Discharge in pregnancy
Dr. rer. nat. Daniela Oesterle is a molecular biologist, human geneticist and trained medical editor. As a freelance journalist, she writes texts on health topics for experts and laypeople and edits specialist scientific articles by doctors in German and English. She is responsible for the publication of certified advanced training courses for medical professionals for a renowned publishing house.
More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.Increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy is normal and can be attributed to hormonal changes: It often leads to increased, clear to white and odorless discharge. However, if the discharge during pregnancy is green, brown, gray or yellow in color, has an unpleasant smell and is possibly accompanied by itching or pain, an infection could be behind it. Read more about pregnancy & discharge.
Pregnancy: Discharge is often the first sign
An increased vaginal discharge is often the first indication of pregnancy. As soon as the egg is fertilized, the hormone estrogen, among other things, is increasingly produced. It increases the blood flow to the vaginal mucous membrane, which is why more fluid is released to the outside. The glands of the cervix and the so-called Bartholin's glands on the inside of the labia minora are also more active and secrete more secretions.
This normal discharge during pregnancy is thin, clear to white and odorless. The largest part is made up of flaked cells from the vaginal wall. In addition, there are electrolytes, urea, free fatty acids and various immune cells in the discharge.
Pregnancy: Increased discharge to protect against germs
The increased discharge during pregnancy effectively cleans the vaginal canal and protects against intruders such as pathogenic bacteria or fungi. "Good" bacteria from the normal vaginal flora also contribute to this: This consists of countless important bacteria - including above all lactic acid bacteria (lactobacteria). They bind to certain surface molecules (glycoreceptors) of the vaginal wall cells and thus prevent pathogenic bacteria from docking and settling. In addition, lactobacteria produce hydrogen peroxide and other substances that inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
The vagina's natural bacterial flora prevents pathogens from spreading. However, if the balance shifts and pathogenic germs gain the upper hand, an infection occurs. During pregnancy, women are somewhat more susceptible to such vaginal infections due to the hormonal change. The color of the secretion often changes - for example, a greenish or brown discharge develops.
Pregnant: discharge from diseases
If the discharge changes its consistency or color (yellow-greenish, green, brown or gray), has an unpleasant smell and / or is accompanied by itching or pain, you should urgently see a doctor. Then there is a high probability that there is an infection behind it that needs to be treated. Because some infections can be accompanied by complications such as premature labor, premature rupture of the bladder and premature birth, for example bacterial vaginosis. This is not uncommon: it occurs in around one in five pregnant women.
Tips for vaginal discharge during pregnancy
- Avoid tampons because they can increase the risk of a vaginal infection - especially if the tampon is not changed regularly.
- Prefer panty liners or sanitary towels without plastic.
- Put on cotton briefs and avoid tight pants.
- Make sure you have regular intimate hygiene with water. You may also be able to use a pH-neutral and fragrance-free cleaning product for the intimate area.
- Do not overdo it with intimate hygiene, otherwise you will destroy the natural bacterial flora and thus promote infections.
- Do not use vaginal douches or intimate sprays to protect the child.
- Eat probiotics. The healthy vaginal environment can benefit from this.
This advice will help you deal with the sometimes annoying increased discharge during pregnancy and prevent vaginal infections.
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