Leukorrhea or vaginal discharge is a fluid produced by the vagina after puberty. Normally, vaginal leukorrhea is milky-white, odorless, and thick in consistency. Fairly large amounts of healthy leukorrhea in early pregnancy are normal. The volume of discharge increases as the pregnancy progresses and becomes the highest in the third trimester.
Highlights
- Leukorrhea in early pregnancy keeps the vagina moist and free from infections
- Early pregnancy vaginal discharge has a slightly brown color and increased volume
- Pain, discoloration, and altered consistency of leukorrhea indicate infections and require immediate consultation with a gynecologist
- Untreated abnormal leukorrhea in pregnancy can lead to abortion, STD, or fetal abnormalities.
What is leukorrhea in Early pregnancy?
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ of the female reproductive system. It secretes a creamy white fluid that is composed of vaginal cells and bacteria. The vaginal discharge occurs under the influence of estrogen hormone. Increased estrogen levels during pregnancy result in an increased production of leukorrhea. An increase in the production of healthy leukorrhea is also an indicative sign of early pregnancy, if not diagnosed earlier.
Read to know if leukorrhea is a sign of pregnancy.
Is it normal to have leukorrhea/vaginal discharge in Early pregnancy?
Leukorrhea in early pregnancy is a normal physiological secretion. Healthy leukorrhea has a creamy white texture and is odorless. This vaginal secretion does not cause any pain or irritation. A slight change in the color of leukorrhea may also occur during the initial pregnancy stage.
The different changes in the color and consistency of leukorrhea are discussed here;
Clear milky white leukorrhea: The normal healthy vaginal discharge is clear creamy secretion. It has white color and a creamy texture. The leukorrhea is odorless or has a slight unnoticeable smell under normal conditions.
Read more about Leukorrhea, its causes, and treatment
Brown vaginal discharge: The first-week pregnancy discharge is slightly brown in color. This is due to any old blood clots leaving the body after implantation occurs. This discharge is normal and does not indicate any serious harm. In undiagnosed pregnancies, brown discharge is an indicative symptom of pregnancy.
Greenish-yellow discharge: The vaginal discharge which has a greenish-yellow color indicates a sexually transmitted disease (STD) in pregnant women. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that STDs can lead to pregnancy complications and even miscarriage. If the fetus survives, it develops nervous system abnormalities during the later stages of life.
Immediately consult a gynecologist if you have any deviation from the healthy leukorrhea
Red leukorrhea: A reddish vaginal discharge during pregnancy is a case of emergency and requires expert consultation. It may include blood clots that can indicate a miscarriage
Pink vaginal discharge: A pink-colored leukorrhea is normal during the third trimester of pregnancy. It is accompanied by a mucus plug and is called a “show”. Pink vaginal discharge starts just before labor.
How early does leukorrhea start in pregnancy?
Vaginal discharge or leukorrhea starts in the first week of pregnancy. This early discharge has a brown color and the amount of vaginal secretion in pregnancy is higher than normal. The volume of leukorrhea secretion becomes the highest in the third trimester.
What are the causes of Leukorrhea in Pregnancy?
Leukorria production is increased in pregnancy owing to the increased hormonal levels. The vaginal fluid protects against infections that can travel from the vagina to the womb. Vaginal walls and cervix become soft during pregnancy so the risk of developing the infection increases.
Leukorria production continuously increases as the pregnancy progresses due to increased blood flow to the vagina. During the third trimester, the mucus comes out of the cervix along with the vaginal fluid and the maximum vaginal discharge occurs.
Also, read about the other hidden signs of pregnancy
What does Normal Leukorrhea Look Like in Early Pregnancy?
Early pregnancy leukorrhea is milky white in color and does not cause any pain. In some women, leukorrhea may get a brownish shade. This is a sign indicating pregnancy, if not detected previously. In a full-term pregnancy, the texture of leukorrhea becomes thicker and it leaks continuously from the vagina.
Consult a gynecologist if any change in color, texture, or odor of vaginal discharge occurs.
Abnormal leukorrhea in Pregnancy
Leukorrhea becomes discolored and extremely painful in case of infections, sexually transmitted diseases, or pregnancy complications. The abnormal leukorrhea in pregnancy leads to many complications including abortion. Almost 43% of the total pregnant females experience pathological leukorrhea due to a variety of causes including;
- Pre-term labor: An increased vaginal discharge is normal during pregnancy. However, if the leukorrhea becomes liquidy and mildly stings, it is an indication of pre-term labor
- Thrush: A fungal thrush in pregnancy changes the consistency of leukorrhea. It attains a texture similar to cottage cheese and also causes irritation around the vagina.
- STDs: Many sexually-transmitted diseases including chlamydia and gonorrhea result in abnormal vaginal discharge in pregnancy. These viral and bacterial diseases alter the PH of the vagina which also results in pain during the secretion.
Symptoms Indicating Abnormal Leukorrhea
The indicative signs and symptoms of pathological leukorrhea include;
- Pain or irritation in the vaginal area
- Change in color of leukorrhea
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Frothy discharge
Is Leukorrhea Harmful in Early Pregnancy?
Healthy leukorrhea is important for vaginal health but the abnormal vaginal discharge can be very harmful, especially during pregnancy.
Normal leukorrhea prevents bacteria and viruses from infecting the vagina and entering the body. Abnormal leukorrhea in early preganancy results in the following;
- Transmission of sexually transmitted diseases in newborns
- Pre-term labor
- Miscarriage followed by infertility
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
How to Deal with Leukorrhea in Early Pregnancy?
The increased production of leukorrhea in early pregnancy can be challenging to manage. The following factors are important to maintain vaginal health in women;
- Avoid douching
- Avoid using tampons
- Take regular baths
- Keep the pelvic area clean and dry
- Use prebiotics and vitamins that are safe for pregnancy to avoid bacterial or fungal infections
- Avoid wearing tight clothing to prevent irritation and increased infection risk
Conclusion
Leukorrhea is a vaginal discharge consisting of bacteria, electrolytes, water, and vaginal cells. It is secreted physiologically after puberty until menopause. The vaginal secretion is increased in early preganancy and the color also changes from white to brown. Extremely high production of watery or jelly-like leukorrhea, discoloration, and pain indicate abnormal vaginal discharge. Immediate treatment with a gynecologist is required for pathological leukorrhea during pregnancy to avoid abortion and fetal abnormalities.
Book online consultation with Asst. Prof. Dr. Uzma Naz- gynecologist for the treatment of abnormal leucorrhea in early pregnancy.
FAQs
1. At what week does leukorrhea start in pregnancy?
Leukorrhea is produced in all females after puberty but the volume of discharge increases after 1 or 2 weeks of conception. The level of vaginal discharge increases as the pregnancy progresses and is the highest during the last trimester.
2. Whys does leukorrhea occur?
Vaginal leukorrhea occurs to keep the vagina lubricated and moist. It also prevents the risks of vaginal bacteria, viral, or fungal infections.
3. Why your leukorrhea is watery?
Leukorrhea gains extremely liquid consistency during thrush or other sexually transmitted diseases. The watery leukorrhea may also cause soreness and vaginal irritation.