• Increased thin, white, mild-smelling discharge during pregnancy is called leukorrhea, and it's generally a normal, healthy sign.
• Unscented liners and breathable cotton underwear are the most comfortable ways to manage extra moisture.
• Discharge that's green, yellow, gray, foul-smelling, or accompanied by itching or bleeding should be checked by a provider.

Pregnancy changes a lot of things about your body, and one of the less-talked-about ones is a noticeable uptick in vaginal discharge. If you've found yourself wondering whether that's normal, you're in good company, and this discharge can generally be managed with cotton underwear and liners. At Cora, we believe the more you know about what your body's doing, the less anxious these changes feel. Here's the rundown on pregnancy discharge.

The medical name for normal pregnancy discharge is leukorrhea, and it's typically thin, clear to milky white, and mild-smelling or completely odorless. Higher estrogen levels and increased blood flow to the pelvic area drive the increase, and it actually helps prevent infections by maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria and clearing away dead cells. Toward the end of pregnancy, the discharge may increase as your body prepares for labor.

Managing the extra moisture during pregnancy is mostly about focusing on gentle, breathable choices:

A panty liner can absorb daily discharge and keep you feeling fresh. Change it regularly, and skip scented versions, which can irritate sensitive skin.

Cotton lets air circulate and helps prevent the trapped moisture that can lead to irritation or infection.

Avoid putting anything in the vagina to manage discharge, since tampons can introduce bacteria, and douching disrupts your natural bacterial balance.

Certain changes are worth a phone call. Discharge that turns green, yellow, or gray, develops a strong or fishy odor, or looks like cottage cheese can be a sign of an infection, like bacterial vaginosis or a yeast infection. Itching, burning, or any bloody discharge also warrants a check-in. None of these signs mean you've done anything wrong, and most are easily treated.

• Increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy, known as leukorrhea, is normal and protective. It’s driven by higher estrogen levels that help prevent infection.
• Unscented panty liners and breathable cotton underwear are the most comfortable ways to manage extra moisture during pregnancy, while tampons and douching should typically be avoided.
• Discharge that turns green, yellow, or gray, develops a strong odor, or is accompanied by itching or bleeding is a signal to contact a provider.

Sources:

What Does Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy Mean? | Scripps Health

What To Know About Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy | Virtua Health

Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy | American Pregnancy Association