White losses or leucorrhoea are very common in pregnant women. They are normal, unless they change color, smell and itching occurs during pregnancy. Dr. François-Xavier Aubriot, obstetrician-gynecologist, sheds light on the subject.
THE White dischargealso known as leucorrhoea or of vaginal discharge, are present in pregnant women. These are natural discharges that are localized in the vagina. During pregnancy, these white losses will be more abundant, due to secreted hormones, especially from the second trimester of pregnancy. In some cases, the color of the losses may change, bad smells and itching may also appear and must lead the mother-to-be to consult. How are the white losses at the beginning and at the end of pregnancy? Is it normal if there are filaments of blood? What are the signs to worry about? Answers and advice from Dr François-Xavier Aubriot, obstetrician-gynecologist.
Are white discharge a sign of early pregnancy?
THE leucorrhoea more abundant are not necessarily a sign that you are pregnant, even if expectant mothers notice an increase in these secretions during pregnancy. THE White discharge is normal and daily for women, from puberty until menopause.
When do white discharge appear during pregnancy?
White losses appear from the beginning of pregnancy. “During pregnancy there is an increase in leucorrhoea under the influence in particular of estrogen and progesterone secretions by the ovary in early pregnancy, then by the placenta. These hormones stimulate the cervical and vaginal glands to secrete more, resulting in increased white discharge which are therefore physiological“, explains Dr François-Xavier Aubriot.
“These hormones stimulate the cervical and vaginal glands which secrete more, which leads to an increase in white discharge which is therefore physiological”.
Vaginal discharge that occurs early in pregnancy look the same as those that normally occur, but they are more abundant than usual. “They are sometimes slightly frothy, stringy or mucous“explains Dr. Aubriot.
Pregnant, why does white discharge smell bad?
The appearance of bad odors can testify to an infection just like a yellowish or greenish color. “Sometimes the appearance of leucorrhoea can suggest the cause of the infection. If infected with Gardnerella bacteria, they have a bad tin-like smell“, says Dr. Aubriot.
“If infected with Gardnerella bacteria, they smell bad, like tin.”
What color are white discharge during pregnancy?
In pregnant women, white discharge “are whitish. Sometimes they can take a slightly yellowish appearance due to changes in these secretions in the open air when found in lingerie or panty liners”, notes the healthcare professional. They can also have a greenish or yellow color due to an infection.. Do not hesitate to talk to your practitioner about it during the pregnancy follow-up.
Pregnant, can you have blood in the white discharge?
Generally, leucorrhoea during pregnancy does not “are not bloody”, emphasizes the gyneoologist. However, it is possible that filaments of blood end up in the white losses, wherever they are stained with blood. “It is mucous plug removal. This does not necessarily indicate an imminent delivery.“, he adds.
Can white discharge itch pregnant?
Itching in the vagina, on the lips, may appear in addition to white discharge. It’s a sign of mycosis. “The white discharge then looks like curdled milk and are accompanied by itching”, comments the doctor.
How long does white discharge last during pregnancy?
More abundant white discharge occurs throughout pregnancy and you can see that they are more important during the second trimester of pregnancy.
How are the white losses at the end of pregnancy?
At the end of pregnancy, leucorrhoea can take on the appearance of somewhat solid losses with a few streaks of blood. Not to be confused with bleeding. As the specialist explained above, this is due to the crumbling or expulsion of the mucous plugwhich is formed throughout pregnancy.
What to do pregnant if you have white discharge?
If white discharge is accompanied by symptomsthey must encourage a pregnant woman to make an appointment with her practitioner, particularly in the event of of “burning, itching, fever or urinary signs. It is also necessary to consult if the white losses are accompanied by a bad smell or if they are abundant and suggest, at the end of pregnancy, a cracking of the bag of waters”, details the doctor. A consultation allows pregnant women to be reassured about the normal nature of these secretions or, on the contrary, to receive treatment if they are linked to a complication or infection.
Thanks to Dr François-Xavier Aubriot, obstetrician gynecologist and author of the book Endometriosis, understand it better, live it better (Mango editions).