From morning sickness to swollen feet, pregnancy brings many physical changes. One lesser-known change is an increase in normal vaginal discharge called leukorrhea (pronounced loo-kuh-ree-uh). Experiencing this type of discharge can be confusing and even concerning during pregnancy. Understanding what is and isn’t normal can help ease concerns and make it easier to recognize when it’s time to contact your healthcare provider.

Leukorrhea is a normal type of vaginal discharge that occurs in both pregnant and non-pregnant women, although it typically increases during pregnancy. Here’s what normal leukorrhea looks like, signs that may indicate an infection, and when you should contact your healthcare provider. You’ll also learn simple ways to support vaginal health during pregnancy.

What Is Leukorrhea in Pregnancy?

Normal vaginal discharge is thin, clear to milky white, and has no noticeable or mild odor. Leukorrhea is mostly water but also contains microorganisms and dead cells. Normal discharge helps keep the vagina and surrounding genital area clean, healthy, lubricated, and comfortable.^1,3

What Does Normal Leukorrhea Look Like?

During pregnancy, leukorrhea typically increases as pregnancy progresses. Having increased vaginal discharge is one of the early signs of pregnancy. Toward the end of pregnancy, leukorrhea can become quite heavy, and many women wonder whether this is normal. It is!²

Leukorrhea increases during pregnancy because rising estrogen levels stimulate more vaginal discharge.⁴ The heavier discharge common during the third trimester can be frustrating for many women. Many expectant mothers say they feel constantly wet and change their underwear several times daily. Many women find it helpful to wear unscented panty liners and change their underwear as needed.³

Abnormal Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

There are several types of abnormal vaginal discharge or vaginal infections that can occur during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the risk of vaginal infections increases.^2,6

Here are the three most common vaginal infections during pregnancy, along with their symptoms and treatments:

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when certain bacteria in the vagina become imbalanced. It is common, with 50% of vaginal infections being BV. It is not a sexually transmitted infection, but is most common in sexually active women.^4,6

Possible symptoms include the following:⁶

• Thin white or gray discharge
• Bubbly discharge
• Discharge with a strong fishy odor
• Pain, burning, or itching of the vagina or the outside of the vagina
• Burning when you urinate

If you have BV, your healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics. These may be taken by mouth or applied as a vaginal gel.⁶

Vaginal Candidiasis

Vaginal candidiasis is a fancy medical term for a yeast infection. A yeast called Candida causes this common infection. Usually, Candida lives in the vagina without any problem, but it can cause an infection if conditions change. Because of hormone changes, you are more likely to get yeast infections when pregnant. About 20% to 30% of women get a yeast infection during pregnancy.^7,8

Possible symptoms include the following:⁴

• Thick, white, chunky discharge
• Mild but not foul odor
• Intense itching around the vagina
• Pain during sex
• Pain when you urinate
• Red and swollen vulva

If you develop a vaginal yeast infection, you’ll need an antifungal medication. During pregnancy, the most common treatment is a topical antifungal cream applied inside the vagina. Although some of these medications are available over the counter, some are safer during pregnancy than others. Talk with your healthcare provider about which treatment is right for you.⁸

Related: What Medications Are Safe During Pregnancy?

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world and is caused by a parasite. When pregnant, this infection is serious because it is associated with preterm birth, your bag of water breaking early, and low birth weight. Only about 30% of women with this infection have any symptoms.^9,10

If symptoms do occur, they may include:⁴

• Discharge can range from scant to profuse
• Foul or offensive odor
• Itching around the vagina
• Pain during sex
• Pain when urinating

If you have trichomoniasis, you’ll need metronidazole (Flagyl), which is taken by mouth. Your partner also needs treatment. Avoid having sex until both of you have completed treatment and no longer have symptoms.¹¹

Related: Bloody Show: What You Need To Know

When To Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Contact your prenatal healthcare provider promptly if you have unusual vaginal discharge. Abnormal discharge may include an unpleasant odor, a change in color, vaginal itching or irritation, or pain when you urinate. Don’t try to diagnose or treat yourself.

You must also contact your doctor or midwife if you experience vaginal bleeding during pregnancy. Several things can cause vaginal bleeding at different points in your pregnancy. Anytime you experience vaginal bleeding, contact your provider. Near the end of pregnancy, bloody mucus discharge may simply indicate that your body is preparing for labor.³

Amniotic fluid is watery and usually clear or pinkish. Unlike vaginal discharge, amniotic fluid usually continues to leak after it starts. It is easy to confuse heavy leukorrhea with amniotic fluid. Because heavy leukorrhea can sometimes be confused with amniotic fluid, your healthcare provider may need to evaluate whether your water has broken. Contact your provider or go to the hospital promptly if your water breaks.¹²

Related: How Do You Know if Your Water Broke?

Tips To Support Vaginal Health During Pregnancy

Here are a few tips to help support vaginal health during pregnancy:^3,13,14

• Avoid using tampons, as they can introduce new germs into your vagina.
• Don’t douche or use vaginal wipes or sprays, as they can disrupt the natural balance of healthy bacteria in your vagina.
• Avoid tight-fitting underwear that can trap moisture. Instead, choose loose-fitting cotton underwear.
• Practice good hygiene after sex, and avoid sexual activity that could transfer bacteria from the rectum to the vagina.
• Wipe from front to back when using the toilet to prevent bacteria from the rectum from entering your vagina.
• Some studies suggest that eating yogurt with live bacterial cultures or taking a probiotic supplement may help support vaginal health.^13,14
• Use condoms to help reduce your risk of trichomoniasis and lower your chance of developing bacterial vaginosis.
• Managing stress may help support your overall health during pregnancy, including vaginal health.^13,14

Related: Probiotics and Pregnancy: Why It’s Important

Who knew there was so much to know about vaginal discharge during pregnancy? Leukorrhea in pregnancy can become quite heavy toward the end of your third trimester. Even though this is normal, it can also be annoying. There are many steps you can take to support vaginal health and make yourself more comfortable. Knowing what’s normal and what isn’t can help you decide when it’s time to contact your healthcare provider. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor or midwife.