Pregnancy Discharge: Changes in Color & Texture vs. Normal - Verywell Health

Experiencing vaginal discharge during pregnancy is normal. Vaginal discharge can vary in color, texture, volume, and odor throughout pregnancy. It can also fluctuate during the menstrual cycle.

An increase in discharge is also one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. However, color is one of the most noticeable changes. Most discharge should be milky white or clear and thin, with a mild scent. Other colors, like yellow, green, or gray, can sometimes indicate an infection or other problem. 

This article covers what the different colors of discharge mean, how vaginal discharge typically changes during pregnancy, and when to see a healthcare provider. 

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What's Normal for Pregnancy Discharge?

Normal pregnancy discharge, known as leukorrhea,  is usually clear or milky white and thin. It has only a mild odor. It is expected to experience an increase in this type of vaginal discharge during pregnancy. An increase in discharge is often the first sign of pregnancy. 

Discharge Colors in Pregnancy and Their Meaning

When vaginal discharge changes color, volume, or smell, it may indicate an infection or serious health condition. Discharge that requires treatment may appear yellow, green, or gray. 

Research shows that about half of pregnant people who experience concerning vaginal discharge also report other symptoms like itching, foul odor, pain with urination, painful sexual intercourse, and psychological distress. 

Clear or Milky White

Clear or milky white discharge with no smell is usually considered normal leukorrhea. Normal discharge is thin and does not have any lumps or clumps. 

White and Lumpy

White, lumpy vaginal discharge may mean that you have a yeast infection. This type of discharge usually resembles cottage cheese and has an off-white color.

Yeast infections are the most common fungal infections in the vagina. They occur when there is an overgrowth of candida yeast in the vagina. Pregnancy raises the risk of increased yeast and yeast infections.

Other yeast infection symptoms include itching, burning, and painful urination. Treating a yeast infection immediately is important because an infection can raise the risk of serious complications, including premature birth, low birth weight, and miscarriage. 

Green or Yellow

Vaginal yellow or green discharge may mean that you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Trichomoniasis vaginalis is spread through sexual contact. It is the most common nonviral STI and causes yellowish-green discharge, itching, irritation, pelvic pain, and pain with urination. Trichomoniasis vaginalis is treatable and may lead to poor birth outcomes if left untreated. 

Chlamydia is a common STI that can cause yellow or green discharge and painful urination. Untreated chlamydia can lead to infertility over time. Chlamydia does not always cause symptoms, so ask a healthcare provider about getting regular screenings, if necessary. 

Gray

Gray vaginal discharge may mean you have bacterial vaginosis, an infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis can cause gray discharge that has a strong fishy smell. The smell may become stronger after sexual intercourse.

Bacterial vaginosis is treatable. See a healthcare provider if you develop symptoms because this infection can lead to serious pregnancy complications, including preterm labor and postpartum endometritis. 

Brown

Brown vaginal discharge is usually caused by old blood. A small amount of brown discharge may be caused by implantation bleeding, which occurs when the fertilized egg implants into the uterine wall at the beginning of pregnancy. 

A small amount of old blood is usually normal, but contact a healthcare provider if you experience a large amount of dark brown discharge or red blood. 

Pink

Pink vaginal discharge usually indicates spotting, a minimal amount of blood. Experiencing a few drops of blood from the vagina in early pregnancy can be normal. This may be a sign of implantation bleeding. It is also possible to experience spotting after sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam. Call a healthcare provider if you experience bleeding. 

Red

Red vaginal discharge is usually caused by bleeding and requires immediate treatment. Possible serious causes of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy include:

What Causes Changes to Vaginal Discharge?

Vaginal discharge is common during pregnancy because of the physical changes inside your body. During pregnancy, your body produces more discharge to help prevent infections that could harm the baby. In addition to an increased discharge, the cervix (opening to the uterus) softens, which allows more discharge to leave the vagina.  

Dealing With Pregnancy Discharge

Treating pregnancy discharge varies based on the underlying cause. There is no need to contact a healthcare provider for normal vaginal discharge that is white and not causing other symptoms. If the increased amount is bothersome, try wearing a panty liner to absorb the discharge. 

See a healthcare provider for vaginal discharge that has changed its color, volume, or smell. This is especially important if you are experiencing additional symptoms like itching or pain. Many infections that cause a change in vaginal discharge can be treated with medication. 

To lower your risk of contracting a vaginal infection during pregnancy, avoid the following products:

• Tampons
• Douching products or wipes 
• Scented feminine hygiene products 
• Nylon pantyhose
• Tight jeans or pants 

Always wipe your genital area from front to back to lower the risk of bacteria entering the vagina. Thoroughly dry your genital area after showering or swimming to avoid a moist environment for yeast growth. 

When to See a Healthcare Provider

See a healthcare provider whenever you notice a change in your vaginal discharge during pregnancy. The infections that cause changes to vaginal discharge are usually treatable with prescription medication. When left untreated, some infections may lead to serious complications, including:

• Vaginal pain
• Uterine contractions
• Premature membrane rupture (when your water breaks too early)
• Miscarriage 
• Preterm delivery
• Low-birth weight 
• Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (when the baby has trouble breathing)
• Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay 
• Neonatal death 

Summary 

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is common. Normal discharge is known as leukorrhea and has a milky white or clear color. It is thin and has a mild scent. An increase in normal discharge is often the first sign of pregnancy. 

When vaginal discharge changes in color, texture, volume, or smell, it may indicate an infection or other serious condition. Yellow, green, or gray discharge may be caused by an infection that can cause serious complications for both the pregnant person and the baby.

By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH
Carrie Madormo, RN, MPH, is a health writer with over a decade of experience working as a registered nurse. She has practiced in a variety of settings including pediatrics, oncology, chronic pain, and public health.

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