Watery discharge during pregnancy first trimester
Watery Discharge During Pregnancy- What To Expect
Women certainly go through a lot of changes during pregnancy. Right from morning sickness, fatigue, and achy feet to severe mood swings, pregnant women experience so many changes that can be both normal and unexpected. It’s natural for you to get worried about every little change that happens in your body. One such thing is the watery vaginal discharge during pregnancy that is faced by all women. This watery discharge is more during early pregnancy, and before labor, you might experience blood-tinged mucus discharge. Read on as we take you through watery discharge during pregnancy and what to expect.
The kind of watery discharge could differ depending on the stage of pregnancy you’re at.
What Is The Creamy White Discharge During Pregnancy?
The white creamy discharge during pregnancy is nothing but the fluid that comes out of your vagina. Your watery discharge differs depending on the different stages of pregnancy. This discharge can start 1-2 weeks after conception, sometimes even before you’ve missed your periods.
Additionally, you will experience a heavy discharge towards the end of your pregnancy. This happens because of the pregnancy hormone also known as estrogen. The blood flow in your pelvic area increases and spurs your mucus membranes.
Here are some of the characteristics of watery discharge during pregnancy, and what stage to expect it in:
First Trimester
- Has a pungent smell
- Similar to the blood released when on your menstrual cycle and can stain your undergarments
- Estrogen levels increase the blood flow in the vaginal area
Second Trimester
- Has a milky, egg white color
- More frequent compared to the first trimester
- Signs of foul-smelling or bloody discharge are indicators to consult a doctor
Third Trimester
- Blood flow to the cervical area increases
- Mucus discharge is milky-white, mucusy and may have a mild odor
- Discharge can differ depending on color, odor, frequency and the amount of blood
Normal Pregnancy Discharge
Experiencing a watery discharge during pregnancy is one of the many surprising things about it, yet can be completely normal. When you experience sticky, clean or white fluid discharge with a slight odor from your vagina, you can be at ease as that is considered normal discharge during pregnancy. Don’t worry if you ever notice a tint of yellow fluid on your underwear as it’s completely normal. Of course, you should turn to your doctor the moment something concerns you, but it’s better to be informed so you reduce your panic.
As you move into the second and third trimester of pregnancy, your estrogen and progesterone hormone levels will increase. They are responsible for increasing the blood flow to your vagina. This is a natural way for your body to keep your vagina clean and protect your baby from any kind of infection.
Leukorrhea
The common term for any fluid-like discharge from your vagina is called leukorrhea. Every woman experiences a white mucus-like discharge during puberty. Again, this leukorrhea differs for all women as it depends on your menstrual cycle. For most women, leukorrhea appears during the first few weeks after conception and then increases gradually.
Amniotic Fluid
At the end of your pregnancy, you’ll notice that your watery discharge is similar to your urine and can have flakes in it. That is known as amniotic fluid and could be a cause of concern if you’re leaking amniotic fluid prematurely. Excessive amniotic fluid that feels like a gush can mean your water is breaking, and you’re not too far off from labor!
An additional problem arises when your fluid discharge is somewhat greenish in color in copious amounts. That can be an indicator that your baby has passed meconium, or early stool, in the womb. So, if you experience a greenish discharge, make sure you consult your doctor immediately.
Abnormal Pregnancy Discharge
It shouldn’t come to you as a surprise that the risk of vaginal infections is high during pregnancy. In case you notice that your discharge is green in color, has a bad odor, and causes you a lot of pain, itching or irritation, it can be an indicator of infection or any other problem.
Here are some things you need to be mindful of with respect to abnormal pregnancy discharge:
Premature Labor
- Excessive blood flow in the last weeks of pregnancy
- Continuous watery, mucus-like or bloody vaginal discharge
Yeast Infection
- Thick, white, gray, yellowish or chunky looking discharge
- Irritation or pain while urinating
- Redness in your vaginal area
- Bacterial discharge has a strong fishy odor
STIs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
- Yellow or green color frothy discharge
- Odd or foul smell from your discharge
Vaginosis
- Itchiness or irritation while urinating
- Discharge has foul odor
- Can lead to premature labor or miscarriage
When To Call The Doctor?
