While expecting a baby, future parents experience a lot of anxiety, including worries about the health of the pregnant woman. For example, gynecologists always pay attention to the nature of discharge during pregnancy, which primarily indicates what is happening in the body of the mother and fetus. So, by the consistency and color of discharge during pregnancy, one can judge the processes of changes in hormonal levels, the occurrence of risks, the presence of infection and other hidden events. In this article we will talk about what is normal and what requires urgent medical intervention.
Why does the body need discharge during pregnancy?
Discharges during pregnancy perform a certain “work” in a woman’s body:
- they protect the fetus in the early stages of pregnancy from possible infection and bacterial growth;
- clean the vagina and maintain an optimal moisture regime in it (the presence of a small amount of discharge is normal not only during pregnancy, but in general for any healthy woman);
- an increase in the volume of discharge during pregnancy indicates that a hormonal restructuring is occurring in the body, during which blood flow to the pelvic area significantly increases;
- the amount of discharge during pregnancy increases due to the formation of a mucous plug on the cervix, which creates a kind of barrier against the penetration of infections to the fetus;
- in the later stages of pregnancy, closer to childbirth, the amount of secretions increases: soon they will act as a lubricant during childbirth, which will help the baby move more easily through the birth canal.
What to do if you have abnormal vaginal discharge
Pregnancy is a condition when most medications and medical procedures are prohibited. Therefore, any pathological discharge from the vagina during pregnancy should be diagnosed by a specialist. Even hidden sexually transmitted infections and inflammatory processes during pregnancy can be cured, but this must be done under the supervision of a gynecologist, strictly following all instructions.
Without fail, the expectant mother must remember the time when pathological discharge appears and the situation with which it may be associated. For example, bloody mucus may appear after aggressive sexual relations or douching. Such information will help the gynecologist quickly diagnose the problem and provide competent assistance. Contact our clinic for advice and help on the Dobrobut.com website.
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What kind of discharge should not occur during pregnancy?
- having a specific and very unpleasant, sharp (“fishy”, “sour”) odor, which causes redness of the vaginal mucosa and a feeling of discomfort;
- foamy discharge;
- discharge that resembles flakes;
- bloody discharge that is yellow, green or gray (with blood clots);
- purulent discharge.
Transparent discharge color
Transparent-light color of discharge during pregnancy is considered normal: this indicates a healthy state of the vaginal microflora. Transparent discharge may be abundant, which indicates that when carrying a baby, the secretory function of the vagina increases. However, this is not always the case, because heavy discharge can also be associated with an allergy to hygiene products (soap, pads, etc.) and underwear. Even if this has not happened before, the occurrence of allergies during pregnancy is far from uncommon, since the body’s sensitivity is now at its peak, and it reacts to even the slightest irritants.
But even if everything is fine with the discharge, it is necessary to observe its smell, consistency and color every day so as not to miss possible pathology. This is especially important in the early stages of pregnancy, when it is necessary to inform the gynecologist about any changes. For example, in the first weeks after pregnancy, spotting brownish discharge (rare and insignificant) may appear, which does not affect the well-being of the pregnant woman. Such discharge occurs when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall and is normal.
There should be no thicker or longer-lasting brownish discharge. If this does happen, as a rule, the doctor assumes the presence of a pregnancy pathology (placental abruption, threat of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy). But in the last weeks before childbirth, brown discharge becomes the norm, as the mucus plug comes off with it. This is a sign that labor has already begun.
Brown discharge
The reasons for the appearance of such a symptom are very different. First of all, it may be harmless implantation bleeding when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine endometrium.
Implantation bleeding
Dark brown discharge sometimes appears after the egg from the fallopian tube enters the uterus, which takes 7 to 13 days. Most often, there is little discharge, the bleeding continues for several hours, and occasionally lasts for two days. It may not be noticed by a woman at all, since it practically does not stain clothes, and the discomfort with it is very mild. With this manifestation, the discharge may have a different color, even light brown.
Chorionic detachment
Brownish discharge is often evidence of an “old” chorionic detachment - the future placenta. This becomes possible because, for some reason, the fertilized egg detaches from the uterus in a certain place. In this case, blood accumulates between the chorion and the uterine wall - a retroplacental hematoma occurs, which subsequently empties. To maintain pregnancy, special therapy is required.
Ectopic pregnancy
A special case is when brownish vaginal discharge appears once or repeatedly during the first period of pregnancy. They often indicate an ectopic pregnancy, similar to a tubal abortion. In some cases, blood appears after a woman has suffered painful attacks of varying intensity in the iliac regions. Experts explain their occurrence by the fact that the decidua of the uterus is rejected.
Non-developing pregnancy
Brown vaginal discharge also appears when pregnancy fading is diagnosed, that is, the embryo dies and the fertilized egg does not leave the uterus for some time. It slowly peels off from the walls - this contributes to the appearance of dark liquid coming out of the genitals. Therapy for this pathology is only surgical; it consists of removing the frozen fertilized egg.
