Elara guides

Discharge during pregnancy: what's normal

More is normal in pregnancy — here's when to mention it.

Noticing more discharge in pregnancy can be unsettling if no one warned you — but increased discharge is one of the most normal changes there is. More blood flow and hormones simply mean more of it. The useful thing is knowing what healthy discharge looks like, so a change actually stands out.

Normal pregnancy discharge

Healthy discharge (called leukorrhea) is thin, milky-white or clear, and mild-smelling. It often increases as pregnancy goes on, and near the end you may notice more. A panty liner and breathable cotton underwear are usually all you need; avoid douching, which upsets the natural balance.

Worth a mention to your provider

• Itching, soreness, or thick white discharge — possibly thrush, easily treated.
• A strong or fishy smell, or green/grey colour — a possible infection to check.
• Any bleeding or brown spotting — always get this assessed.
• A sudden gush or steady trickle of clear fluid — your waters may have broken.

Near the end

In late pregnancy you might pass the mucus plug — a blob of thick, jelly-like discharge, sometimes tinged pink (“the show”). It's a sign things are getting ready, though labour can still be days away. Mention it, but it's not an emergency on its own.

When in doubt about fluid leaking versus discharge, call — distinguishing waters breaking from normal discharge is something your team would much rather check than have you guess.