Orange discharge during pregnancy – what it means, and how to navigate

Some of the changes to our bodies during pregnancy can be genuinely surprising. Some we’re told to look out and prep for, and some are just downright, well, weird. Bleeding gums and rapidly growing areolas, anyone?

Whether we’re early on in pregnancy and feeling a bit anxious about it all, or getting towards the tail end and watchfully waiting for each and every little sign, one of those changes might be an increase in your vaginal discharge, which can vary in color and consistency. 

And if you’ve noticed orange discharge during your pregnancy – when you wipe or in your underwear – you might be wondering what’s causing it, if it’s normal, and whether it’s something you should be concerned about. 

Here’s what you need to know – with expert insight from Samantha M. Pfeifer, M.D.

Is vaginal discharge normal in pregnancy?

“Yes, vaginal discharge is very normal in pregnancy”, says Dr. Pfeifer. “In fact, there are all sorts of secretions that occur.”

Many women experience an increase in discharge during this time due to hormonal changes. This discharge, called leukorrhea, is typically thin, white, or light yellow in color, and helps to protect your uterus by flushing out potential infections before they reach the womb.

So, really, whilst it can be a bit annoying, it’s actually a super helpful side effect of pregnancy.

Sometimes, though, changes in your discharge can be a sign of an infection or other condition. For example, a cottage cheese-like discharge is usually a sign of thrush, AKA a yeast infection, which is also common in pregnancy.

But what about orange discharge?

Is it normal to have orange discharge during pregnancy?

In general, orange discharge isn’t as common as other colors, like white, yellow, or even pink. 

However, orange discharge can appear during pregnancy for several reasons. In some cases, it may be harmless and related to hormonal shifts and even taking Pyridium, a drug used to treat UTIs but it is also associated with certain infections and conditions that might need an expert eye.

If you’re experiencing orange discharge, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on other symptoms, like itching, odor, or abdominal pain, as these can indicate an infection or other underlying issues. Skip down to end of this write-up for more on this, and for when to see a doctor.  

Here’s what orange discharge can mean and when it’s best to check in with your healthcare provider.

Does orange discharge mean pregnancy?

By this we mean, can orange discharge be an early sign of pregnancy? The answer is – while it’s not a definitive indicator of pregnancy, you might experience orange discharge in the early stages. 

When a fertilized egg attaches itself to your uterine lining, you might notice some spotting. “In some cases, this light bleeding can mix with cervical mucus in the vagina, and appear as pinkish, brownish, or a tannish orange in color”, explains Dr. Pfeifer. “This is normal, however fluorescent orange is not.’

Can implantation cause orange discharge?

Yes, implantation can sometimes cause a type of orange discharge known as implantation bleeding, Dr Pfeifer tells us. Let’s unpack this a little more.

If you’re wondering if you’re experiencing implantation bleeding, you could have a look at the following:

• Appearance – Implantation bleeding is usually very light, appearing as spotting or a gentle flow. When mixed with cervical mucus, this blood can appear pinkish, brownish, or a tanish orange in color.
• Timing – Implantation bleeding typically happens 6–14 days after ovulation, sexual intercourse or embryo transfer. If you’re noticing orange discharge around this time, it could be a sign of early pregnancy.

However, implantation bleeding isn’t a reliable pregnancy sign since many of us won’t experience it. 

If you’re wondering if you’re pregnant, a home pregnancy test or a visit to your healthcare provider or fertility clinic is the best way to confirm.

Wondering when you can do this? Read our easy breakdown of how soon you can take a pregnancy test and get an accurate result.

So what does orange discharge during pregnancy mean?

Here are a few of the most common reasons for orange discharge:

• Breakthrough bleeding – Some women may experience breakthrough bleeding during pregnancy, which could create an orange tint if it mixes with cervical mucus.
• Implantation bleeding – As discussed, some women may experience orange-tinted spotting from implantation.
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) – Certain STIs, like trichomoniasis, can cause a change in discharge color to a yellowish or orange hue. This type of discharge often comes with other symptoms like itching, burning, or a noticeable odor.
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV) – BV is a common bacterial infection that can cause an orange or yellow discharge with a strong odor. It’s not usually serious in pregnancy, but it’s best treated by a healthcare provider.

Editor’s note: Miscarriage is – and we get it – a super common worry. In some cases, a miscarriage could cause orange discharge if there is light bleeding that mixes with mucus. 

However, in the majority of cases, distinct bleeding will last from a few days to a few weeks and will be accompanied by pain and cramping. It may resemble a heavy period in earlier cases, and be more prolonged and intense if occuring later on.

TRB’s Senior Editor has put together a lived-experience guide guide to what happens during and after a miscarriage with a list of helpful resources, if you’re looking for more support here.

Can the mucus plug be orange?

The mucus plug is a thick collection of mucus that seals the cervix to protect your baby from infections. As you near delivery, the plug might release, appearing as a jelly-like substance that can be clear, off-white, or even slightly bloody (red, pink, or brown).

While it’s uncommon for the mucus plug to be orange, it’s not impossible, especially if there’s a mix of old blood. 

How can we tell the difference? Well, the mucus plug is generally thicker and more jelly-like, and is often about 1–2 inches in length, whereas discharge is usually thinner, with a light yellow or white color.

If you think you’ve lost your mucus plug or are unsure, a quick call to your provider can help clarify things.

What to do about orange discharge during pregnancy (& when to see your doctor)

In most cases, discharge during pregnancy isn’t cause for alarm, but there are certain situations where you should look to get guidance from a doctor. 

Here are four scenarios where it’s worth checking in with your provider, if you’re experiencing orange discharge.

1. It’s accompanied by pain, itching, or a strong odor – These symptoms could indicate an infection that requires treatment.
2. It’s followed by heavier bleeding or cramping – These symptoms might indicate a more serious issue, such as a miscarriage, or extremely rarely, ectopic pregnancy.
3. The discharge changes suddenly – If your discharge becomes more orange, turns green or yellow, or there’s a rapid increase in the amount of it, it’s worth getting it checked out.
4. You’re unsure – And it’s as simple as that, really. If you’re feeling anxious or uncertain, reaching out to your healthcare provider to tell them what you’re experiencing is so worth it. They should evaluate your symptoms and provide reassurance or treatment if needed.

“Any bleeding in pregnancy is good to touch base with your provider on. Some bleeding isn’t usually much concern, but your provider will know your specific circumstances and should advise you appropriately’, advises Dr. Pfeifer.

Remember, self-advocacy is so key, and your healthcare provider is there to support you. Staying informed and aware of your body’s changes can help you feel more at ease and in the know during pregnancy.

Next on your reading list: How to cope with pregnancy after miscarriage (5 things which helped me)