How much discharge is normal in pregnancy?
Having more vaginal discharge during pregnancy is common. Healthy vaginal discharge is usually thin, clear or milky white and shouldn’t smell bad.
Speak to your midwife or doctor if you are unsure about any increase or change in your vaginal discharge.
Infection
Call your midwife if you have vaginal discharge and:
- it smells bad
- is green, brown or yellow
- you feel itchy or sore around your vagina
- you have pain when you wee.
This may mean you have an infection that needs to be treated.
Vaginal bleeding
If you have any vaginal bleeding at any time during your pregnancy contact your midwife. You could also contact your GP you’re only a few weeks pregnant. Any sign of blood, which may be red (like if you cut your finger) or dark brown (like old blood) needs to be checked straight away.
Read more about bleeding in pregnancy.
Is it discharge or my waters breaking?
More discharge can be common in pregnancy but you will need to call your maternity unit and get checked urgently if:
- your discharge is watery
- your discharge changes
- you’re bleeding
- your baby is moving less than usual
- your waters are green, brown or contain blood.
Leaking or gushing clear or pinkish liquid before 37 weeks.
This may mean that your waters have broken early (preterm prelabour rupture of membranes - PPROM).
If this happens you and your baby are at risk of infection. You may also go into labour and deliver your baby early.
Phone your maternity unit immediately.
Read more about premature birth.
Leaking or gushing clear or pinkish fluid after 37 weeks
This may mean that your waters have broken and that you may be about to go into labour. Call the maternity unit and tell them what has happened. You may not need to go to the hospital straight away but they will write down what time your waters broke and tell you what to do next.
Read more about waters breaking after 37 weeks.
Read more symptoms in pregnancy
-
Swollen hands and feet in pregnancy
Swelling or puffiness of your hands and feet is common in late pregnancy.
-
Itching in pregnancy
Some itching around the stomach is normal as your skin is stretching around your growing baby.
-
My baby is not growing in pregnancy
A growing bump is the sign of a growing baby. Your midwife should start measuring your baby from 24 weeks to make sure they are growing well.
-
My midwife isn't listening
If you feel your midwife isn’t listening to you, you can ask to see another member of the team.
-
I just think something is wrong
If you feel that something is wrong, or if you are worried about the baby, call your midwife or doctor to talk about it.
-
Painful urination in pregnancy
If you have a painful or burning sensation when you wee (urinate), you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI)
-
Vision problems in pregnancy
Vision problems can be caused by different issues in pregnancy. If you have vision problems always tell your midwife or hospital straight away.
-
Headaches in pregnancy
Mild headaches can be caused by hormones and are common in pregnancy.
-
High temperature in pregnancy
If your temperature is above 37.5 degrees Celsius, even with no other flu or cold symptoms, call your doctor or hospital maternity unit.
-
Diarrhoea and vomiting in pregnancy
Stomach bugs are common in pregnancy. It is very unlikely that your baby will be harmed from a bug lasting less than 48 hours.
-
Baby movements in pregnancy
Fetal movements can be anything from a flutter, kick, swish or roll. Feeling your baby move is a sign that they are well.
-
Bleeding in pregnancy
If you have any bleeding during your pregnancy, with or without pain, it’s very important to get it checked out.
Sources
- Macdonald S, Magill-Cuerden J, Mayes’ midwifery, thirteenth edition, Edinburgh, Bailliere Tindall Elsevier, 2012
Hide details
ℹLast reviewed on September 27th, 2018. Next review date September 27th, 2021.
Comments
Please note that these comments are monitored but not answered by Tommy’s. Please call your GP or maternity unit if you have concerns about your health or your baby’s health.
annanya
By annanya khan (not verified) on 7 Sep 2019 - 03:02
hi! i am 38weeks and 2days pregnant and this is my first pregnancy i got silky white milky discharge and something time abdomen cramping plz give me some advices am i in labour
Discharge
By Nike (not verified) on 28 Aug 2019 - 21:38
Hi am 41 week my water have not broken and i have been green discharge and it really sore it red and sore when I wipe and sore when i pee and it burn to the pain it really sore and I went to see my midwife and also I went to get the sweep and she couldn't do it because obviously my pelvis not right and she said that when I pee there was cells blood in my urine i do no what do
About my baby
By Damilola (not verified) on 4 Aug 2019 - 23:56
Am 40 weeks and 4 days pregnant i feels pain and my back and at my Virginia and light white discharge
Brownish colour discharge
By Ewa (not verified) on 3 Aug 2019 - 16:56
I m 12weeks plus pregnant and I have this brown colour discharge and I go to scan and my baby is still intact what should I do
No discharge.
