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
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Swollen hands and feet in pregnancy
Swelling or puffiness of your hands and feet is common in late pregnancy.
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Itching in pregnancy
Some itching around the stomach is normal as your skin is stretching around your growing baby.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Painful urination in pregnancy
If you have a painful or burning sensation when you wee (urinate), you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI)
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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.
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Headaches in pregnancy
Mild headaches can be caused by hormones and are common in pregnancy.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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ℹLast reviewed on September 27th, 2018. Next review date September 27th, 2021.
Comments
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
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.
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
Brown tinged discharge, 25 weeks.
By Maria (not verified) on 26 Nov 2018 - 18:47
Hi, i am on my 25 week, had a busy and tiring weekend, but today evening when i wiped after passing urine, i noticed a blood tinged brownish discharge.i felt baby movements today,
Is it something to worry about, i have an apt with the doctor next week? I am so scared and confused, i am lying down for now, please give me advice on what i should do?
This is my first pregnancy.
Thankyou so much in advance.
Brown tinged discharge, 25 weeks
By Midwife @Tommys on 28 Nov 2018 - 11:43
Hi Maria
Bleeding, at any gestation, should be reviewed as soon as possible at your local maternity unit. It's wonderful that you are keeping active and that you are feeling good fetal movements, but its best to be reviewed a soon as you can in relation to the bleed. Please don't forget to take your pregnancy notes with you. All the best - Tommy's Midwife
Watery stuff in my knickers
By Josie (not verified) on 22 Nov 2018 - 17:42
Hi I was wondering on a bit of advice I'm 32 weeks pregnant and for. Last couple days I've had quite damp knickers a little bit more than damp actually it's like a very watery discharge even leaked through to my leggings yesterday and a little on my bed when I went to get up to go for a wee. It's not urine because it doesn't smell now today about half hour ago I went for a wee and there was a lot of discharge and my knickers were damp I've actually been satin I've had a bit of belly ache today and a little back ache the belly ache is around my pelvis and back ache just above my bum
Watery stuff in my knickers
By Midwife @Tommys on 23 Nov 2018 - 10:05
Hi Josie,
It can be normal to having heavier discharge in pregnancy and sometimes this can also change in consistency. However I would strongly advise for you to contact your maternity unit today for a review just to check that your waters have not broken, sometimes this just looks like a trickle, you do not always get a gush of fluid. If you have any bleeding or the discharge looks green then you need to go in immediately.
Best wishes
Tommy's midwife
Thanks went in hospital that
By Josie (not verified) on 24 Nov 2018 - 19:58
Thanks went in hospital that night and found out I was in labour had a healthy baby boy about an hour later born 8 weeks premature
Thanks went in hospital that
By Midwife @Tommys on 26 Nov 2018 - 15:20
Congratulations Josie, I assume he is in NICU. I hope he is doing well and that you are also recovering. Best wishes x
Discharge
By Jade (not verified) on 13 Nov 2018 - 23:30
Hi I'm about 34 weeks 4 days I'm a low risk pregancany I noticed i had spot on my vagina bone but obvs as having a big bump needed a mirror to check it at first but also noticed while checking everything down there as it had been a while that inside the vagina I had a bit of white/milky clear watery like discharge has no odour just sitting inside doesnt look sore and it's not thick Is this normal? Also my vagina looks bigger than before is that normal? Also no pain when going to the toilet no itching ECT.
Discharge
By Midwife @Tommys on 14 Nov 2018 - 11:23
Hi Jade, Yes this is quite normal. Most women have an increased discharge in pregnancy.
Pinkish with bright red dischrge
By Mary (not verified) on 11 Nov 2018 - 17:23
I was very upset and crying today as my husband really upset me. Now i went to the the loo and passed a pinkish and bright red discharge just when i wiped. Am expecting twins and am 25 weeks pregnant. Havent had sex but do have a polyp down below my cervix. Have a meeting with the gyne tomorrow evening - do i need to go in sooner ? Havent pain but like a small stitch in my side. Havent felt any kicks yet in pregnancy. They checked me out 2 weeks ago for the same reason and said all was ok that time. Helo ??
Pinkish with bright red dischrge
By Midwife @Tommys on 14 Nov 2018 - 11:20
Yes, Any bleeding at 25 weeks should always be investigated straight away. It is very likely that this is due to the polyp but should be checked anyway.
White discharge has stopped
By Mrs. Faizal (not verified) on 25 Oct 2018 - 16:16
Hii..... Im 16 weeks and 5 days pregnant now.. I had small amount of bleeding in my 12th week... Then i consulted the doctor. I was given some medicine and doctor tld me nothng to worry.. Then again i had small amount of brownish bleeding in my 16 weeks and 1 day. Again i consulted the doctor and he scanned and tld me nothng to worry. Bt aftet 4 days again tdy i had 2 time brownish spotting... And i feel that my white discharge is also stopped.. Can u pls advise me...
White discharge has stopped
By Midwife @Tommys on 26 Oct 2018 - 10:04
Hi,
It sounds like you are doing the right thing, with each episode of bleeding to consult your doctor, please continue to do this. With regards to your white discharge stopping, this is not usually something to worry about, discharge can change in pregnancy. If you have any watery discharge, have any pain or feeling itchy then please let your doctor know so they can review you.
