Is it normal to have yellow discharge when pregnant

Women who do have symptoms might experience:. An untreated chlamydial infection, according to the CDC , has been linked to complications during pregnancy, such as:. The infection can also be transmitted during delivery, possibly leading to lung and eye infections. Gonorrhea is a common STI that is treated with antibiotics. Drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea are increasing, so it is becoming increasingly difficult to cure.

According to the CDC, an untreated gonococcal infection during pregnancy has been linked to:. Gonorrhea can also be transmitted through delivery. This can lead to eye infections if not treated.

An infection with a protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis causes the common STI trichomoniasis. According to the CDC , only about 30 percent of the estimated 3. If you do experience symptoms, they might include:. When you are pregnant, your vaginal discharge can vary in volume, texture, and color. While some changes are normal, others may indicate a problem, such as an infection. If your discharge is yellow, see your doctor. Especially if it has a strong, unpleasant odor.

Yellow vaginal discharge could be a sign of:. If it is an infection, your doctor can get you started on treatments right away, not only for your health but for the health and safety of your baby.

Vaginal discharge is most often a normal and common occurrence. Some types of discharge, however, could signal something more serious. Learn about…. Your discharge can say a lot about your health.

Yeast infections are common, and the body is particularly susceptible to them during pregnancy. Other symptoms include itching, burning, and painful urination or intercourse. Green or yellow vaginal discharge is not healthy and suggests a sexually transmitted infection STI , such as chlamydia or trichomoniasis.

Other possible symptoms include redness or irritation in the genitals. STIs sometimes do not cause any symptoms. These complications sometimes do not present until years after the birth, but they can affect the nervous system and development of the child and cause infertility in the woman. People may occasionally think that they have yellow discharge when they are merely leaking small amounts of urine. Gray vaginal discharge may indicate a vaginal infection called bacterial vaginosis BV , particularly if it also has a fishy smell that becomes stronger following intercourse.

BV is the result of a bacterial imbalance in the vagina. Douching and having multiple sexual partners are risk factors for BV, which is the most common vaginal infection during childbearing years.

Discharge is usually brown due to old blood leaving the body, which can be an early symptom of pregnancy. Brown discharge during pregnancy is not generally a cause for concern. Pink discharge during pregnancy may or may not be normal. Discharge with a pink hue often occurs during early pregnancy or in the final weeks as the body prepares for labor.

It can also occur before a miscarriage or during an ectopic pregnancy. A study with 4, participants found that spotting and light episodes of bleeding during the first trimester, especially those persisting for just 1 to 2 days, did not correspond with a higher risk of miscarriage.

Other causes of light spotting during pregnancy include sexual intercourse and vaginal infections. Red vaginal discharge during pregnancy requires the immediate attention of a doctor, especially if the bleeding is heavy, contains clots, or occurs alongside cramping and abdominal pain.

These symptoms suggest miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage, which people may also refer to as pregnancy loss. Other causes of red discharge may be less serious, especially during the first trimester, when it may result from implantation or infection. Studies indicate that between 7 and 24 percent of women bleed during early pregnancy.

Bleeding later in pregnancy can indicate potentially serious issues or preterm labor, which will require immediate medical attention.

You may find it helps to avoid perfumed soap or perfumed bath products. Find out more about vaginal discharge. If you're well, it's really important you go to all your appointments and scans for the health of you and your baby.

If you're pregnant, hospitals and clinics are making sure it's safe for you to go to appointments. They will advise you what to do. Page last reviewed: 31 March Next review due: 31 March Home Pregnancy Pregnancy-related conditions Common symptoms in pregnancy Back to Common symptoms in pregnancy. Vaginal discharge in pregnancy. Non-urgent advice: Call your midwife if you have vaginal discharge and:.