Vaginal Discharge in Pregnancy: Normal and Not

Discharge in pregnancy: how to think about it

NHS guidance describes an increase in vaginal discharge as a normal part of pregnancy, caused by hormonal changes and increased blood flow to the area. Healthy discharge is described as thin, clear or milky white, and without an unpleasant smell. The purpose of the increase is largely protective, helping prevent infection travelling up from the vagina. The reason the guidance sets out what abnormal looks like is that several conditions are more common or more consequential in pregnancy. Thrush is common and treatable but the choice of treatment matters, since some routes are preferred over others in pregnancy. Bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections need identifying and treating rather than masking. And the practical concern late in pregnancy is distinguishing discharge from amniotic fluid, because ruptured membranes need prompt assessment. That is why guidance is consistently phrased as get it checked rather than as a list of home remedies.

Discharge: safer choices

• Expecting an increase. NHS describes more discharge through pregnancy as normal, and it often increases further towards the end.
• Wearing cotton underwear and unscented panty liners if you want them, changing them regularly.
• Washing with plain water or a gentle unperfumed wash, and letting the area dry properly.
• Getting any change checked rather than self-treating, since thrush, bacterial vaginosis and other infections need different treatments.
• Contacting your maternity unit for any sudden gush or continuous trickle of clear fluid, which may be your waters breaking.

Discharge: what to avoid or double-check

• Do not douche or use perfumed washes, bubble baths or vaginal deodorants, which disturb the natural balance and can make irritation worse.
• Do not self-treat thrush with an over-the-counter product without asking. Some thrush treatments are used in pregnancy and some routes are not first choice, so a pharmacist or midwife should confirm.
• Do not ignore green, grey or frothy discharge, a strong or fishy smell, itching, soreness or pain passing urine. Those need assessment.
• Do not assume leaking fluid is discharge. If it is watery, continuous, or soaks a pad, contact your maternity unit the same day.

How SafeMama helps

SafeMama can check the actives in thrush treatments, intimate washes and topical products, including which antifungal a product contains and whether it is a cream or pessary, so you can take specifics to a pharmacist.

Open the SafeMama app, scan the barcode or search the ingredient, then use the result as a starting point for a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Sources

• NHS vaginal discharge in pregnancy
• NHS medicines in pregnancy