It’s natural to experience vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Having said that, any signs of changes in your fluid’s consistency, smell or color need to be reported to your doctor. Also, if you experience any burning sensation, itchiness or redness in your vaginal area, you should immediately consult your doctor. You can’t stop your vaginal discharge, however, there are certain measures you can take to keep your vaginal area clean and healthy.
Here are some things that you should take care of during pregnancy:
- Avoid using tampons
- Gently wash your vaginal area while bathing
- Change your undergarments frequently
- Refrain from wearing synthetic and tight clothes if you experience itching or redness on your skin
- Avoid douching in case you have a sensitive vulva
Watery discharge during pregnancy is natural. But do reach out to your doctor if you notice any drastic changes or experience any discomfort.
Conclusion
It’s okay if you find your vaginal discharge to be unpleasant, but remember that it is a natural process of your body. You just have to make sure that you keep a track of your discharge and its frequency. We’ve covered everything you need to know about your vaginal discharge during pregnancy and what to expect. After giving birth, you’ll have to take care of many other things like your child’s immunization and vaccination schedules. To help you with that, the ImmunifyMe app helps you keep a digitized record of your little one’s vaccination records.
FAQs On Watery Discharge During Pregnancy
What Does It Mean When Liquid Comes Out During Pregnancy?
The liquid that comes out during pregnancy can be milky vaginal discharge. It can happen in the first few weeks after conception and it gradually increases thereafter. The common medical term for this liquid discharge is leukorrhea.
Does Pregnancy Discharge Look Watery?
Pregnancy discharge or vaginal discharge can leave stains on your underwear. It is thin, watery and milky during the early stages of pregnancy and later on gets thick towards the end of your pregnancy.
Why Is My Discharge Watery?
You don’t have to worry if you have a watery discharge as it’s normal during pregnancy and assures you that there’s no sign of infection in your vaginal area. It happens because of changes in your hormones like your estrogen levels. They are responsible for increasing the blood flow towards your vagina during pregnancy.
How Can You Tell The Difference Between Discharge And Amniotic Fluid?
When your discharge is watery, milky and doesn’t have a foul odor, it can be considered as a normal vaginal discharge. As opposed to that, discharge of yellow or green color in copious amounts are signs of amniotic fluid; in this case, you need to consult your doctor immediately.
Clear (Watery) Vaginal Discharge in Pregnancy: Signs & Treatment
White watery discharge, also known as vaginal leucorrhoea, is common among women. It begins at the onset of puberty and lasts until the end of menopause. The amount of discharge varies from woman to woman and usually increases during the menstrual cycle. A watery discharge signifies a healthy vagina as it helps expel bacteria, keeping the vaginal area free from infection.
Apart from daily life, if watery vaginal discharge comes during pregnancy, it raises questions about whether or not the pregnancy is progressing well. Plus, if it is your first pregnancy and you ask around your friends and family who did not experience it, the worry and anxiety just double up.
To free you of that anxiety, we are here to help you with the knowledge of clear discharge during pregnancy, what signs to watch for, and in what cases you should consider seeing a doctor.
Also Read: Cloudy Urine While Pregnant: Causes & Treatment
What Is Watery Discharge During Pregnancy?
The fluid that comes out of the vagina is known as vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is usually white or clear. If you are pregnant, you may notice watery discharge, but there is nothing to worry. Watery discharge during pregnancy usually depends on the stage of pregnancy. Based on the stage of your pregnancy, the characteristics and implications of a watery discharge may differ. Here is a categorised list of the same:
1. Watery Discharge in Early Pregnancy
Clear discharge during early pregnancy or first trimester has a slightly pungent smell. It resembles the slimy discharge of menstrual cycle and can stain your underclothes. This watery discharge appears due to the sudden surge in estrogen levels that increases blood flow to the vaginal area leading to an increase in other secretions.
Also Read: Vaginal Odour during Pregnancy: Reasons & Treatment
2. Watery Discharge in the Second Trimester
In the second trimester, vaginal discharge is milky egg white in colour and consistency. It is considerably more frequent than the discharge in the first trimester but is perfectly normal as it occurs due to the hormones cascading through a woman’s body. However, if you notice bloody discharge or foul-smelling discharge in your second trimester, it can indicate a problem. In such a case, you should consult a doctor immediately.
