White vaginal discharge pregnant

Vaginal discharge - NHS

You will always have some vaginal discharge starting a year or 2 before puberty and ending after the menopause.

How much discharge you have changes from time to time. It usually gets heavier just before your period. When you're pregnant, it's normal to have more discharge than before.

Healthy vaginal discharge is usually thin, clear or milky white, and should not smell unpleasant.

Non-urgent advice: Call your midwife if you have vaginal discharge and:

it smells unpleasant or strange
it is green or yellow
you feel itchy or sore around your vagina
you have pain when you pee

Any of these could be symptoms of a vaginal infection.

Urgent advice: Urgent

Contact your midwife or doctor immediately if you have any vaginal bleeding while you're pregnant.

Is it normal to have vaginal discharge in pregnancy?

Yes. It is normal to have more vaginal discharge in pregnancy. This helps prevent any infections travelling up from the vagina to the womb.

Towards the end of pregnancy, the amount of discharge increases further. In the last week or so of pregnancy, it may contain streaks of sticky, jelly-like pink mucus.

This is called a "show", and happens when the mucus that's been present in your cervix during pregnancy comes away.

It's a sign that the body is starting to prepare for birth. You may have a few small "shows" in the days before you go into labour.

Read more about the signs that labour has begun.

Thrush in pregnancy

Thrush is an infection that can cause unusual vaginal discharge. if you get thrush when you're pregnant, it can easily be treated - talk to your midwife or doctor.

Thrush can cause:

increased vaginal discharge which is usually white (like cottage cheese), and does not usually smell
itching and irritation around the vagina

Always talk to your doctor, pharmacist or midwife if you think you have thrush, as there are some thrush medicines you should not use while you're pregnant.

You can help prevent thrush by wearing loose cotton underwear. You may find it helps to avoid perfumed soap or perfumed bath products.

Find out more about vaginal discharge.

Page last reviewed: 31 March 2021
Next review due: 31 March 2024

Bleeding during pregnancy: When to worry about spotting in pregnancy

A little light bleeding or spotting during pregnancy is common, especially during the first trimester. Heavier or more consistent bleeding could signal a problem with the pregnancy. Early pregnancy bleeding can happen when the fertilized egg implants, or it could be from something more serious like a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Common causes of bleeding later in pregnancy include placental problems or preterm labor. Any bleeding is worth letting your doctor know about as soon as possible, especially if it's heavy or it doesn't stop.

Is it normal to have spotting during pregnancy?

A little light bleeding or spotting during pregnancy is common, especially in early pregnancy. Up to one in four pregnant women have some light bleeding in their first trimester. But even if the bleeding seems to have stopped, call your doctor, just to make sure everything is okay.

Spotting or light bleeding in pregnancy is probably from something minor. But it could also be a sign of a serious problem, such as an ectopic pregnancy, a miscarriage, or an infection.

Your doctor may want to do some tests, which can include a physical exam, an ultrasound, and blood tests, to check how well you and your baby are doing and to rule out any complications.

If you're actively bleeding or you have severe pain and can't reach your doctor, head to the emergency room right away.

What's the difference between spotting and bleeding during pregnancy?

Spotting is very light bleeding, similar to what you may have at the very beginning or end of your period. It will look like small drops of blood on your underwear, varying in color from pink to red to brown (the color of dried blood). Pregnancy spotting is common, especially during the first three months.

Bleeding means that you need to wear a panty liner or pad to avoid soaking your underwear. And heavy bleeding will soak through one or more pads. Continued or heavy bleeding could signal a problem with your pregnancy, which is why it's important to share with your doctor right away.

Early pregnancy bleeding: What causes it?

The most common causes of light spotting or bleeding during early pregnancy include:

Implantation. Some women have spotting even before they know they're pregnant, about a week or so after they ovulate. It's called "implantation bleeding" because it happens when the fertilized egg burrows (or implants) into the blood-rich lining of the uterus, a process that starts just six days after fertilization.

If you have a day or two of spotting in the week before your period is due, take a home pregnancy test. If the result is negative, wait a few days or a week. If your period doesn't start when you expect it, try testing again.

