[lil-mama08]

Hi, I know this is gross to share but I am 21 weeks pregnant (5 months 1 week) pregnant. I got up this morning and went to the bathroom and I went to wipe my vaginal and there was somewhat a lot of a light green mucus colour. What does that mean?

[DoulaLC]

Could be a possible infection... which are common in pregnancy and, while usually not an issue, they can be if not cleared up. See your doctor or midwife to have it checked to determine if treatment is needed.

[xoxaprilwine]

Changes to vaginal discharge may indicate vaginitis, or a vaginal infection. Vaginitis is most commonly caused by Candida yeast (a common cause of vaginal yeast infections) or trichomonas protozoa. Vaginitis during pregnancy must be treated, as vaginitis has been known to trigger premature labor.

Candida yeast infection is the most common type of vaginitis. Candida vaginitis is more common when a woman is pregnant than at other times of her life. Pregnancy disrupts the balance between levels of Candida yeast in the vagina and vaginal acid levels. This increases the risk of vaginitis, especially in the second trimester.

Symptoms of vaginitis, Candida and other yeast infections during pregnancy are similar to vaginitis symptoms when not pregnant. Vaginal discharge changes from milky and mild smelling to thick, yellow or green colored discharge. A foul smell from vaginal discharge also indicates possible vaginitis.

Vaginitis may give discharge a "frothy" appearance, and traces of blood may be visible. Pregnant women with vaginitis may also experience redness, itching and a burning sensation.

While pregnant, oral antibiotics for vaginitis are not recommended, as available oral treatments for vaginitis can cause fetal defects. Instead, Candida yeast infections and other forms of vaginitis that occur during pregnancy are treated with vaginal creams and suppositories.

Never attempt to medicate vaginitis yourself during pregnancy. Some sexually transmitted diseases have symptoms very similar to yeast infection symptoms. These STDs do not respond to vaginitis treatment and can cause pregnancy complications.

Vaginal discharge may also be caused if the amniotic membrane surrounding the fetus ruptures prematurely. Examining vaginal discharge for evidence of amniotic fluid will determine whether this has occurred.