3. Watery Discharge in the Third Trimester
At this point, the discharge can exhibit itself in many forms, based on colour, odour, frequency, amount, and presence of blood. A heavy flow near your due date might imply preterm labour or even water breaking.
Also Read: Common Vaginal Infections during Pregnancy
Is it Normal to Have a Watery Discharge During Pregnancy?
It is quite common for a pregnant woman to have a watery discharge from the vagina. The amount of discharge will only increase as the pregnancy progresses. Read on to know about normal and abnormal watery discharge in detail.
1. Normal Watery Discharge
Most instances of watery discharge are perfectly normal. You have nothing to worry about if you experience the following:
- Leucorrhoea
As mentioned, this is the standard fluid discharge. It is thin, clear, and watery in consistency. It can be perceived as one of the first symptoms of pregnancy as it shows up at the very beginning after conception.
- Bloody Show
In your final week, the discharge might include blood and mucus, which implies that you are ready to go into labour within a few days. The mucus is part of the plug that blocks your cervix, preventing infections. This is known as a bloody show.
- Amniotic Leakage
When the watery discharge in the third trimester of your pregnancy resembles urine and has flakes in it, it might be your amniotic fluid leaking. This is a perfectly ordinary occurrence; you need not worry about it. However, if you notice a greenish watery discharge in copious amounts, it may indicate that your water bag has broken and the baby might have passed the meconium. In this case, you should rush to the hospital.
2. Abnormal Watery Discharge
Sometimes, a watery discharge is associated with several other symptoms which can irritate you. In such cases, a watery discharge is abnormal and can be a sign of one of the following:
- Premature Labour
Noticing a small amount of blood in the last week of pregnancy is normal but if it is excessive, it might indicate preterm labour. Please contact your doctor immediately if this occurs.
- Yeast Infections
A yeast infection can happen any time, but it may cause a lot more discomfort during pregnancy. Besides having greenish-yellow watery discharge or thicker white curdy discharge, you may experience pain while urinating. Yeast infections can also lead to irritation or redness in the vaginal area.
- STIs
Watery discharge can even occur if you contract sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy. Any disease can affect your health and immune system. It can also affect your fertility levels. Hence, consulting a doctor would be the best option if you notice watery discharge frequently.
- Vaginosis
Caused by bacteria, it is accompanied by discharge, itchiness, and burning sensation while urinating. In addition, the discharge has a foul odour. It needs to be treated immediately as it might lead to premature labour or even miscarriage.
What Causes Clear, Watery, or Jelly-like Discharge in Pregnancy?
The increase in oestrogen hormone and increased flow of blood to the pelvic region causes the mucous glands in the cervix to produce extra mucus. In addition, the cervix and vagina may also shed dead cells, which may lead to white jelly-like discharge.
If the watery discharge is accompanied by cramps in pregnancy, it should not be taken lightly. If it is green or yellow in colour and has a strong and foul odour, you should consult a doctor. You might also experience redness, itchiness, or swelling in the vaginal area.
Important Facts About Watery Discharge in Pregnancy
There are several signs and symptoms associated with a watery discharge during pregnancy. Some of them are stated below:
- A watery discharge may occur consistently throughout the entire pregnancy period.
- Watery discharge can be yellow, green, pink, white, or brown in colour.
- It may occur during and after sexual intercourse in pregnancy due to a congested cervix and ectropion.
When Does Watery Vaginal Discharge Indicate an Infection?
As watery discharge is common during pregnancy, most women can’t tell the difference between normal watery discharge and abnormal watery discharge. It can be difficult to say that watery discharge is due to an infection. But if you observe any of the following things mentioned below, it might help to consult your gynaecologist.
- Excess watery discharge along with lower body pain, especially after the 27th week of pregnancy.
- Sudden changes in the colour or smell of vaginal discharge.
- Itchiness, inflammation, redness, or painful sensation in your vaginal area.
- Persistent fever.
- Difficulty in urinating.
What If the Discharge Is Smelly or Changes Colour?
