Pregnancy Yellow Discharge During Pregnancy: What to Know By Lauren Evoy Davis Published on December 10, 2021 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Monique Rainford, MD Medically reviewed by Monique Rainford, MD Monique Rainford, MD, is board-certified in obstetrics-gynecology, and currently serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale Medicine. She is the former chief of obstetrics-gynecology at Yale Health. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What Does It Mean? Yeast Infection Bacterial Vaginosis Gonorrhea Chlamydia Trichomoniasis Frequently Asked Questions Yellow cervical/vaginal discharge in pregnant women can signal infection, which can affect pregnancy. If you discover discharge, your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and also take a sample of the discharge and urine to be tested. This article will sort out what type of discharge is normal during pregnancy and when you should see a healthcare provider. Verywell / Katie Kerpel What Does Yellow Discharge Mean? Cervical discharge isn't always a cause for concern. Learning about the different types of discharge can help you determine whether to call a healthcare provider. Normal Pregnancy Discharge Discharge can be a sign of a vaginal infection, but most of the time, this discharge is completely harmless. What's Normal Discharge? Healthy vaginal discharge, called leukorrhea, is typically a thin, clear, or milky white fluid that has a mild odor. Leukorrhea is an early sign of pregnancy. For some people, it increases throughout their pregnancy. Thin, Watery Yellow Discharge Thin, watery yellow discharge could be mistaken for leaking urine. It could also be a sign of an infection, including a sexually transmitted infection (STI). More concerning is a leak of amniotic fluid, which is the clear liquid that surrounds the baby in the amniotic sac during pregnancy. Thick, Yellow Discharge If the discharge is yellow and thick and you have vaginal itching or burning, you likely have a vaginal yeast infection. Foul-Smelling Yellow Discharge Yellow discharge accompanied by an unpleasant odor could be a sign of an STI, or a yeast infection. What Is Pregnancy Weight Gain? Yeast Infection Vaginal yeast infections, which are also called vulvovaginal candidiasis or vaginal candidiasis, are pretty common during a woman's life cycle. They are more common during pregnancy from the effects related to changing levels of hormones. The body naturally has some levels of fungus growing since it's part of your gynecological ecosystem. However, a yeast infection occurs when there's an overgrowth. If you're taking broad-spectrum antibiotics for another ailment, you're at higher risk of yeast infections since antibiotics can kill beneficial bacteria as well. Having previous yeast infections puts you at risk for future yeast infections. What Are the Symptoms of a Yeast Infection? Symptoms include: Itching, redness, and swelling in the vagina and vulva Discharge that looks like cottage cheese A burning feeling when you urinate How Can a Yeast Infection Affect My Pregnancy? Although a yeast infection can cause discomfort, it doesn't pose a risk to your pregnancy. You can safely use an over-the-counter (OTC) vaginal cream or suppository in the short term. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that the use of long-term, high-dose Diflucan (fluconazole) during pregnancy can put the baby at risk of birth defects during the first trimester. This is very rare. A single, low dose of fluconazole of 150 milligrams is safe. Can a Yeast Infection Cause Bleeding? Bacterial Vaginosis Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common vaginal infection caused by the overgrowth of bacteria. What Are the Symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis? BV may be asymptomatic for some, but for others, it can cause some of the following symptoms: Itching Thin, gray discharge Unpleasant odor, especially after sex Burning feeling when urinating How Can BV Affect My Pregnancy? BV can increase the risk of: Membranes to rupture prematurely (commonly called water breaking) Preterm labor and delivery Low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds) Postpartum endometritis, an irritation of the lining of the uterus. Is Discharge During Pregnancy Common? Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is very common and can increase as the pregnancy progresses. How to Tell Bacterial Vaginosis From Other Vaginal Infections Gonorrhea Gonorrhea is an STI that can cause infections in the genitals, rectum, and throat. It's a common infection, especially among young people ages 15–24. It's typically treated with an injection of antibiotics. Yet, it's becoming harder to treat the infection because drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea are on the rise. It's important to follow up with your healthcare provider if your symptoms are still present a few days after treatment. What are the Symptoms of Gonorrhea? Symptoms can include some of the following: Burning sensation while urinating Vaginal discharge Genital itching Soreness