Pregnancy can be a ?juicy? time?and we?re not talking about ?is she or isn?t she"? gossip. Some women might notice extra saliva, a runny nose and, yes, more vaginal discharge. ?It?s just a normal thing that happens during pregnancy,? says Kerry Harris, a midwife based in Vancouver. This kind of pregnancy-related vaginal discharge is called leukorrhea. Though it can be common throughout the entire pregnancy, it can be one of the early-pregnancy symptoms and often increases more toward the end of the third trimester.
Why does it happen"
Say thanks to hormones: Your body?s increased levels of estrogen during pregnancy boosts blood flow to your pelvic area and stimulates your mucous membranes. The discharge does have a purpose, though. Harris says that it makes the vagina a ?self-cleaning system,? helping to prevent infections by flushing away bacteria, keeping the vagina at a normal pH level and getting rid of dead cells. What does it look like"
Normal vaginal discharge in pregnancy is thin, milky white and mild-smelling or odourless. ?Everyone?s got their normal, and that can increase in pregnancy,? says Harris. ?If it changes from normal, that?s a good thing to talk about with your healthcare provider.?
Pinkish or brownish discharge is probably the result of mild bleeding from your cervix being bumped during sex or a vaginal exam. As long as it?s not heavy bleeding, all is probably well, but you can ask your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
What i...