Your guide to pregnancy discharge colour and texture changes

The vaginal discharge in pregnancy that the lining of the vagina and cervix secretes is very important. The appearance of the vaginal mucus may be an indication of whether the vaginal microflora is physiological and normal, or whether infections are present. Under normal conditions, the amount of vaginal discharge increases in the 1st as well as the 2nd and 3rd trimester. There is more vaginal discharge, but not so much that it requires the wearing of special pads. The discharge is also not accompanied by any symptoms such as pain, itching or burning.

An increase in the amount of discharge, a change in the colour of the mucus during pregnancy or the smell may indicate that an infection is developing. Importantly, the production of secretions changes during pregnancy. At the beginning of pregnancy, mucus is produced in smaller quantities. In the following trimesters, its production increases and is highest before birth.

If you wonder if discharge is normal in pregnancy, then we have a simple answer for you. The mucus during pregnancy is somewhat thickened and increased. Pregnancy hormones cause vaginal secretions to be produced by the body in very large quantities in order to be able to fight off pathogens that try to enter the pregnant woman's body.

The discharge during the first weeks of pregnancy should be odourless and uniform in consistency. It may also be stringy. The early pregnancy discharge colour should be whitish-transparent or slightly yellowish. The increase in oestrogens and progesterone induces this increase in discharge production. The discharge may increase the protective function against infection. In addition, a mucus plug within the cervix forms at the beginning of pregnancy, which passes away before birth.

Different colours of pregnancy discharge may leave you a little distressed. But we’re here to decode the rainbow for you, to let you know what it all means, when to seek medical advice and when not (hint: most often, it’s a “no-worry” situation!).

Pregnancy is a time of change. Not only does your body change shape as your baby grows inside you, but so do your hormones. The colour, consistency, and amount of vaginal discharge in pregnancy you produce is highly linked to your hormone levels. This means that as your hormones change as your pregnancy progresses, so will your discharge. If, on the other hand, there is discharge, associated with a change in the appearance, colour, consistency or smell of the discharge, it may be necessary to report this to a health professional.

1. Clear and stretchy discharge in pregnancy

It is also worth mentioning that both the consistency of the discharge during pregnancy and its volume are closely linked to the hormonal storm that takes place in a woman's body during this time. When oestrogen levels increase, the amount of discharge also increases, because the egg was fertilised. What is more, doctors unanimously confirm that a clear stretchy discharge in pregnancy is even a desirable symptom.

It is important to remember that changes in cervical mucus are not a foolproof way to tell if you are pregnant, but they can be a useful indicator of when it is worth taking a pregnancy test.

2. White discharge in pregnancy

White discharge in pregnancy is normal, provided it is not accompanied by any distressing symptoms such as itching or burning. It can sometimes be quite thick and mucous-like. This increased white discharge during pregnancy is your body’s way of protecting against infection by creating an extra barrier between your growing foetus and the outside world. You’ll notice increased white discharge in early pregnancy. It may continue to increase throughout your pregnancy, and even after.

If the white discharge in pregnancy is thin, has a homogeneous consistency and is accompanied by an unpleasant fish-like odour, it may indicate bacterial vaginosis. If the white mucus has a lumpy, "cheesy", heterogeneous consistency and in addition you feel pain in the intimate area, itching and burning - these are symptoms of vaginal thrush infection.

3. Pink pregnancy discharge

Pink discharge during pregnancy can mean a few things. A few weeks to a few days before the end of your pregnancy, you will shed your mucous plug, a thick, gelatinous mucous that forms in the first trimester to seal off your cervix during pregnancy. The mucous plug is sometimes tinged pink with blood. This can lead to pink discharge in your underwear a few days before you go into labour. This is known as your “bloody show.” Contact your doctor or midwife when this happens to let them know you may be going into labour soon and to take the next steps to prepare for birth.

4. Yellow or green discharge in pregnancy

Yellowish or green discharge in pregnancy may be a sign of infection, such as bacterial vaginosis – an upset in the bacterial balance of your vagina which can cause a fishy odour. The discharge may have an unpleasant smell. The presence of purulent, yellow, thick discharge can also indicate infection with other sexually transmitted diseases. These can include gonorrhoea and chlamydia, in the course of which the cervix becomes inflamed. If these symptoms are also accompanied with itching, burning and pain during urination.

Yellowish discharge in pregnancy, which has a cheesy, curd-like consistency, may also be related to a vaginal fungal infection. Usually this is associated with vulval itching.

When you notice this type of discharge you should see your doctor immediately.

5. Brown pregnancy discharge

This type of discharge can concern women most worried that something is wrong with them or their baby. Brown discharge during pregnancy most often is completely harmless. During pregnancy, your cervix is particularly sensitive due to hormone fluctuations and increased blood flow to the area. This means that it may bleed slightly during sex or a gynaecological exam, which will result in some brown discharge in your knickers. To be on the safe side, contact your medical care provider as soon as possible to make sure everything is in the clear. They may want to perform an exam to make sure everything is fine. For extra peace of mind, it never hurts to err on the side of caution. If you are actively bleeding, call your doctor immediately.

6. Red discharge in pregnancy

A pregnant woman's discharge may turn pink as her body prepares to give birth. The dilating cervix releases the plug, which is usually the consistency of pink, trailing jelly. This is not a symptom of illness or an emergency, but a sign of early labour.

Blood in the vaginal mucus should prompt a consultation with your doctor immediately.

To stay feeling fresh, consider using Always Daily pantyliners. They will give you the dry underwear feel, every day, as they absorb discharge. Also, they are super thin and flexible, you will barely feel them. They come in a variety of sizes and absorbencies, so whatever your discharge needs, we’ve got you covered. That way you can focus on what really matters – preparing for your little bundle of joy.

Always Daily is on a mission to bust common myths around vaginal discharge. In fact, vaginal discharge is totally normal, and most women experience it. Why make it a taboo topic? We want to provide you with all the information you need and ask for. In case you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 0080077634434 or 08000285884 (UK), 1800509203 (IRE).