By Christina Smith (not verified) on 10 Jul 2019 - 14:25
Hello, I will be 40 weeks tomorrow. All through my pregnancy I have had a heavy flow of discharge. Now it has been a week with no discharge at all, this is my third baby and it's a first for me could it mean something is wrong??
Discharge
By Amanda (not verified) on 1 Jul 2019 - 08:55
hi I'm 24 weeks pregnant with twins and few days ago I went toilet and had a blob of clear gunky discharge creamy and thick now for the last few days I've had discharge when I wipe its milky cream but not thick anymore is this normal ?
8w4d pregnant. 3rd pregnancy
By Jess (not verified) on 5 Jun 2019 - 19:49
Hi, this is my 3rd pregnancy. I miscarried last year.
I had a reassurance scan - transvaginal last week Tuesday and everything was fine. The next day I had brown discharge followed by short cramps lasting a few mins. A few days later I had a stringy discharge with a speck of blood in it. What does this mean? I am due to have another scan Friday but I am worried.
Any thoughts/advice is appreciated. Thank you
No Discharge
By Dipa (not verified) on 4 Jun 2019 - 18:11
Hi
I'm 5 weeks pregnant now. But I am dry as a bone down there from the beginning. Should I be concern about this?
I had a early pregnancy miscarriage (at week 6) in February. So, I'm always worried about this one.
Yellowish discharge
By Hannah (not verified) on 30 Apr 2019 - 20:26
I'm 7+3 weeks pregnant with normal white discharge starting this week, although today I noticed a stringy yellowish type discharge, small but the consistency of a bogey (sorry for the graphics). Is this something to be worried about? Just happened the once today. This is my third pregnancy however I've had two previous miscarriages, both in the 9th week.
Very concerned. I've had the same partner for 6 years so it shouldn't be an STI.
Light brown / pink discharge
By Tanya (not verified) on 27 Apr 2019 - 02:17
I’m 11 weeks 2 days pregnant and when I went to the toilet and wiped I saw light brown discharge, throughout the day it stopped. This morning when I had to do a number 2 I wiped again and there was more light brown but a bit darker this time but it had pinkish discharge aswell. It’s a few hours later now and my discharge is back to its normal colour.
I’ve had an ultrasound yesterday and baby is growing normal and healthy but I do have a small SCH. No cramping. Please help!
Very Light Brown discharge at 8 weeks
By Stacy (not verified) on 2 Apr 2019 - 11:14
Hi I am 8 weeks pregnant and 6 days ago I went for my first scan which was done vaginally. The day after the scan I started getting a very light brown discharge and I am still getting it today, which is 6 days later. Should I see my GP or should I wait and see if the discharge clears on its own?
Very Light Brown discharge at 8 weeks
By Midwife @Tommys on 24 Apr 2019 - 16:07
Hi Stacy
I would advise discussing this with your GP or contacting your Early Pregnancy Unit for more advice about the discharge.
If the bleeding becomes red and very heavy and /or there is severe pain, the you should go to your local A&E for urgent assessment
The attached link has more information for you
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/symptom-checker/bleeding-pregnancy
Discharge in pregnancy
By Valerie (not verified) on 29 Mar 2019 - 03:54
Does every woman have discharge during pregnancy? I'm currently pregnant with my 7th baby and have never experienced any discharge except in last few days before delivering.
Blood(brownish) after passing urine
By Kuks (not verified) on 25 Mar 2019 - 03:27
I am 11 wks 3days pregnant. Woke up this dawn to pass urine and saw blood(brownish) when I wiped. Went to pass urine again after about an hour and there was nothing(no blood). Should I be worried about this?
