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Yellow Discharge During Pregnancy: Causes, Types, and When to Seek Help

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Yellow Discharge During Pregnancy: Causes, Types, and When to Seek Help

Yellow discharge during pregnancy could be a sign of an infection or an underlying condition.

Soon-to-be-mom, have you noticed an increase in your vaginal discharge? Well, it’s completely normal! Rather increased vaginal discharge is considered as one of the early signs of pregnancy. This type of discharge looks clear or milky white. However, there are times where you might come across some yellow discharge during pregnancy. Now, that’s something that needs to be checked and notified to the doctor.

Yellow discharge during pregnancy could be a sign of an infection or an underlying condition. But worry not, let us put your mind at ease by deciphering what yellow discharge during pregnancy indicates along with its causes and symptoms.

What Does Yellow Discharge During Pregnancy Look Like?

Thick yellow discharge during pregnancy which is deeper in colour is an indication of an infection. It is often accompanied by a bad odour and burning sensation. On the other hand, if you notice pale yellow discharge during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, then it’s amniotic fluid. This type of yellow discharge during pregnancy is often odourless or it may sometimes have a sweet smell. Read about yellow vaginal discharge here.

To combat the icky wetness followed by the yellow discharge, opting for panty liners like the ALWAYS Comfort Protect Panty Liners is always a good idea. They come with odour-neutralising technology that keeps you fresh and confident. Additionally, these liners are designed to provide a flexible and comfortable fit. Lastly, they are safe for the skin and dermatologically tested.

What Does Yellow Discharge During Pregnancy Look Like? - TB

Causes And Symptoms For Yellow Discharge During Pregnancy

Yellow discharge during pregnancy can be caused due to the following reasons:

What Does Yellow Discharge During Pregnancy Look Like?

Yeast Infection

Noticing yellow discharge during pregnancy, primarily in the second trimester, is often linked with yeast infections. While being pregnant, the pH balance in your vagina tends to fluctuate. This results in the growth of yeast called ‘vaginal candidiasis’. This type of vaginal yeast infection can give rise to pregnancy complications like premature rupture of membranes or preterm labour.

Yeast infection is often accompanied by the following symptoms:

  • Thick yellow, odourless discharge during pregnancy
  • Burning sensation while urinating or having intercourse
  • Irritation or swelling in the vaginal region
Yeast Infection

Trichomoniasis

It’s a common sexually transmitted infection which is caused due to a parasite. This infection in pregnant women often leads to a preterm baby or baby with low birth weight.

Here are some of the symptoms that are associated with this infection.

  • Foul-smelling yellow discharge while pregnant
  • Soreness and redness of the vulva region
  • Pain while urinating or having intercourse
Trichomoniasis

Another reason for experiencing yellow discharge during pregnancy is trichomoniasis.

Bacterial vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis is caused when there’s an imbalance between the bacteria, which is naturally found in the vagina. It’s seen that women in their reproductive stage are at a higher risk of developing this infection. If not treated in time, this infection in a pregnant woman can lead to preterm labour, premature delivery, endometritis or even a baby with low birth weight.

The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are as follows:

  • Thick yellow discharge during pregnancy. The discharge could also be green, grey or white in colour
  • Fishy vaginal odour
  • Itchiness around vagina
  • Vaginal discomfort
  • Burning sensation while urinating
Bacterial vaginosis

Gonorrhoea Or Chlamydia

Gonorrhoea and chlamydia are the two common types of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) linked with yellow discharge during pregnancy. They are caused by bacteria and can be cured with the dosage of antibiotics. Pregnant women with untreated STI might have to witness some pregnancy complications like preterm labour, chorioamnionitis (inflammation of the fetal membranes), low birth weight and in some cases miscarriages.

Gonorrhoea Or Chlamydia

The symptoms of STIs are as follows:

  • Yellow discharge during pregnancy
  • Frequent urination
  • Discomfort in the lower abdomen region
  • Discomfort while urinating or while having intercourse
symptoms of STIs

Does Yellow Discharge Mean Something Is Wrong With The Pregnancy?

Noticing yellow discharge while being pregnant isn’t normal and often is a sign of infection. If the infection isn’t treated at the earliest, there’s a possibility that your pregnancy would have complications. Hence, you need to pay close attention to your vaginal discharge and inform your doctor about the unusual changes. In case you notice pale yellow, watery discharge during pregnancy then your water is broken. If this happens when your due date is around, consider it as a sign of your baby’s arrival.

Does Yellow Discharge Mean Something Is Wrong With The Pregnancy?

When To Seek Doctor's help?

Keep in mind that whenever you notice any unusual changes in your vaginal discharge, you must contact your doctor. He will be able to help you with the right treatment, at the right time. This can help you avoid any further complications in your pregnancy.

When To Seek Doctor's help?

Takeaway

During pregnancy, you would witness different types of vagina discharge. But no matter what the type is, be it thick, thin, watery, pale or odourless, yellow discharge during pregnancy should be treated. If it's an infection, the right treatment at the earliest can safeguard your health and your baby’s too!

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FAQs

  1. Does yellow discharge mean pregnancy?

No, yellow discharge doesn’t mean pregnancy, rather it’s a sign of infection. Pregnancy discharge is often thin, milky white and watery in texture.

  1. What causes yellow discharge during pregnancy?

Conditions like yeast infections or sexually transmitted infections can cause thick yellow discharge during pregnancy.

  1. What does yellow watery discharge during pregnancy indicate?

Yellow, watery discharge during pregnancy indicates amniotic fluid. It’s the fluid which safeguards your little one in your amniotic sac.

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