Pregnancy changes so many things about a woman's body, including the way it functions. Some of the changes are enjoyable, such as thicker nails, healthier hair and sometimes a larger bust. Other changes prove less than desirable, such as gas, indigestion and an increase in vaginal discharge. Most changes are quite normal but a woman should always contact her health care provider if she has concerns.
Leukorrhea
Leukorrhea is a completely normal type of vaginal discharge that begins early in pregnancy and continues throughout. The American Pregnancy Association describes this type of discharge as having a thin consistency that looks white or milky and has a mild odor. Women can wear panty liner for comfort, but they should avoid douching and tampons.
Infection
A woman can still develop vaginal infections during pregnancy. In fact, leukorrhea can make the vagina the perfect environment for bacterial and fungus to thrive. Yeast infections occur commonly during pregnancy for this reason and due to the increase in sugar in a woman's body. Vaginal infections cause abnormal discharge that sometimes looks green or yellowish. Any discharge smells strong or has a foul odor requires a trip to the doctor to identify the cause. Redness and itching are other common symptoms of a vaginal infection. Yeast infections tend to produce white discharge that has no odor but resembles cottage cheese.
Bleeding
When the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining it is called implantation. This occurs about 10 to 14 days after fertilization (conception), as indicated by the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of implantation include mild cramps similar to menstruation and some vaginal bleeding. Some women may not experience all of these symptoms or even notice them. The vaginal discharge may look slightly pink, brown or bright red. A little bleeding is perfectly normal. The amount will not be enough to fill a panty liner. If more blood than this appears, then women should seek medical medical attention.