Six months pregnant
By Wendy (not verified) on 25 Mar 2019 - 02:57
Hi my name is wendy. For the past weeks I have been coughing so heavily, experiencing a lot of cramps In my lower parts of belly. Today I got a clear n watery discharge which it is also sticky and also my Virginia gets painful
about my abdomen
By trenda (not verified) on 24 Mar 2019 - 09:55
pls am feeling pain in my lower belly my baby always kick me and am feeling chest pain and feel my eyes vision is not normal headache everytime and vomitting anytime i eat and drink water and am 26 weeks pregnant pls is my baby save
decrease of of discharge
By andrea (not verified) on 18 Mar 2019 - 12:53
hey, i am 12 weeks pregnant i have a question at the early stage of my pregnancy i had a lot of discharge and when i was about 10 weeks it decrease i hardly have any discharge during the day when i go to the toilet and wipe myself its dry or there will be a little discharge i wanted to know if its normal in pregnancy or should i call my doctor
decrease of discharge
By Midwife @Tommys on 20 Mar 2019 - 11:32
Hi Andrea. A decrease in discharge is not a concern. So please do not worry. All the best, Tommy's Midwife
Hi, well i had a brownish
By Anonymous (not verified) on 1 Mar 2019 - 21:39
Hi, well i had a brownish discharge for days and stopped, later a little drops of blood started , it comes for an hour n stop for a day or two then comes again for one week then later started with light red but doesn't fill a pad and doesn't come at night , but hasn't stopped , pls what could be the cause
Hi, well i had a brownish
By Midwife @Tommys on 4 Mar 2019 - 15:59
Hi, You don't say how many weeks pregnant you are? I would suggest that you see your doctor or midwife who will try to help you look for a cause.
41+2 days pregnant,pink vaginal discharge but no labour pains
By Mimi (not verified) on 17 Feb 2019 - 14:26
I'm 41+2weeks,for six days ve been seeing vaginal discharge but no labour pains and head not yet engaged.is anything the matter?
41+2 days pregnant,pink vaginal discharge but no labour pains
By Midwife @Tommys on 18 Feb 2019 - 09:39
Hi Mimi, It is very important that you see a doctor or midwife for a full antenatal check as soon as possible. The discharge and the baby's position need to be assessed and discussed and a plan put in place for induction of labour in case you don't go into labour spontaneously.
creamy solid discharge that is visible in urine
By Darlene (not verified) on 15 Feb 2019 - 03:25
Hello, am 38 wks pregnant with my first baby but 2 days ago after having intercourse my discharge which was ok before has now turned into tiny solid creamy particles which I see in the urine I pass out. there is no odour,no itching or pain but am scared it could be an infection. should I apply clotrimazole pessaries just to clear my doubts or wait and see if any abnormality like itching or pain comes about, pliz advise me. thank u.
Then also what causes a baby to go beyond the due date?
creamy solid discharge that is visable in urine
By Midwife @Tommys on 20 Feb 2019 - 12:31
Hi Darlene
Please go to your labour ward/triage at your local hospital for urgent review - they will examine/assess you and prescribe any medication that you might need. Please do not use any medication in pregnancy unless it is prescribed for you. Please take care, Tommy's Midwife
Thick clear/ white mucus like discharge with no smell
By Kayla (not verified) on 13 Feb 2019 - 16:09
I am 26 weeks and 6 days. Yesterday i had a good amount of this discharge all of a sudden. Its not happening everytime i wipe but maybe 4 out of 10 times. I have also continued to have it today as well but not everytime. Is this normal or should i be worried. It doesnt have a smell and i have no burning,itching,or redness.
Thick clear/white mucus like discharge with no smell
By Midwife @Tommys on 15 Feb 2019 - 15:41
Hi Kayla,
It can be very normal for discharge to increase and change in pregnancy. If the discharge is watery and you need to wear a pad then this will need to be reviewed. If you are having any pain or itchy then again call your midwife for a review.
Best wishes
Tommy's midwife
Discharge
By Shanon (not verified) on 27 Oct 2019 - 17:52
So, what was it? That’s what i been having.
Funny odour watery discharge
By Mimi (not verified) on 30 Jan 2019 - 16:49
I'm 46 yrs me and my husband TTC no baby. My period was 30 days late then later I had a very heavy period no clots lasted 3 days now I'm experiencing brown watery discharge with funny smell. What does that mean
Hi - Thank you for your
By Midwife @Tommys on 31 Jan 2019 - 10:48
Hi - Thank you for your message. If your discharge is unusual and has an odour, you should visit your doctor for advice and care. You may have an infection that would require treatment.
