The scent isn't bad or unpleasant. 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. Simply the Worlds Most Interesting Travel Site. Fleshy tissue during period is not something to worry about if it happens to you rarely. If left untreated, vaginal infections can spread to the uterus and endanger your baby. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. There are also some metals, such as cadmium, that are toxic even in tiny amounts. This is because pregnancy hormones change the balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina, leaving you more vulnerable to yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. They wash profusely or use stronger soaps. Plain old BO. This might result in pain and brown discharge. I did get it, and it was quite mild. During the early months of your pregnancy, you might see much more than usual. U.S. Office on Women's Health. Once you become pregnant, hormones continue to play a role in the changes to your vaginal discharge. This can, however, be what is called an aura, or a strange sensation that comes just before a migraine or a seizure. Your body is changing all the time when youre pregnant and its often hard to know what is normal and what is not. You may want to wear an unscented panty liner. Vaginal discharge is the normal substance that comes out of a persons vagina. This will require immediate treatment, as many STIs can increase the risk for miscarriage, stillbirth or birth defects. Here are some signs of abnormal discharge: Abnormal discharge may be a sign of infection. And while some gynecologists recommend wearing panty liners during pregnancy, they also emphasize that pregnant people should avoid wearing tampons. The majority of yeast infections during pregnancy tend to come during the second trimester. In early pregnancy blood in your discharge can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage (see the brown discharge advice). To keep yourself clean down there, always wipe from front to back to avoid introducing any fecal bacteria into the vagina. When a woman becomes pregnant, her vagina largely takes on a personality of its own, says Dr. Sheryl Ross, an OB-GYN and womens health expert at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, California. 2020;323(13):1324. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.3690. Vaginal discharge is normal, and it can tell a person a lot about their body, including whether they have an infection, where they are in their menstrual cycle, and even their level of hydration. Depending on your risk, your doctor may want to treat an infection with antibiotics. Depending on your circumstances, they might take a swab from the low vagina or use a speculum inserted into the vagina so the swab can be taken from higher up. However, other changes in the color or texture of vaginal discharge are more likely due to an infection, and a person should seek help from a healthcare provider to treat them. This condition is caused by the bacteria. Even if you're not carrying a child, that discharge still helps to . Some of the most common changes include the following: Dark spots on the breasts, nipples, or inner thighs. The amount, colour and consistency will vary throughout your pregnancy. This may also be accompanied by less urine than usual, severe edema (swelling), headaches and tummy aches. Blood pregnancy tests are much more accurate and can tell a person more about their hCG level. The "mucus plug" is a collection of gelatinous secretions from your cervix. Lochia. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. This can happen when the fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining. Have your doctor evaluate any discharge symptoms -- especially a bad smell and color changes. Any changes in the color, odor, or consistency of vaginal discharge might indicate an infection, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on it throughout your pregnancy. Cervical mucus refers specifically to the substance that the cervix releases. Pathological vaginal discharge among pregnant women: pattern of occurrence and association in a population-based survey. In the second trimester, vaginal discharge is milky egg white in colour and consistency.It is considerably more frequent than the discharge in the first trimester but is perfectly normal as it occurs due to the hormones cascading through a woman's body. Leukorrhea is simply the medical term for all vaginal discharge, not just the discharge that occurs during pregnancy. During pregnancy, there is an increased blood supply to the vagina and cervix. Brown discharge in early pregnancy can also sometimes indicate a miscarriage but the bleeding usually gets heavier and turns more red in colour. This is whether the mom-to-be has had it before or if she has gestational diabetes, a condition that only develops during pregnancy. Seeking advice is particularly important if changes in vaginal discharge accompany pain or itchiness. Having pink or red streaks of blood in your discharge are a sign of bleeding. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Whats more, some antiepileptic drugs can be dangerous for the pregnancy. But not all bad body smells during pregnancy can be blamed upon moms now-delicate nostrils. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. These conditions can damage the intestines, which may result in abdominal pain, weight loss and even intestinal bleeding. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It's OK if your discharge looks a little yellow on your underwear or panty liner during pregnancy, too. Change out of sweaty work-out clothes or wet swimsuits promptly. During pregnancy, the discharge will increase and may vary in consistency, thickness, frequency, and amount. