From the Guidelines
The discharge in pregnancy is called leukorrhea, a normal, milky white vaginal discharge that increases during pregnancy due to higher estrogen levels and increased blood flow to the vaginal area.
Characteristics of Leukorrhea
- Leukorrhea is typically thin, mild-smelling or odorless, and can range from clear to white or slightly yellowish in color.
- The amount of discharge typically increases as pregnancy progresses, especially in the third trimester.
- This discharge serves an important protective function by maintaining a healthy vaginal pH and preventing infections from traveling up to the uterus where they could harm the developing baby.
Monitoring and Managing Leukorrhea
While leukorrhea is normal, pregnant women should monitor their discharge for changes in:
- Color (especially green, gray, or yellow)
- Consistency (particularly if it becomes thick or chunky)
- Strong odor
- Accompanying symptoms such as itching, burning, or redness, as these could indicate an infection requiring medical attention. To manage normal leukorrhea, women can:
- Wear cotton underwear
- Avoid douching or using scented products in the genital area
- Use panty liners if needed, changing them frequently to maintain hygiene. It's essential to note that the provided evidence 1 primarily discusses bacterial vaginosis, which is a different condition from leukorrhea, and its screening and treatment in pregnancy. However, the key point for pregnant women is to be aware of the normal characteristics of leukorrhea and when to seek medical attention if they notice any unusual changes.
From the Research
Discharge in Pregnancy
- The discharge in pregnancy is not directly mentioned in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, study 3 discusses the treatment of vaginal infections, including those that may cause discharge, in pregnant and non-pregnant women.
- Study 4 mentions the treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, which can cause discharge, but does not specifically address discharge in pregnancy.
- The other studies 2, 5, 6 focus on the treatment of various infections and the interactions between antimicrobials and direct oral anticoagulants, but do not provide information on discharge in pregnancy.
Vaginal Infections and Discharge
- Study 3 recommends a seven-day course of oral metronidazole for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis in pregnant women 3.
- Study 4 proposes a combined treatment scheme for recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, including systemic and topical therapy, but does not specifically address pregnant women 4.
- The studies do not provide a clear answer to what the discharge in pregnancy is called, but they do discuss various vaginal infections that can cause discharge in women, including pregnant and non-pregnant women 3, 4.