Green color of discharge
Green discharge during pregnancy indicates that a woman has sexually transmitted diseases (usually gonorrhea or chlamydia). Infections that provoke such diseases are most often dangerous to the health of the pregnant woman and the fetus, so the doctor prescribes urgent treatment for them. Also, green discharge can be a sign of a frozen pregnancy, an intrauterine infection in the fetus, or a provocation of a miscarriage. If green discharge occurs in late pregnancy, inflammation of the membranes may be suspected. And green leakage of amniotic fluid often indicates hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in the fetus. In general, the green color of discharge during pregnancy cannot be ignored - it always signals a problem and requires urgent medical attention.
Bloody-colored discharge
If spotting in the early stages of pregnancy is accompanied by pain in the abdomen, this condition may warn of the threat of miscarriage, ectopic or frozen pregnancy.
In addition, bleeding can be caused by hormonal changes or infection. With the pathology of placental enlargement (hydatidiform mole), spotting also occurs.
Do not worry if the bloody secretion in the first trimester of pregnancy is released in small quantities (rather like spotting), there are no clots in it, and the pregnant woman herself does not feel any pain or ailment. Such phenomena may not be associated with pathology, but with a normal phenomenon, when at the beginning of pregnancy the epithelial tissue of the cervix becomes looser, and the supply of blood to the genital organs becomes more intense. As a result of this, small translucent blood discharge appears. They can occur on their own, after sexual relations, and after an examination by a gynecologist in the chair. If a pregnant woman has erosion on the cervix (and the vessels of the cervix are damaged), this is another reason for the occurrence of such discharge.
In some cases, even with successful conception at the beginning of pregnancy, a healthy woman may experience menstruation. But you should still consult a doctor immediately if the discharge changes its color from transparent reddish to bright red, and its volume continues to increase during the day.
Future mom
The expectant mother's belly is actively growing, and the fundus of the uterus is already located up to 2 cm below the navel. The weight gain is about 3-6 kg and is distributed proportionally between the placenta, uterus, fetus, and amniotic fluid. The weight of the fetus is only a tenth of the total added weight.
Due to the intensive growth of the uterus, a woman may feel discomfort. Often this condition manifests itself when changing body position, bending to the sides, or walking. The nature of pain may vary. These can be nagging, sharp, sudden pains that occur on one or both sides. Stretching of the ligaments that are attached to the side walls of the uterus and pelvic bones in order to fix the uterus occurs quite actively. A woman’s uterus is, as it were, in a suspended state thanks to this ligamentous apparatus. When the ligaments are stretched during changes in the position of the uterus, pain occurs.
This type of pain is completely normal and characteristic of this period of pregnancy. In critical situations, a gynecologist may recommend that a woman take antispasmodics, which will help relax the uterus, as well as eliminate the problem of pain almost completely. At the 19th week, it is important for the gynecologist to exclude such risks of pregnancy complications as the threat of miscarriage and uterine hypertonicity. If one of these risks is detected, the expectant mother will be prescribed hospital treatment.
Yellow color of discharge
Yellow discharge during pregnancy indicates changes in hormonal levels and the influence of allergic or stress factors on the body. There is no need to worry about the light yellow color of the discharge, but only if it does not emit a strong odor and the pregnant woman herself does not feel a deterioration in her condition.
But the presence of abdominal pain with yellow discharge, admixture of pus and an unpleasant odor in it can be symptoms of inflammation in the fallopian tubes or ovaries, so you should urgently visit a gynecologist or call an ambulance.
What does yellow discharge mean in the short term?
If yellow leucorrhoea appears, this is evidence of health problems in the female reproductive system. When yellow discharge is very abundant in the early stages of pregnancy, we can talk about the presence of inflammation in the organs of the genitourinary system.
A doctor can diagnose diseases that are transmitted through sexual intercourse. They often occur without obvious signs and may go unnoticed by the woman before conception, but become worse during pregnancy. Among the pathogens that cause infection in the genital organs are:
- chlamydia,
- ureaplasma,
- cytomegaloviruses
- other pathogenic microflora.
Urogenital inflammatory processes pose a serious danger to the development of the ovum and can lead not only to serious damage to the embryo, but also to spontaneous abortion. Discharges caused by pathogenic microflora are often characterized by an unpleasant fishy odor. Also, yellow vaginal discharge may appear as a result of factors irritating the vulva and perineum. Among them, the most common are allergies to sanitary pads for daily use, excessive use of soap during hygiene procedures for the intimate area, and synthetic underwear.
White color of discharge
White milk-colored discharge (leucorrhoea), with a consistency reminiscent of sour cream, indicates intensive production of hormones - estrogen or progesterone. If conception is expected, they may indicate that it has occurred. If the white discharge does not cause discomfort and is not too abundant, this is normal.
The pathology is considered to be accompanied by leucorrhoea with itching in the vagina and pain in the abdomen. If the leucorrhoea becomes thicker and cheesier and acquires a sour smell, then most likely your immunity has decreased sharply, which is the cause of thrush. Most often, this condition goes away on its own. But if thrush causes serious discomfort, it is better to consult a gynecologist, and he will prescribe treatment for this fungal infection. In the third trimester, it is necessary to treat thrush in any case, since during childbirth the baby may become infected.
