Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is something quite normal and is no reason to panic. Here you can find out why and what it is even important for.

What Is Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge is nothing out of the ordinary and occurs in every woman without exception. How strong the discharge is or how often it occurs is actually quite individual. In addition, the state of the menstrual cycle also contributes to it. For example, more secretion is often produced shortly before ovulation and menstruation. Normal vaginal discharge is white and odorless. Its function is to provide a protective function for the female body. The discharge is composed of mucus from the uterus and mucous membrane cells from the vagina.
Did you know that due to its many lactic acid bacteria, vaginal discharge can prevent pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses, from entering the body?

Is Vaginal Discharge Safe During Pregnancy?

Especially in the first weeks of pregnancy, your discharge may be a little heavier than normal. This is because your body first has to get used to the hormonal changes. No need to worry! The reason for this is the hormone estrogen. During pregnancy, this hormone increases blood flow to the vaginal area. This also stimulates the production of vaginal secretions. As long as your discharge is white, does not smell strange and you do not have any pain, you do not need to worry. On the contrary, the discharge is an indication that everything is fine with your vaginal flora! Caution: If your discharge is brown or yellowish and also smells bad, you should visit your gynecologist. Discoloration or a strong odor usually indicate an infection. Vaginal discharge during pregnancy should therefore be monitored particularly closely!

Increased Discharge During Pregnancy. Can I Do Anything About It?

If you suffer from heavy discharge, this may be somewhat unpleasant for you. But in principle, a healthy discharge means that everything is fine with your vaginal flora. However, you should still pay attention to your intimate hygiene. The rule here is: less is more. Of course, you should take care of yourself every day, but the use of intimate care products such as soaps or sprays will only mess up your vaginal flora. You can do without them with a clear conscience.

You can still adhere to the following points:

– Use only water to care for your intimate area, no perfumed soaps, wash lotions or sprays.
– When showering, it is better to avoid lathering the vagina.
– Do not use intimate showers. You should not hold the water jet of the shower directly on the intimate area.
– It is better to wear cotton underwear instead of synthetic underwear.
– Panty liners help with particularly heavy discharge.

Brownish Discharge During Pregnancy

Brownish discharge may possibly indicate implantation bleeding. They are not a cause for concern, but rather a sign that the fertilized egg has nested in the lining of the uterus. Unlike menstruation, implantation bleeding is much weaker and also brownish in color. Implantation bleeding usually occurs between the seventh and twelfth day after fertilization and is also over after a maximum of three days. To make sure that this is really a case of implantation bleeding, you should perhaps visit your gynecologist. This is because brown discharge can also be an indication of a vaginal infection, which should definitely be treated.

Yellowish Discharge During Pregnancy

Have you noticed yellowish discharge lately? Combined with itching and burning, this can be an indication of a vaginal infection. A fungal infection cannot be ruled out either. It is best to have this clarified by your gynecologist.

When You Have Symptoms You Should See A Doctor

When is discharge no longer normal and should be examined by a doctor? Excessive care or stress can cause your vaginal flora to become confused. At this point, viruses or bacteria have an especially easy time causing illness in your vaginal area. In most cases, pathogens are also the reason why your discharge suddenly changes color.
As you know, a white and odorless discharge indicates healthy vaginal flora. Even if your vaginal discharge is a little heavier than usual, this is no reason to have it checked by your doctor. Caution: If your discharge is suddenly yellowish, greenish or even bloody and has an unusually thick, foul-smelling consistency, you should definitely have it examined by your gynecologist.

How Is An Infection In The Vaginal Area Treated?

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is initially nothing unusual. However, you now know which characteristics can indicate an infection. If your gynecologist does detect an infection, he or she will first take a swab to determine whether it is a bacterial infection or a viral infection. Then the appropriate therapy will be determined. This can range from simple sitz baths to creams or suppositories to antibiotic treatment. You can also speed up your healing process: A daily change of underwear goes without saying, but washcloths with which you clean your intimate area should also be changed daily. To effectively kill bacteria, you should wash your underwear at 60 degrees.

The Most Important Facts At A Glance

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is a sign that your vaginal flora is healthy. But be careful: this does not mean all vaginal discharge!
A healthy discharge is white and odorless. Anything else can indicate a possible infection. If your discharge has an unusually thick consistency, smells bad or is discolored, you should have it checked by your gynecologist. Yellowish, greenish discolorations can indicate a fungal infection. Brownish discolorations, on the other hand, indicate implantation bleeding. However, this is only an indication that the egg has successfully implanted in the uterus.

Sources:

https://www.eltern.de/ausfluss-in-der-schwangerschaft#section_31879
https://www.netdoktor.de/schwangerschaft/ausfluss-in-der-schwangerschaft/