Andy Montoya
Vaginal discharge is a normal bodily function that helps keep the vagina clean and moist, and prevents infections from developing. However, if your discharge has a strong, unpleasant, or unfamiliar odour, it could be a sign of a health problem. A fishy smell, for example, could indicate bacterial vaginosis, a yeast infection, or an STI. During pregnancy, vaginal discharge increases to help remove dead skin cells and bacteria from the vagina, and to prevent infections from travelling up from the vagina to the womb. However, if your discharge is a weird colour, smells bad, or makes your vagina itchy or irritated, see your health care provider or midwife.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vaginal discharge during pregnancy | Normal |
| Amount of discharge | Increased |
| Colour | Clear, white, or cream-coloured |
| Consistency | Thick, sticky, and mucus-like |
| Smell | Mild, not strong |
| Treatment | None required |
| Possible concerns | Infection, amniotic fluid infection, preterm birth, low birth weight, or other complications |
| Possible infections | Yeast, bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, bacterial, or sexually transmitted |
| Infection symptoms | Itching, irritation, dryness, burning, pain, unusual colour, or unusual consistency |
| Infection treatment | Antibiotics, antifungal medication, or vaginal creams |
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Bacterial vaginosis
Vaginal discharge is a normal body fluid that keeps the vagina clean and moist, preventing infections. The amount, colour, and consistency of discharge change throughout the ovulation process and pregnancy. During pregnancy, the amount of vaginal discharge increases, especially towards the end of pregnancy, as the body prepares for birth. Normal vaginal discharge should be clear or white and should not have a strong smell.
However, if you notice a strong, unpleasant, or fishy odour, it could indicate a vaginal infection, such as bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis occurs when there is an imbalance in the bacteria normally found in the vagina, specifically when there is an overgrowth of certain bacteria. It is sometimes asymptomatic, but symptoms may include a fishy odour and a greenish or grey-white discharge. The discharge may be most noticeable after sex, and itching, irritation, or burning may accompany it.
If you are experiencing an abnormal vaginal odour or discharge, it is important to see a healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant. They can help diagnose the cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.
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Yeast infections
Vaginal discharge is a normal part of pregnancy, and its amount, colour, and consistency will change throughout the ovulation process. However, abnormal discharge can be caused by a variety of factors, including yeast infections.
To maintain vaginal health, it is important to prioritise hygiene and lifestyle factors that can impact the vagina's natural pH. Using unscented and unflavoured products, wearing condoms during sexual intercourse, and choosing appropriate underwear and clothing can also help prevent infections.
If you are experiencing abnormal discharge, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice and treatment options.
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Trichomoniasis
Vaginal discharge is normal and common during pregnancy. It helps to remove dead skin cells and bacteria from the vagina. However, if you notice a change in the colour, texture, smell or amount of your vaginal discharge, it may be a sign of an infection.
Pregnant people with trichomoniasis are at higher risk of their water breaking too early, pre-term delivery, and low birth weight. If left untreated, there is also a chance that the infection could be transmitted to the baby during vaginal birth, although this is very rare.
The symptoms of trichomoniasis include vaginal discharge that is green, yellow, or grey and bubbly or frothy. It may also cause sex to become unpleasant. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 70 to 85 percent of people with trichomoniasis do not experience any symptoms.
If you are pregnant and displaying any symptoms of trichomoniasis, or if you are concerned about any changes in your vaginal discharge, you should see your doctor right away.
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Dehydration
During pregnancy, it is common for women to experience an increase in vaginal discharge. This increase is caused by higher levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which help protect against infection. Normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy should be clear, white, or cream-coloured, and it should not have a strong or unpleasant smell. It is usually thick, sticky, and mucus-like in consistency.
While discharge is typically heavier towards the end of pregnancy, it is important to monitor any changes in colour, texture, or smell, as these could indicate an infection. For example, a yellow, grey, or green discharge may suggest a bacterial or sexually transmitted infection (STI). A fishy odour is often associated with bacterial vaginosis, a common infection caused by a disturbance in the balance of bacteria in the vagina. Yeast infections, such as thrush, are also common during pregnancy and can result in a thick, cottage cheese-like discharge.
If you notice any abnormal discharge during pregnancy, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend a swab test to check for infection and prescribe appropriate treatment if necessary. Maintaining good vaginal health during pregnancy includes avoiding tampons and wearing loose cotton underwear. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid perfumed soaps and other scented products that could cause irritation.
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Vaginal pH imbalance
Vaginal discharge is a normal body fluid that helps keep the vagina clean and moist, and prevents infections. The amount, colour, and consistency of discharge change throughout the ovulation process, and during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, it is common to experience an increase in vaginal discharge, called leucorrhoea. This is caused by higher levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Leucorrhoea usually looks clear or white and does not have a strong smell.
However, if you notice an abnormal vaginal discharge with a strong or unpleasant odour, such as a "`fishy`" or "cheesy" smell, it could be a sign of a vaginal infection. Vaginal infections can be caused by various factors, including sexual intercourse with an infected partner, diabetes, birth control pills, certain soaps or sprays, and more.
One specific type of vaginal infection is bacterial vaginosis (BV), which is associated with an elevated vaginal pH. BV is caused by an imbalance in the bacteria normally found in the vagina, specifically an overgrowth of "bad" bacteria or yeast. It can cause a fishy odour, itching, and burning. If left untreated, it can lead to pregnancy complications, such as preterm birth and low birth weight.
Elevated vaginal pH has also been associated with other conditions, such as aerobic vaginitis (AV) and the presence of sperm cells in smears. A vaginal pH measurement is a quick and effective way to detect infections, especially in cases of preterm labour.
If you are experiencing abnormal vaginal discharge during pregnancy, it is important to consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend a swab test to check for infections and provide appropriate treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
A strong, unpleasant vaginal odour with a discharge may be a sign of a yeast infection. Vaginal yeast infections happen when a specific fungus (candida) grows out of control in your vagina. It produces a thick, white, cottage cheese-like vaginal discharge. Your vagina may swell and be itchy, and sex may be painful. Antifungal medications can treat yeast infections.
Bacterial vaginosis is another potential cause of a cheese-like smell in your discharge during pregnancy. It is an infection caused by an imbalance in the bacteria normally found in the vagina. It is sometimes asymptomatic, but symptoms may include a fishy odour or fishy-smelling discharge.
The risk factors for bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy include having sex without protection or with multiple partners, untreated or under-treated diabetes, taking birth control pills, taking antibiotics, having an HIV infection or decreased immunity, and using certain soaps, sprays, or detergents.
If you experience a cheese-like smell in your discharge during pregnancy, you should consult your healthcare provider or midwife. They can recommend appropriate treatments, such as prescription or over-the-counter vaginal creams and suppositories, or antibiotics.
