What is white discharge? Is it normal during pregnancy?

Leukorrhea pregnancy is the term used to describe vaginal discharge during pregnancy. (Image: Canva)

White discharge during pregnancy is exactly what its name suggests: a discharge that women get during their pregnancy – white in colour. It is typically milky-textured, thin, and white in hue. This type of vaginal discharge is known as leukorrhea, which is a common occurrence both in pregnant and non-pregnant women. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause an increase in the amount and consistency of this white discharge. While it is usually harmless and a normal part of pregnancy, understanding the causes, potential concerns, and when to seek medical advice can help alleviate any worries.

What is leukorrhea (White discharge)?

The medical word for white vaginal discharge is leukorrhea. The fluid produced by the cervix and vagina that keeps the vagina clean and moist is known as vaginal discharge, says Dr Pooja Mehta, director and unit head, department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Marengo Asia hospital, Gurugram.

Additionally, it aids in infection prevention, says Dr Mehta. Vaginal discharges can be classified according to their colour, texture, or underlying reason. Typical varieties include Clear and watery, clear and stretchy, brown or bloody, yellow or green.

Leukorrhea pregnancy is the term used to describe vaginal discharge during pregnancy. It is mostly odourless, though it occasionally has a slight odour. When you get pregnant, you could have more vaginal discharge than normal, says the expert. However, a change in your vaginal discharge can indicate a medical condition that requires attention. Understanding normalcy and when to seek medical attention are crucial.

Leukorrhea during pregnancy

Leukorrhea pregnancy discharge won't feel any different from what you felt in between periods if you are a new mother. Early pregnancy discharge is also applied to leukorrhea pregnancy. A change in your regular discharge pattern is likely to become apparent one or two weeks prior to conception. Most women experience increased discharge, which lasts the entire duration of pregnancy. The thick white discharge that occurs during pregnancy normally gets heavier as the pregnancy progresses and reaches its thickest when the gestational period is almost over.

Why does leukorrhea happen?

According to Dr Mehta, white vaginal discharge, also known as leukorrhea, is a healthy bodily function. Vaginal discharge is a common occurrence for most women during their reproductive years. Leukorrhea can occur for several causes. It is mostly your body's natural method of vaginal cleaning. Your body defends itself against several kinds of germs through natural bodily waste. Aside from being a physiological function, bacterial or yeast infections can also be the source of typical vaginal discharge.

Why does leukorrhea occur during pregnancy?

Pregnancy with leukorrhea can have a variety of causes, says Dr Mehta among the causes of unusual white discharge during pregnancy are

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Among the STIs that might cause atypical milky white discharge during pregnancy are gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Inflammatory disease of the pelvis (PID)

Cervical cancer

Yeast infections: Occasionally, a thick white discharge during pregnancy could indicate a vaginal or yeast infection.

Is white discharge in pregnancy normal?

The presence of white vaginal discharge is quite frequent. Similarly, white discharge during pregnancy is typical; still, you should monitor any unusual changes. Early pregnancy discharge is less odorous, whitish, and thin. Tell your obstetrician about anything unusual or different from what is described here. To help you and your unborn child avoid any pregnancy issues, you can keep a diary in which you note any changes in the colour, texture, and odour of your vaginal discharge.

When to seek help for abnormal discharge during pregnancy?

Leukorrhea is a healthy bodily function, but it is important to address any atypical signs, especially during pregnancy. Some common atypical signs to watch out for are: Yellow, gray, or green-coloured discharge, excessively strong and foul smell, itching and redness on the vulva, fever, pain in the abdomen, unexplained and sudden weight loss, fatigue, bleeding, increased urination.

An indication of implantation bleeding may be highlighted by a pink or brown-coloured discharge. During pregnancy, mild vaginal spotting is not a reason for alarm. If you have any concerns, it is best to see your obstetrician.

It is advisable that you and your spouse undergo STI testing when trying to conceive in order to prevent conjecture on the cause of white discharge during pregnancy. A strange discharge may be a sign of potential pregnancy problems. It is not cause for concern if you encounter any of the symptoms mentioned above. The best person to pinpoint the precise issue and provide suitable care is your healthcare practitioner.