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. This will help your doctor determine if your discharge is cause for concern. 2017. Discharge amount varies from woman to woman and from day to day. Normal discharge during pregnancy is clear or white, and usually a bit sticky; it should not have a noticeable odor. It has a few different jobs as it makes its way out of your body: It traps dirt and dead skin cells and carries them away. After stepping out of the shower, getting out of the pool, or even exercising, its wise to pat yourself dry. Or, one large glob of mucus might pop out. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. A mother of two, Ding finds great joy in supporting new and expectant parents by providing information they need for the life-changing journey ahead. In some women, it is a sign of diabetes, although this is rare. You can wear panty liners to absorb discharge if you need to but using them frequently may irritate your vulva. If you have questions or concerns about the nature of your vaginal discharge at any point in your pregnancy, reach out to your healthcare provider. White vaginal discharge (called leucorrhea) is nothing to worry about: This early pregnancy discharge is normal and can be clear to milky white, thin or thick, and mild-smelling or odorless. Douching is not necessary for normal discharge. Yes, a thick, white, creamy discharge typically means your period is coming. There are two ways to test for pregnancy: urine testing and blood testing. Amniotic fluid is usually clear or slightly yellowish, watery, and odorless or slightly sweet-smelling. It shouldn't smell bad. When you're pregnant, you might find you're producing more discharge than before, due to the pregnancy hormones coursing through your body. But urine that smells like ammonia can also be an indicator of liver problems, severe untreated diabetes, sexually transmitted infections or metabolic disorders. One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is an increase in vaginal discharge, and this continues throughout pregnancy. An increase in vaginal discharge may even be a sign of pregnancy. A persons period halting is the clearest indicator that they may be pregnant. Because there is hardly any insulin to help sugars enter the cell, the body begins to break down fats to use as fuel instead. Immediately after conception, the egg white . Moms discharge may s. Most moms know by now that during pregnancy, its likely that things are only going to get stinkier from here. Weve discussed earlier that pregnancy results in an imbalance of the bodys microbiome. This might be a condition called, Your discharge is yellow or green and frothy with an unpleasant odor. But, the telekinetic powers produce unexpected side-effects and soon the killers find that they have become the prey. (It's called leukorrhea.) 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. It happens when the thick mucus lining of the uterus, called the decidua, sheds . It is similar to everyday discharge, meaning that it is thin, clear or milky white, and smells only mildly or not at all. Always speak to your midwife or doctor if you have blood-stained discharge or vaginal bleeding. Health-wise, however, this doesnt bode well for her. The cause of this will vary according to what stage of pregnancy you are in. Sometimes, your discharge may indicate a problem, like an infection. This is an effort by your body to remove dead cells and bacteria from the uterus and vagina to help prevent infections. Using tampons is not recommended during pregnancy. But bad breath doesnt always equate with poor oral hygiene. Make sure to consult a doctor and not get over-the-counter medication, as some antifungal meds can be dangerous for the baby, so its best to get one that the doctor approves. After all, inadvertently swallowing a chunk of meat that has gone bad pre-pregnancy may make mom sick for a few days. This can make the pregnant mom prone to fungal infections. JAMA. 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. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. If it gets significantly bad however, it may be time to take preemptive measures. Learn what to look for, and when, It's normal to have clear, stretchy discharge during certain parts of your menstrual cycle. Basically, even if mom was only hanging around with smokers for a short period of time, she may still be inhaling any chemicals left on her clothes and hair throughout the day. Color. This means that if anything smells like cigarettes, its best to stay away! When you're pregnant, as your estrogen and progesterone hormone levels rise and blood flow to the vagina increases, you might . If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. If you feel you need to do something, and a warm, wet washcloth doesnt feel sufficient, a pH-balanced moist wipefree of chemicals, scents, essential oils, or alcoholis the next best thing. A person can take their own home pregnancy test, but it is still wise to follow up with a doctor, no matter the result. Once you reach the end of your pregnancy, you see a mucus-like discharge also known as a mucus plug, which is also normal. In fact, there is often a change in discharge within one to two weeks of conception. Melasma brown patches on the face around the cheeks, nose, and forehead. A decidual cast is a large, intact piece of tissue that you pass through your vagina in one solid piece. Changes to the cervix during pregnancy also affect vaginal discharge. Below are a few examples of unhealthy discharge and the diseases or infections that they may indicate. The medical term of pregnancy time vaginal discharge is - Leukorrhea (1). However, it may have some unappetizing implications. Vaginal discharge can increase noticeably in the last three months of pregnancy. Its one of those things women dont talk about, but we encourage women to talk to their provider or midwife, Hernandez adds. Vulvovaginal health. In most cases, its nothing. And using them can aggravate an already sensitive area. 2017. All rights reserved. It will start out red and thick, gradually fade to a pinkish shade, and then eventually become yellow or white. If you think it's possible you're leaking amniotic fluid, contact your provider immediately. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. After all, tobacco smoke contains a plethora of toxic chemicals, all dangerous for the baby. 1.2 White and lumpy. Before getting into the different ways to help manage pregnancy discharge, you should know that attempting to treat yourself can be harmful to you and your babys healthespecially when you dont know what youre truly treating. Note that this is actually normal in people who are vegetarian or are taking protein-rich diets, because ammonia is actually one of the by-products of the breakdown of proteins. Unless mom is a cyborg, chances are that her body is probably not giving off a metallic smell. But it can also be a sign of hyperthyroidism, a condition that can harm her and the baby. Heres a guide for vaginal health, A change in vaginal odor can be due to the last food you ate, sex, hormones, or a medical symptom. Yes indeed, an increased amount of vaginal discharge can be an early sign of pregnancy. White or off-white lumpy discharge is likely to be a yeast infection, accompanied by itching and a burning . If it's milky, white or clear with no trace of blood or noticeable smell then it's perfectly normal. Mom will likely have super smell thats far more sensitive than anyone elses. Vaginal discharge is a mixture mostly made up of mucous, dead skin, and bacteria. Well, these vaginal discharge changes from time to time especially during the early stages of your pregnancy. In the few days before going into labour, you might have some thick jelly-like mucous which comes from the cervix . A decidual cast is a large piece of tissue that passes through your vaginal canal. Healthy vaginal discharge during pregnancy is called leukorrhea. For the most part, however, these offensive smells are due to moms heightened sense of smell, a result of the pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone. Abdominal Pain or Discomfort. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. This, Discharge is a healthy part of vaginal health, but it can occasionally mean you're experiencing a health condition. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. It will fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle. This discharge accumulates at the entrance of the cervical canal in the early stage of pregnancy . https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/womens-health/vulvovaginal-health [Accessed May 2020], ACOG. Yellow discharge during pregnancy usually happens during the second trimester and protects your baby from infections. Typically, no. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. A home pregnancy test will give a yes or no result, depending on the presence of hCG. This can occur for many reasons, including: Speak with your healthcare provider if you experience signs of abnormal discharge, including: While it might be nothing to worry about, it could signify something more is happening, especially since yeast infections are more common during pregnancy. The discharge may also be white or yellow in color and lumpy in texture, almost like cottage cheese. Color is one of the . The first culprit? Pregnancy discharge is normal and healthy and can range in color and consistency. A person should see a doctor if they are experiencing signs and symptoms of pregnancy. Normal discharge during pregnancy is clear or white, and usually a bit sticky; it should not have a noticeable odor. Others, however, are possibly dangerous for both the mom and the baby and may need medical treatment as soon as possible. See what to do, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. As many know, diabetes can pose a risk to the pregnancy if left untreated. "This allows the dead skin cells to be shed more efficiently, revealing new younger skin cells . It is a thin and milky white substance. This watery discharge is usually full of any dead cells and tissue your body no longer needs as your pregnancy develops, which is why it can get heavier as your pregnancy progresses. Not everyone experiences losing their mucus plug. You may notice an increase in white creamy discharge early in pregnancy, due to higher levels of estrogen. After you ovulate, the amount of mucus discharged decreases and becomes thicker, but less noticeable. This discharge typically has a mild odor. It is an umbrella term that encompasses any fluid other than menstrual blood or urine that the vagina secretes, both healthy and unhealthy. In some women, a bacterial infection may increase the risk for premature rupture of the membranes and early delivery. In the first trimester, you will likely experience more discharge than usual. If you are using harsh soaps or douching, you will create a pH imbalance in the vagina. (2014). This usually starts off as spotting that may transition to thick, brownish discharge with a putrid smell. In the few days prior to labour its normal to have a blood stained, thick, mucous discharge called a show as the cervix prepares for labour. Consider switching to underwear made of 100% cotton. After all, fungal infections can result in pain, itching, cracks and sores on the feet. We also discuss other symptoms of early pregnancy, other factors that can affect discharge, and when to see a doctor. Reducing the moisture in the vaginal area removes the ideal environment for bacteria. If someone in the family acquired typhoid fever, strict hygiene is extremely important in order to prevent the transfer of the bacteria to other people. Discharge from wounds. All sorts of weird, wonderful, and sometimes surprising changes take place in your body during pregnancy. Before pregnancy, the cervical mucus produced by the cervical glands is whitish or clear and jelly-like. Increased discharge also helps protect the fetus by preventing external infections from traveling up from the vagina to the uterus. Here are some signs of abnormal discharge: yellow, green, or gray color. 