What Causes Increased Vaginal Discharge at 37 Weeks of Pregnancy?

Vaginal discharge (leukorrhea) in women is an important indicator of their overall health. Abnormal vaginal discharge often signals an underlying health issue. During pregnancy, vaginal discharge also undergoes physiological changes; for instance, many women experience increased discharge in the third trimester. What causes increased vaginal discharge at 37 weeks of gestation?

Causes of Increased Vaginal Discharge at 37 Weeks’ Gestation

Increased vaginal discharge after 37 weeks of pregnancy may result from heightened cervical mucus secretion, a common feature of late pregnancy. However, it may also indicate vaginitis. Therefore, it is advisable to promptly visit a specialized obstetrics and gynecology hospital for vaginal secretion testing. If vaginitis is confirmed, appropriate antimicrobial therapy should be initiated without delay to prevent intrauterine fetal infection.

Following conception, the ovarian corpus luteum secretes large amounts of estrogen and progesterone to support implantation and early embryonic development. After 12 weeks, the placenta gradually assumes this endocrine function, continuing to synthesize substantial quantities of estrogen and progesterone. Consequently, pregnant women maintain persistently elevated levels of both hormones throughout gestation.

As a result, estrogen- and progesterone-dependent tissues undergo marked changes: the vulvar tissue becomes softer and more moist; vaginal epithelium thickens; vaginal blood vessels become engorged; and both transudate and desquamated epithelial cells increase. The cervix enlarges, softens, and becomes hyperemic, while cervical glands exhibit enhanced secretory activity. Cervical gland secretions, combined with vaginal transudate and desquamated cells, form vaginal discharge, which is continuously expelled during pregnancy. If increased vaginal discharge is accompanied by pruritus vulvae or an unusual odor, prompt gynecological evaluation is warranted.

In daily life, pregnant women should prioritize adequate rest and warmth, avoid physical overexertion and emotional stress (e.g., anxiety or “internal heat”), drink plenty of warm water, consume easily digestible foods, and avoid spicy, greasy, or irritating foods. Fetal movements should be monitored regularly. Immediate hospital admission is required if any of the following occur: abdominal pain, decreased fetal movement, or rupture of membranes (water breaking).

We hope the above information is helpful. Wishing you a healthy and joyful pregnancy!