Pregnancy discharge: what is normal and what the colours mean
More vaginal discharge is normal in pregnancy. Healthy discharge is usually thin, clear or milky white and does not smell unpleasant. Green, yellow, grey, foul-smelling, itchy or painful discharge can suggest infection, while watery leakage or any bleeding needs maternity advice.
Written by HelloMommy editorial teamUpdated Published 2 min readNormal discharge in pregnancy
Normal leukorrhoea is usually thin, clear or milky white, mild-smelling or odourless. It often increases as pregnancy progresses and helps protect the uterus from infection. A pantyliner can help; avoid tampons, douching and perfumed intimate products.
White, yellow, green or grey
Thick white “cottage cheese” discharge with itching can suggest thrush. Yellow, green or grey discharge, a strong fishy or unpleasant smell, soreness or pain when urinating may indicate another infection. Testing is important because appearance alone cannot diagnose the cause.
Pink, red or brown
A small amount of pink jelly-like mucus near term can be a show. Brown discharge may be old blood, but any bleeding during pregnancy should be reported promptly. Fresh red, increasing or heavy bleeding needs urgent assessment.
Could it be amniotic fluid?
Waters may feel like a gush or a persistent watery trickle you cannot control. Fluid is often clear or pale. Use a sanitary pad, note the time, colour and smell, and call the maternity unit; do not use a tampon.
How to protect vaginal health
Wash externally with water or a mild unperfumed product, wear breathable underwear and change damp clothing. Do not self-treat suspected thrush or infection without checking which medicines are appropriate in pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions
Is milky white discharge normal?
Yes, thin clear or milky discharge without an unpleasant smell, pain or itching is usually normal and often increases during pregnancy.
What colour discharge means infection?
Yellow, green or grey discharge, strong odour, itching or pain can suggest infection, but a clinician should test rather than diagnose by colour alone.
How can I tell discharge from waters?
Amniotic fluid is typically watery and may keep trickling uncontrollably. If unsure, use a pad and call your maternity unit for assessment.
Sources
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife about your own pregnancy.
Related articles
SymptomsPregnancy symptoms by trimester: what to expect
A trimester-by-trimester guide to common physical and emotional changes, practical ways to cope and warning symptoms that should be checked urgently.
4 min read
BirthSigns of labour: early symptoms, timing and when to go to hospital
A practical guide to contractions, a show, waters breaking and the symptoms that mean it is time to call your maternity unit or get urgent help.
3 min read
SymptomsMorning sickness: when it starts, when it ends and what helps
Find out when pregnancy nausea usually begins and improves, which self-care measures may help and how to recognise severe vomiting or dehydration.
3 min read