15/06/2025
WHEN VAGINAL DISCHARGE DURING PREGNANCY SHOULD BE A CONCERN
In our previous post, we talked about how va**nal discharge during pregnancy is common and completely normal. We also promised to return with information on when va**nal discharge might indicate a problem or concern
Letβs break it downβ¦π
READ ALONG WITH DR X MBONGOZI
When should you be concerned about va**nal discharge during pregnancy?
1. You should be concerned if the discharge changes color. As we mentioned in our previous post, normal va**nal discharge during pregnancy is typically milky white. A change in colorβespecially to green, yellow, or grayβcan be a cause for concern, as it may indicate a bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
2. Thick white(normal discharge is thin and milky white) with an itch or looks like cottage cheese, this usually indicates a fungal infection.
3. Brown or Bloody discharge- Especially early or late in pregnancy, it could indicate implantation(When a fertilised egg attaches to the uterine lining in order to turn into a fetus) Or it may indicate a miscarriage.
* If your discharge is brown and bloody at a later stage of the pregnancy it may signal preterm labour.
4. Strong or foul odor - The odour may be that of a string fishy smell and may be because of bacterial vaginosis (an infection caused by changes to the amount of bacteria in your va**na ) or other infections.
5. Accompanied by other symptoms ;
* Itching, burning, irritation, swelling, or pain which may be caused by an infection
* Fever or abdominal pain, a sign of a more serious condition
6. Watery, continuous Leaking;
* This might be caused by amniotic fluid( the protective liquid that serves as a cushion for the growing fetus), more especially if it looks clear and is odourless
β
What to Do π€·π½ββοΈ
1. See Your OB-GYN or Midwife
β’ Always report abnormal discharge.
2. Avoid Self-Medicating
β’ Donβt use over-the-counter creams or treatments unless prescribed. Some treatments arenβt safe during pregnancy.
3. Keep the Area Clean and Dry
β’ Wear breathable, cotton underwear.
β’ Avoid douches, scented soaps, or va**nal wipes, which can disrupt the natural pH balance.
4. Monitor Your Symptoms
β’ Keep track of the amount, color, odor, and consistency of the discharge.
β’ Note any new symptoms like fever, cramps, or back pain.
Topics to come:
* Discharge is per trimester
* Tips/ Daily care of managing va**nal discharge during pregnancy.
* Dispelling common myths about va**nal discharge during pregnancy