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Discharge during pregnancy: what's normal, by colour

By Nine Moons EditorialMedically reviewed by Professor Dr FarhatUpdated 10 Oct 20266 min read
Quick answer

More vaginal discharge is normal in pregnancy. Healthy discharge is thin, clear or milky white, with a mild smell. See your doctor if it becomes thick and white like cottage cheese with itching (thrush), grey and fishy (bacterial vaginosis), green or yellow, or smelly. Call your maternity unit straight away for any bleeding, a gush or trickle of watery fluid, or a jelly-like 'show' with contractions before 37 weeks.

Key facts

NormalThin, clear or milky, mild smell
ThrushThick, white, itchy
Bacterial vaginosisGrey, fishy smell
Watery trickleCould be your waters: get checked
ShowPink jelly-like mucus near labour

Why discharge increases

Higher oestrogen and more blood flow to the vagina increase discharge, called leukorrhoea. It protects against infection and often increases further near the end of pregnancy.

Colour guide

NormalClear or milkyThrushThick and white,itchyBVGrey,fishy smellInfectionYellow or green,smellySee doctorPink or brownspottingUrgentRed bleeding,or a watery gush
Discharge colour guide. Anything other than clear or milky discharge is worth a check. Bleeding or a gush of watery fluid needs a call to your maternity unit now.

Thrush

Thrush is a yeast infection and is more common in pregnancy. Signs are thick white discharge, itching and soreness. It's treated with pessaries or cream from your doctor or pharmacist. Tablets such as fluconazole are not recommended in pregnancy.

Bacterial vaginosis and infections

Grey, watery discharge with a fishy smell may be BV. Yellow or green discharge, a bad smell, or pain may mean another infection, including sexually transmitted ones. These need treating because some are linked to early labour.

Discharge or waters breaking?

Discharge is usually sticky and comes and goes. Waters (amniotic fluid) are usually clear or pale straw-coloured, watery, and keep leaking. If you're not sure, put on a pad, lie down for 30 minutes and see if it's wet when you stand. Then call your maternity unit; they would rather check. Read signs of labour.

The show

Near labour, the mucus plug that seals the cervix may come away as a pink, brown or clear jelly. It can happen days before labour. Before 37 weeks, tell your maternity unit.

Staying comfortable

  • Wear cotton underwear and avoid tight trousers.
  • Use unscented panty liners, never tampons.
  • Wash with plain water; avoid douches and scented washes.
  • Wipe from front to back.

Frequently asked questions

Is brown discharge normal in pregnancy?
Brown is usually old blood. It's often harmless, but mention it to your midwife or doctor.
Is watery discharge normal in the third trimester?
More discharge is common, but a steady trickle could be your waters. Get checked.
Can I use intimate washes?
Plain water is best. Perfumed products can upset the natural balance and cause irritation.

Sources

  • NHS: Vaginal discharge in pregnancy
  • ACOG: Vaginitis FAQ
  • CDC: STI treatment guidelines 2021

General information, not medical advice. Medical disclaimer · How we review content

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