Articles

Key takeaways

• Normal vaginal discharge in pregnancy is usually thin, milky, and has little to no smell.
• It helps protect your vagina and womb from infection.
• Good hygiene, like wearing cotton underwear, can help prevent infections like thrush.
• Contact your midwife or doctor if discharge changes color, smells, or causes itching/pain.

What is normal vaginal discharge in pregnancy?

It is normal to have more vaginal discharge during pregnancy. This change is because there is more blood flow to your pelvic area during pregnancy. This discharge helps to keep your vagina clean and moist. It also helps prevent infections from travelling up from the vagina to your womb.

This normal, milky fluid (leukorrhoea) is usually thin, clear, or milky white. Normal discharge should not smell unpleasant.

Tips for managing vaginal discharge

To help prevent infections, wash your vulva with water. Avoid any soaps as this can irritate the vaginal skin. If you feel you need any cleansing you can use a gentle emollient which you can get through your GP or by consulting your chemist. The vagina is self-cleaning, so you only need to wash the outside area and water is usually sufficient.

To help prevent thrush, wear loose cotton underwear. Avoid tight-fitting underwear or trousers, as these can irritate the area.

• Do not use perfumed soaps, bubble bath, shampoo, or shower gel to clean your vagina.
• Avoid vaginal deodorants, washes, or douches.
• Do not use strong detergents to wash your underwear.
• Avoid putting yoghurt or essential oils on your vulva.

When to call your doctor or midwife

Contact your midwife if you have vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant or strange. You should also call if it is green or yellow.

If you feel itchy or sore around your vagina, or have pain when you pee, contact your midwife. These could be signs of a vaginal infection or a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Thrush

Thrush is a common infection during pregnancy. It can cause unusual vaginal discharge that can look thick, white, and like cottage cheese.

It can also cause itching and irritation around your vagina and vulva. The irritation can also make your skin appear a bit pink or red around your vagina and vulva. You might experience soreness and stinging during sex or when you pee.

Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or midwife if you think you have thrush. There are some thrush medicines you should not use while pregnant.

Bacterial vaginosis

An imbalance of the normal bacteria in your vagina can cause an infection (bacterial vaginosis, or BV). This condition is common during pregnancy.

It is important to get this treated. The infection can sometimes lead to complications, such as premature labour.

You should see your midwife or doctor if your discharge is white or grey, watery, and has a strong fishy smell. You might also experience itching, burning, or irritation in the vaginal area.

Urgent advice

Contact your midwife or doctor immediately if you have any vaginal bleeding while pregnant.

If you notice watery fluid or a big gush of liquid coming from your vagina, contact your midwife or maternity unit. This could mean your waters are leaking or have broken.