In pregnancy produces a lot of changes in the body. A pregnant starts facing some hormonal changes like discharge and morning sickness. As it is also very common to have vaginal discharge during early pregnancy, so you don’t have to worry about this.

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But yes, if the discharge color or its texture is different from your regular discharge then without wasting time, consult a gynecologist immediately before your condition gets worse.

Vaginal Discharge During Early Pregnancy

As we all know pregnancy causes so many changes in the body including vaginal discharge, which can differ in color, texture, and volume. An increase in vaginal discharge is frequently one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. Changing in color are also normal, while others may indicate infection or another problem.

Types of Discharge

1. Clear or Milky White

The clear or milky white color suggests leukorrhea, which is usually a normal and healthy discharge, especially if it smells mild. Although, any changes in its quantity or consistency may suggest an issue.

A pregnant woman may experience an increase in clear discharge that leaks continuously or becomes thick and jelly-like. These changes may suggest preterm labor.

2. White and Lumpy

Vaginal discharge which is lumpy or white and off-white, resembling cottage cheese, can indicate a yeast infection. These infections are common, and the body is particularly susceptible to them during pregnancy. Other symptoms include itching, burning, and painful urination or intercourse.

3. Green or Yellow

This discharge is not healthy and it shows a sexually transmitted infection (STI), like chlamydia or trichomoniasis. Other possible symptoms such as redness or irritation in the genitals. Sometimes STIs do not cause any symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), proved that STIs can cause some serious complications during pregnancy that can affect both the woman and child. These complications sometimes do not present until years after the birth, but they can affect the nervous system and development of the child and cause infertility in the woman.

4. Gray

Gray discharge indicates a vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis (BV), especially if it also has a fishy smell which becomes stronger following intercourse.

BV is the result of a bacterial imbalance in the vagina. Dousing and having multiple sexual partners are risk factors for BV, which is the most common vaginal infection during childbearing years.

5. Brown

Brown discharge during pregnancy is not generally a cause for concern. However, pregnant women who experience dark brown discharge should contact their doctor.

6. Pink

This sort of discharge during pregnancy is not normal. Usually, a pink hue often starts during early pregnancy or in the final weeks as the body prepares for labor. It can also start before a miscarriage or during an ectopic pregnancy.

7. Red

A red discharge while pregnancy needs the instant attention of a doctor, especially if the bleeding is heavy, contains clots, or occurs alongside cramping and abdominal pain.

These symptoms suggest miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage, which people may also refer to as pregnancy loss.

Other causes of red discharge may be less serious, especially during the first trimester, when it may result from implantation or infection.

Bleeding later in pregnancy can indicate potentially serious issues or preterm labor, which will require immediate medical attention.

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How to Maintain Vaginal Health During Pregnancy?

Here are some ways to maintain vaginal health during pregnancy include:

• Avoiding using tampons
• Avoiding douching
• Choosing unscented personal care products and feminine hygiene items, including unscented toilet paper and soaps.
• Wearing panty liners to absorb the excess discharge
• Gently wiping the genital region from front to back after passing urine or stool
• Drying the genitals thoroughly after showering or swimming
• Wearing underwear made from a breathable fabric
• No to wearing tight jeans and nylon pantyhose, which increases the risk of infection.
• Eating a healthful diet and avoiding too much sugar, which can encourage yeast infections.
• Trying probiotic foods and supplements that are safe to consume during pregnancy, which may prevent bacterial imbalances in the vagina.

Is It Normal To Have No Discharge In Early Pregnancy?

Some women observe a lot of discharge during their early pregnancy. As other women might have little to no discharge. That’s completely normal.

Having vaginal discharge is common but it can be complicated when the discharge comes in different in color or texture. It is highly recommended, whenever you start feeling any discomfort then consult a good and experienced gynecologist.

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