Watery discharge is usually white in colour and has a mild smell. If these features change drastically, it might be due to underlying problems such as premature labour or infection. Remember to carefully scrutinise your discharge for any changes.
When Is the Discharge Heavy?
The amount of watery discharge increases during periods and as the pregnancy progresses. You can expect a much higher amount of fluid secretion near the end of your third trimester.
If you are experiencing vaginal watery discharge during your first trimester that is pink in colour, it might indicate a miscarriage. The colour will be due to blood, clots, or pieces of tissue from the placenta, uterus or amniotic sac.
How to Treat Watery Discharge
The treatment for the issue depends greatly on the underlying condition. The problem of watery discharge can easily be treated at home by making a few changes in your lifestyle. But sometimes, it may require medical intervention. Here’s how watery discharge can be taken care of.
1. Medical Treatment
As explained, you should consult your doctor if you observe any changes in your vaginal discharge during pregnancy or if you experience certain associated symptoms. Your healthcare provider might take swabs from your vagina for assessment, and provide you with treatments as well as steps to keep your vagina healthy and clean.
2. Remedies to Try At Home
Maintaining proper hygiene can keep your vagina clean and healthy. Here is what you can do to ensure good vaginal health:
- Keep a stock of panty liners and sanitary napkins and use them as required. Avoid using tampons as they might irritate or cause toxic shock.
- Practice Kegel exercises to strengthen your vaginal walls and to prevent urine leakage.
- Maintain hygiene to lower the risk of contracting any infections. Wash your vaginal area with clean water.
- Wipe your genital area from front to back after urinating or passing stool.
- Steer clear of processed food and opt for fresh fruits and veggies instead. Follow a healthy diet and avoid eating sugary foods as they might lead to yeast infections.
- Wear cotton underwear as cotton is a breathable fabric. Your underwear should stay clean and dry.
- Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins from your body regularly.
- Include yoghurt in your diet to encourage the growth of good bacteria as it is a probiotic.
- Use pH balanced vaginal washes intermittently to prevent abnormal bacterial growth.
Things to Remember
Taking a few precautions will help you avoid complications that can come with watery discharge.
- Get Tested Regularly
If your watery discharge is accompanied by symptoms of an infection, you might have to get medical treatment. In addition, consume foods rich in probiotics to avoid the occurrence of yeast infections.
- Maintain Hygiene
Keep your vaginal area clean. Avoid using a bar of scented soap or spray to clean your vaginal area. If you have foul-smelling vaginal discharge, using a spray won’t help. Wash your vaginal area with warm water and wear clean and comfortable underwear.
- Change Your Underwear Regularly
Protecting your panties with a liner or simply changing underwear every time you experience a discharge will keep your vaginal area fresh and lower the chances of contracting any infection.
- Keep Track of Your Vaginal Discharge
Always keep track of your vaginal discharge. Notice the colour, consistency, amount, and odour of the discharge, so you can tell if it changes suddenly. Also, wash your vaginal area properly after sexual intercourse and urinate often.
- Trust Your Doctor
Listen carefully to your doctor, as she will be able to guide you the best through your pregnancy journey. If necessary, note down the instructions and tips given by him so you don’t miss out on important things.
Can You Prevent Watery Discharge?
If your discharge is normal, then there is no need for any treatment. However, taking the precautions mentioned above will help treat or prevent any abnormal watery discharge.
When to Consult a Doctor
In some situations, urgent medical care is required to treat any underlying problem. In any case, experiencing excess discharge in the third trimester is a serious matter, especially if you experience pain and discomfort. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor even if you are not entirely sure about the situation.
Any sort of watery discharge is bound to be unpleasant, but it is completely natural most of the time. By now you must have understood the differences between normal and abnormal watery discharge. Pay attention to the changes your body goes through. Furthermore, follow the tips mentioned in this article to ensure that you have a normal watery discharge. However, if you notice abnormal discharge, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor.
Also Read: Losing Your Mucus Plug during Pregnancy
why they appear in the early and late periods, in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester, what to do at home
Pregnancy is an interesting and at the same time a difficult period in a woman's life. It is necessary to pay attention to the slightest changes in the body, carefully monitor your health. When any deviations appear, a lot of questions are immediately born. This also applies to discharge: they are of different types, and there are many reasons. What do clear discharge during pregnancy mean and can they indicate the presence of any disease? We deal with the gynecologist.
