What Does Watery Discharge Mean In Late Pregnancy?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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What does watery discharge mean in late pregnancy? Watery discharge is a completely normal part of pregnancy, and it typically gets heavier as your pregnancy progresses. In fact, very heavy discharge towards the end of your third trimester could indicate that

your body is preparing to go into labor

.

Does watery discharge mean labor is near?

You might notice an increase in vaginal discharge that’s clear, pink or slightly bloody. This

might happen several days before labor begins or at the start of labor

. However, if you have vaginal bleeding that is as heavy as a typical menstrual period, contact your health care provider immediately.

Does Discharge get more watery before labor?

Changes in your vaginal discharge

Even if the mucus plug stays intact, you may notice other changes to your vaginal discharge. “

It can become more watery, stickier and thicker, or maybe a little pink before labor begins or at the early stages of labor

,” says Dr.

Is my water leaking or is it discharge?

To tell the difference, the first thing to pay attention to is the consistency of the “discharge.”

Anything “mucous-like” is probably leukorrhea versus amniotic fluid

, says Nix, adding that once the “bag of water breaks,” a woman will usually have a consistent drip.

When should I be worried about watery discharge during pregnancy?


A pregnant woman with a liquid other than urine or normal discharge coming from the vagina should visit the doctor

. This is particularly true if the fluid is green, brown, or has a foul smell. Leaking amniotic fluid will usually be clear and odorless and will continue to leak.

How can I tell if I’m leaking amniotic fluid?

  1. clear, white-flecked, and/or tinged with mucus or blood.
  2. no odor.
  3. often saturates your underwear.

Is my water leaking slowly?

If your water has broken, it will be odorless and be clear in color. 5.

Your water can break in a gush, or leak slowly

. I think a lot of women expect the giant gush of fluid that happens in the movies, and while that does happen sometimes, a lot of times a woman’s water breaks a little more subtly.

Can mucus plug be watery?

People often call this the “waters breaking”. The mucus plug is an extra layer of protection outside the membranes. But

the mucus plug can be quite watery

, and when the waters break there isn’t always a lot of fluid released. So it could be hard to tell what’s happening.

Why am I having so much wet discharge?

Watery discharge is typical of normal, healthy vaginas. Most women have about 1 to 4 milliliters (around 1/2 teaspoon) of discharge every day during their reproductive years.

You may experience more discharge when your estrogen levels increase because you are ovulating, pregnant, or using birth control pills

.

What are 3 signs that labor is approaching?

  • Learning the signs of labor before your due date can help you feel ready for your baby’s birth.
  • Signs of labor include strong and regular contractions, pain in your belly and lower back, a bloody mucus discharge and your water breaking.
  • If you think you’re in labor, call your health care provider.

Is watery discharge normal during third trimester?


Watery discharge is a completely normal part of pregnancy

, and it typically gets heavier as your pregnancy progresses. In fact, very heavy discharge towards the end of your third trimester could indicate that your body is preparing to go into labor.

Can you leak amniotic fluid without losing mucus plug?


Yes, it’s possible that during pregnancy your amniotic sac could break and leak amniotic fluid before you’re in labor

. If that happens, you have one of these conditions: PROM stands for premature rupture of membranes, also called prelabor rupture of membranes.

How can you tell the difference between discharge and amniotic fluid?

Most of the time,

vaginal discharge is creamy, mucousy or sticky, and doesn’t smell bad. Most of the time, amniotic fluid is watery, hopefully clear but sometimes yellow, green or with white specks

.

What color is amniotic fluid on toilet paper?

Amniotic fluid is

generally clear

, while urine tends to be on the yellower side and discharge more of a cloudy white. If you’re noticing a continuous trickle or even a small gush of clear fluid, odds are you’re leaking amniotic fluid. Odor. Amniotic fluid is odorless while urine smells like…well, urine.

Is there any warning before your water breaks?

