Leukorrhea: Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

Leukorrhea in pregnancy is common, while some women worry about it being a type of vaginal infection; most of the time, it is very normal and harmless.

Leukorrhea is a form of odorless, mild discharge from the vaginal that is clear and has milk-like color. In most cases, Leukorrhea increases either at the start of pregnancy or as the pregnancy progresses.

Women are often naturally concerned when they notice any changes in their vaginal, especially when they are pregnant; most times before pregnancy, vaginal discharge varies from week to week, from day to day, depending on the circumstances, and this is highly attributed to the hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle.

During pregnancy, these hormonal changes become more significant, which often leads to a variation of vaginal discharge, and one of them is Leukorrhea.

Why do you have Leukorrhea

According to Dr. Grossman, Leukorrhea happens for some reasons which includes

• High estrogen levels that are experienced by women during pregnancy
• Increased blood flow to the vaginal wall
• Changes to the cervix during pregnancy affect vaginal discharge. During pregnancy, the cervix and the vaginal wall get soften, so the body creates excess discharge or more mucus to protect pregnancy and prevent infection. Most times, the baby’s head would press against the cervix as one nears the end of pregnancy, and this often leads to an increase in vaginal discharge

According to him, nearly all pregnant women would experience Leukorrhea, though it would be annoying, it is not bad or dangerous.

What to expect

• According to Dr. Sheryl Ross, the earliest sign of pregnancy is an increase in vaginal discharge, which will be noticed throughout the period of pregnancy.
• Changes in vaginal discharge can begin as early as one to two weeks after conception
• In most cases, the discharge becomes heavy, especially at the end of the pregnancy
• In the last week of the pregnancy, you may notice that the discharge contains mucus with streaks of blood; this is called “show.” This is an early sign of labor and shouldn’t cause alarm.

Characteristics of Leukorrhea

One of the characteristics of Leukorrhea is that it should not smell or itch. This is occasionally noticed as wetness in underwear near ovulation.  More of the discharge is noticed due to the high level of blood flow to the vaginal area and increase in pregnancy hormones during pregnancy, like estrogen.

Another characteristic of leukorrhea is that it’s a mild, odorless, and milky discharge that is often common  in pregnant women

When to Call a Doctor

It is very important to always let your doctor or health care provider know about any and all abnormal discharge that you are having; because this might be a sign of an infection or a problem with the pregnancy.

Below are some signs of abnormal discharge;

• When the color of the discharge becomes yellow, green, or grey
• When the discharge has a strong and foul smell
• When you start to notice itchiness, redness, or vulva swelling

The above is usually known as abnormal discharge; they are signs of infection and are usually common during pregnancy; among them is the Yeast Infection. When this is developed, The doctor might prescribe a vaginal cream to avoid serious infections.

To avoid yeast infection;

• Add yogurt and other fermented foods to your diet to promote healthy bacteria
• Dry your genitals after showering, swimming or exercising
• Wear cotton underwear
• Wear loose, breathable clothing’s

Commonly asked Questions

Tips on what to do about vaginal discharge when you are pregnant

• Bathe regularly and use underpants that have breathable cotton liners

When you keep clean and dry down there, it helps to keep the bacteria away and prevents vaginal infections

• Wearing pads and panty liners

During pregnancy, vaginal discharge is usually high, so it’s advised that one should wear pads and panty liners because they help to absorb the excess discharge from the virginal and keep you dry, which makes you feel more comfortable.

• Don’t bother with wipes

The vagina is self-cleaning. Wipes will change the pH in your genital tract, which would increase the risk of infection. But if you feel you must have that clean feel, then use wipes that pH safe and free of alcohol and chemicals.

• Leave Douches at drugstore

 Douching has not been known to be healthy for women during pregnancy and should be avoided at all costs. Is usually upset the balance of the microorganism in the vaginal and cam cause bacteria vaginosis