The characteristics of transparent discharge during pregnancy
Color | Colorless, slightly yellow or white shade |
without a pungent odor | |
structure | are thick, jelly -shaped and non -chip |
Consistency | Slimy, not too thick |
Feel | Must not cause discomfort, burning, itching, pain |
Abundant discharge
Most often, profuse discharge appears in the second trimester of pregnancy, their color and consistency may change. All this is due to hormonal changes in the body of a woman. The amount of discharge increases due to the growth of the uterus and increased blood flow. If this does not cause discomfort, there is most likely no cause for alarm. But it will not be superfluous to ask the doctor about this at the next appointment.
Curdled discharge
This consistency may indicate fungal growth. In a pregnant woman with cheesy discharge, candidiasis is most often found (1). In addition to a change in consistency, unpleasant symptoms appear: burning, itching, less often redness.
If you find curdled discharge, you should seek help from a specialist. Since there is a risk of infection of the child at the stage of fetal formation.
Mucous discharge
Such discharge is considered normal during pregnancy, if it is not too thick, not too much, does not cause burning and itching. Mucus appears due to an excess of the hormone estrogen. The discharge may be pale pink or milky in color. A pregnant woman develops a mucous plug that protects the uterus (respectively, the fetus) from infection. After 3 months of pregnancy, the discharge ceases to be mucous and does not contain clots.
Liquid discharge
Most often white in color, they are considered normal during pregnancy at any stage. But if such discharge is accompanied by a pungent odor, pain and itching, then this may indicate an infectious disease. The inflammatory process begins imperceptibly, while it can lead to serious consequences.
Heavy liquid discharge late in pregnancy may indicate amniotic fluid leakage. In this case, the immediate help of a specialist is required.
Photo: pixabay.comWhy there is a clear discharge during early pregnancy
The color of vaginal discharge in the first trimester can change from clear to yellowish white. The consistency also changes: they are thick, more liquid or plentiful. Transparent discharge is not a deviation from the norm. But only if there are no other symptoms: changes in color, smell. Also, there should be no blood clots in the discharge.
— One must be prepared for the fact that during pregnancy the vaginal discharge will increase - this is the result of a change in the hormonal background. If the discharge is transparent, not abundant, does not cause discomfort, itching is the norm, - adds gynecologist, candidate of medical sciences Yuliya Shishkina . - There is no need to contact an obstetrician-gynecologist. Just pay attention to intimate hygiene, use pharmacy products to wash, change your underwear more often. Give preference to good cotton linen of the correct form. But daily pads should not be used - they give a "greenhouse effect", which disrupts the oxygen exchange in the vagina and, conversely, can aggravate the discharge.
1 trimester
Clear discharge in the first trimester is more often accompanied by mucus. This is normal, because changes begin in a woman's body: in many respects they relate to the hormonal system. Mucous transparent discharge appears due to the formation of a cork that protects the embryo from infections.
It is important that there are not too many such discharges. If they are plentiful, you should consult a doctor.
What causes clear discharge during late pregnancy
In the second and third trimester, clear discharge is also a variant of the norm. However, in the later stages, abundant clear discharge can be easily confused with leakage of amniotic fluid.
2nd trimester
A clear, odorless, mucus-free discharge is considered normal in the second trimester of pregnancy. It is necessary to ensure that there are no inclusions, blood clots and a sharp change in color.
3rd trimester
In the third trimester, clear discharge may indicate leakage of amniotic fluid and that the baby is pressed against the cervix (2). If they are accompanied by burning and itching, often redness, then a pregnant woman may have inflammation or infection. It is better to immediately seek help from a gynecologist.
From 22 weeks until the end of pregnancy, the frequency of Candida fungi also increases. This is due to changes in the hormonal background of a pregnant woman (3). It is especially important to pay attention when examining the presence of candidiasis: it can be treated even in the later stages.
How to deal with clear discharge during pregnancy at home
If there is heavy discharge, do not use panty liners, they can irritate the skin and create even more discomfort. At home, you only need to follow the basic rules of intimate hygiene.
