These are called Braxton Hicks contractions. To tell the difference between Braxton Hicks contractions and the real thing, consider these questions:. Remember, no one knows for sure what triggers labor, and every woman's experience is unique. Sometimes it's hard to tell when labor begins. Don't hesitate to call your health care provider if you're confused about whether you're in labor.
Preterm labor can be especially sneaky. If you have any signs of labor before 37 weeks — especially if you also experience vaginal spotting — consult your health care provider. If you arrive at the hospital in false labor, don't feel embarrassed or frustrated.
Think of it as a practice run. The real thing is likely on its way. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.
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When to see your midwife or doctor You should tell your midwife or doctor if your vaginal discharge increases a lot in later pregnancy. Normal healthy discharge should: be clear and white not smell bad Tell your midwife or doctor if: the discharge is coloured greenish or brownish there is blood in the discharge it smells strange you feel itchy or sore If the discharge is coloured or smells strange, or if you feel itchy or sore, you may have a vaginal infection such as thrush , which your doctor can treat easily, or bacterial vaginosis.
During pregnancy, your vagina secretes a thin milky-white discharge called leukorrhea. Leukorrhea usually consists of sloughed-off dead cells and tissue. 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 be a sign that your body is preparing to go into labor. But watery discharge during pregnancy is not just a meaningless symptom. Leukorrhea clears out dead cells in the vagina, which helps maintain healthy bacteria in the birth canal and protect you and your baby from infection.
So why exactly does watery discharge make an increasingly noticeable appearance when you're pregnant? There are two main reasons it could be happening, depending on where you are in your pregnancy:. Your body is responding to pregnancy-related changes.
Basically, it protects you and your baby and helps keep you both healthy. Your water broke. It could also be amniotic fluid — the liquid that nourishes and safeguards your baby in the amniotic sac. Amniotic fluid looks a little different than leukorrhea, though. And it usually trickles out continuously once it starts.
Yes, both clear watery discharge and white watery discharge are totally normal, and will likely get heavier as you get farther along in your pregnancy. But steer clear of tampons, since they can introduce unwanted germs into the vagina. Even if the discharge feels sticky or is bothering you, a daily shower or bath is all you need to keep yourself clean. Avoid douching, since it can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your vagina and up the risk of infection. Excessive watery discharge can be a sign that your water broke if it turns out to be amniotic fluid, not vaginal discharge, and rarely, it could be a sign you're leaking amniotic fluid at other times during your pregnancy.
Thankfully, telling the difference between the two is usually pretty easy.
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