Pregnancy problem
By Robyn (not verified) on 19 Mar 2019 - 08:15
I'm 40weeks pregnant and I just saw water sticky discharge with light yellow discharge also heavy and coming down my legs with mild back and pelvic pain. What can I do?
41 + 6 days
By Helen (not verified) on 28 Jan 2019 - 11:44
I am 41+ 6 days now no sign of labor first child though.
41+6
By Midwife @Tommys on 29 Jan 2019 - 12:05
Hi Helen - please check out our page below on how to naturally help to get yourself into labour...
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/labour-birth/labour-and-birth-faqs/can-anything-bring-labour
All the best - Tommy's Midwife
Pregnancy discharge
By Sai Hema (not verified) on 23 Jan 2019 - 12:46
I'm 8weeks pregnant. Two days back I had lot of cramping and backache around midnight then it started to bleed in red, next day morning we visited doc and done beta hcg and counts are 2010, urine test +ve, light bleeding that entire day, doc suggested me progesterone 200mg, But today morning bleeding increased and suddenly I passed two medium sized clots, called doc about this she suggested me progesterone injection. Now bleeding stopped and having watery white discharge. Please help me out.... Is my baby healthy... Fingers crossed
Pregnancy discharge
By Midwife @Tommys on 29 Jan 2019 - 12:03
Hi Sai Hema
Your doctor is best placed to guide you on your pregnancy health. Bleeding and abdominal pain, at any gestation, is deemed as abnormal until proven otherwise. And pregnancy can cause increased discharge. If it is clear and milky, then this is normal. If it is yellow, green, brown, smelly, itchy or burning,- then this is not normal and you should have swabs taken to tests for an infection. Please take good care. Tommy's Midwife
Discharge and pain
By Sam (not verified) on 19 Jan 2019 - 23:01
Hi
I am 6 weeks+ pregnant I have a history of 2 miscarriages at 4+ months and 5 weeks. I have been getting lower abdominal pain and whittish discharge is this normal because I am really worried about this.
Thank you
Discharge and pain
By Midwife @Tommys on 25 Jan 2019 - 12:10
Dear Sam,
I am sorry to hear about your miscarriages and it is completely understandable that you are feeling anxious in this pregnancy. Some lower abdominal pain can be normal, often women will describe it as period like cramps. As long as this feels generalised without bleeding then just to rest up where possible. If you are having any bleeding or the pain is to one side then you need to be seen by your GP. Again whitish discharge is common, discharge will often increase during pregnancy. If you are experiencing any itching then this could be thrush, so again see your GP if this is the case.
Best wishes
Tommy's midwife
Discharge
By Ac (not verified) on 18 Jan 2019 - 18:27
Hello, I have had a yellow discharge with a sort of vinegary smell on and off during my pregnancy. I'm currently 15 weeks and 5 and I mentioned it to my booking appointment with my midwife at 12 weeks but she said changes in discharge are normal. I'm just a bit concerned that it has come back again.
Discharge
By Midwife @Tommys on 23 Jan 2019 - 16:42
Hi AC
Pregnancy can cause changes in your vaginal discharge. If it is a worry to you and is uncomfortable, your midwife or GP can do a vaginal swab sample and send it off if there is a strong and unusual smell. Please return for them to do this.
All the best, Tommy's Midwife
pale bloodstains after weeing
By keshy (not verified) on 8 Jan 2019 - 09:55
hi am eight and a half months pregnant and for two days now av noticed some clear reddish bloodstains after wiping myself after weeing en my have some pain on my back just on top of my butt*cks en under my pelvis, this started after I had s*x,is this something to cause an alarm?this is my first pregnancy
Hi Keshy - thank you for your
By Midwife @Tommys on 8 Jan 2019 - 11:36
Hi Keshy - thank you for your message.
If you have any vaginal bleeding at any time during your pregnancy contact your midwife. You could also contact your GP you’re only a few weeks pregnant. Any sign of blood, which may be red (like if you cut your finger) or dark brown (like old blood) needs to be checked straight away.
Discharge getting more @ about 39weeks
By Mirah (not verified) on 6 Jan 2019 - 20:08
Im having this discharge, odurless and I’m going to be in my 39weeks by Wednesday, y is my discharge coming more? Does it mean my baby is getting ready? And my cramps are getting more heavy. Pls y?