If you experience discomfort, then you need to go to the doctor, who is likely to prescribe the necessary tests.
Popular questions and answers
Popular questions about transparent discharge at different stages of pregnancy are answered by a gynecologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences Yulia Shishkina.
What should you not do if you notice clear discharge during pregnancy?
Definitely don't panic. If you are in early pregnancy, then slight clear discharge is associated with hormonal changes that occur in your body. At a later date - the second, third trimester - according to the abundant incessant transparent discharge, leakage of amniotic fluid can be suspected. In this case, again, do not panic and immediately turn to an obstetrician-gynecologist. The doctor will use a special test to determine whether it is really amniotic fluid or not.
Should you see a doctor if you have clear discharge?
It is worth consulting a doctor if there is too much discharge, it causes itching, burning, there is an unpleasant smell, the color is rather yellow, green, white. This is a possible symptom of a vaginal infection, which can be dangerous for the unborn baby. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor. The obstetrician-gynecologist will treat this infection in accordance with the recommendations for the timing of pregnancy. And, as I said above, abundant discharge can be associated with leakage of amniotic fluid - also a reason for a mandatory trip to a specialist.
Can clear discharge indicate the presence of any disease?
If the patient has been examined, we have ruled out the risk of infections or potential infection from a sexual partner, she has no complaints of discomfort due to discharge, they are not heavy - there is no need to worry about any disease.
If any of these points is in doubt, consult a doctor at least as a preventive measure.
Sources
- T.J. Aguin, J.D. Sobel, Vulvovaginal candidiasis in pregnancy, 2015 URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25916994/
- V.I. Duda, O.G. Drazina. Obstetrics. 2007
- Rymashevsky A. N., Naboka Yu. L., Svirava E. G., Bragina L. E. Features of microbiocenoses of the vagina and large intestine in pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy, 2011. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru /article/n/osobennosti-mikrobiotsenozov-vlagalischa-i-tolstogo-kishechnika-u-beremennyh-v-tretiem-trimestre-beremennosti/viewer
why they appear and what are
Pregnancy is one of the most important and exciting periods in woman's life. In order to properly take care of yourself and the baby growing in your stomach, expectant mothers need to know what kind of discharge occurs during childbearing. "Komsomolskaya Pravda" together with obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category Alla Pashkova sorts out which of them are considered the norm, and which ones are the reason for visiting the antenatal clinic.
Why discharge occurs
Every woman has vaginal discharge. Their number, color and consistency depend on many factors: the phase of the cycle (for example, during the period of egg maturation and ovulation there are quite a lot of them, and immediately after menstruation there is practically none), the woman’s health (with genital tract infections, inflammation in the pelvic organs (discharge at the same time, they often change color, an unpleasant odor appears). The discharge is also affected by the woman's complexion (in thin women, the discharge is usually more abundant than in full ones), sexual activity, the use of vaginal deodorants and intimate hygiene products, wearing synthetic underwear and other factors And, of course, the nature of the discharge is affected by pregnancy.With its onset, a woman may notice that the discharge has become much more than usual (1).0003
“More abundant light discharge during pregnancy is the norm,” says Alla Pashkova, obstetrician-gynecologist of the highest category, candidate of medical sciences, author of a blog about women's health. - They are enhanced under the influence of the hormone progesterone, which begins to be actively produced in the body of a woman with the onset of pregnancy and creates favorable conditions for the implantation of the embryo and its further development. If there are no complaints about a change in the color of the discharge, itching, burning, swelling of the tissues of the perineum, an unpleasant odor, then you do not need to worry and take unnecessary tests, for example, bacterial culture, it is enough to limit yourself to a smear on the flora. Allocations of various kinds can appear during early pregnancy also due to infections and with the threat of miscarriage.
What are the discharges
Photo: Bernhard Claßen, globallookpress.comDischarge during early pregnancy can be of different colors (white, yellow, green, bloody), consistency (thick, liquid, cheesy), may have a neutral or unpleasant odor . In some cases, they do not pose a danger, they are considered a variant of the norm, in others, on the contrary, they can become an alarm about the threat of termination of pregnancy and are a reason for urgent medical attention. Together with our expert Alla Pashkova, we will analyze in more detail what the discharge of a particular nature in the early stages of pregnancy may indicate. We note right away that any deviations from the norm are a reason for an urgent visit to a doctor.
