What are Normal Pregnancy Secretions?

Published at 23 September 2024

Pregnancy may be one of the most beautiful experiences in your life, but it is a critical stage that is accompanied by many questions and concerns, and one of the most common questions among women is the changes in pregnancy secretions during this period. First, you must be reassured that the changes in your secretions are completely normal, and you do not have to worry about them. To make things easier for you, we will guide you to what these secretions look like naturally, and when you should see a doctor about them.

What are the normal pregnancy secretions?

Normal pregnancy secretions are similar to your normal secretions during your menstrual cycle, as they are light, white or milky, without strong or unpleasant odor, and are not associated with burning or itching. However, their quantity may be greater during pregnancy, and their abundance may increase in the third trimester, and in general, each woman has her own natural secretions she is accustomed to during the menstrual cycle, and it will not differ much during pregnancy. (1)( 4)

What is the importance of these secretions?

Vaginal discharge (Leukorrhea) is one of the early signs of pregnancy, and it is important to protect your child growing inside you. During pregnancy, blood flow to the uterus and vagina increases, and the level of pregnancy hormones increases, which stimulates the vagina to secrete a greater amount of mucus and secretions to keep the vagina clean from infection and bacteria and prevent them from reaching the uterus and fetus. (2)(3)

How do secretions change during pregnancy?

Leukorrhea can continue during pregnancy, and increase in the third trimester, especially during the last week of pregnancy or when approaching delivery. At this stage, the mucus “plug” falls from the cervix in preparation for your birth, and the discharge becomes sticky mucus mixed with pink threads, but it does not mean your due date has come, as these secretions continue for a few days before delivery. (4)(5)

When should you see a doctor?

See your doctor if you notice any abnormal changes in your secretions, especially if one or more of these symptoms appear: (1)(2)

Green or yellow vaginal discharge.
Bloody discharge.
Thick secretions similar to cottage cheese.
Foul-smelling secretions.
Redness and itching in the vagina.

These symptoms may indicate that you have a fungal or bacterial infection in the vagina, both of which require treatment so that your health and the health of your fetus are not affected.

Our doctors in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Al-Ahli Hospital care about your health and the health of your fetus, and provide you with the professional medical care you need to ensure the safety of your pregnancy.

How to manage leukorrhea?

Remember that leukorrhea are a natural part of your pregnancy, and there is no need to do anything about them, but these tips may help you reduce their discomfort in your daily life: (3)

Wear cotton underwear and change it daily or as needed.
You can use daily cotton panty liner, but do not use a tampon at all during your pregnancy.
Rinse the area or shower daily.
Do not use vaginal douches or washes, or any scented products for the sensitive area.