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What are the Different Types of Pregnancy Discharge?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

A woman may experience several types of discharge during pregnancy. The most common type of pregnancy discharge, however, is called leukorrhea, which is whitish in appearance and may seem mucous-like at times. A woman may also experience spotting during pregnancy, which is often brownish or whitish with red or pink streaks. Sometimes a woman may also have a thick, cottage-cheese-like discharge during pregnancy, which may be the result of a yeast infection. Additionally, some women notice a watery pregnancy discharge during mid-to-late pregnancy, which may be the result of leaking amniotic fluid.

Having more vaginal discharge is normal during pregnancy and is usually no cause for alarm. Often, women notice an odorless discharge that is somewhat milky in appearance while they are pregnant. This type of discharge is normally made up of a combination of dead cells and various vaginal and cervical secretions. Late in pregnancy, this discharge may also take on a mucus-like quality. Often, this occurs as a woman’s cervix is changing and she begins to lose the barrier of mucus that protects her cervix and reproductive organs from the outside world.

Yeast infections, characterized by odorous vaginal discharge, are common during pregnancy.
Yeast infections, characterized by odorous vaginal discharge, are common during pregnancy.

Sometimes pregnancy discharge is thicker than usual; has an unpleasant or pungent smell; or is accompanied by itching and irritation in the vaginal area. In such a case, the pregnant woman may have a vaginal infection. Yeast infections, which can be treated with over-the-counter medications, are common during pregnancy and cause such symptoms as itching and burning; redness; and a discharge that resembles cottage cheese. If a discharge has a fishy smell or is green or yellowish, the woman may have a more serious infection and may need a doctor’s evaluation.

A woman who notices thin and clear pregnancy discharge should consult her doctor immediately.
A woman who notices thin and clear pregnancy discharge should consult her doctor immediately.

While no woman wants to see bloody discharge while she is pregnant, many women do experience spotting during pregnancy. For example, a pregnant woman may notice brown spotting or see streaks of pink or red in her underwear. Sometimes the spotting is so scant that a woman may only notice it when she wipes with toilet paper. Though spotting may not mean anything is wrong with her developing baby, an expectant mother may do well to seek a doctor’s advice when she notices it.

Late in pregnancy, discharge may have a mucus-like quality to it.
Late in pregnancy, discharge may have a mucus-like quality to it.

If a woman notices pregnancy discharge that is clear and thin, she’ll likely need to contact her doctor as soon as possible. In some cases, this discharge may mean a woman is leaking amniotic fluid. The only way to know for sure, however, is to seek the help of a health care professional.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

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Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon282525

I am due to get my period in four days, however, my husband and I have been trying this month to conceive. This morning when I went to the toilet I had a very watery pink discharge. This has now turned into a sporadic light pink think discharge (streak) only when I wipe. I have been feeling very tired, gassy and feel a dull like pressure in my lower abdomen which has been like this for the last two weeks or so. Could I be pregnant or is this the start of my period?

rugbygirl

@SailorJerry - I know it's scary, but if the doc says not to worry, try not to! Often, spotting is caused by a little bruising to the cervix. Blood flow to the cervix increases during pregnancy; exercise, sex, and other activities that affect the cervix can then cause spotting.

SailorJerry

What causes the pink or red spotting the article was talking about? My wife asked her doctor and apparently he told her not to worry--but I can't help it.

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    • Yeast infections, characterized by odorous vaginal discharge, are common during pregnancy.
      By: eillen1981
      Yeast infections, characterized by odorous vaginal discharge, are common during pregnancy.
    • A woman who notices thin and clear pregnancy discharge should consult her doctor immediately.
      By: pressmaster
      A woman who notices thin and clear pregnancy discharge should consult her doctor immediately.
    • Late in pregnancy, discharge may have a mucus-like quality to it.
      By: pedrosala
      Late in pregnancy, discharge may have a mucus-like quality to it.
    • Some women use panty liners or maxi pads to protect their clothing from the increased discharge during pregnancy.
      By: kellyreekolibry
      Some women use panty liners or maxi pads to protect their clothing from the increased discharge during pregnancy.
    • Having more vaginal discharge is considered to be normal during pregnancy.
      By: Dragos Iliescu
      Having more vaginal discharge is considered to be normal during pregnancy.
    • Cervical mucus in early pregnancy is typically creamy, odorless, and white.
      By: DNF-Style
      Cervical mucus in early pregnancy is typically creamy, odorless, and white.