What causes a small wet spot on underwear every day during the late stages of pregnancy, and what should be done about it?

Nov 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

In general, during the late stages of pregnancy, daily dampness on a small area of underwear may be caused by increased physiological discharge, urinary leakage due to bladder compression, bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, or premature rupture of membranes. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, avoid strenuous exercise and heavy physical labor, and maintain dryness and cleanliness of the external genital area.

In general, during the late stages of pregnancy, a small wet area on underwear each day may be caused by increased physiological discharge, urinary leakage due to bladder compression, bacterial vaginosis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, premature rupture of membranes, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Increased physiological discharge: Hormonal changes in late pregnancy lead to increased cervical mucus secretion, which becomes thin and watery, causing slight dampness in the underwear. Clean the external genital area daily with warm water, wear breathable cotton underwear and change it frequently, and avoid prolonged use of sanitary liners that can trap moisture.

2. Bladder compression with urinary leakage: Enlargement of the uterus compresses the bladder, and increased abdominal pressure during coughing or physical activity may cause urine leakage, typically pale yellow fluid. Avoid holding urine; gently wipe the external genital area after each urination, and perform Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and reduce incontinence.

3. Bacterial vaginosis: Infection caused by vaginal flora imbalance results in grayish-white discharge with a fishy odor. Follow medical advice to use medications such as metronidazole suppositories, clindamycin phosphate suppositories, or nitrofurantoin-nystatin vaginal soft capsules. Avoid sexual intercourse during treatment.

4. Vulvovaginal candidiasis: Candida infection leads to curd-like discharge accompanied by itching. Use clotrimazole suppositories, miconazole nitrate suppositories, or nystatin suppositories as directed by a physician. Boil underwear and dry it in direct sunlight for disinfection.

5. Premature rupture of membranes: After membrane rupture, amniotic fluid may slowly leak out—clear and colorless—and increase with movement. Immediately lie down with hips elevated, avoid standing, and have family members urgently transport you to the hospital. Management depends on gestational age, including measures to maintain the pregnancy or prepare for delivery, while preventing infection.

Routine precautions include avoiding strenuous exercise and heavy physical labor, maintaining dryness and cleanliness of the external genital area, eating a light diet, and reducing intake of spicy or irritating foods. Closely monitor changes in the color, odor, and amount of discharge, and attend regular prenatal checkups to ensure maternal and fetal safety.

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