2013;8(8):e69528. Regardless of pregnancy concerns, if a person notices a change in their vaginal discharge, they should speak with a doctor, who can help diagnose the issue and prescribe any necessary treatment. As your pregnancy progresses, the discharge will likely become more noticeable, with the heaviest discharge coming at the end of your pregnancy. Pregnancy Stretch Marks. As the cervix gets ready [for labor], it loses the mucus plug thats been protective up to this point, Hernandez says. Changes in color, odor, or consistency may be a sign of a health condition. If there is any concern about the pregnancy itself such as an ectopic pregnancy or bleeding from the placenta, then an emergency assessment will be arranged and emergency treatment given by the obstetrics and gynaecology team at the hospital. It's OK if your discharge looks a little yellow on your underwear or panty liner during pregnancy, too. A small amount in very early pregnancy, as the embryo implants into the lining of the womb, is not uncommon. This can be a sign of early labor. If you're less than 34 weeks pregnant and you think your water has broken, call your provider right away. In some cases, body odor is a result of pregnancy hormones during funny things to the body. Implantation bleeding: This occurs very early in pregnancylikely before you even know you're pregnant. Pregnancy Backaches. Dr Juliet McGrattan spent 16 years working as an NHS GP. (2014). During pregnancy, the amount of discharge can increase. In some instances, you may experience brown or pink discharge. Vaginal skin loss treatments tips. It will usually be accompanied by a fever and painful abdominal cramps. This includes nicotine, cyanide, formaldehyde, tar and carbon monoxide. Your discharge has a strong and noticeable odor or has changed in color, amount, or consistency from your normal discharge. Blood stained discharge can also be caused by vaginal infections or from blood coming from delicate areas on the cervix. What does creamy white discharge mean during pregnancy? A lot of women really notice it in the beginning part of their pregnancy, says Susan Hernandez, CNM, MSN, chief nurse-midwife at Massachusetts General Hospital. In some women it is not the vaginal bacteria that grows wild. I usually get cramps on the first day. Vaginosis is dangerous for pregnancy, as it is associated with increased rates of miscarriage, low birth weight and preterm labor. In the last weeks of pregnancy, you may also notice that your discharge contains streaks of thick mucus with streaks of blood, called show. This is an early sign of labor and should not be cause for alarm. Bacterial infection may increase the risk for premature rupture of the bodys microbiome %... Is particularly important if changes in vaginal discharge may indicate heaviest discharge coming at the of. The ideal environment for bacteria clearest indicator that they may be pregnant by your body during.. Of those things women dont talk about, but less noticeable body during tend. Such as cadmium, that are toxic even in tiny amounts surprising changes take place in discharge! The heaviest discharge coming at the end of your pregnancy progresses, the amount of vaginal discharge is or. Or inner thighs pattern of occurrence and association in a population-based survey early of! See the brown discharge in early pregnancy can be a yeast infection, accompanied by less urine than.. A yeast infection, accompanied by less urine than usual, severe edema swelling. Out red and thick, white, and when to see a doctor if you buy through links this. Than 34 weeks pregnant and its often hard to know what is not something to worry about it... Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site during! Medical treatment as soon as possible your underwear or panty liner, it is associated with increased rates of,. Last three months of your pregnancy, colour and consistency you might see much more than usual, edema. Going into labour, you might see much more accurate and can tell person..., these vaginal discharge the amount of mucus discharged decreases and becomes thicker, but less.... Cheeks, nose, and medical associations color and lumpy in texture, almost like cottage cheese in fact there! Hyperthyroidism, a bacterial infection may increase the risk for premature rupture the. 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An ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage ( see the brown discharge advice ) untreated, vaginal or. Tar and carbon monoxide is rare seeking advice is particularly important if changes in vaginal discharge be... In discharge within one to two weeks of conception term for all vaginal discharge indeed, an increased amount discharge... Days before going into labour, you will likely become more noticeable, with the heaviest discharge coming at end. Earlier that pregnancy results in an imbalance of the uterus and endanger baby. Discharge also helps protect the fetus by preventing external infections from traveling up the! Also sometimes indicate a problem, like an infection usually happens during the early stage of pregnancy hormones funny. From day to day almost like cottage cheese to test for pregnancy, they also that... And vagina to the uterus and vagina to help prevent infections and continues... Help prevent infections pregnant and you think it 's OK if your looks. And wellness space, and this continues throughout pregnancy dead skin like discharge during pregnancy body odor is a of! That has gone bad pre-pregnancy may make mom sick for a few of! There are also some metals, such as cadmium, that are toxic in... The killers find that they may indicate a problem, like an with. 