Watery vaginal discharge is a mix of watery fluids, normal bacteria from the vagina, and old cells being shed. This discharge is normal and helps keep the genital area clean and healthy by removing dead cells from the vaginal lining.
Your body begins to produce vaginal discharge at puberty. The amount, color, and thickness of the discharge change throughout your menstrual cycle and during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, your vagina produces a thin, milky-white discharge called leukorrhea. It is similar to the discharge you might have between periods, but heavier.
Leukorrhea is made up of dead cells and tissue. As your pregnancy progresses, you will likely notice an increase in this watery discharge.
Watery discharge is a normal part of pregnancy and usually gets heavier as your pregnancy progresses. Very heavy discharge towards the end of the third trimester can be a sign that your body is preparing for labor.
During pregnancy, higher levels of the hormone estrogen increase blood flow to your pelvic area. This extra blood flow stimulates the mucous membranes, leading to more discharge.
Watery discharge during pregnancy, called leukorrhea, isn’t just a meaningless symptom. It helps clear out dead cells in the vagina, maintaining healthy bacteria in the birth canal and protecting you and your baby from infection.
You might notice leukorrhea in your underwear, but it isn’t very noticeable visually. It usually has:
.A thin or mucus-like texture
.A clear or milky-white color
.A mild odor or no odor at all
Causes of Watery Discharge During Pregnancy
There are two main reasons why watery discharge become more noticeable during pregnancy, depending on how far along you are:
1. Your body changes during pregnancy.
Leukorrhea clears dead cells from the birth canal, maintaining healthy bacteria levels and preventing infections, which is crucial for your and your baby’s health.
2. If your water breaks
Not all clear fluid is leukorrhea; it could also be amniotic fluid, which nourishes and protects your baby in the amniotic sac. Amniotic fluid looks different from leukorrhea—it’s watery and straw-colored, similar to pale urine, and typically flows continuously once it begins.
Is watery discharge normal during pregnancy?
Both clear and white watery discharge are completely normal during pregnancy and usually increase as your pregnancy progresses. You can use a panty liner or pad if you prefer, but avoid using tampons because they can introduce bacteria into the vagina.
If you notice excessive watery discharge during your pregnancy, it could be a sign that your water broke or that you’re leaking amniotic fluid.
You can usually tell the difference between amniotic fluid and leukorrhea pretty easily. Amniotic fluid feels like a steady trickle or gush, and it often has a light yellowish tint and a thinner consistency compared to leukorrhea.
If you suspect you’re leaking amniotic fluid prematurely, it’s important to call your doctor right away for evaluation. If it’s close to your due date and you think your water might be breaking, contact your healthcare provider as well.
Even if your water doesn’t break (which is common), changes in your discharge can signal that labor is approaching. Leukorrhea may become heavier in the days or hours leading up to labor and may appear pink or slightly bloody instead of clear or milky.
Watery discharge is normal during pregnancy, but you should call your doctor if you notice any changes from your usual discharge, such as:
Deep yellow or green color
Bad smell
Thick or lumpy consistency
Burning or irritation, which could signal an infection
Pinkish or brownish color or streaks of blood, which could indicate later pregnancy labor or early implantation bleeding
Watery discharge that resembles pale urine, suggesting your water broke or you’re leaking amniotic fluid.
While watery discharge is usually not concerning, it’s important to be aware of what’s normal for you. If you notice any unusual changes in color, smell, consistency, or suspect your water may have broken, contact your doctor for advice.