Subchorionic hematoma. Also called a subchorionic hemorrhage, this kind of bleeding can happen when the outer layer of the amniotic sac (chorion) separates from the wall of the uterus. It’s usually harmless and stops on its own. Small collections of blood like this early on are typically harmless. But if the collection of blood is larger, it will take longer to reabsorb, or go away. This can raise the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor, so your doctor may want to check on it regularly with ultrasound.

Miscarriage. Spotting or bleeding in the first trimester, especially if you also have abdominal pain or cramping, can be an early sign of miscarriage. But it isn't necessarily a sign, and actually, about half of women who miscarry don't have any bleeding prior to diagnosis. Other signs of a possible miscarriage are discharge of liquid or tissue from your vagina, and no longer feeling any pregnancy symptoms (like morning sickness). If feeling better is your only symptom, however, try not to worry! Many pregnant women don't experience nausea in the first trimester and have very healthy pregnancies.

Ectopic pregnancy. Early pregnancy bleeding also can warn of an ectopic pregnancy – when the embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. Sometimes bleeding is the only sign, but other common symptoms include pain in the belly, pelvis, or shoulder. An ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening, so let your doctor know right away if you have bleeding or moderate to severe pain in your first trimester.

Molar pregnancy. This rare complication happens when the placenta doesn't develop properly, and it can't sustain the embryo. A molar pregnancy can be serious, and it needs prompt treatment.

Infection. An infection can irritate or inflame your cervix and make it more likely to bleed, especially after you have sex. These are some of the infections that can cause bleeding:

Chlamydia
Gonorrhea
Herpes
Yeast infection
Trichomoniasis

Because certain infections can cause pregnancy complications, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics or another treatment.

You might also notice some spotting or light bleeding after sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam. More blood flows to your cervix during pregnancy, so it's not unusual. A cervical polyp (a noncancerous growth on the cervix) can also cause spotting or bleeding after sex or an exam.

What causes second or third trimester bleeding?

Bleeding later in pregnancy might also be nothing to worry about. Light bleeding could be a sign of harmless inflammation, a cervical polyp, or other changes in your cervix. And a few days before your delivery date, bloody discharge called "show" is a sign that your cervix is getting ready for labor.

Heavy bleeding late in your pregnancy is a more worrisome sign. It's worth making a call to your doctor right away.

Here are some common causes of bleeding in your second and third trimesters:

Placental problems. Bleeding or spotting after the first trimester can be a sign of a problem with the placenta, such as:

Placenta previa, when the placenta partially or fully covers the cervix; usually this is diagnosed at your mid-pregnancy ultrasound or anatomy scan. Your placental location will continue to be monitored as pregnancy progresses, and your obstetrician will recommend that you abstain from intercourse as long as the placenta is over or near the cervix.
Placenta accreta, when the placenta becomes abnormally embedded in the uterine wall. Although this is a rare complication, the risk slowly increases with each cesarean delivery.
Placental abruption, when the placenta entirely or partially separates from the wall of the uterus. This is more likely to occur as a result of trauma (car accident, domestic violence), uncontrolled hypertension, or labor.

Late miscarriage. Most miscarriages happen in the first trimester, but bleeding between 13 weeks and the middle of your pregnancy can be a sign of late miscarriage.

Preterm labor. Bleeding is one sign of preterm labor (labor that starts before 37 weeks). Other symptoms are:

Abdominal pain, cramps, or contractions
Low backache
Changes in vaginal discharge
Pressure in your pelvis or lower abdomen

How much bleeding during pregnancy is normal?

Some light bleeding is normal, especially early in your pregnancy when the fertilized egg implants. But really, bleeding can happen at any point in your pregnancy, and for many different reasons. And because some causes are more serious than others, it's always a good idea to let your doctor know about it.

Heavier bleeding that soaks through a pad, or bleeding that doesn't go away is more concerning. It could signal a serious problem with your pregnancy that needs immediate medical attention. Calling your doctor right away or going to an emergency room could help you head off a problem and protect both your health and your baby's.

When should I call my doctor about spotting or bleeding during pregnancy?

Any type or amount of bleeding in pregnancy is worth calling your doctor about, to make sure that nothing is wrong. This is important, even if your last ultrasound showed that your baby is healthy and growing according to schedule.

Heavy or consistent bleeding is a reason to call immediately. Your doctor can check for any problems, and either reassure you that you're ok, or treat the problem.

