Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 12 Aug 2023
Pregnancy comes with lots of doubts and concerns. One such concern is noticing watery discharge during early pregnancy. The discharge is typically a normal physiological occurrence and needs to be worried about. You may notice the watery discharge when your hormone levels are increased, which is quite normal at this stage. In reality, the vaginal watery discharge can be more obvious as the pregnancy progresses.
In general, a woman’s body begins to produce watery discharge soon after her puberty. The discharge may change its colour, flow, and thickness all through her reproductive stage. Experts claim that watery discharge is a sign of healthy reproductive organs of the woman. This is because the discharge serves to prevent the pelvic region from infections. It is also helpful to support the well-being of the growing baby inside the uterus.
Watery discharge is often referred to as leukorrhea or vaginal discharge. It plays a crucial role in flushing out dead cells and vaginal bacteria to maintain the health of the vaginal region. Along with these, watery discharge flushes out other fluids like sweat and mucus.
Expectant women noticing watery discharge is a natural part of their reproductive system. The hormonal fluctuations and improved blood flow to the pelvic region cause the increased cervical mucus. This, in turn, leads to secreted water-like discharge during pregnancy.
Watery discharge is usually not a sign of concern; however, understanding the difference between normal and abnormal watery discharge is always a good idea. This helps expectant mothers to monitor for any unusual symptoms or changes. The abnormal watery discharge may be an indicator of potential issues like infections and amniotic fluid leakage.
The following are some of the common causes of watery discharge during pregnancy, which may include:
During pregnancy, it's usually normal to have a water-like discharge, but it's important to know what it signifies and when it could be a reason to worry. This type of discharge is often clear and odorless, similar in texture to water. It can vary in consistency, becoming watery, or even slightly sticky or mucus-like at times. Here's what you need to know. Water-like discharge can be handled easily.
The discharge may generally be in a thin consistency with a clear or white colour.
The pelvic region, including the vagina and cervix, of the expectant mothers may significantly experience increased blood flow. This happens to support the enlarging uterus and developing fetus. The increased blood flow is largely caused by hormonal fluctuations, especially the increased production of estrogen hormone. All in turn leads to secrete more vaginal discharge, which can be watery, milky-white or clear.
Experiencing more discharge in the late pregnancy (3rd trimester) is the natural indicator of labour and delivery. The discharge may naturally be in the consistency of sticky and thick. The cervix tends to secrete more mucus when the expectant mother’s body begins to shed the mucus plug. The mucus plug is nothing but a thick layer of mucus, which acts as a protective agent of the cervix during pregnancy. When her body prepares for pregnancy, the mucus plug tends to become ripened and softened to shed easily. Hence, the thick and sticky discharge. This discharge may be pink or red in colour as it mixes with a small amount of blood. The discharge, especially in the third trimester is often referred to as mucus plug or show or sometimes even bloody show.
The sudden gush of watery discharge, especially in the late pregnancy (3rd trimester) is another significant natural indicator of labour and delivery. Experiencing watery discharge is common all through the pregnancy. While, the sudden and continuous gush of watery discharge may be a sign of a ruptured amniotic membrane, especially when it occurs right before labour. The watery discharge caused by the ruptured membrane is often known as water breaking.
It is essential to understand the difference between these two discharges. Seeking medical advice is often recommended as soon as you suspect the leakage. If it’s an amniotic fluid, it may require immediate medical attention for the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Some women may experience the sudden gush of watery discharge even before 37 weeks of their pregnancy. This could be due to the rupture of the amniotic membrane or an increased normal vaginal discharge. Having a consultation with your healthcare provider and identifying the cause of the discharge is the best way to prevent complications.
The rupture that happens before achieving the full term of pregnancy is referred to as premature rupture of membranes (PROM).
Vaginal watery discharge during pregnancy is a natural and healthy physiological change in the woman’s body. However, expectant mothers monitoring the unusual occurrences or changes in the discharge is crucial to support the well-being of both themselves and the baby.
When we say unusual occurrences, we mention its change in consistency and colour. If you notice your vaginal discharge change from watery consistency to thick and sticky accompanied by a foul smell, it is a clear indication of infections. A normal and healthy vaginal discharge, especially during pregnancy, would be in watery consistency without any stinking smell. The colour might also be white or clear, and sometimes light yellow.
