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Published on: 3/17/2025

Could Discharge That Smells Like Vinegar Be a Sign of Pregnancy?

A vinegar-like smell in vaginal discharge is not a clear sign of pregnancy by itself—it can be a normal part of the vaginal environment or point to other changes.

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Explanation

The scent you’re noticing, which smells like vinegar, comes from the natural acid in the vagina. This acid helps keep the area clean and protects against harmful germs. During pregnancy, the balance of the vaginal environment can change because of hormones, and some women experience shifts in the acidity that might make the odor slightly more noticeable. However, this vinegar-like scent is not used as a sign to diagnose pregnancy. In fact, many factors can cause that smell, such as slight variations in pH or even certain infections like bacterial vaginosis if there are other symptoms present. It is important to remember that the presence of a vinegar-like odor alone does not confirm or rule out pregnancy. If you suspect you might be pregnant due to missed periods or other signs like nausea, it’s best to take a pregnancy test and discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider. They can help you understand the changes in your vaginal environment and ensure that everything is normal and healthy.

(References)

  • Marangoni A, Laghi L, Zagonari S, Patuelli G, Zhu C, Foschi C, Morselli S, Pedna MF, Sambri V. New Insights into Vaginal Environment During Pregnancy. Front Mol Biosci. 2021 May 17;8:656844. doi: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.656844. PMID: 34079816; PMCID: PMC8165225.

  • Chvapil M, Eskelson C, Jacobs S, Chvapil T, Russell DH. Studies on vaginal malodor. I. Study in humans. Obstet Gynecol. 1978 Jul;52(1):88-93. PMID: 28501.

  • Ryan-Wenger NA, Neal JL, Jones AS, Lowe NK. Accuracy of vaginal symptom self-diagnosis algorithms for deployed military women. Nurs Res. 2010 Jan-Feb;59(1):2-10. doi: 10.1097/NNR.0b013e3181c3b9dd. PMID: 20010039; PMCID: PMC2902763.

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