Many changes occur in the body during pregnancy. Many women notice an increased discharge from the vagina (white flow). The medical term for this is genital fluorine, and cervical mucus is also a well-known term. Even if the discharge can be unusual and uncomfortable at first, in most cases it is quite natural and important for the natural flora of the vagina. But sometimes the discharge can also be an indication of an illness. We have summarized the signs to look out for here.
Important note: This text cannot replace a doctor's visit or personal medical advice. Please always contact your doctor if you have any questions, problems or anything unclear. Our medical texts are written by specialists (e.g. medical journalists, doctors, medical students shortly before the end of their studies, doctoral students in medical fields); however, we cannot guarantee the correctness or liability for the content.
The discharge is produced by glands in the vagina. Among other things, due to the increased blood flow to the vagina during pregnancy, more discharge is produced. This is completely normal. The discharge is often colorless-whitish and does not smell. Very important and as a rule of thumb for any discharge, regardless of whether it is during pregnancy or not, the following applies: No other complaints are added to the discharge.
The discharge transports dead cells to the outside and thus has an important function for the vaginal flora. Even before pregnancy, the consistency and amount fluctuate in the cycle. And, of course, how much discharge is formed varies from woman to woman.
Women are particularly prone to genital infections during pregnancy. Often times, the infections change the color, viscosity, and smell of the discharge. But there are other, natural reasons for changes in the cervical mucus. We have summarized the most important ones for you.
Often very uncomfortable, because crumbly discharge often occurs together with a reddened vagina, itching and whitish deposits. This is an indication of a fungal infection. Fungal infections are very common infections of the genital area during pregnancy. Up to 40% of women can be affected. The doctor can make the diagnosis through the questioning and examination. Fungal infections are usually treated with ointments (Gätje et al. 2015). A healthy vaginal flora can be important to avoid fungal infections.
That sounds very ugly. If you have a strong smelling discharge, it also indicates a bacterial infection. Sometimes it is also very thin . In order to find the right therapy, the gynecologist can examine the discharge and, if necessary, prescribe medication. The good news is that there are good drugs available that do not pose a risk to the child (Egger et al. 1999).
Most women notice this constellation immediately and suggest an infection with trichomonads. In addition, small wounds in the genital area can also occur. These pathogens often only become symptomatic during pregnancy. Which sounds disgusting at first: Trichomonads are tiny animals from a cell . These are not so rare and often already present in women before pregnancy. However, the doctor can usually easily identify you by examining the discharge and start an effective therapy.
If the increased discharge during pregnancy has brownish streaks or has a brownish discoloration, it may be due to a small amount of bleeding. This can occur naturally after intercourse, a doctor's exam, or other irritation. So there is no need to worry at first. If the brownish discharge persists or is rather reddish, you should see a gynecologist walk[KR1] .
Reddish discharge may indicate bleeding. Depending on the point in time, pregnancy can have very different causes. Since some of these causes require rapid treatment, a doctor should always be consulted (Gätje et al. 2015).
Shortly before the birth, the mucus plug, which sealed the cervix during pregnancy, can come off. Especially at the beginning of the birth, the so-called drawing bleeding can occur due to small tears in vessels in the vagina. This is completely normal and is part of the natural birth process (Gätje et al. 2015).
Of course, the discharge is often not the most noticeable symptom. It can appear together with many signs of illness and can also be helpful for the doctor to find the correct diagnosis in the case of serious illnesses. The discharge can also come from organs other than the vagina, e.g. the uterus. It is therefore important not to be ashamed of telling the doctor the abnormalities and showing them during the examination.
If women notice unusual changes in discharge, a doctor or gynecologist should clarify the cause. In some cases, therapy must be initiated. In some cases, treatment of the partner is also necessary. In addition to the reasons mentioned, allergic reactions, mechanical or chemical stimuli, neoplasms or poor hygiene, itching and changes in the discharge can also trigger (Gätje et al. 2015).
Since an increased discharge can be bothersome, it is important to find suitable products as an insert. On the one hand, these should be absorbent and sit well. On the other hand, high quality demands are placed on the insoles, especially during pregnancy. These should not contain any harmful substances or hormones that could affect the unborn child. More information about Ingredients of tampons, sanitary towels, etc. can be found on our website.
The discharge increases especially at the beginning of the pregnancy. The color is often transparent to white. Most of the time the discharge is odorless.
Sudden changes, unusual color or smell, up to a foamy consistency can be indications of illness. Then a doctor should be consulted in any case.
As the discharge increases during pregnancy, many women resort to panty liners or sanitary towels. Here it is important to use high quality and pollutant-free products in order to avoid exposure to chemicals. Products made of cotton or with products tested by Ökotest can give women security in this sense.
Egger, et al. (1999), 'Infections in Pregnancy', Therapeutic look around, 56 (10), 577-82.
Gätje, Regine, et al. (2015), Short textbook gynecology and obstetrics (Georg Thieme Verlag).
You can find many Questions & Answers in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Unsure about the right size? See our size chart!
Click one of the items below to get started.
