, but unusual colors and odors often indicate infection. A doctor can prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat infections in this area of the body. It is essential to discuss any unusual discharge with a doctor as this symptom may suggest an infection that requires treatment or an issue with the pregnancy.

Without treatment, infections can lead to complications. An increase in discharge during pregnancy is normal, but unusual discharge alongside strong odors or discomfort in the vagina or abdomen is often indicative of a health issue. This is also the case for discharge that is green, yellow, or gray. Women should seek immediate medical care if they experience spotting or bleeding that is heavy, persists for more than a day, or occurs alongside pain or cramps.

Read this article in Spanish. Learn about what thick, white, clear, or colored vaginal discharge means for a person's health, as well as how to prevent unhealthy discharge. A high pH may indicate a bacterial infection or…. What causes white discharge before a period? What should a woman know about vaginal discharge at any stage of the menstrual cycle? Find answers, here. It is normal to feel a heaviness or pressure on the vagina or pelvis during pregnancy.

The common causes of vaginal or pelvic pressure are different…. He or she will likely perform an ultrasound to ensure your health and the baby's.

Small amounts of brown discharge that ranges from fluid to mucus-like consistency is common, particularly in the early stages of pregnancy. It is also normal to have some dark discharge following sexual intercourse. Dark brown discharge resembling coffee grounds may indicate loss of old blood, and should be reported immediately to the obstetrician.

If you are nearing the end of pregnancy, and notice that discharge is heavy and light brown with a few streaks of blood, it may be a mucus plug, indicating that you will go into labor soon. If an infection is confirmed, treatment can be started using medication like antifungals for treatment of a yeast infection or antibiotics for treatment of a sexually transmitted infection.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Causes Next steps Intro Experiencing bleeding at any point during pregnancy can be scary. What causes pinkish-brown discharge during pregnancy? Cervical irritation During pregnancy, your cervix the bottom of your uterus and the part that opens and stretches during labor is highly vascular. Ectopic pregnancy In rare cases, brownish-pink discharge can be caused by an ectopic pregnancy.

Go to the emergency room if you notice any bleeding along with any symptoms, including: extreme dizziness shoulder pain fainting lightheadedness abdominal or pelvic pain that comes and goes, especially on one side Miscarriage Any bleeding during pregnancy can be an early sign of miscarriage.

Next steps. Share on Pinterest. Parenthood Pregnancy 1st Trimester. How Pregnancy Affects Vaginal Health. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. How Pregnancy Affects Vaginal Health As an expectant mom, you already know that your body is going through some major changes.