What is white discharge?
White discharge, also known as leucorrhoea, is cervical mucus produced by the cells of the cervix, vagina and certain bacteria 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 white discharge normal 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 away: this results in a thick, net-like discharge, sometimes with a little blood inside.
However, care must be taken in the case of continuous, odourless, colourless liquid discharge, as this may be a risk of a ruptured water sac.
In general, during pregnancy, it's important to pay close attention to any unusual signs.
Increased discharge during pregnancy is completely normal.
Our menstrual panty collection will keep you dry during your pregnancy if you experience troublesome white discharge.