The vaginal discharge out of infection may usually be grey, green or brown in colour. You may also experience a burning or itching sensation along with a foul smell. In such scenarios, never think of self-medication or ruling out the issue. Having a consultation with your healthcare provider is highly advisable.
To help expectant mothers differentiate between normal and abnormal watery discharge, we have listed a clear and detailed explanation in the below column. If you notice any unusual changes from your early pregnancy, seek medical help immediately.
| Aspect | Normal Discharge | Abnormal Discharge |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Clear, thin, or milky white | Gray, green, yellow, brown, dark yellow, or dark gray |
| Odour | Mild odour | Strong, foul smell |
| Panty Stain | Yellow or pale stain | Brown, dark yellow, grey, or green stain |
| Consistency | Thin | Sticky, cheesy |
| Occurrence | Happens all through pregnancy | Occurs only in specific conditions (e.g., infections) |
| Noticeability | Slight dampness, generally not very evident | More evident, often with burning and itching sensations |
| Watery Discharge Pattern | Tends to trickle slowly | May gush out (rupture of membranes) or trickle slowly (partial rupture of membranes) |
The discharge during pregnancy that’s different in colour and consistency may indicate complications like infection. It is even more evident if it comes with certain symptoms like burning and itching sensation. However, some women may not even experience any symptoms, even though they are being affected by infections or sexually transmitted diseases. Hence, it is always the best way to keenly monitor your discharge all through the pregnancy, especially when you notice:
A continuous trickle or sudden gush of watery discharge during pregnancy may be a sign of a ruptured amniotic membrane or urinary incontinence. This is the most common experience faced by many expectant mothers in the later stages of pregnancy. If you suspect that your water has broken, seek medical help immediately to determine the cause of the discharge.
If you notice evident changes in your discharge accompanied by unusual odour and colour, it is highly suggested to seek medical help. This could be the indication of infections, bacterial vaginosis, or sexually transmitted diseases. Diagnosing the causes and treating them immediately can significantly help with enhancing the well-being of both the mother and the baby.
Noticing vaginal discharge with blood can either be the cause of infections, ruptured membranes or sometimes even miscarriage. The condition requires immediate medical attention to prevent severe complications.
Pain and cramping during pregnancy with watery discharge may be the indication of various conditions. It may certainly range from normal changes to serious complications. It’s essential to consult a skilled healthcare provider as in A4 Fertility Centre for the most appropriate diagnosis and guidance. You may need immediate medical attention if the pain is severe with other concerning symptoms like bleeding.
Pregnancy can be a peaceful journey if you keep yourself educated about what’s ahead of you. Practising good hygiene and wearing comfortable clothes can be the game changer. It is always suggested to have an open communication with your healthcare provider. You may also discuss your concerns like the use of sanitary products during pregnancy to cope with watery discharge or sexual activities and so on. Remember that you are not the only person with such queries. Experts at A4 Fertility Centre can provide proper guidance and support for any of your concerns all through the pregnancy.
1. What can I do to cope with watery discharge during pregnancy?
To cope with the watery discharge during pregnancy you may bath twice, wear comfortable underwear, and use panty liners for moderate discharge. Remember that it is not suggested to use tampons, especially during pregnancy, as it may cause serious illnesses. You may also avoid using scented products, and more.
2. Does everyone experience watery discharge?
The answer to the question is yes to some extent. Every individual may not experience the waterier discharge during pregnancy. Even though the discharge is common and healthy, the experiences may vary from woman to woman.
3. Does it cause pain when my water breaks?
The answer to the question is no. The actual rupture of the amniotic membrane does not cause any pain. Rather, a woman may sense the sudden gush or trickle of watery fluid.
4. How much watery discharge is normal during pregnancy?
During early pregnancy, the normal amount of discharge may vary anywhere between one and a half teaspoon to one teaspoon. However, the amount may differ among every individual based on their menstrual cycle and hormone levels. Furthermore, they may also notice the amount of discharge being increased as her pregnancy progresses.
5. Is increased watery discharge a sign of labour?
The answer to the question is yes. The increased amount of vaginal watery discharge, especially in late pregnancy, can be a sign of labour or approaching labour.
