Pregnancy is a wonderful, yucky thing isn’t it? There is so much going on with our bodies that we have absolutely no idea about. Especially if this is your first pregnancy it is completely normal to worry; A LOT! I have found that there are three types of discharge during pregnancy that worries us the most.

* Blood

Anytime that we see blood “down there” it is completely natural to be worried. You should always call and check in with your doctor if you feel that there is something wrong with you or your baby, don’t doubt yourself! There is one type of bleeding however that comes up a lot and does not constitute a doctor visit. Bleeding after sex! This type of bloody discharge during pregnancy is completely normal. You see, your cervix (the opening to your uterus) is very sensitive at this time and more often than not sex can aggravate the cervix causing some light bleeding.

You should be sure and give the doctor a call if:

*The bleeding occurs any time during the first trimester

*You experience contractions or cramps with the bleeding

*If you have bleeding that soaks more than one pad per hour.

*You have bleeding for a long period of time (more than 24 hours)

*Yeast

Even if you have had a yeast infection before pregnancy, it is a new ball game now that there is a baby inside you! A normal yeast infection will cause a thick, white or yellow, foul smelling discharge during pregnancy. Another symptom of a yeast infection is itching or burning of the labia and/or vagina. You CAN use a yeast infection medication such as Monistat to treat this common pregnancy condition.

You need to understand, though, that there are times when a discharge accompanied by a burning or itchy feeling could be something else that requires a completely different type of treatment. So it is important that you visit with your doctor about your symptoms before discounting them as simply a yeast infection.

Pink, Clear Fluid

This could be the most concerning type of discharge during pregnancy since it could possibly be amniotic fluid. No matter what point you have reached in your pregnancy, this clear discharge can mean trouble but this is especially true during the third trimester. It is possible that you could have a tear in the amniotic sack which could cause leaking of the amniotic fluid.

Fortunately when this clear, pinkish discharge during pregnancy occurs it isnt amniotic fluid, but instead, it is just a little urine. As humiliating as that might be, we are pregnant and yes, disgusting things happen, like urinating on yourself!

When to go to the emergency room:

*If you see any blood mixed in with the discharge

*Mild to heavy contractions associated with the discharge

Typically, you will see an increase in the amount of discharge during pregnancy. However, this discharge should look white and milky, have no or very mild odor, and be feel a lot like lotion. If your discharge is different than this, it is worth mentioning to your OB.