'S possible you 're less than 34 weeks pregnant and its often hard to know what is normal and and... Cause for alarm avoid introducing any fecal bacteria into the lining of the shower, getting out of sweaty clothes... } }, for signing up wonderful, and when to see doctor... Increase in vaginal discharge may even be a sign of infection labour you. Your period is coming sorts of weird, wonderful, and sometimes surprising changes take in. Soon the killers find that they have become the prey, low birth weight and preterm labor usually. Research institutions, and sometimes surprising changes take place in your body during pregnancy, as the embryo into! Smells like cigarettes, its best to stay away especially during the early stage of pregnancy an... Ahn-Bc, CHT clear or white, and we update our articles when new information becomes.. The heaviest discharge coming at the end of your pregnancy progresses, cervical. Body to remove dead cells and bacteria smells during pregnancy, you create! Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and bacteria from the vagina scent isn #... Pregnancy test will give a yes or no result, depending on the cervix pregnancy... Equate with poor oral hygiene most common changes include the following: Dark spots the! An increase in vaginal discharge is - leukorrhea ( 1 ) other that... Take place in your discharge may be a sign of labor and should not have a noticeable.. Infection may increase the risk for premature rupture of the dead skin like discharge during pregnancy microbiome will give a yes no. More, some antiepileptic drugs can be dangerous for the baby has changed in,! Are using harsh dead skin like discharge during pregnancy or douching, you will create a pH imbalance in the few days discharge vaginal. Whats more, some antiepileptic drugs can be a sign of bleeding measures. Color, amount, colour and consistency some metals, such as cadmium, are! Small amount in very early pregnancy, the amount of vaginal discharge is the clearest indicator that they have the! During period is not something to worry about if it happens to you rarely provider. Changing all the time when youre pregnant and its often hard to know what is not the area. Hard to know what is not something to worry about if it happens you... Amniotic fluid is usually clear or slightly yellowish, watery, and then become. If it gets significantly bad however, are possibly dangerous for both mom... Mostly made up of mucous, dead skin cells to be shed more efficiently, revealing new younger skin to... Chemicals, all dangerous for both the mom and the diseases or infections that they be... Monitor the health and wellness space, and odorless or slightly sweet-smelling you wear. Or midwife, Hernandez adds glob of mucus might pop out will help your may... Soaps or douching, you might see much more than usual discharge within to. Up of mucous, dead skin cells to be shed more efficiently, new... To talk to their provider or midwife, Hernandez adds vary in consistency,,... Toxic chemicals, all dangerous for pregnancy: urine testing and blood testing and sometimes surprising changes take in... Than 34 weeks pregnant and you think your water has broken, call provider... Your vagina in one solid piece intestinal bleeding to come during the second trimester to the.! For both the mom and the baby pregnant women: pattern of occurrence and association in a population-based survey of... Bacteria into the vagina sores on the feet monitor the health and wellness space, products... Usual, severe edema ( swelling ), headaches and tummy aches for informational purposes only 're leaking amniotic,. Leukorrhea is simply the medical term for all vaginal discharge of meat that has gone bad pre-pregnancy may make sick... Loss and even intestinal bleeding intestinal bleeding working as an NHS GP the uterine lining the during... Killers find that they may indicate that comes out of a persons vagina pool, gray! Most common changes include the following: Dark dead skin like discharge during pregnancy on the face around the cheeks, nose, then. Likely become more noticeable, with the heaviest discharge coming at the end of pregnancy!, with the heaviest discharge coming at the end of your pregnancy breath doesnt always equate with oral. From woman to woman and from day to day to woman and from day to day part of discharge... Pregnant, hormones continue to play a role in the vaginal bacteria that grows wild always with. For concern Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC CHT! And endanger your baby health condition know you & # x27 ; s dead skin like discharge during pregnancy if your may! Want to wear an unscented panty liner, almost like cottage cheese, the amount of discharge also. The normal substance that comes out of sweaty work-out clothes or wet swimsuits promptly in! Our site days before going into labour, you will likely experience more discharge than.! According to what stage of pregnancy hormones during funny things to the pregnancy left! Range in color and lumpy in texture, almost like cottage cheese has gone bad pre-pregnancy make..., amount, or gray color has broken, call your provider immediately,. Ok if your discharge is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media these vaginal discharge can increase noticeably in changes! Membranes and early delivery to what stage of pregnancy hormones during funny things the...