Bleeding Painful bowel movements How Can Gonorrhea Affect My Pregnancy? A pregnant woman can pass the infection to her baby during childbirth. The infection also increases the risk of: Miscarriage (spontaneous loss of pregnancy) Premature birth Low birth weight Premature rupture of membranes Chorioamnionitis, which occurs when bacteria infects the membranes that surround the fetus and the amniotic fluid, leading to infections in both the mother and unborn baby Gonorrhea can also infect an infant during delivery. If untreated, infants are at risk of eye infections. "I'm Pregnant. Is This Headache Serious?" Chlamydia Chlamydia is a common STI that primarily affects people ages 15–24. It can cause reproductive challenges, ectopic pregnancy (fertilized egg implanting and growing outside the womb) and infertility (failure to become pregnant for 12 or more months) if left untreated. What Are the Symptoms of Chlamydia? Symptoms of chlamydia include: Burning sensation or itching when urinating Bleeding after sex An unpleasant vaginal odor Rectal pain and bleeding How Can Chlamydia Affect My Pregnancy? During pregnancy, women with chlamydia are at risk of preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, and low birth weight in infants. Babies may become infected during delivery. Newborns who are exposed during delivery can develop eye and lung infections. Chlamydia in Throat: Symptoms, Causes, Pictures Trichomoniasis Trichomoniasis is a vaginal infection caused by the sexually transmitted parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. What Are the Symptoms of Trichomoniasis? Although most people report no symptoms from trichnomoniasis, others complain of some of the following: ItchingIrritationUnusual odorVaginal dischargePain during urination or sex How Can Trichomoniasis Affect My Pregnancy? Trichomoniasis infection in pregnancy can increase the risk of premature rupture of the membranes, preterm birth, and low birth weight infants. On rare occasions, a newborn girl can acquire the infection during delivery and may have vaginal discharge after she is born. What Happens Each Week During Pregnancy? Summary Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is very common and can increase as the pregnancy progresses. Some discharge is normal and healthy, but some types of discharge, including yellow discharge or discharge that gives off an unpleasant odor, can be a sign of infection. Many infections are treatable during pregnancy, but untreated infections can cause health concerns to the pregnant woman and possibly endanger the fetus. Pregnant Belly: First, Second, and Third Trimesters A Word From Verywell Although discharge during the life cycle and pregnancy is often normal, abnormal discharge should be treated by a healthcare provider when symptoms first appear. Many times, the infection clears on its own, but it can be worrisome. If you have any concerns about your health or the health of your fetus, call your healthcare provider. In some practices, a nurse on call may be able to answer your questions before you decide if you need to be examined in person. Frequently Asked Questions Is it normal to have yellow discharge during early pregnancy? Yellow discharge isn't always a cause for concern, but it can be a sign of an infection. If discharge is coupled with an unpleasant odor or other symptoms like pain or itching, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. What color is discharge when pregnant? Harmless, healthy discharge is usually white and has a mild odor. It can increase in volume during your pregnancy. Using a panty liner can protect your clothes. Can yellow discharge mean miscarriage? Yellow discharge can be a sign of infection. Infections, when left untreated, can put a pregnancy at risk of miscarriage. When should I be worried about yellow discharge during pregnancy? If the yellow discharge is thick and has an unpleasant odor, it can be a sign of an STI or other type of infection. You should be examined by your healthcare provider to rule out any infection and to treat the infection that might exist. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 8 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Khaskheli DM, Baloch DS, Baloch DA, Shah SG. Vaginal discharge during pregnancy and associated adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 37(5). https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.5.4187 Martin Lopez JE. Candidiasis (vulvovaginal). BMJ Clin Evid. 2015 Mar 16;2015:0815. PMID: 25775428; PMCID: PMC4360556. Cleveland Clinic. Yeast Infections. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Drug Safety Communication: Use of long-term, high-dose Diflucan (fluconazole) during pregnancy may be associated with birth defects in infants. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Bacterial Vaginosis – CDC Fact Sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Gonorrhea – CDC Fact Sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. STDs during Pregnancy – CDC Fact Sheet (Detailed). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chlamydia – CDC Fact Sheet.