When you call your doctor, let them know how long you've been bleeding and how much you've bled. Also tell them about other symptoms, like cramps, that you've had along with the bleeding. Also, be sure to be honest with them about recent sexual activity and medical history when you call.

Lastly, whenever the bleeding occurs, if your blood type is RH-negative, your doctor will want to make sure you get a Rhogam shot to protect future pregnancies. Call your doctor if you are RH-negative and have bleeding anytime in pregnancy. If you are RH-positive, this isn't something you have to worry about.

Learn more:

Pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy
Rectal bleeding during pregnancy

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Pregnancy discharge | What are the discharge during pregnancy? | Blog

In the absence of menstruation, girls usually suspect that conception has occurred. However, during pregnancy, the female body may continue to secrete a secret of a different color and character. We recommend that you keep a close eye on everything that happens so as not to miss the development of adverse events. We will talk about how to recognize problem situations during pregnancy in the article.

What discharge can occur during conception

Many women note that immediately after the delay and in the later stages, the nature of the secretion changes. It can be:

With or without scent.
Depending on the color - transparent, white, cream, yellow, greenish, bloody.
By consistency - thick, liquid, cheesy.
As a symptom for assessing the state of health - threatening, safe.

During ovulation, the egg is released from the ovary, its membrane is deflated, a small amount of fluid is released - so it becomes ready for fertilization. At this time, the thick mucus that fills the cervical canal of the cervix becomes less viscous. This makes it easier for the spermatozoa to penetrate and move further into the tubes for fertilization. At this time, you may notice an abundance of clear mucous secretions.

After the fusion of the egg with the spermatozoon, movement into the uterus begins, which should end with implantation in the inner layer. During penetration, its slight detachment may occur - this causes damage to the blood vessels that abundantly penetrate the muscular layer of the uterus. You may see light brown discharge, which is common during pregnancy. The color is due to the fact that the blood has time to clot.

Sometimes the discharge is brightly colored and some women mistake it for a period that has started too early. But in this case, a short duration is characteristic, a different shade (dark or scarlet), a slight mark on the linen.

With some features of the structure of the female genital organs (for example, with a bicornuate uterus), after implantation of the embryo in one part, rejection of the endometrium may begin in the other, as usually occurs during menstruation. This rarely happens.

Characteristics of discharge in the event of a threatened miscarriage

Spontaneous abortion is the rejection of an embryo in the early stages after conception. If at the first signs of pregnancy, you notice spotting, there is a high probability that a miscarriage begins.

Also, miscarriage symptoms include:

pulling or pressing on the lower abdomen, sacrum, lower back;
the muscles of the uterus are tense.

The woman may feel cramps. This continues all the time or intermittently. From the vagina there are scarlet or brown discharge during pregnancy, which was previously confirmed. Sometimes the period may be still small, and the first signs did not have time to appear.

After 22 weeks, this phenomenon is called preterm labor. The child in this case is still weak, the organs are not sufficiently developed, and there is little chance of survival.

The following factors increase the risk of miscarriage:

various diseases;
progesterone deficiency;
nervous and physical overexertion;
pathologies in the genitals;
fetal developmental defects.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound scan. If it shows that the fetal heart rate is disturbed, the tone of the uterus is increased, its size differs from normal for this period, hospitalization will be recommended to maintain pregnancy.

What discharge during pregnancy is considered normal

This secretion does not pose a threat to health:

transparent;
whitish;
yellowish;
odor free;
mucous;
without itching, burning, redness of the genitals.

Clear fluid on underwear is a symptom of ovulation. During pregnancy, the activity of ongoing processes in the body increases, so the amount of secretion secreted may increase. However, a violation of the norm is the leakage of amniotic fluid. You can determine the problem with the help of special diagnostic tests that the doctor will prescribe if he has suspicions.

White color, small amount, homogeneous structure should also not cause concern. The increased volume of fluid in this case is associated with increased hormonal activity.

One of the variants of the norm is mucous discharge, which smells of slight sourness. If there is no pain, discomfort, there is nothing to worry about.

Yellow discharge, there are signs of pregnancy, there is no unpleasant odor - you are all right. Some women had this color before conception, only they did not pay attention. Now there are more of them, therefore more noticeable.

