Decoding Discharge

What's Normal and What's not in Your Third Trimester

Navigate the home stretch of pregnancy with elegance, as your body creates a lovely choreography of preparation. Each ache, shift and sensation means something, though it may not be clear at first what. Perhaps the most common — and often misunderstood — changes you may see is in your vaginal discharge. Sudden onset can feel unexpected, even somewhat alarming, and most particularly if it's new, or is different from what you've felt earlier in pregnancy. But here's the thing: those changes are often exactly what your man body is meant to be doing as it prepares to birth a newborn.

Let's be honest—no one's a fan of discussing discharge. But it's a significant and normal part of your pregnancy journey. Knowing what's affecting you can actually make you feel better, less anxious, more in touch with what's going on inside, Long said. Your body is communicating, protecting and preparing. And the more we listen without fear or judgment, the more we empower ourselves. So let's have a sane, level-headed discussion of what's normal, what's not, and how you can stay comfortable and connected through it all.

NATURAL RHYTHM: Normal Discharge in Third Trimester

Your body is intelligent in ways that are nothing short of awe inspiring; vaginal discharge is one of the methods it employs to keep you and your baby safe. This discharge (your doctor might call it leukorrhea) tends to become more substantial as you near your due date. Here's what is considered normal at this time:

• Color: Milky white or clear.
• Texture: Very thin, watery, or slightly viscous (almost lotion-like).
• Smell: Mild or odorless.
• When: Daily, with some heightened awareness after physical activity, intimacy, or when you're upright and moving.

This happens due to the surge in estrogen and blood flow to the pelvic area. Discharge acts as a natural barrier that can help stop infections from entering your uterus. You might start to see evidence of your mucus plug — a thick, jelly-like discharge that may sometimes have a pink or brown tinge from blood. Losing portions of your mucus plug is usually a normal indicator that your cervix is softening and getting ready for labor, and it may occur days or even weeks before contractions start.

🩸 What to look for when discharge might be a bad sign

Discharge, most of the time, is healthy and a sign of progress, but there are some changes to look out for — your body's way of saying "check in." If you experience any of the following, it's best to reach out to your healthcare provider:

• Bright red bleeding, like a period or heavier spotting (not like light "bloody show" spotting that can be normal).
• Green, yellow, or gray discharge that may indicate an infection.
• Bad odour, especially when accompanied with discomfort
• Itchiness, burning, or swelling, symptoms that could indicate a yeast infection or bacterial imbalance.
• A sudden gush or persistent leaking of fluid, which could mean your amniotic sac has ruptured (i.e., your water broke).

Trusting your gut is an important aspect of pregnancy, so it's important to remember that. If something doesn't seem right, even if it's not listed here, you are never wrong to reach out. Your peace of mind matters.

🌸 Holistic Support: How to Care for Yourself as Things Change

Comfort and care are important as your body changes. Here are some gentle practices to help you feel fresher and more balanced:

• Opt for breathable fabrics: Woven underwear made of cotton and loose-fitting clothes increase airflow and prevent irritation.
• Avoid harsh soaps: Opt for pH-balanced, fragrance-free cleansers for your intimate areas—your body keeps itself balanced.
• Hydrate: Adequate hydration promotes healthy tissue and helps to cleanse the body of toxins.
• Use liners if you feel the need: If your discharge is excessive, thin, unscented panty liners can be used, but avoid tampons or douches.
• Rest and breathe: Sometimes, just pausing, taking some deep breaths and giving your body some love is healing.

If you're an advocate of natural remedies, cool compresses or a soothing perineal spray stocked with witch hazel or aloe can help if things feel tender.

🌙 The Emotional Component: You Are Not Alone

These changes can bring up a lot—curiosity, concern, and maybe even some embarrassment. Let's release that last part. These shifts happen in every pregnant body. You are not the only person who is wondering, checking, Googling. And if you've needed reassurance or to ask your care team to repeat themselves, you are not alone. This is all part of the marvelous, messy, sacred process of bringing life into the world.

💛 A Gentle Closing Thought

As you reach this threshold of labor, remember that your body knows how to do it, and you can trust it. And remember to be tuned in, curious and give yourself grace. If something feels new, it's not a sign of weakness to seek help; it's wisdom.

This was our solution, but you know your body. If something seems off, use that intuition and make a call.

✨ Send this to a mama who needs some calm and clarity. We're all in this together. ✨