Light discharge
Normal vaginal discharge in most women just has a light whitish tint. They have no smell, or it is slightly sour. There are few of them - up to 4 ml per day. In pregnant women, if the pregnancy is going well, the color and smell, as a rule, does not change, but the discharge may become more abundant due to the action of the hormone progesterone. This is normal, you should not be afraid.
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White discharge
White discharge can also be normal if the woman is not bothered by anything. But if the white discharge has acquired a curdled character, itching and burning have appeared in the vagina, then this picture most likely indicates the development of vaginal candidiasis (thrush).
- Vaginal candidiasis during pregnancy is very common - up to 90 percent of women suffer from it, - says Alla Pashkova. - This is facilitated by a change in the hormonal background, namely the absence of phases of the cycle and ovulation, and excessive secretion of progesterone. It is necessary to treat candidiasis if a woman has specific complaints: a change in the nature of the discharge, a sour smell, itching in the vagina. If Candida bacteria are found in a smear on the flora, while nothing bothers you, then you do not need to take any drugs.
Clear discharge
In non-pregnant women, such heavy discharge may occur in the middle of the cycle. This is a sign of ovulation. In pregnant women, clear discharge is the norm. The main thing is not to confuse them with amniotic fluid, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy. But for this there are special tests for the determination of amniotic fluid and the doctor will always help you figure it out.
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Mucus discharge
Mucus discharge from the vagina without pain or discomfort is normal in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. During pregnancy, they may be more due to hormonal changes in the body.
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Yellow discharge
Photo: Olga Semenova, globallookpress.comLight yellow discharge may also be normal. Most likely, before pregnancy, you had discharge of the same color. But if you notice that the discharge has become darker, an unpleasant odor has appeared - this is a reason to consult a doctor. Such discharge may indicate the presence of an inflammatory process, indicate an infection. “I note that in 90 percent of cases, the cause of changes in vaginal discharge in women and the appearance of complaints (itching, burning, changes in color, smell and type of vaginal discharge) are candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis,” says Alla Valerievna. - For candidiasis, more often white or greenish curdled discharge, accompanied by severe itching and swelling of the tissues, for gardnerellosis ( bacterial vaginosis) - grayish watery discharge with the smell of fish, with trichomoniasis - abundant purulent - frothy leucorrhoea with an unpleasant odor, tissues of the vagina and cervix swell , the neck acquires a specific appearance (symptom of strawberries) - red, with grayish zones in the form of eyes on strawberries.
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Green discharge
Such discharge can never be normal, often it is a sign of candidiasis. When such discharge occurs, you should immediately consult a doctor.
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Bleeding
Photo: West Coast Surfer, globallookpress.comBleeding during pregnancy is a separate situation that always requires a woman's special attention and medical advice. In the early stages of bleeding during pregnancy is not uncommon.
“First trimester bleeding occurs in every fourth woman,” says Alla Pashkova. “About one in seven people have a spontaneous miscarriage. But in 80 percent of cases, even in the presence of blood discharge, as well as pain in the lower abdomen, the uterine pregnancy progresses almost to term and ends with the birth of a healthy child.
The main causes of bleeding in early pregnancy can be:
- threatened or incipient miscarriage due to chorionic detachment and retrochorial hematoma;
- implantation bleeding;
- ectopic pregnancy;
- non-progressive or miscarriage. An accurate diagnosis will be made by the doctor based on the dynamics of the level of hCG in the blood, as well as ultrasound studies;
- spontaneous reduction (loss) of one of the embryos during multiple pregnancy;
- incomplete hydatidiform mole - when, due to genetic disorders, the development of the embryo does not occur, and the chorionic villi grow in the form of blisters filled with liquid. This pathology is very rare.