Sometimes a woman observes that the laundry gets wet and there is a smell of urine. This may indicate incontinence due to the constant pressure of the growing uterus. In this case, it is recommended to go to the toilet more often, change underpants twice a day.

What discharge during pregnancy is considered a sign of infection?

White discharge during pregnancy with a cheesy texture is a symptom of thrush (candidiasis). In pregnant women, it is diagnosed quite often - the reason is a change in hormonal levels. The disease is accompanied by itching, redness of the vulva, a strong sour smell. Sometimes external manifestations are not detected, then treatment is not carried out.

Infection is indicated by pain, pain, skin irritation, ulcers, smell of rot or fish, gray or green color, frothy discharge, increased nervousness, large inguinal lymph nodes. The reason may lie in sexually transmitted infections. This includes syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia and others. They are dangerous because they cause premature birth and fetal developmental defects.

What kind of discharge during pregnancy should I pay special attention to and should I consult a doctor?

The following indicates that pregnancy is at risk:

Severe pain in the perineum, bleeding, difficulty defecation, convulsions - these may be injuries to the vaginal mucosa.
Nausea, profuse vomiting, edema, headaches, cough, hypertension, bright red secretion are symptoms of hydatidiform mole (abnormal development of the embryo).
A drop in blood pressure, pallor, weakness, sweating, pulling sensations, bleeding during pregnancy against the background of a lack of growth of hCG in the blood - this is how ectopic attachment manifests itself.
Isolation of clots, sharp pain, vomiting, diarrhea may indicate a frozen fetus.

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

It is also necessary to go to the clinic if you have been physically abused, had rough sex, had an accident, fell, hit. The likelihood that the situation will be resolved successfully is much higher if you do not delay the visit, listen to the symptoms and take good care of your health.

Remember, despite the fact that pregnancy is a normal state of health of the female body, the diagnosis and treatment tactics are still different, due to the many restrictions on manipulations and medications during pregnancy. That is why diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy should take place only under the supervision of a physician. By ignoring the symptoms or self-medicating, a pregnant woman risks not only her health, but also the health of her child.

Doctors of the Leleka maternity hospital manage pregnancies of any complexity, including those aggravated by infections, pathologies, and the threat of miscarriage. Our own diagnostic laboratory allows us to accurately and in the shortest possible time to obtain the results of the tests. Thanks to constant medical supervision throughout the entire period, the chances of a successful birth are greatly increased.

Trust the life and health of your child to Leleka doctors, and we will make sure that you are satisfied.

why they appear in the early and late periods, in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester, what to do at home

Expectant mothers are worried about any changes in the body. Noticing an unusual white discharge, some pregnant women begin to worry. "Komsomolskaya Pravda" together with obstetrician-gynecologist Susanna Grigoryan and obstetrician-gynecologist, doctor of ultrasound diagnostics, candidate of medical sciences Daiva Pikauskaite understands in which cases white discharge is the norm, and in which it poses a danger to the woman and the fetus.

Characteristics of white discharge during pregnancy

White discharge is distinguished by the following characteristics.

Color	Available in clear, whitish or light colors.
Smell	Should normally be absent, but slight sourness is acceptable.
Structure	There should be no bloody inclusions, lumps, cheesy flakes.
Consistency	May be slimy, runny, thick or viscous.
Feelings	Discharge should not be accompanied by pain, burning, itching, swelling of the vaginal mucosa.

Liquid consistency

Sometimes a thin white discharge seems so normal that it is difficult for a doctor to recognize signs of pathology in them. However, they can be one of the symptoms of an infectious-inflammatory disease. For example, a fishy smell may indicate a violation of the vaginal microflora, and blood streaks - about inflammation of the cervix or its erosion. Also, such discharge may occur due to an allergic reaction to intimate hygiene products or pads.

Cheesy consistency

Cheesey discharge usually indicates candidiasis. May be accompanied by a sour smell, burning and itching. Unpleasant symptoms are aggravated after sexual contact, water procedures and at night. During pregnancy, the disease worsens due to changes in hormonal levels. The danger of pathology for the expectant mother 一 the risk of losing a child. The appearance of symptoms of candidiasis before childbirth increases the risk of infection of the child at the time of his passage through the birth canal.