More often,

women start having regular contractions before the fluid-filled amniotic sac ruptures, giving them at least some warning

. Others are so far into the labour process that they don’t even notice when it happens. When your water breaks, you might feel a popping sensation, along with a slow trickle of fluid.

How long can I stay home after water breaks?

In cases where your baby is at least 37 weeks, current research suggests that it may be safe to wait

48 hours

(and sometimes longer) for labor to start on its own. (But your caregiver may have a different protocol, like 24 hours.)

How dilated are you when you lose your mucus plug?

The cervix generally needs to be dilated to

10 centimeters

before it’s ready for the baby to pass through. Your cervix can be dilated to a couple of centimeters for a few weeks before delivery. This softening can cause the mucus plug to be dislodged and come out.

How do I know if I lost my mucus plug?

The main symptom of the mucus plug falling out is the sudden appearance of blood-tinged mucus. Some people experience labor symptoms, such as contractions, when this happens. It is important not to confuse the loss of the mucus plug with other types of bleeding.

What color is the discharge when your water breaks?

Once your water breaks, you’ll notice a continuous drip of

clear or pale yellow

and odorless or sweet-smelling amniotic fluid that won’t let up until your baby is born. You’ll want to wear a pad until you can get to the hospital or birthing center (or bring a towel and a change of underwear).

What does clear and watery discharge mean?

Causes of Watery Discharge

Ovulation: During ovulation, you may notice that your vaginal discharge is clear and stretchy but less watery than the discharge you usually have during your menstrual cycle. Sexual arousal: When you are sexually aroused, you may have increased vaginal discharge.

Why is my discharge watery like pee?


Hormonal imbalance

: Hormonal imbalance occurs when the endocrine system produces too little or too much of a particular hormone in your bloodstream. Whether caused by stress, diet, or a health issue like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hormonal imbalance can result in side effects like watery vaginal discharge.

What are the signs that the baby is ready to be born?

  • Strong, frequent contractions. …
  • Bloody show. …
  • Belly and lower back pain. …
  • Water breaking. …
  • Baby drops. …
  • Cervix begins to dilate. …
  • Cramps and increased back pain. …
  • Loose-feeling joints.

How do you tell labor is a few days away?

  • Water breaking. …
  • Losing your mucus plug. …
  • Weight loss. …
  • Extreme nesting. …
  • Low back pain. …
  • Real contractions. …
  • Cervical dilation. …
  • Loosening of joints.

What mucus plug looks like?

What does the mucus plug look like? You’ll see it as a jelly-like substance, which might be clear or slightly pink or streaked with a small amount of blood. When you are losing the mucus plug, You’ll notice it on your underwear or on toilet paper after going to the loo.

Should I go to the hospital if I’m leaking amniotic fluid?


You should call your doctor or midwife or go in immediately if: You are preterm (less than 37 weeks gestation) and suspect PPROM

. You have an amniotic fluid leak and feel feverish. The fluid is yellow in color, or tinged greenish, suggesting meconium.

Can mucus plug be watery?

People often call this the “waters breaking”. The mucus plug is an extra layer of protection outside the membranes. But

the mucus plug can be quite watery

, and when the waters break there isn’t always a lot of fluid released. So it could be hard to tell what’s happening.

What does a watery discharge mean?

Summary. Watery discharge is usually not a cause for concern and is

a sign of a healthy vagina

. It can be an indication the vagina is cleaning itself, and can also be an indication of ovulation. If accompanied by other symptoms like itchiness or a sore vagina, it may be caused by thrush or another condition.

Can your water leak with no contractions?

You’ll typically start having contractions shortly after your water breaks. But in some cases, your water breaks — and then nothing.

This can be perfectly normal and might mean your body will just need some time to kick into labor

.

Is watery discharge normal at 39 weeks pregnant?


Watery discharge is a completely normal part of pregnancy

, and it typically gets heavier as your pregnancy progresses. In fact, very heavy discharge towards the end of your third trimester could indicate that your body is preparing to go into labor.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.