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While after the delivery you have a beautiful baby in your arms, but during pregnancy, it can get pretty uneasy at times. From aches and pains to swollen feet, there’s a whole bunch of sacrifices a mother has to make. One of those sacrifices is suffering from a yellow discharge during pregnancy.
Normal vaginal discharge is common during pregnancy but a yellow discharge during pregnancy’s third trimester could be a sign of an infection. So, if you have a yellow discharge during pregnancy, consult your physician as soon as possible. The physician will collect a urine sample or take the sample of the discharge from your cervix for testing.
Is Yellow Discharge Normal During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, a clear white discharge is normal. Usually, it is a bit sticky and doesn’t have any noticeable smell. This happens because of the increased levels of the hormone progesterone and estrogen increasing the blood flow to the vagina. Yellow discharge during pregnancy usually happens during the second trimester and protects your baby from infections. The discharge keeps your vagina clean by flushing out the dead cells. Once you reach the end of your pregnancy, you see a mucus-like discharge also known as a mucus plug, which is also normal.
However, as mentioned before, if the discharge becomes yellow, it is a sign of a lot of infections, which we will discuss later in the article.
What Does the Yellow Discharge Look Like?
A yellow discharge could mean an infection. Usually, it is a darker shade of yellow with a lumpy texture and foul smell. Sometimes the discharge is of a greyish or greenish color and it also indicates an infection. Along with the discharge, you might also experience some burning or itching.
If you think that it could be amniotic fluid, it could be possible, but there is a difference between the yellow discharge and amniotic fluid. The fluid is clear, very thin, and pale yellow just like urine. However, it is often odorless or somewhat sweet-smelling. You can also call it yellow odorless discharge during pregnancy.
With that out of the way, let’s see which infections cause the yellow discharge during pregnancy:
- Yeast infection
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
- Trichomoniasis
Now let’s talk about these infections in detail.
Yeast Infection
A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection caused by an imbalance in your vagina’s pH balance. Also known as vaginal candidiasis, yeast infections are normal during pregnancy.
The Symptoms of a Yeast Infection
Here are some symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection:
- A thick yellow or white discharge is usually odor-free
- Itching around and in the vagina
- Burning feeling during sex or while peeing
- Redness or swelling of the vulva
Can this Infection Affect My Pregnancy?
A study conducted in 2015 tells us that even though there aren’t enough pieces of evidence, a yeast infection can be linked to an increased risk of complications during pregnancy such as:
- Preterm labor
- Early rupture of membranes
- Chorioamnionitis
- Congenital cutaneous candidiasis
These complications tell us that a yeast infection should not be taken lightly and if you have one, you should talk to your healthcare provider for treatment immediately. Also, during pregnancy, you should avoid antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan).
Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is usually caused by an increased amount of a particular bacteria in your vagina. The scientific community isn’t sure about the cause of BV. However, according to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, this infection is caused by sexually active women.
The Symptoms of BV
Despite the lack of symptoms in many women, you might feel:
- Vaginal discomfort
- Burning feeling while urinating
- Vaginal discharge that is yellow
- Itch around and in your vagina
- Bad vaginal smell, especially after sex
Can BV Affect My Pregnancy?
As per the CDC, a woman with BV during pregnancy has a greater risk than a woman with BV during pregnancy for complications such as:
- Premature delivery
- Early labor
- Early rupture of membranes
- Endometritis
- Chorioamnionitis also known as amnionitis
- The low weight of the baby after birth (under 5.5 pounds)
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease easily treatable with antibiotics. However, the strains of gonorrhea are evolving and becoming drug-resistant and harder to cure.
The Symptoms of Gonorrhoea
This infection doesn’t have a lot of symptoms, but those who have it might see:
- Discomfort while peeing
- Increased yellow-colored vaginal discharge
- Abdominal discomfort
- Discomfort while having sex
Can Gonorrhoea Affect My Pregnancy?
As per the CDC, if left untreated, gonococcal infection while pregnant can be linked to
- Early rupture of membranes
- Miscarriages
- Premature birth
- Chorioamnionitis
- Low birth weight
This infection can be passed down to the baby via delivery. If left untreated, it could result in an eye infection.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is also a sexually transmitted disease easily curable with antibiotics.
The Symptoms of Chlamydia
A lot of people who have chlamydia might not know that they have it because this infection hardly shows any symptoms. Women might experience some symptoms such as:
- Discomfort while urinating
- Atypical vaginal discharge with a strong smell and yellow
- Discomfort while having sex
- Need to urinate more often
- Discomfort in the lower belly
Can Chlamydia Affect My Pregnancy?
According to the CDC, if not treated on time, it could lead to the below complications:
- Preterm labor
- Early rupture of membranes
- Low birth weight
This infection can be passed down to the baby via delivery. If left untreated, it could result in an eye and lung infection.
Trichomoniasis
The yellow discharge during pregnancy can also lead to Trichomoniasis, an STD caused by a protozoan parasite.
The Symptoms of Trichomoniasis
As per the CDC, only 30 percent of Americans out of the estimated 3.7 million who have this infection will develop symptoms. A person with the symptoms might experience:
- Discomfort while peeing
- increased yellow vaginal discharge with a foul odor
- Redness of the genitals
- Discomfort while having sex
- Itching and soreness of the genitals
Can Trichomoniasis Affect My Pregnancy?
If you have trichomoniasis while pregnant, it can result in:
- The low weight of the baby after birth
- Have your baby early
How to Treat Yellow Discharge During Pregnancy?
The best course of action anytime you have a discharge that smells, looks, or feels different from your normal discharge is to call your doctor.
Whether it is dark yellow, foul smelling, lumpy, or a yellow odorless discharge during pregnancy, it should be checked out by the doctor as soon as possible as it suggests a possible infection.
The doctor will find out whether you need treatment for the infection, or if the baby is ready to be born and you’re discharging amniotic fluid. After determining the source, they can suggest appropriate treatment to keep you and the baby safe and healthy.
The Takeaway
Pregnancy and childbirth bring your newborn into the world, but you have to be ultra careful during the 9 months and not do something rash. During pregnancy, the volume, color, and texture of the vaginal discharge can change and vary. While some discharges are normal, a yellow one might indicate a problem. Let’s quickly recap the infections that a yellow discharge might cause:
- Yeast infection
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Gonorrhoea
- Chlamydia
- Trichomoniasis
If your vagina has a lot of itching and the discharge has a very foul smell, you should call your doctor right away to ensure your and the baby’s safety.
