Yellow discharge 39 weeks

39 Weeks Pregnant | Pregnancy

Pregnancy normally lasts around 40 weeks and most women will go into labour a week either side of their due date. That means any day now.

What's happening in my body?

You might be getting a lot more discharge in your pants than usual. This should be thin, white and not smell of very much. If you spot a slimy blob of mucus that's yellow or bloody, then that's called a "show". This sticky stuff used to plug up your cervix and when it comes out, it can be one of the first signs that your baby's on the way. However don't grab your hospital bag just yet, as you could still have days to wait.

You may be getting back pain as your baby moves down your pelvis and starts head butting your spine. You'll probably feel increased pressure at the bottom of your bump now.

You could also be getting sudden bursts of energy and urgently want to fold baby clothes or tidy drawers that you haven't opened for years. That's your nesting instinct kicking in.

If you get any of the following signs, then treat it as an emergency and call your midwife, doctor or NHS 111:

• bleeding from your vagina
• brown or pink discharge
• severe itching, particularly at night
• a terrible headache that won't go away
• vision problems (blurring, light sensitivity, seeing spots or flashing lights)
• pain just below the ribs
• extreme swelling of the feet, ankles, hands and face
• persistent stomach pains
• a high temperature (above 37.5 degrees C) with no other flu or cold symptoms

7 things you might not expect when your baby's born

1. Babies don't usually come out wailing, like they do in the films. It could take a few seconds before they cry or splutter to clear their airways.

2. Your baby will be checked out within a minute of being born. You might not be aware of it, as you'll be meeting your baby at the same time. Your baby will be rated on the Apgar scale for their heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, responsiveness and skin colour. This will be rechecked at 5 minutes.

3. Your baby's hands and feet might be blue, as their circulation is still a work in progress. The rest of their skin will be dark red or purple, then turn a brighter red when they take their first breath. It can take weeks before their true skin colour is revealed. If your baby's rubbed vigorously with a towel, this doesn't mean that there's a problem, it's probably just to help the blood flow.

4. It can take a few minutes before your baby's breathing regularly. They tend to do lots of fast breaths, then lots of slow breaths. The gap between breaths can be as long as 5 seconds. They're just learning to breathe, so this is normal.

5. Boys can be born with large testicles – that's just temporary, caused by hormones and water retention. They will settle down and look more in proportion soon.

6. It's not always love at first sight. Give yourself time to bond with your baby and ask for help if you need it.

7. It can take 6 weeks for your womb to go back to the size it was. Breastfeeding can speed this process up as it makes your womb contract. Find out more about your body after the birth on the NHS website.

Find out more about what happens when your baby is born on the NHS website.

3rd trimester pregnancy symptoms (at 39 weeks)

You could be getting a lot of practice contractions, but if they start getting painful, then they could be the real deal. Read 5 signs that baby's on the way on week 37's page.

Phone your hospital or midwife when your contractions last for at least 60 seconds and come every 5 minutes – or call any time if you're worried that something is wrong, such as if your baby stops moving or if you're losing blood.

Your signs of pregnancy could also include:

• painless contractions around your bump, known as Braxton Hicks contractions
• sleeping problems (week 19 has information about feeling tired)
• stretch marks (read about stretch marks on week 17's page)
• swollen and bleeding gums (week 13 has information about gum health during pregnancy)
• pains on the side of your baby bump, caused by your expanding womb ("round ligament pains")
• piles (read about piles on week 22's page)
• headaches
• backache
• indigestion and heartburn (week 25 talks about digestive problems)
• bloating and constipation (read about bloating on week 16's page)
• leg cramps (week 20 explains how to deal with cramp)
• feeling hot
• dizziness
• swollen hands and feet
• urine infections
• vaginal infections (see week 15 for vaginal health)
• darkened skin on your face or brown patches – this is known as chloasma or the "mask of pregnancy"
• greasier, spotty skin
• thicker and shinier hair

You may also experience symptoms from earlier weeks, such as:

• mood swings (week 8's page has information on mood swings)
• morning sickness (read about dealing with morning sickness on week 6's page)
• weird pregnancy cravings (read about pregnancy cravings on week 5's page)
• a heightened sense of smell
• sore or leaky breasts (read about breast pain on week 14's page)
• a white milky pregnancy discharge from your vagina and light spotting (seek medical advice for any bleeding)

Read Tommy's guide to common pregnancy symptoms.

What does my baby look like?

Your baby, or foetus, is around 50.7cm long from head to heel, and weighs about 3.3kg. That's approximately the length of 5 courgettes and the weight of a mini watermelon.

A few weeks ago, your baby's skin was almost transparent but now they're growing a tougher new layer that's looks more solid. This is better at protecting their internal organs and helping with temperature control.

The skin will be coated in a white, waxy substance called "vernix", which means varnish in Latin. This creamy layer helps to protect their skin and eases your baby down the birth canal. Your baby might be covered in it when they are born, or it could be mostly gone.

Action stations

Be on full alert in case your waters break, as this could happen at any time. Don't expect a tidal wave, as it could be just a trickle. If you think it's started, then call your midwife or doctor and ask for advice. You might have just wet yourself, but if your waters have broken, then your labour may need to be induced as your baby will be at a greater risk of infection.

This week you could also...

You're probably on leave now. Find out how much maternity leave and pay you're entitled to.

