Why do I have so much discharge?
It is common to have more vaginal discharge in pregnancy. It is due to the impact of hormones on the skin of the vagina and cervix. It is clear to yellow in colour and there is no irritation or significant odour. The amount varies from one woman to another.
If there is an irritation or odour then you could have a vaginal infection. The most common is due to Candida albicans (thrush).
If you have a very watery clear vaginal loss and especially if it has a fishy smell then you could have rupture of the membranes. The loss is usually considerable but sometimes is not.
What can be done?
Nothing can be done in pregnancy about the physiological increase in discharge in pregnancy, as it is part of pregnancy changes. It will settle after the pregnancy. Use pads and not tampons and change them frequently. If it doesn’t settle after you have your baby it may be because you may have a cervical ectropion (excessive glands on your cervix). Cervical diathermy after your pregnancy is over will most likely result in you having markedly less discharge. Ask me about this if it is relevant to you.