Having more vaginal discharge
By Midwife @Tommys on 8 Jan 2019 - 11:49
Having more vaginal discharge during pregnancy is common. Healthy vaginal discharge is usually thin, clear or milky white and shouldn’t smell bad.
Speak to your midwife or doctor if you are unsure about any increase or change in your vaginal discharge.
Mild period-like discomfort or cramps at the end of your pregnancy are common and nothing to worry about, but call your midwife if you have any concerns.
You may also experience Braxton Hicks contractions, which are a sign that the muscles of your womb are tightening. This can happen from as early as 16 weeks, but are more common in later pregnancy.
Braxton Hicks’ contractions are:
irregular (more than 10 minutes apart)
short-lasting
uncomfortable more than painful.
You do not need to contact your maternity unit or midwife unless your contractions become painful and regular (less than 10 minutes apart).
Gush of liquid 24 weeks.
By Hayley (not verified) on 5 Jan 2019 - 17:33
Hi I'm 24 weeks pregnant. Stood up at 12noon and had a gush of liquid, went through my pants, landline and trousers. Had nothing at all since and it's now 5.34pm. Not sure whether I should get checked or not.
Hi Hayley,
By Midwife @Tommys on 8 Jan 2019 - 11:54
Hi Hayley,
Any leaking or gushing of clear or pinkish liquid before 37 weeks, may indicate a leak in your waters.
If this happens you and your baby are at risk of infection. You may also go into labour and deliver your baby early.
It is essential that you phone your maternity unit immediately and be checked out urgently.
Brown Discharge at 15 weeks
By Bryony Edwards (not verified) on 3 Jan 2019 - 06:10
Hello, i am 15 weeks pregnant and had some bleeding and brown/pink discharge on and iff between 6-10 weeks, all was checked and baby is fine. This morning i have gone to the toilet and there was brown discharge again. Ive had no pain but wondered if this was normal? Should i go to a&e at all?
Hi Bryony
By Midwife @Tommys on 8 Jan 2019 - 11:57
Hi Bryony
Having more vaginal discharge during pregnancy is common. Healthy vaginal discharge is usually thin, clear or milky white and shouldn’t smell bad. However, you must call your midwife if you have vaginal discharge and:
it smells bad
is green, brown or yellow
you feel itchy or sore around your vagina
you have pain when you wee.
This may mean you have an infection that needs to be treated.
Soaked panties ? Is my water slowly breaking
By Rebecca (not verified) on 19 Dec 2018 - 20:10
Im 36 + 4 weeks and i find myself always having to change my panties everytime i go pee i see that their a good amount of liquid soaking through should i worry is it normal
Soaked panties ? Is my water slowly breaking
By Midwife @Tommys on 20 Dec 2018 - 16:04
Hi Rebecca, If you think that your water's may have gone, you should call your maternity unit and go in for assessment. I wouldn't be able to advise you without examining you. It is possible that this is normal vaginal discharge which is usually clear or milky and has no smell, or it could be urine if you have leaked a bit. Either way, if you are unsure, please go and check.
Brown discharge after 12 week scan
By Janette (not verified) on 1 Dec 2018 - 11:20
Hi.
At 6 weeks, I found out i was pregnant with twins but only one was viable.
At 9 weeks, I had a red bleed. Scan showed second sac was significantly shrinking and there was a 2cm SCH above the baby. I rested as much as possible (and each day found brown discharge) and at 11 weeks, it was confirmed by scan that second sac and SCH were no longer visible.
Yesterday, I had another scan which showed baby doing great and again no sign of second sac or SCH. Baby is measuring at 13 weeks and sonographer said all was great!
However, a couple of hours after the scan, I had an episode of brown discharge followed by a small brown clot. I’ve had no discharge (other than a small amount of the usual pale yellow/white) since.
Could it still be the last part of the SCH coming out? The last time I passed a small clot was 6 days prior to scan.
In other words, do I need to contact my midwife? Or should I see if I have another episode before I get in touch? I have appointment with consultant in 10 days.
Thanks
Hi - Thank you for your
By Midwife @Tommys on 4 Dec 2018 - 12:11
Hi - Thank you for your message. I'm sorry to hear of the difficult and worrying time you have been having during this pregnancy. The good news is that you last scan was so positive - however, I would advise that you should contact your midwife/maternity unit about the clot you have passed.
Best Wishes
Pages