Once your pregnancy is full term (at 39 weeks of pregnancy), seeing a mucus-like discharge is also normal. This is the mucus plug, which is described below in more detail.
Losing your mucus plug generally means your cervix has started to dilate, efface or both. It means labor is around the corner, but there is not an exact time for how soon after other labor symptoms will start. In some cases, you may already be in labor when you lose your mucus plug.
“Vaginal discharge increases to thick and white as the cervix softens, or when you lose your mucus plug prior to labor,” OB/GYN Dr. Taraneh Shirazian M.D. tells Romper. “This change is due the changing hormone levels in pregnancy.”
This mucus comes away just before labour starts, or when in early labour, and it may pass out of your vagina. This sticky, jelly-like pink mucus is called a show. It may come away in 1 blob or in several pieces. It's pink because it contains a small amount of blood.
White vaginal discharge (called leucorrhea) is nothing to worry about: This early pregnancy discharge is normal and can be clear to milky white, thin or thick, and mild-smelling or odorless.
Milky white discharge is a typical part of the menstrual cycle. According to Planned Parenthood, before ovulation occurs, a female's discharge can be white and cloudy. At this time, it can also feel sticky or tacky. However, white discharge may also signal a vaginal infection or pregnancy.
Excess vaginal discharge can occur due to arousal, ovulation, or infections. Normal vaginal discharge contains a mixture of cervical mucus, vaginal fluid, dead cells, and bacteria. Females may experience heavy vaginal discharge from arousal or during ovulation.
It's normal to have some amount of discharge every day. You can't prevent it because it's your body's way of keeping your vagina clean and healthy.
It's normal and healthy to produce a clear or white discharge from your vagina. This mucus is produced naturally from the neck of the womb, known as the cervix.
Clear and stretchy — This is “fertile” mucous and means you're ovulating. Clear and watery — This occurs at different times of your cycle and can be particularly heavy after exercising. Yellow or green — May indicate an infection, especially if it's thick or clumpy like cottage cheese or has a foul odor.
Healthy vaginal discharge during pregnancy is called leukorrhea. It is similar to everyday discharge, meaning that it is thin, clear or milky white, and smells only mildly or not at all. However, pregnancy can cause the amount of discharge to increase.
White and thin or thick discharge is a normal part of the menstrual cycle. The body typically uses the discharge to clear the vagina of bacteria to prevent infection. A person may notice some slight changes throughout their cycle, which are usually due to hormone levels fluctuating.
White vaginal discharge is usually normal and a sign of a healthy reproductive system. Most people who have a vagina have some discharge. White milky white vaginal discharge is usually a sign of a normal menstrual cycle.
Vaginal fluid is usually white or yellow in color. Amniotic fluid, however, is typically clear (or red-tinged) and will soak your underwear. It also has no scent and/or a slightly sweet smell.
For most pregnant women, leukorrhea does resemble milk; it's somewhat watery and white or cloudy. Leukorrhea discharge can even leave a chalky stain on your underwear. Still, there are many variations of “normal” when it comes to leukorrhea in pregnancy, so don't be surprised if your discharge looks a bit different.
Getting up and moving around may help speed dilation by increasing blood flow. Walking around the room, doing simple movements in bed or chair, or even changing positions may encourage dilation.
Different shades of white discharge may be normal, especially if it occurs during ovulation or just before a woman's period. As long as there is no vaginal itching, burning, or unusual smell accompanying the discharge, there is probably no underlying issue.
Increased vaginal discharge is one of the most common signs that a person has lost their mucus plug. However, while the mucus plug always comes out before delivery, some people may not notice any changes or symptoms.
In the last week or so of pregnancy, it may contain streaks of sticky, jelly-like pink mucus. This is called a "show", and happens when the mucus that's been present in your cervix during pregnancy comes away. It's a sign that the body is starting to prepare for birth.
Changes in your vaginal discharge
Even if the mucus plug stays intact, you may notice other changes to your vaginal discharge. “It can become more watery, stickier and thicker, or maybe a little pink before labor begins or at the early stages of labor,” says Dr.
Some people with vaginas may notice watery or egg-like mucus for several days prior to or during ovulation. While this mostly looks clear, it may leave what appears to be whitish stains on underwear. As long as there is no odor or foul smell, increased discharge around the time of ovulation is normal.
Without a fertile egg around, sticky creamy discharge is meant to keep sperm out. White creamy discharge before your period is also full of dead cells, white blood cells, and bacteria. Discharge helps cleanse the vagina of unwanted substances and microorganisms.
Thick, white, clumpy discharge like wet toilet paper may indicate a vaginal yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis). The symptoms of a yeast infection include itching, painful sex and irritation, and aches around the vulva. It can be treated with antifungal medications in creams, ointments, tablets, and suppositories.
Your cervix will be fully opened and ready for delivery when it is dilated to 10 centimeters. Increased discharge from your vagina may occur. It may be brown, pink, clear, or slightly bloody. This discharge may also be called bloody show.