Pregnancy can be a scary time in our lives. There are times when we find ourselves asking the question “Can this possibly be normal?”. When we see a strange discharge during pregnancy we tend to freak out just a little bit, or even a lot. There are times when this discharge can be a legitimate concern, however the majority of time it’s nothing to be concerned about.
* Bleeding
It is very common to see bloody discharge during pregnancy. It most commonly occurs after sex. You should know that this is completely normal. Your cervix is very sensitive while you are pregnant and any disturbance can cause bleeding. You might notice some bleeding after an exam as well, this is also due to disturbing the cervix and is also completely normal. There are some instances of bloody discharge however that are cause for concern.
When to call the doctor:
*The bloody discharge is during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
*You have cramping or contractions
*If you have bleeding that soaks more than one pad per hour.
*The bleeding does not stop within a 24 hour period.
* White, Lumpy Discharge
Even if you have had a yeast infection before pregnancy, it is a new ball game now that there is a baby inside you! A normal yeast infection will cause a thick, white or yellow, foul smelling discharge during pregnancy. Another symptom of a yeast infection is itching or burning of the labia and/or vagina. You CAN use a yeast infection medication such as Monistat to treat this common pregnancy condition.
It is important to note however, that there is a chance that you may have a more serious condition in which the symptoms mimic those of a yeast infection. Therefore, it is important that you talk to your doctor no matter how confident you are that you have a yeast infection.
Clear to Pink Discharge
This is the most important kind of discharge to take note of during pregnancy as it could be the most troublesome. Anytime during pregnancy, but especially during the third trimester, a clear, pinkish fluid could be amniotic fluid and could mean that you have a leak or a tear in your amniotic sack. This is a big deal girls. Call your doctor.
Fortunately when this clear, pinkish discharge during pregnancy occurs it isnt amniotic fluid, but instead, it is just a little urine. As humiliating as that might be, we are pregnant and yes, disgusting things happen, like urinating on yourself!
When to go to the emergency room:
*Any blood that shows up with this kind of discharge
*Regular contractions or pain with the discharge
Normally we will experience an increase in overall discharge during pregnancy. It is important to know what to look for. Most of the time our discharge will be milky and about the consistency of yogurt. If you are concerned, always call your doctor!