The most common symptom of a vaginal yeast infection is an intense itching in the vagina and vulva. Vaginal yeast infections can also cause an odorless vaginal discharge that looks similar to cottage cheese. Vaginal yeast infections are treatable at home using over-the-counter antifungal ointments.

Normal vaginal discharge is clear, may be thick or thin, and is usually odorless. The amount produced and the consistency may change at different times during a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle. For instance, discharge may become heavier, thicker, and more noticeable when a woman is ovulating.

It’s sometimes asymptomatic, but it can produce a fishy-smelling discharge while pregnant. The discharge is most noticeable after sex, and itching or burning may accompany it.

What does it look like? Healthy vaginal discharge during pregnancy is called leukorrhea. It is similar to everyday discharge, meaning that it is thin, clear or milky white, and smells only mildly or not at all.

You may notice more body odor during pregnancy. This is a normal side effect of all the wonderful changes that are going in your body. Talk with your doctor if you’re concerned about excess sweating, body odor, or any other symptoms. In very rare cases, you may need treatment for a serious underlying cause.

While many women experience vaginal discharge, it’s not often associated with pregnancy. But most pregnant women will secrete sticky, white, or pale-yellow mucus early on in the first trimester and throughout their pregnancy. Increased hormones and vaginal blood flow cause the discharge.

A normal pregnancy discharge is usually thin, white, milky or creamy. It is odorless or may have a mild smell and it is not itchy. It is produced by the glands at the neck of the womb (cervix)and the walls of your vagina. If you have a discharge that smells like fish or its itchy, see the doctor as soon as possible.

The primary causes of vaginal discharge during pregnancy include softening of tissues, a progression of pregnancy, and preparation for delivery or infection. Most notably, the change in tissue consistency in your vagina and uterus will cause some of it to shed and thin out, which will be passed as discharge.

Vaginal odor is actually quite common during pregnancy and is often just due to hormones and will vanish after your baby is born. However, the odor can sometimes be a sign of an infection, so be sure to watch out for any “fishy” scent, burning, irritation, or redness.

Clear thin discharge during pregnancy means that you have a normal, healthy pregnancy. White or clear vaginal discharge helps to keep your vagina, uterus, and urinary tract free of infection.