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Smelly discharge During Pregnancy: What’s Going On Down There?

Smelly discharge During Pregnancy: What’s Going On Down There

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Mom-to-be, lately noticed something icky or smelly down there? Yes, we’re talking about __vaginal smell during pregnancy__. Wasn’t it enough that you were dealing with morning sickness, that __pregnancy discharge smell__ is here to overwhelm you as well? At first, it can leave you worrisome but there’s no need to panic. __Smelly discharge during pregnancy__ could possibly be a sign of infection but it can be treated with the right medication. 
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Before your imagination runs wild, let us help you understand the cause behind __smelly discharge during pregnancy__. While we are at it, we’ve enlisted ways to get rid of __fishy odour during pregnancy__ and tips on how to prevent __pregnancy discharge smell__.
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- [Is Vaginal Smell During Pregnancy Normal?](#is-vaginal-smell-during-pregnancy-normal)
- [Does Vaginal Discharge Change During Pregnancy?](#does-vaginal-discharge-change-during-pregnancy)
- [What Causes Vaginal Smell During Pregnancy?](#what-causes-vaginal-smell-during-pregnancy)
- [How to Get Rid of Smelly Discharge During Pregnancy](#how-to-get-rid-of-smelly-discharge-during-pregnancy)
- [Ways To Prevent Smelly Discharge During Pregnancy](#ways-to-prevent-smelly-discharge-during-pregnancy)


Is Vaginal Smell During Pregnancy Normal?

Yes, experiencing mild __vaginal smell during pregnancy__ is normal. Many women have shared this concern. It isn’t necessary that every woman would notice a __pregnancy discharge smell__. However, it isn't normal if your [vaginal discharge __during pregnancy__](/tips-and-advice-for-women/vaginal-discharge/vaginal-discharge-during-pregnancy-colors-and-texture) has a __fishy odour__. It possibly could be a sign of yeast infection and would require medical attention. 


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<h2>Is Vaginal Smell During Pregnancy Normal?</h2>

Does Vaginal Discharge Change During Pregnancy

Typically, vaginal discharge during pregnancy is thin and clear or white and has a mild odour. As your pregnancy advances, this discharge increases in quantity. However, when there’s any infection or health issue coming your way, this discharge changes colour, smell or consistency. So, it is essential that you keep a tab on any changes in your vaginal discharge.


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<h2>Does Vaginal Discharge Change During Pregnancy? </h2>

What Causes Vaginal Smell During Pregnanc

Be it first, second or __third trimester, smelly discharge during pregnancy__ can occur at any time. It can be caused due to infections or dietary changes. Let’s look at each factor causing __smelly discharge during pregnancy__ in detail. 
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<h3 class="charpcos">1. Hormones</h3>
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Just like your mood swings, you can blame your raging hormones for causing __vaginal smell during pregnancy__. When you are pregnant, your hormones are all over the place. Typically, there’s a spike in the progesterone and oestrogen levels. This leads to more vaginal discharge which at times may smell funky. 
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<h3 class="charpcos">2. Bacterial vaginosis</h3>
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If you notice [fishy vaginal odour](/tips-and-advice-for-women/vaginal-discharge/fishy-vaginal-odour-causes-and-how-to-get-rid-of-it) __during pregnancy__, chances are you’ve been infected with bacterial vaginosis. It is an infection caused due to overgrowth of bacteria in the vaginal region. This __fishy, smelly discharge during pregnancy__ is more evident after intercourse. Sometimes, it can be accompanied by other symptoms like vaginal itching or burning. Seeking a doctor’s help is essential. If you leave it untreated, it can cause complications in your otherwise healthy pregnancy. 
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<h3 class="charpcos">3. Yeast Infection</h3>
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Another cause behind __fishy odour during pregnancy__ is a yeast infection. It is caused by a fungus called candida that outgrows in your vaginal region. This condition can lead to itchiness, swelling or redness in your vagina. Consulting a doctor at the earliest is a must. With the right treatment, this infection is likely to clear up quickly.

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<h2>What Causes Vaginal Smell During Pregnancy? </h2>

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<h3 class="charpcos">4. Diet</h3>
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Your eating habits could also be the reason for __smelly discharge during pregnancy__. If you eat garlic, onion, coffee or spicy foods, it can possibly lead to __pregnancy discharge__ that __smells__ funky. In such cases, speaking to your doctor is the best option. He will be able to guide you on which foods to eliminate from your diet. This in turn would lower your chances of a vagina that smells a little iffy. 
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<h3 class="charpcos">5. Poor hygiene & pH Levels</h3>
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Habits like douching or not bathing at all can also make your vaginal __discharge__ during __pregnancy smell__. Likewise, using scented or chemical-based products can hamper the pH levels of your vagina. This ultimately can make your vagina secrete __smelly discharge during pregnancy__.