Best wishes
Tommy's midwife
Abdominal Cramps and Miscarriage a year ago
By E Mann (not verified) on 22 Oct 2018 - 14:42
Good Afternoon,
A year ago i had a miscarriage and this weekend I did a pregnancy test and it was positive however i am getting cramps that feel just like my period is coming. They are mild and come and go but are more there than not there.
I did the test Sunday and my period is due today/ tomorrow.
Should i be concerned i am so anxious after my last miscarriage.
Thank you in advance.
Abdominal Cramps and Miscarriage a year ago
By Midwife @Tommys on 23 Oct 2018 - 13:47
I am so sorry to hear about your miscarriage. Unfortunately though I can't give you any assurances for this pregnancy. It is still too soon to know whether the egg will implant successfully and I'm afraid that you will have to wait to see if your period comes over the nest day or two. Best wishes to you
Pregnancy alarm
By Nancy (not verified) on 18 Sep 2018 - 14:29
Hi, I think am 3 weeks pregnant and today I had abdominal pain and later noticed a reddish and brownish discharge which is smelly.. Is this something I should worry about?
Pregnancy alarm
By Midwife @Tommys on 20 Sep 2018 - 14:12
Hi Nancy, Thank you for your comment.
Have you confirmed your pregnancy with a positive pregnancy test? It could be that you are coming on your period? If you know that you are pregnant and your are having bleeding, abdominal pain and an offensive smell then we would suggest that you see your GP who will be able to check your pregnancy hormone levels to see if they are rising and possibly take a swab to see if your have any infection. Hope this helps, Take Care, Tommy's Midwives x
Nearly 33 weeks pregnant and bright red blood
By Lisa (not verified) on 2 Aug 2018 - 01:47
Hi my name is Lisa and this is my first pregnancy and I just noticed tonight that when I went toilet I filled the toilet with bright red blood and had to wear a sanitary pad to bed. Is that normal? Should I ring the maternity now? Or should I wait till morning thanks Lisa
Nearly 33 weeks pregnant and bright red blood
By Midwife @Tommys on 3 Aug 2018 - 13:02
Dear Lisa,
Please be aware this is a non urgent service. I hope that you contacted your maternity unit and have been seen, if not please contact your maternity unit straight away.
Best wishes
Tommy's midwife
Due Date Has Passed
By Brenda (not verified) on 29 Jun 2018 - 01:30
Hi My Due Date Of Giving Birth Was 26may, It Pasted A Week When I Had Cramps, I Thought It Was Labour But The Doctor Check Me For An Ultra Sound And Said I Should Wait For 2wks. 2wks Have Pasted And Nothing Is Happening, Am Worried Because Am Entering 11months And Its My First Pregnancy,please Advice Me What To Do. Thank You
Due Date Has Passed
By Midwife @Tommys on 29 Jun 2018 - 12:00
Hi Brenda,
In the UK all women are offered an induction of labour when they are about 10-14days passed their due date. From your message it sounds like you are over a month passed your due date so you should have definitely been offered an induction as research shows the placenta becomes less efficient during this time. It is very very important that you monitor your baby's movements closely, if you notice they have reduced or changed then you must go to the hospital straight away.
I would strongly advise for you to speak with your doctor about inducing your labour.
Best wishes
Tommy's midwife
33+4
By Unknown (not verified) on 20 Jun 2018 - 11:59
Iya I'm 33+4 yesterday i leaked kind watery discharge and kind jelly had few lower back pain and hurt every time the baby moved or kicked for over a hour keep feeling very hot
33+4
By Midwife @Tommys on 22 Jun 2018 - 14:59
Hi,
If you are continuing to have some watery discharge then you need to contact your maternity unit to check that your waters have not broken. Some back ache is normal but if you feel like this is worse than usual then again do be reviewed.
Best wishes
Tommy's midwife
Very very light brown discharge. 15 weeks pregnant
By Leanne (not verified) on 8 Jun 2018 - 18:34
Hi I’ve had the above happen today when I went to the loo, and wiped after seeing. . I’ve no other symptoms (no pain etc) and it was a very small amount. I’m not urinating anymore or less and this is my second pregnancy.were off on holiday in the morning so don’t know whether to go anywhere but I’m not sure if I should. Thank you
Very very light brown discharge. 15 weeks pregnant
By Midwife @Tommys on 11 Jun 2018 - 14:28
Hi Leanne, Sorry not to get back to you sooner, We are here only during office hours, Monday to Friday 9-5pm. I hope this has settled now. If you are still concerned, you can usually be seen in the early pregnancy unit at your local hospital. We usually recommend that any bleeding is assessed to find a cause but in many situations no cause is found and the pregnancy continues without any problems. Hope your holiday is going well. Take care.
Unusual smell
By Laura (not verified) on 7 Jun 2018 - 20:51
Hi I’m 26 weeks for the past couple of weeks my pants/ panty liners keep smelling of wee?! However I do not seem to have much discharge and the pants are not wet?
Have had no itching but keep going wee.
Is this normal?!
Thanks
Unusual smell
By Midwife @Tommys on 8 Jun 2018 - 13:12
Hi Laura,
If you have noticed a change in smell and that you keep needing to wee then it maybe a sign of a urine infection, it maybe worth dropping off a sample to your GP for testing or speaking with your midwife for a review.
Best wishes
Tommy's midwife
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