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Ask A Nurse
Questions and Answers

Q. Is it possible to have discharge in early pregnancy. What is the cause and will it harm the baby.

A. It is quite normal for some women to have a discharge throughout their pregnancies. It usually gets heavier as the pregnancy progresses. Some women find it necessary to wear mini pads at the end of pregnancy. It is usually clear to opaque in color and doesn't have much of an odor. The discharge is usually caused by the mucous that is protecting the cervix, preventing infection from entering. It will not harm the baby.

However, if you are having a discharge that is green or smells foul, you should see your practitioner to ensure that you do not have an infection.

Cyndi Klausing, RN, ACCE, has been a childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor for over 18 years. She currently works as a newborn nursery nurse and is the mother of four sons.

Cyndi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.