Discharge in Pregnancy: What's Normal, What Colors Mean and When to Call

What discharge is normal during pregnancy?

Thin, clear or milky white discharge that does not smell unpleasant is normal in pregnancy, and the NHS says it is normal to have more of it than before. The NHS explains that the extra discharge helps stop infections traveling up from the vagina to the womb.

Cleveland Clinic describes normal pregnancy discharge as clear, white or pale yellow, thin and odorless, with no itching, burning or irritation. It says discharge is expected from before a positive test right up to delivery day, and its OB-GYN explains that pregnancy raises progesterone, which makes the cervix produce a lot of cervical mucus. The NHS adds that the amount increases further towards the end of pregnancy.

What does white discharge in pregnancy mean?

White discharge is usually normal when it is thin and does not smell or itch, which matches how the NHS and Cleveland Clinic describe healthy discharge. Thick, white, lumpy discharge, like cottage cheese, that comes with itching or irritation around the vagina is more typical of thrush.

The NHS says thrush discharge does not usually smell. ACOG says yeast infection discharge may be white, lumpy and odorless, that the most common symptoms are itching and burning of the vulva, and that hormone changes in pregnancy can increase the risk.

The NHS says to talk to your doctor, pharmacist or midwife before treating thrush, because some thrush medicines should not be used in pregnancy. ACOG advises seeing your OB-GYN if this is the first time you have had vaginal symptoms.

What does brown discharge mean when you're pregnant?

Brown discharge is a form of spotting, and the NHS says to contact your midwife or doctor immediately about any vaginal bleeding in pregnancy. The NHS counts spots of pink, red or brown blood on your underwear or toilet paper as spotting.

The NHS says bleeding in pregnancy is not always serious. ACOG says the cervix may bleed more easily in pregnancy because more blood vessels are developing there, and that spotting after sex, a Pap test or a pelvic exam is not uncommon. Cleveland Clinic says a little pink after a prenatal exam that checks your cervix is normal.

Some causes of bleeding do need treatment: the NHS lists infection, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and placenta problems among the causes of bleeding in pregnancy, and ACOG says any amount of bleeding late in pregnancy may signal preterm labor. Spotting during pregnancy goes through bleeding stage by stage.

Is watery discharge normal in pregnancy?

Thin discharge is normal in pregnancy, but clear, watery fluid that trickles, gushes or soaks a panty liner can be your water breaking and needs checking straight away. Cleveland Clinic's OB-GYN advises going to the ER if you are leaking clear fluid that soaks a panty liner, because that can be a sign your water has broken.

ACOG lists a change to watery, bloody or mucus-like discharge, or an increase in the amount, among the signs of preterm labor, which is labor that starts before 37 weeks. ACOG's advice for any sign of preterm labor is not to wait: call your OB-GYN's office right away or go to the hospital.

ACOG describes the water breaking as fluid that trickles or gushes from the vagina, and says to call your OB-GYN or obstetric care provider when it happens. When your waters break covers what happens next.

What are the signs of a vaginal infection in pregnancy?

The NHS lists four signs to call your midwife about: discharge that smells unpleasant or strange, discharge that is green or yellow, feeling itchy or sore around the vagina, and pain when you pee. Cleveland Clinic adds dark yellow, green or mossy discharge, discharge as thick as cottage cheese, a foul smell, and itching, burning or irritation.

ACOG lists bacterial vaginosis (BV) among the common types of vaginitis, and says its main symptom is more discharge with a strong fishy odor, usually thin and dark or dull gray. The CDC says that if you are pregnant and have BV, your baby is more likely to be born early or at a low birth weight, and that treating BV during pregnancy is very important.

Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, can cause yellow-gray or green discharge with a fishy odor, according to ACOG. Cleveland Clinic's OB-GYN says both BV and yeast infections can and should be treated during pregnancy.

To lower the risk, ACOG advises against douching and feminine hygiene sprays, and recommends washing the vulva with plain warm water. The NHS suggests loose cotton underwear and avoiding perfumed soap and bath products to help prevent thrush.

What does discharge look like near the end of pregnancy?

Discharge increases further towards the end of pregnancy, the NHS says, and in the last week or so it may contain streaks of sticky, jelly-like pink mucus called a "show". The NHS says you may have a few small shows in the days before labor starts.

ACOG describes the same thing as losing the mucus plug: when the cervix starts to open several days before labor or at its start, you may notice more discharge that is clear, pink or slightly bloody. Cleveland Clinic says passing the mucus plug is normal from 37 weeks, and that before 37 weeks you should contact your provider because it may be a sign of preterm labor. Losing your mucus plug has more on timing.

When should you call your doctor or midwife?

• Any spotting or bleeding, including pink or brown discharge (NHS).
• Clear fluid that soaks a panty liner, or a trickle or gush of fluid (Cleveland Clinic, ACOG).
• Before 37 weeks, discharge that becomes watery, mucus-like or bloody, or more discharge than usual (ACOG).
• Discharge that smells unpleasant, is green or yellow, or comes with itching, soreness or pain when you pee (NHS), or discharge that is thick or clumpy (Cleveland Clinic).
• Call 911 (999 in the UK) if you are bleeding and have severe belly pain or pain in your shoulder, feel sick, faint or dizzy, or the bleeding soaks a pad soon after you put it on (NHS).