What does discharge smell like during pregnancy?
If the smell of vaginal discharge has become very pungent, this does not mean that a pathology has arisen in the pregnant woman’s body. The reason for the change in smell may be:
- decreased immunity;
- changes in hormonal levels and metabolic processes;
- illiterate choice of hygiene products.
A “fishy” or “sour” pungent smell of discharge usually indicates the presence of an infection in a woman’s body. Therefore, you should consult a doctor with such a symptom.
When should you contact a gynecologist?
The task of a pregnant woman is to closely monitor her health and, if strange manifestations are noticed, immediately consult a doctor. First of all, this applies to cases when the color of the leucorrhoea changes or other symptoms appear. It is important to rush to see a gynecologist if you feel a burning or itching in the perineum, vaginal discharge becomes bloody, brownish or greenish, or pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen. Needless to say, self-medication is unacceptable, since it is detrimental to both the expectant mother and the child.
Features of discharge during pregnancy
First trimester of pregnancy : thick bloody discharge can be dangerous during this period and indicate either a lack of progesterone (which is responsible for the possibility of bearing a fetus) or low attachment of the placenta to the uterus. Often pregnant women with such discharge are hospitalized or given treatment at home, but are advised to remain in bed and move as little as possible. To avoid such symptoms, healthy women are not recommended to lift heavy objects and monitor their personal hygiene regimen (carefully choose underwear, panty liners, soap and intimate hygiene gel).
Second and third trimesters of pregnancy : at this time, clear or white discharge of medium volume is considered normal. If the discharge is slightly yellowish in color, the pregnant woman may have symptoms of urinary leakage or incontinence: do not worry about this and seek help from a urogynecologist.
Third trimester of pregnancy : The discharge becomes thicker. If mucus with blood streaks appears in them, do not panic - most likely, the mucus plug has already come off and you can expect the start of labor.
Regardless of the stage of pregnancy, bloody discharge (either bright red, purple, or slightly pink) should always cause concern. If they appear, immediately consult a doctor or call an ambulance if the intensity of the discharge increases quickly and especially if this process began in the evening or at night.
Liquid vaginal discharge during pregnancy
Liquid vaginal discharge in pregnant women is caused by several reasons, sometimes quite natural, which do not require the intervention of doctors. And sometimes even doctors find it difficult to classify the discharge as pathological or normal.
In the second trimester, hormones also control processes in the female body. But estrogen makes the mucus thinner than in the previous 12 weeks. If it does not cause itching or burning and has a neutral odor, then this discharge is a normal reaction of a pregnant woman’s body to hormonal changes.
Copious secretion of mucus of any consistency, which is accompanied by deterioration in health, is an important reason for an unscheduled visit to the doctor.
But liquid vaginal discharge before the eighth week is no longer entirely normal, and you should definitely see a doctor. They are caused by an allergic reaction to synthetic underwear material or washing powder, because the mucous membrane of a woman’s external genitalia becomes more sensitive during pregnancy than usual.
The problem is that any vaginal discharge is an excellent breeding ground for microorganisms, including pathogenic ones. And it doesn’t matter at all what caused the appearance of vaginal mucus. This is why it is so important for women to maintain personal hygiene:
- wash yourself daily using intimate hygiene products;
- change underwear regularly;
- Use panty liners, changing them at least once every 6 hours.
Pathological discharge from the vagina of a pregnant woman
Liquid discharge that smells specifically fishy, especially if it is abundant, suggests disturbances in the vaginal microflora or bacterial vaginosis. These diseases develop against the background of weakened immunity of the expectant mother and hormonal imbalance, which provokes the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms in the mucous membrane.
Infectious-inflammatory and sexually transmitted diseases are asymptomatic for a long time. Due to reduced immunity and changing hormonal levels, inflammatory processes can worsen, and discharge can be of various types, including liquid ones. It is advisable to cure all this before pregnancy, so doctors recommend undergoing a comprehensive examination before conception and identifying diseases in advance.
Video: what is bacterial vaginosis
Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis are most often mild, and occasional itching or burning in the genitals may occur. It is imperative to treat the disease, as it further weakens the immune system, which causes inflammation at the site of infection, and promises other unpleasant sensations.
The yellow-green color of the discharge requires an immediate visit to the doctor, because it is one of the signs of inflammation of the genital organs
For example, with gonorrhea, which occurs in a latent form in a woman, liquid discharge begins with a yellowish-green tint, which may indicate the onset of inflammation. Trichomoniasis, the chronic form of which occurs without pronounced symptoms, in the acute period is characterized by copious foamy discharge of a yellowish tint. Most infectious diseases are accompanied by a burning sensation and itching, and in some cases there is pain when urinating.
In addition, the presence of a sweetish smell of discharge indicates leakage of amniotic fluid, and this may mean a threat of termination of pregnancy.
