What is white discharge?
White discharge, also known as leucorrhoea, is cervical mucus produced by the cells of the cervix, vagina and certain bacteria present in the vagina due to the action of the œstrogenes. These discharges are natural, odorless and present in all women of childbearing age. They vary in texture and quantity from one woman to another, depending on her menstrual cycle.
Is it normal to have white discharge during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, it's very common to experience heavier-than-usual discharge. In fact, since the vaginal environment is directly influenced by hormones, discharge changes during the cycle, and therefore logically also during pregnancy. For pregnant women, the placenta and ovaries secrete hormones that are responsible for accelerating cell desquamation. Estrogen increases the rate of vaginal cell renewal, which explains the appearance of heavier white discharge. Also, with increased blood flow to the vaginal area, this phenomenon leads to an increase in physiological leucorrhoea. This discharge during pregnancy is very useful: it creates the famous mucous plug that closes the cervix during pregnancy.
At the very end of pregnancy, it's possible to observe the mucous plug crumbling: this results in a thick, net-like discharge, sometimes with a little blood inside.
However, care must be taken in the event of continuous, odorless, colorless liquid loss, as this may be a risk of water breakage.
In general, during pregnancy, it's a good idea to be on the lookout for any unusual signs.
Thus, heavier losses during pregnancy are completely normal.
If you're bothered by discharge, our menstrual panty collection will keep you dry during your pregnancy if you experience annoying white discharge.