While we're all aware of those common pregnancy symptoms like when morning sickness kicks in and pregnancy fatique, wet watery discharge is not a sign of pregnancy that always springs to mind.
Us women know that vaginal discharge is a very normal part of our mentrual cycle and can change depending on the time of month and if it's ovulation discharge or not. Discharge is there to keep our vaginas clean and prevent infection, and it will also do this throughout pregnancy too.
If you've spotted any wet watery discharge during pregnancy, there's no need to worry. This is completely normal, and it's a sign that your body is working hard to keep you and your baby safe.
Why do I have wet watery discharge in pregnancy?
We all get discharge between our periods and discharge when we're ovulating, but you might notice this discharge becomes heavier when you're pregnant. This discharge may also be more watery and milky when you're pregnant and is referred to as leukorrhea.
This watery discharge is usually full of any dead cells and tissue your body no longer needs as your pregnancy develops, which is why it can get heavier as your pregnancy progresses. A heavier flow of discharge towards the end of your third trimester may even indicate that you'll soon be in labour.
You might feel it in your underwear, so you may want to wear some panty liners to feel a bit more comfortable, especially if it begins to get heavier.
What causes wet watery discharge in pregnancy?
This change in discharge is a normal response to your body becoming pregnant. There are many changes happening to your body when you get pregnant and one common change is a change in discharge. It's natural for your body to produce more Leukorrhea when you become pregnant as it's your body's way of clearing away dead cells from the birth canal and keeping you and your baby protected from any infections for the duration of the pregnancy.
What is the difference between excessive watery discharge and amniotic fluid from your waters breaking?
As you get further along in your pregnancy, the discharge may increase, so you might be wondering how to tell the difference between excessive watery discharge andif your waters are breaking or not.
The good news is, they're very different in terms of appearance. Discharge tends to be mucus-like in consistency and milky white in colour whereas amniotic fluid is much more watery, is the colour of pale urine and is often a continuous trickle once it starts.
If you suspect you could be leaking amniotic fluid too early in your pregnancy you should call your doctor immediately.
Wet watery discharge – is it a sign of pregnancy?
If there's a chance you could be pregnant and have spotted an increase or change in your discharge, it could be a sign of pregnancy.
Early pregnancy discharge may appear watery, clear, white, or just plain thin but this can vary from pregnancy to pregnancy.
The only way to be sure that it's a sign of pregnancy is to take a pregnancy test.
Things to look out for
Clear or milky discharge that's quite watery in texture with no strong odour is normal. If however, you're experiencing a change in discharge, you may want to speak to your doctor. Look out for a bad-smelling discharge, discharge that's deep yellow or green in colour or thick and lumpy consistency.
If the discharge is brown or has a pink tinge it could be a sign of implantation bleeding or mean that you're going into labour.
Lorna White is the Senior Digital Writer for Mother&Baby. After running the Yours magazine website, specialising in content about caring for kids and grandchildren, Lorna brought her expertise to Mother&Baby in 2020. She has a keen interest in a range of topics from potty training and nutrition to baby names and early development and has a wide range of experienced medical experts and professionals at her fingertips. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two young sisters, dog walking and enjoying the outdoors with her family.