During pregnancy, your body is going through a lot of changes. After all, you’re growing a human inside of you. You’re also going to become very acquainted with your vagina, from all angles.
All pregnant women will notice a watery discharge during pregnancy; it might be different regarding the color, the smell, and even the consistency but it’s going to happen.
If you had to chart your cervical fluids and body temperature to assist with conceiving, then you’ll already be familiar with vaginal discharge and that there are different types.
Throughout your cycle, the discharge changes: occasionally it’s runny, other times a little more “gloopy.” Sometimes it’ll have a color to it and even an odor.
While pregnant, you’re going to drip, leak, spot and even show. However, most of the time, besides possibly embarrassing you, the watery discharge shouldn’t cause any concern.
Is the Watery Discharge During Pregnancy Normal?
The quick answer is yes, it’s completely normal.
Most of the time, the discharge will be urine, which simply means the pressure has built up on your bladder, and you’ve had a bit of an accident. It typically happens when you cough, sneeze or while you’re laughing.
That’s probably where the saying “I peed my pants” comes from.
At different stages of your pregnancy, the discharge will probably change and more often than not, there’s no need to worry about it. In fact, most of the watery discharges are perfectly normal and your body’s ways of flushing out any bacteria or germs that could harm you or your baby.
See Also: Safe Sleeping Positions during Pregnancy
Normal Watery Discharge
1. Leukorrhea
This is absolutely normal, and it’s caused by a rush of estrogen which results in a rush of blood to your pelvic area. Should this happen, it can show as a watery, thin and white discharge.
Along with morning sickness, Leukorrhea often appears early on in the pregnancy and can be a sign or symptom that you’re pregnant.
2. Amniotic Fluid
Around the last trimester, you’re going to experience a discharge of amniotic fluid or rather a gush that could get you a little panicked. Stay calm and call your doctor immediately if you’re leaking fluid and it appears green-tinged or brownish yellow!
Your body is getting rid of dead skin, cervical and vaginal secretions, bacteria and cells that the body no longer needs or have a use for. Again it’s a normal and necessary discharge.
The mucus plug (or the show) is often an indication that you’re going into labor. During your pregnancy, it helps to prevent any infections. When you go into labor and the dilation process starts, the plug is expelled.
Unlike the movies, it’s not always a large amount of liquid. It varies in volume, and for some women, it’s a watery discharge. Others might notice blood or other dark fluids.
Your “water breaking” as some people refer to it is a sign that you’re going into labor. Unless you notice a lot of blood, you don’t need to contact your gynecologist or midwife, rather call your partner and grab your hospital bag.
Abnormal Watery Discharge
Occasionally, the watery discharge isn’t “normal” and might need a little more attention. If it causes discomfort, like itchiness or soreness, difficulty to pass urine, or if it’s cloudy, frothy and green with an unpleasant smell, we suggest you talk to your doctor.
Remember, this type of discharge is your body’s way of telling you something’s wrong.
Yeast infections are fairly common, even when you’re not expecting. But during pregnancy, it probably feels a lot worse because your body’s already going through so many changes.
It can present itself in many ways including a watery discharge, as well as itching and redness, a burning sensation when you’re urinating and there can be a green or yellow color to the discharge.
Although it’s not dangerous, it is uncomfortable and can be treated.
BV or bacterial vaginosis can present the same symptoms as the common yeast infection, but it will need medical attention.
Along with the discharge and discomfort, there will also be a foul-smelling or fishy discharge. This happens when there is an imbalance of pH levels inside the vagina.
If left untreated it can result in miscarriage, preterm delivery and because it may recur, infections in the uterus after you’ve had your baby.
If at any time, there is blood in your discharge during your pregnancy, it’s best to speak to an expert, either your GP, gynecologist or even the ER. The majority of the time, it’s nothing but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
A bit more blood than usual could be a sign that you’re going into preterm or premature labor. This can affect you and your baby, so it’s best to seek professional advice. If you have bad cramps or a lot of pain with a discharge, whether there’s blood or not, ask for help.
4. Sexually Transmitted Infections
Many people don’t take care of their sexual health, which is a huge concern. One of the most common reasons for your discharge to change, pregnant or not, is when there is an STI or STD (sexually transmitted disease).
What is even more of concern is that a lot of these infections don’t show any symptoms, until it’s too late. Untreated STI’s can cause unseen damage to your reproductive organs, which results in infertility and various other conditions.
Remember…
If at any time, you have a discharge that you’re not happy with, chat with your GP. If there are any strange smells or a change in color, and you notice more blood streaks, spotting or if there is a noticeable difference consistency of the discharge, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Often when you fall pregnant, you are offered a sexual health check. It will help your medical team during your pregnancy, should anything happen along the way and it will give you peace of mind.