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How to Get Rid of Smelly Discharge During Pregnancy 

If an infection is a reason for your smelly discharge, then medication is the only way to get rid of it. Apart from that, there’s no one sure shot [way to get rid of smelly vaginal discharge](/tips-and-advice-for-women/intimate-hygiene/how-to-get-rid-of-smelly-vaginal-discharge-dos-and-donts) __during pregnancy__. However, here are a few easy ways that can help you tackle __pregnancy discharge smell__.
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<h3 class="charpcos">1. Wear Cotton Underwear</h3>
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Wearing tight or underwear made from uncomfortable material can make you sweat down there. This might invite infection causing bacteria and lead to smelly discharge. Thus, opting for cotton fabric underwear is the best option. They are soft, breathable and comfortable for the skin. 
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<h3 class="charpcos">2. Be Mindful Of Your Diet</h3>
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Speak to your doctor and understand what kinds of foods are causing vaginal odour. As per his suggestions, make changes to your diet. Make sure to eat fruits which are suitable for your pregnancy and stay hydrated. 
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<h3 class="charpcos">3. Use Pantyliners</h3>
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Be it your __early pregnancy discharge__ that __smells__ or you notice __smelly discharge during pregnancy__ in the __third trimester__, there’s one hero that helps all! It's none other than - [pantyliners](/panty-liners). This intimate hygiene partner keeps you fresh and clean down there. Try the [ALWAYS Multiform Protect Panty Liners](/panty-liners/always-multiform-protect) which are thinner than 1mm and provide a comfortable fit. These liners are mildly scented which keeps you fresh for a long time. They are dermatologically tested to be gentle on delicate skin.


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<h2>How to Get Rid of Smelly Discharge During Pregnancy </h2>

Ways To Prevent Smelly Discharge During Pregnancy

If you want to make sure that __smelly discharge during pregnancy__ doesn’t come your way at all, even in the third trimester, here are some ways to prevent it: 
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<h3 class="charpcos">1. Avoid Douching -</h3> 
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Douching is a method of washing your vagina with water or any other pre-packaged douche fluids. Women often do it to eliminate vaginal odour. But it can easily irritate your vagina and disrupt its ecosystem. This might lead to infection. 
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<h3 class="charpcos">2. Change Your Underwear Frequently - </h3> 
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You need to keep things as dry as possible down there. So, change your underwear when things feel a little too moist down there.
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<h3 class="charpcos">3. Stay Away From Scented Products - </h3>
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Don’t make use of scented wipes or wash your panties with harmful detergents. These disrupt the pH levels of the vagina and may cause smelly discharge. 


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<h2>Ways To Prevent Smelly Discharge During Pregnancy</h2>

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When To Visit A Doctor

If your vaginal smell is fishy or accompanied by other symptoms, then you must seek medical help. Contact a doctor in the following scenarios:
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- <h3 class="charpcos">Abnormal change in your discharge, colour or consistency </h3>
- <h3 class="charpcos">Foul or fishy smelling discharge</h3>
- <h3 class="charpcos">Burning or itching sensation around your vagina or in your vulva region </h3>
- <h3 class="charpcos">Pain while having intercourse</h3>
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__Takeaway__
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Getting a strong, pungent smell from your vaginal discharge is normal. However, fishy, smelly discharge is typically a sign of infection. Here, seeking medical help and treating it at the earliest is important. Whether it's early pregnancy or you’ve reached the __third trimester, smelly discharge during pregnancy__ needs to be addressed.  So, don’t hesitate to talk about it with your doctor. Voice your concerns and go on to have a healthy pregnancy! 
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Now keep a track of your ovulation period with Aways [Fertile Days Calculator](/period-calculator).


<h2>When To Visit A Doctor</h2>

FAQ 1

Early pregnancy discharge is often odourless or sometimes may have a mild smell to it. This discharge is the by-product of higher levels of oestrogen in a pregnant body. 

__FAQs__<br><br>

<h2>1. What does early pregnancy discharge smell like? </h2>


FAQ 2

Yes, mildly __smelly discharge__ is normal __during the third trimester of your pregnancy__. However, if it is accompanied by other symptoms like itchiness, redness or soreness around the vagina or if it smells fishy, medical help should be taken immediately. 

<h2>2. Is smelly discharge normal in the third trimester? </h2>


FAQ 3

__Fishy odour during pregnancy__ is majorly caused due to infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection. The only way to get rid of these infections is by taking antibiotics prescribed by the doctor.

<h2>3. How do I get rid of fishy odour during pregnancy? </h2>


Disclaimer

__Disclaimer:__
<br>

Please note the date of the last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; [Always pads prioritize safety](/about-us/inside-always-pads-safe), protection and comfort of its consumers. 


Smelly discharge during pregnancy could be a sign of infection. Don’t worry, we at ALWAYS <Country_Name> will help you find the cause and ways to treat it effectively. 