Colour of Pregnancy Discharge - A Short Guide
Brown pregnancy discharge is common and occurs when the body expels old (dead) blood.
The journey to motherhood is beautiful, and nothing is as remarkable as growing a baby inside you. But the phase also brings with it a whirlwind of changes. Some of them are obvious, but others can come as real surprises.
One such 'surprise' change is observing a difference in the colour of vaginal discharge. While the discharge can have different colours, drastic variation between a few days can get your worried. However, there is no reason to fret. We are here to help you decode the rainbow, so you know what each colour means.
Pregnancy Discharge Colours: Decoding the meaning
Pregnancy discharge colour is easy to notice and one of the best ways to get an insight into what is happening on the inside. You are likely to notice fluids in the following colours:
Pink-hued discharge in the final weeks of pregnancy can be a sign of approaching labour
Milky white or clear pregnancy discharge
White or translucent discharge is typically normal and is the body's way of naturally reducing the risk of bacterial growth or infections. Also known as leukorrhea, it has a mild odour, but it is a healthy discharge. Look out for any change in the consistency and the quantity. Incessant white discharge that has a thick cottage cheese-like character can suggest an issue and should be medically evaluated. It can also suggest preterm labour.Gray pregnancy discharge
Gray vaginal discharge, accompanied by a foul fishy smell, could be a strong indicator of an infection. A bacterial imbalance in the vagina usually triggers it. The issue can result from douching and indulging in sexual intercourse with multiple partners.Green and yellow pregnancy discharge
A greenish-yellow coloured vaginal discharge can be alarming. It often suggests a sexually transmitted infection (STI). However, do note that in most cases, the condition also exhibits other signs like irritation and pain in the genitals. An STI can have adverse effects on your pregnancy, so it is essential to undergo medical treatment.Brown pregnancy discharge
Brown pregnancy discharge is common and occurs when the body expels old (dead) blood. This brown-coloured fluid is often regarded to be an early sign of pregnancy. It may also continue to flow in the initial months of pregnancy. The coloured pregnancy discharge is mostly normal, and there is no cause for concern. However, if the colour of this pregnancy discharge is dark brown, it may be an indication of an underlying medical condition.Pink pregnancy discharge
Pink-hued vaginal discharge usually occurs in the final weeks of pregnancy. It is an indication that the body is preparing for labour. However, sometimes it may be triggered by abnormal activity. Pink fluid could also be observed before a potential miscarriage.
Vaginal infections and sexual intercourse can also cause pink spotting during the last two trimesters of pregnancy.
Red pregnancy discharge
It is not normal to have red vaginal discharge during pregnancy. This occurrence must be immediately brought to the notice of your doctor. Red pregnancy discharge that includes abdominal pain and cramping could also indicate a miscarriage. It is a common symptom of pregnancy loss.
Should I be Alarmed?
It is typical to experience vaginal discharge during all the stages of pregnancy. As mentioned above, the vagina expels unwanted tissues in the form of a clear white discharge. It has a very mild smell and is usually not a cause for concern. As the pregnancy advances, there is an increase in the volume of discharge. The consistency and colour of pregnancy discharge continue to vary throughout the phase as a way to control the risk of infections. In the final weeks of pregnancy, you will notice a heavier discharge. It is merely your body's way of preparing for labour.
The key is to keep a check on the colour of your discharge and inform your doctor if you see any sudden variation. Unless there are no sudden changes, there is no reason to be alarmed.
To conclude
Your pregnancy discharge colour can tell you a lot about your body. So, keep an eye on the changing colour of your vaginal discharge and periodically report it to your doctor. Either way, don't forget to maintain hygiene levels even if it means using panty liners.
To stay fresh and comfortable, you may use ALWAYS panty liners that immediately absorb the natural fluid, so you feel amazing all day. They are super thin and keep you protected while you wholly embrace the joy of motherhood.
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