Pregnancy discharge, also known as leucorrhoea, is a type of vaginal discharge that becomes more noticeable during pregnancy. It’s a natural process that helps maintain a healthy vaginal environment by removing dead cells and bacteria.

In fact, increased vaginal discharge can even be one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. While most discharge changes are completely normal, certain colors, odors, or sensations may signal an infection or other medical issue.

Understanding what’s normal—and when to seek medical care—can help you protect both your health and your baby’s.

What Normal Pregnancy Discharge Looks Like

Normal discharge during pregnancy is similar to what you might experience throughout your menstrual cycle, though it tends to be more frequent and heavier due to hormonal changes.

Typical pregnancy discharge may:

  • Appear clear, white, or light yellow

  • Have a milky consistency

  • Smell mild or musky, but not unpleasant

  • Feel thin or slightly thicker at different times

As pregnancy progresses, the increase in estrogen and progesterone levels boosts blood flow to the vaginal area, which naturally raises discharge production.

You might also notice:

  • Mild swelling of the vulva

  • Darker skin tone around the vagina (due to increased blood flow)

  • Occasional light pink or brown discharge, which can result from old blood or mild spotting

Light spotting—especially in early pregnancy—can be normal. However, if you experience period-like or heavy bleeding, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

What Abnormal Discharge Looks Like

Discharge that looks or smells unusual may indicate an infection. Abnormal discharge during pregnancy may:

  • Look gray, green, or yellow

  • Have a strong, fishy, or foul odor

  • Resemble cottage cheese in texture

  • Cause itching, burning, or pain (especially when urinating or during sex)

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early treatment can prevent complications that may affect your pregnancy or baby.

Causes of Normal and Abnormal Discharge

Causes of normal pregnancy discharge

During pregnancy, hormonal surges—especially increases in estrogen and progesterone—stimulate the glands in your cervix and vagina to produce more fluid.

This discharge helps:

  • Flush out bacteria and dead cells

  • Protect the uterus from infection

  • Maintain a balanced vaginal pH

The added blood flow to your reproductive organs can also cause:

  • Mild swelling in the vulva

  • Visible varicose veins in the vaginal area

  • Occasional hemorrhoids around the anus due to pressure from the uterus

All of these are normal and typically harmless.

Causes of abnormal pregnancy discharge

When discharge changes color, smell, or texture, it usually indicates an infection. Common causes include:

  • Bacterial vaginosis (BV): An overgrowth of harmful bacteria that causes gray, fishy-smelling discharge

  • Trichomoniasis (trich): A sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite, leading to green or yellow discharge and irritation

  • Yeast infection (candidiasis): An overgrowth of yeast, causing thick, white, clumpy discharge and itching

Pregnancy hormones can disrupt your vaginal microbiome, making you more prone to infections than usual.

When To See a Healthcare Provider

It’s perfectly normal to have increased discharge while pregnant. However, you should contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Burning, itching, or discomfort

  • Foul-smelling or unusually colored discharge

  • Pain during sex or urination

  • Blood in your discharge

  • Heavy bleeding or cramping

Light spotting can be normal early in pregnancy, but moderate or heavy bleeding could indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy and requires immediate medical attention.

Treatment Options

Normal discharge

No treatment is needed for normal discharge. If it feels excessive or uncomfortable, you can:

  • Use a breathable panty liner (avoid tampons)

  • Wear cotton underwear

  • Change undergarments regularly

Abnormal discharge

If your provider suspects an infection, they may take a vaginal swab for lab testing.

Treatment depends on the cause:

  • Bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis: Treated with antibiotics safe for pregnancy

  • Yeast infection: Treated with antifungal medications, often in the form of creams or suppositories

Never self-medicate during pregnancy without consulting your doctor.

How To Prevent Vaginal Infections

You can reduce the risk of developing abnormal discharge by following these steps:

  • Keep your vaginal area dry and clean

  • Wear loose, cotton underwear

  • Avoid douching or using scented hygiene products

  • Use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections

  • Eat probiotic-rich foods (like yogurt) or take supplements if approved by your provider

  • Always wipe front to back after using the restroom

Potential Complications

While normal discharge is harmless, untreated infections can cause complications such as:

  • Preterm labor or premature rupture of membranes (water breaking)

  • Postpartum uterine infection (endometritis)

  • Low birth weight

  • Miscarriage (in severe cases of yeast infection or untreated BV)

Getting early diagnosis and treatment reduces the risk of these outcomes and helps ensure a healthy pregnancy.

A Quick Review

A normal increase in vaginal discharge is part of a healthy pregnancy and helps protect your body from infection. However, changes in color, smell, or texture can be warning signs of bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections.

Always talk to your healthcare provider if you notice unusual symptoms. Prompt care keeps both you and your baby safe.