Is Having A Watery Discharge During Pregnancy Normal?

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A healthy vaginal discharge is clear or milky white and odorless (or with a mild odor). The varying amount of vaginal discharge depends on whether you are menstruating, pregnant, or going through menopauseⁱXTermination of a woman’s menstrual cycle in a woman due to a decrease in reproductive hormones or late menopause. (1) (2). Increased estrogenⁱXA hormone responsible for the development and functioning of female reproductive organs levels may cause watery discharge during pregnancy, although this is not worrisome. However, if there are any color changes and a foul smell or other symptoms, it can be concerning (3).

Read on to learn more about watery discharge while pregnant, why it happens and how to manage it.

What Is Watery Discharge During Pregnancy?

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During pregnancy, as your body is preparing to accommodate your baby, your cervix and the vaginal walls soften from enhanced estrogen levels. This leads to increased blood flow in the pelvic region, especially in the uterus and uterus cervix, where endocervical glandsⁱXGlandular epithelial tissues situated in the inner cervix responsible for the production of mucus produce watery discharge. Pregnant women are more prone to infections. The increased watery discharge can protect the vagina from viruses and bacteria. It clears out the dead cells in the vagina (3).

This discharge might get heavier with the advance of your pregnancy, and you may even confuse it with urine. However, understand that it is normal.

An increase in discharge is also one of the early pregnancy symptoms, but it might not be the same in all cases. Therefore, you should look for other symptoms and take a pregnancy test (4).

Quick fact

Pregnancy may cause more vaginal discharge due to an increased amount of blood flowing to the area (5).

How Does A Watery Discharge Appear?

During pregnancy, the watery discharge appears clear or milky white, with a thin consistency, and is called physiologic leucorrheaⁱXAbnormally colored (white or yellow) vaginal discharge in women, often resulting from an infection . The discharge may either have a mild smell or no odor and resembles the vaginal discharge that you have before your periods. You might feel it in your underwear (5).

Is Having A Watery Discharge During Pregnancy Normal?

Watery discharge is common during pregnancy and holds a sticky consistency. As your pregnancy advances, a heavy discharge could indicate your body’s preparation for labor. However, accompanying symptoms such as pain, a foul odor, or itching, could be concerning and require doctor consultation (3) (5) (6).

What Are The Causes Of Watery Discharge In Pregnancy?

When you’re pregnant, you may experience watery discharge due to (4):

• Pregnancy-related changes in the vagina and cervix
• Increased estrogen levels
• Rupture of the amniotic sacⁱXThe membranous sac containing the amniotic fluid that protects and nourishes the developing fetus (water breaking) at the beginning of or during labor (6)
• Amniotic fluid leakage or premature rupture of membranesⁱXRupturing of the amniotic sac before the onset of labor, usually due to infections (PROM) (7)

Point to consider

PROM may be confused with urine or other vaginal discharge. So, use a pad to collect the discharge and assess it carefully. Amniotic fluid is usually clear and odorless (12).

When Is Watery Discharge A Sign Of Concern?

If you have a vaginal discharge other than clear, milky or thin, it could cause concern. The associated symptoms and unusual changes may need a doctor’s attention (4).

• Foul or strong, fishy smell
• Vaginal itchiness or soreness
• Burning sensation
• Change in the color of vaginal discharge to yellow, brown, pink, curdy white, or any other color
• Change in the consistency of the discharge

These symptoms and changes could indicate vaginal infections, including bacterial infection (vaginosis), parasitic infection (trichomoniasisⁱXSexually transmitted parasitic infection characterized by genital itching and foul-smelling vaginal discharge in females ), yeast infection (candidiasisⁱXA relatively common yeast infection causing itching, pain, and discharge in the vaginal region in women ), or sexually transmitted infection. Since these infections can cause various pregnancy complications, ensure to consult your doctor as soon as you notice any of these symptoms (8).

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You should also seek immediate medical care if you observe a heavy gush of watery fluid at the end of your pregnancy (i.e., water breaking) (6).

A clear watery discharge with cramps in the lower abdomen also necessitates medical intervention as it could signify pelvic inflammatory diseaseⁱXInfection in the female genital tract characterized by pelvic pain, fever, and abnormal vaginal discharge (PID) or the onset of early labor (9).

How To Manage Watery Discharge When Pregnant?

Since watery discharge during pregnancy is not a cause of concern, it requires no treatment prevention. However, the following measures can help prevent heavy and abnormal watery discharge during pregnancy (10) (11):

• Wear cotton underpants, panty liners, or pads as per your convenience (5)
• Avoid wearing tight clothing, such as tight pants or bikini shorts, for a longer time
• Wipe your butt from front to back after the toilet use
• If you have irritation in your genital area, change your detergent
• Avoid hot tubs and feminine hygiene sprays, as these can cause irritation
• Maintain good hygiene by taking a bath everyday

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• Avoid using tampons and douching as they may introduce unwanted germs
• Some birth control measures can also irritate some women; therefore, consult your health care provider if you notice any such symptoms.

Quick tip

Avoiding using perfumed soaps and bath products may help prevent vaginal yeast infections (4).

Infographic: Causes And Warning Signs Of Watery Discharge During Pregnancy

Having watery discharge during pregnancy is normal for many women and is usually not a cause for concern. However, it’s also important to know when to consult a doctor, as in some cases, it can indicate an infection or other complications. So, scroll through the infographic below to learn more about watery discharge in pregnancy.

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Dr. Irene (Eirini) OrfanoudakiPhD, MD

Dr. Irene (Eirini) Orfanoudaki is a gynecologist-obstetrician, having a private practice in Heraklion, Crete, and collaborating with private health clinic 'MITERA' - Euromeda in Heraklion. With around 21 years of experience as a gynecologist-obstetrician, she specializes in ultrasound, colposcopy, minimal and advance gynecologic surgery, aesthetic gynecology, fertility consulting, menopause consulting, operative obstetrics, high-risk pregnancy, normal deliveries, antenatal, intra-parum, postnatal care,...more

Reshmi DasMSc

Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a clinical coordinator, medical content writer and medical conference coordinator. Her continuous interest in medical journals and writing makes her write well-researched articles for MomJunction. She writes health and wellness articles for children and pregnant and lactating women. Reshmi has completed her post graduation in Biotechnology from MITS School of Biotechnology,...more