Pregnancy causes numerous changes to a woman's body and bodily functions, including an increase in vaginal discharge. In many cases, the discharge is perfectly normal, but there are times when it may be a sign of an infection or other health concern. Women should always report vaginal changes to their health care provider throughout the pregnancy. Pink tinged or bright red discharge is a sign of bleeding and should be reported right away.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a hormone that is naturally produced by a woman's body. During pregnancy the levels of this hormone increase. WhatToExpect.com points out that higher levels of estrogen cause more blood flow in the pelvic area, which stimulates the mucous membranes during pregnancy. This is why women notice larger amounts of vaginal discharge throughout the pregnancy. A pregnant woman may worry that she has an infection when this happens. The discharge that results from the estrogen is often milky white and somewhat watery. This type of discharge can make a woman uncomfortable due to the wetness, but it does not usually cause an odor or itching. Wearing cotton underwear or a panty liner can help keep the vaginal tissues dry and reduce the risk of developing an infection.
Infection
The American Pregnancy Association points out that yeast infections are more common during pregnancy than at any other time in a woman's life. A bacterial or fungal infection can increase vaginal discharge during pregnancy, as can any of the existing sexually transmitted diseases. Signs of an infection include foul-smelling discharge that is frothy, thick, yellow, green, gray or pink. BabyCenter.com suggests there may or may not be irritation like itching or burning with all types of infection. This abnormal discharge is likely to be recognizably different from the normal increase in secretions that occur during pregnancy. For example, yeast infections are known to cause a thick discharge that, although odorless, resembles cottage cheese. When an infection is suspected, medical treatment is necessary to prevent further complications.
Labor
While bleeding from the vagina may be a sign of labor, an increase in mucus discharge is also common. The American Pregnancy Association explains that the discharge may be consistent with mucus or it may be watery. This mucus discharge may be the mucus plug, which has been blocking the cervical opening during pregnancy. As the cervix begins to open in preparation for labor, the plug loosens and can be passed from the vagina. In addition to this discharge, a woman is likely to notice pelvic or abdominal pressure, a low and dull backache, stomach cramping that may accompany diarrhea and regular contractions, according to the American Pregnancy Association. If a woman notices these symptoms anytime before the 37th week of pregnancy, she should contact her doctor right away. This would be considered preterm labor and may need to be stalled via medical intervention if possible.