Creamy consistency

Whitish-transparent creamy discharge due to increased blood flow to the vagina. (1) Congested blood vessels cause temporary disturbances in the functioning of the bladder, ureters, and kidneys. The reproductive system reacts to changes with abundant secretions, similar to cream.

Photo: @mart-production, pexels.com

Mucus discharge

Mucous discharge that is not accompanied by an unpleasant odor, burning or itching is considered normal. This is the result of the formation of a mucous plug that prevents infections from entering the vagina. The mucous secretion may acquire a milky hue, contain dense clots. The formation of a cork is completed by about the 12th week of pregnancy, then the nature of the discharge changes.

Foamy discharge

A common cause of frothy discharge during pregnancy is trichomoniasis. Illness in the early stages can lead to miscarriage. Self-treatment is strictly contraindicated. Having found foamy discharge, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible and follow all the instructions.

Why white discharge appears during early pregnancy

– Vaginal discharge without unpleasant symptoms is an absolute norm and is observed in most pregnant women, says obstetrician-gynecologist Daiva Pikauskaite. - From the first to the third trimester, their number increases.

However, there are also warning signs:

color change to reddish or greenish;
significant and abrupt increase in excretions;
odor change;
burning, itching or pain.

Any of these factors is a reason to see a doctor as soon as possible. (2)

1st trimester

Conceiving a child always affects a woman's body. Hormonal changes begin, often accompanied by light or white discharge. Also, the cause of secretion is the fixation of the embryo in the uterine cavity or the formation of a mucous plug that protects the embryo from infection.

Over time, the amount of discharge decreases. They become more viscous and transparent.

Why do white discharge occur during late pregnancy

White discharge is most often safe in late pregnancy.

- Slight, odorless discharge is normal. Usually they are transparent or slightly milky in color. The consistency is reminiscent of raw egg white, - says obstetrician-gynecologist Daiva Pikauskaite, - the secretions are mainly protective, preventing ascending infection of the fetus.

2nd trimester

In the 2nd trimester, a thin, white discharge is normal. (3) They help keep the vagina healthy. The main thing is that there should be no foreign inclusions and smell. Any deviation from the norm is a reason to contact a gynecologist.

Photo: @amina-filkins, pexels.com

3rd trimester

Toward the end of pregnancy, white discharge may indicate the following processes:

the mucous plug begins to move;
the head of the fetus is pressed closer to the exit from the birth canal, that is, to the cervix;
amniotic fluid leakage (usually occurs later in pregnancy).

– In the event of unusual discharge and an increase in its amount, you should immediately consult a doctor. The specialist will assess the nature of the secretions and their volume in order to exclude leakage of amniotic fluid and the presence of infectious and inflammatory diseases, explains obstetrician-gynecologist Suzanna Grigoryan.

How to deal with white discharge during pregnancy at home

– If the discharge does not bother you, then nothing needs to be done about it, especially at home, says Daiva Pikauskaite. - It is only important to observe intimate hygiene, undergo examinations at the doctor on time and take the necessary tests. For any warning signs, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist.

Frequently asked questions and answers

White discharge is most often the norm during pregnancy. However, expectant mothers may be concerned. The most popular questions are answered by gynecologists Daiva Pikauskaite and Susanna Grigoryan.

What should you not do when you notice white discharge?

If the discharge bothers you, do not do the following:

● use medications on your own;
● Douching or sitz baths with medicinal herbs;
● use soap for intimate hygiene, it dries out the mucous membranes, their protective functions are impaired;
● Wear panty liners or synthetic underwear.

How to distinguish amniotic fluid from abundant discharge?

At the end of pregnancy, the amount of discharge increases. Often they become so plentiful that it seems to the expectant mother that her water is leaking. It is possible to distinguish amniotic fluid from secretions.

The discharge is thicker and leaves a dried stain or characteristic white color on the laundry.

Amniotic fluid is water. It doesn't stretch and doesn't leave marks when it dries.

In case of doubt, it is best to consult a doctor, who will accurately determine the cause. Also, the pharmacy sells special tests that show whether there is water leakage.

Can I use the pool if I have white discharge?

If the discharge does not bother, the pregnant woman can swim in the pool, river, sea and any other body of water. In case of doubt, it is recommended to obtain a doctor's approval.

Sources

Cervicitis in pregnant women / Sverdlova E.
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