Are you experiencing jelly-like discharge during pregnancy? Well, during pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through a lot of changes both on the inside as well as on the outside. The body starts to adapt itself to the new life that is growing inside the womb. Some of the changes and discomforts might be new to the pregnant woman. Whereas, some of the changes experienced by the mother can be an exaggeration of certain issues she may have already experienced.
Vaginal discharge is a normal thing for healthy women all through their reproductive years. But once she becomes pregnant, she will experience changes in texture, evenness, amount, and odor of the vaginal discharge. Even though vaginal discharge is common during pregnancy, once the discharge has changed to a jelly-like consistency, most pregnant women tend to get worried about it. Continue reading to know all about jelly-like discharge during pregnancy and what it indicate.
In This Article
- What Leads to Jelly Like Discharge During Pregnancy?
- Should You Worry About Jelly Like Discharge During Pregnancy?
- Jelly Like Discharge Towards the End of Pregnancy
- When Does a Vaginal Discharge Signify an Infection?
- How to Prevent Your Chances of a Vaginal Infection?
- FAQ’s
What Leads to Jelly-Like Discharge During Pregnancy?
Jelly-like discharge during pregnancy is generally due to the following factors:
- The increased level of estrogen
- The increased blood flow in the pelvic area
Because of these factors, the mucus gland in the cervix starts to work more intensely than they normally do, triggering additional mucus. All the extra mucus produced, obviously, starts being discharged through the vagina. It turns to a consistency that is jelly-like because along with the mucus, dead vaginal and cervical cells and the natural flora found in the vagina are also combined with the discharge.
Should You Worry About Jelly-Like Discharge During Pregnancy?
As long as there is a clear thick jelly-like discharge during pregnancy, usually, there is nothing to worry. However, there are a few other factors, if found along with the jellylike discharge, that may indicate a medical condition that needs immediate attention.
Some of these factors include:
- If the discharge has a grayish or greenish color instead of a white or off-white color.
- If the discharge has an uneven or curdled milk-like or cottage cheese-like appearance rather than being flowy or thick.
- The vaginal discharge has a foul smell to it.
- When all is well and normal, the vaginal discharge will not have any smell.
- A burning sensation, irritation, or itchiness, mainly while urinating.
- If you notice swelling in the vagina or its surrounding area with or without pain.
Consulting your doctor is highly recommended if you have any of these symptoms as above mentioned factors could be an indication of vaginal infection.
Jelly Like Discharge Towards the End of Pregnancy
The vaginal discharge can all of a sudden turn to a jelly-like appearance once you get into the latter half of the third trimester or near the end of your pregnancy term. This sudden change would most likely be the result of the discharge of the mucus plug from the vagina.
The mucus plug is the protective barrier that closes the mouth of the uterus once the pregnancy starts. The mucus plug helps to keep the unborn baby protected from coming into contact with any germs or other infections that could otherwise extend to the uterus.
As the body starts to get ready for the natural process of childbirth, the mucus plug becomes loose and is passed through the vagina in the form of jelly-like discharge. It usually comes out through your vagina after you have crossed the 36th week of your pregnancy.
- Normally the mucus plug will be white or off-white in color and jelly-like consistency.
- If it comes out all at once, it may look like a big blob that will have a reddish tinge. This can be an indication of nearing labor and hence it is better to let your doctor know about it.
- If the discharge turns out to be greenish-yellow, immediate medical attention is needed, as it can be a sign of the presence of meconium, the baby’s first poo.
When Does a Vaginal Discharge Signify an Infection?
Certain types of vaginal discharge may indicate that you have a vaginal infection. Here are some of the common types of vaginal infections.
1. Yeast Infections
Yeast infections are generally caused by a fungus that is present in the vagina. The fungus may multiply and cause an imbalance in the area.
Due to an increase in hormones, you become more prone to yeast infections during pregnancy. When you are pregnant, there is a greater concentration of sugar in your vaginal fluid, thus leading to yeast infections as yeast thrives on sugar.
2. Bacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is caused due to an imbalance in the good and bad bacteria present in your vagina. This infection may have some of the common symptoms like itching, irritation, burning sensation while urinating and a smelly vaginal discharge.
It increases the risk of premature labor or babies who are too small at the time of birth in pregnant women. If you have experienced a premature delivery or low birth weight baby in your previous pregnancy, make sure you let your doctor test you for BV.
3. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
If your doctor does not suspect a yeast infection, then he may test you for a sexually transmitted disease. If you have had sexual intercourse with more than one partner or if you doubt that your partner is sexually involved with multiple partners, you might have contracted an STD. STDs can lead to premature labor or uterine infections after delivery.
How to Prevent Your Chances of a Vaginal Infection?
Here are some of the ways through which you can prevent vaginal infections during pregnancy:
- Do not indulge in sexual activities with multiple partners when you are pregnant.
- Dont douche your vaginal area.
- Wear only loose cotton undergarments that will help air to circulate properly.
- Thoroughly dry your vaginal area after washing to prevent bacteria from breeding.
- After using the toilet, make sure you always wipe from front to back with toilet paper.
- Avoid using deodorant or scents in your vaginal area.
- Avoid bubble baths as they can irritate the vagina and cause infections.
Once you get pregnant, it is imperative to notice even the smallest changes in your day-to-day health and discuss it with your doctor.
Did any of you encounter this situation while you were pregnant? Do share in the comments section below how you dealt with it.
FAQ’s
1. Why do I Have a Jelly Like Discharge During Pregnancy?
It could be due to various factors. It could be hormones. Increased level of estrogen can also cause this.
2. Is Coloured Discharge Common in Pregnancy?
No, it is not. If you see a grey or greening colour discharge, contact your doctor. you need to get it checked.
3. Will the Jelly Like Discharge During Pregnancy Smell?
No. ideally it should be odorless. If it has a foul smell, get it checked.
4. What if I Have an Excess of Jelly Like Discharge Towards the End of Pregnancy?
In all probabilities, it could be the mucus plug. When the mucus plug gets discharged, you are ready for labor. You need to get checked into a hospital.
Read Also: Types of watery discharge: Causes and Treatment