It is important to understand that bleeding during pregnancy is unpredictable and can change within hours (2). Therefore, in any case, blood discharge during pregnancy, no matter if it is scanty, spotty or abundant, pink with small streaks of blood, brown or scarlet, is ALWAYS a reason for an urgent internal examination by a doctor. Below we will talk about the possible causes of spotting of different colors. It should be noted that the division into colors is rather arbitrary, and the exact cause of the discharge by the brightness of their color, their intensity cannot be determined without additional examination.
Pink discharge
Photo: Liz Gregg, globallookpress.comIf you notice pinkish discharge or small streaks of blood on your underwear, this may indicate implantation bleeding, which is quite common.
- It occurs at the stage of implantation of the ovum. This is 6-7 days after conception or 21-22 days of the menstrual cycle, when there is no delay yet, explains Alla Pashkova. But such women are very, very few. But there is also a second stage of implantation bleeding - during the period of growth of the chorion, it often occurs at the time of an already existing delay in menstruation - 4-5 weeks from the last menstruation or 3 weeks after fertilization. This type of implantation bleeding occurs in many women - about a quarter of pregnant women. In addition, at 7-8 weeks, when a luteoplacental shift occurs and progesterone begins to be produced not by the corpus luteum of the ovary, but by the chorion, the progesterone level may drop, and the pregnant woman may experience bleeding. It's also not scary and safe. The main thing you should remember is that the peculiarity of implantation bleeding is that it is short-lived, scarce and usually takes only a few hours. But in any case, this is a reason to promptly consult a doctor to exclude a possible threat of termination of pregnancy.
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Brown discharge
Brown discharge can also be a sign of implantation bleeding, which we discussed above. If such discharges are observed at the time indicated above, there are very few of them, and they pass quickly, then most likely there is nothing to worry about.
But brown discharge can also be a very alarming signal.
— For example, with an ectopic pregnancy against the background of a positive pregnancy test, there may be spotting, usually minor, spotting, says Alla Pashkova. - On average, these symptoms appear with an ectopic pregnancy at 7 weeks. At the same time, pains are noted in the lower abdomen, more on one side, and pains can also appear during urination and defecation. It is urgent to consult a doctor to confirm or exclude an ectopic pregnancy.
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Scarlet discharge
Photo: Liz Gregg, globallookpress.comBlood discharge, when it comes to blood clots, bright scarlet discharge, heavy bleeding, always scares a pregnant woman. Indeed, such secretions in most cases indicate a threat or a miscarriage that has begun due to detachment of the chorion and retrochorial hematoma (or subchorial, when blood accumulates between the chorionic membrane covering the embryo and the uterine wall). Up to 60 percent of hematomas in the 1st trimester are of this type. More often, subchorial hematomas are detected at the 8th week of pregnancy, on average, their volume is 1.5 ml of blood. With heavy bleeding, a woman is placed in a hospital, while ultrasound in the uterine cavity shows a live fetal egg with an embryo and a heartbeat, the pregnancy is prolonged and not interrupted, hemostatic hemostatic drugs are used.
“It is worth noting that every fourth or fifth pregnancy ends in a miscarriage in the first three months,” says Alla Pashkova. - At the same time, in 90-95 percent of cases, this situation does not repeat itself again, and a woman has every chance of becoming a mother. After a single miscarriage, there is no need to conduct an in-depth examination to identify its causes.
Popular Questions and Answers
Expectant mothers during pregnancy are concerned about the presence of discharge. Together with the gynecologist Alla Pashkova, we will analyze popular questions and answer them.
What does nipple discharge mean in early pregnancy?
Breast changes occur from the very beginning of pregnancy, but are not always felt by the expectant mother (3). There may be a discharge in the form of a liquid of a yellowish tint. Thus, the mammary glands prepare for lactation and reproduce colostrum. If the discharge is painful or mixed with blood, you should definitely consult a doctor.
Is it possible to determine pregnancy by discharge before the delay?
It is impossible to determine pregnancy only by discharge. But they can indirectly indicate its presence. For example, they become more abundant. You can only find out exactly in a position with the help of a test or analysis of hCG.
Is discharge always a sign of pregnancy?
Discharge is not a sign of pregnancy. The exception is implantation bleeding. In general, the discharge may indicate ovulation, and a possible infection, and much more. In case of concern, it is recommended to consult a doctor.