It's a good time to tone up your pelvic floor muscles. Gentle pelvic floor exercises can help to prevent leakage when you laugh, sneeze or cough. Get the muscles going by pretending that you're having a wee and then stopping midflow.

To keep bones and muscles healthy, we need vitamin D. From late March/early April to the end of September, most people make enough vitamin D from sunlight on their skin. However, between October and early March, you should consider taking a daily vitamin D supplement because we cannot make enough from sunlight.

Some people should take a vitamin D supplement all year round, find out if this applies to you on the NHS website. You just need 10 micrograms (it's the same for grown-ups and kids). Check if you're entitled to free vitamins.

It's recommended that you do 150 minutes of exercise while pregnant. You could start off with just 10 minutes of daily exercise - perhaps take a brisk walk outside. Check out Sport England's #StayInWorkOut online exercises (scroll to the pregnancy section). Listen to your body and do what feels right for you.

There's no need to eat for 2. Now you're in the 3rd trimester, you may need an extra 200 calories a day, but that's not much. It's about the same as 2 slices of wholemeal toast and margarine.

Try to eat healthily, with plenty of fresh fruit and veg, and avoid processed, fatty and salty foods. You may be able to get free milk, fruit and veg through the Healthy Start scheme.

How are you today? If you're feeling anxious or low, then talk to your midwife or doctor who can point you in the right direction to get all the support that you need. You could also discuss your worries with your partner, friends and family.

You may be worried about your relationship, or money, or having somewhere permanent to live. Don't keep it to yourself. It's important that you ask for help if you need it.

Having another baby is probably the last thing on your mind. However now is a good time to start planning what type of contraception you would like to use after your baby is born.

Getting pregnant again could happen sooner than you realise and too short a gap between babies is known to cause problems. Talk to your GP or midwife to help you decide.

You and your family should follow the government and NHS guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19):

To find out about about COVID-19 and pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, have a look at advice on the:

This week's treat

Spend some time in nature. Go and kick leaves in the park, walk in the woods, water your garden or plant some seeds (use gloves to avoid the risk of infection). This is good exercise and will encourage your brain to release 'feel good' chemicals.

Go back to week 38

Go to week 40

Pregnancy Discharge: When Is It Normal?

It may be an icky subject, but it's one many moms-to-be have on their minds. What exactly is going on “down there” with the discharge? In early pregnancy, your body may produce more vaginal discharge, and before labor begins you may notice a blood-tinged mucus discharge. Sometimes, your discharge may indicate a problem, like an infection. Read on to find out about the different types of discharge you might notice during pregnancy.

What Is Normal Pregnancy Discharge?

Normal discharge during pregnancy is clear or white, and usually a bit sticky; it should not have a noticeable odor. It's OK if your discharge looks a little yellow on your underwear or panty liner during pregnancy, too. When you're pregnant, as your estrogen and progesterone hormone levels rise and blood flow to the vagina increases, you might find that you're producing more discharge than before, especially during the second trimester. This actually helps to protect your growing baby from infection, as it's your body's natural way of keeping the vagina clean and flushing out dead cells. Once your pregnancy is full term (at 39 weeks of pregnancy), seeing a mucus-like discharge is also normal. This is the mucus plug, which is described below in more detail.

Is Vaginal Discharge a Sign of Pregnancy?

Vaginal discharge is generally not a sign that you're pregnant, but in the early days of pregnancy, you might notice some light spotting called implantation bleeding. This can happen when the fertilized egg implants in the uterine lining. In early pregnancy, this discharge is usually pink, a bit lighter in color than normal menstrual blood. If you're curious to find out how much you know about the other early signs of pregnancy, take our quiz. By the way, if you've recently discovered you're pregnant, check out our Due Date Calculator to get an estimate of when your little one might be arriving.

What Is Leukorrhea?

Leukorrhea is simply the medical term for all vaginal discharge, not just the discharge that occurs during pregnancy. It's usually a clear or whitish mucus-like substance, and it starts to appear at puberty. The color, consistency, and amount of leukorrhea can vary depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle. Remember, during pregnancy you might be seeing more of it than usual, but this is normal.

What Is Considered Abnormal Discharge?

Unfortunately, you're also more prone to vaginal infections when you're pregnant. This is because pregnancy hormones change the balance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina, leaving you more vulnerable to yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.

Any changes in the color, odor, or consistency of vaginal discharge might indicate an infection, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on it throughout your pregnancy. Bacterial vaginosis can lead to changes in the discharge, usually giving it a strong, fishy odor and a gray, white, or green color. A yeast infection can cause thick, white, or chunky-looking discharge. If you notice any of these changes, or anything else that you think is off, let your healthcare provider know as treatment may be required. If left untreated, vaginal infections can spread to the uterus and endanger your baby.

When Do I Need to Call My Doctor?

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider if your discharge changes color or consistency or starts to smell bad. It's also worth contacting your provider if you experience any itchiness or painful urination. If your discharge becomes watery or bloody, this could be your water breaking or your mucus plug being released; either of these may be a sign of preterm labor if it occurs before you're full term at 39 weeks, so you'll want to get checked out right away. Vaginal bleeding (other than occasional light spotting or bloody mucus) can be cause for concern at any point in your pregnancy, so don't hesitate to call your provider or visit the hospital.

How Can I Help Prevent a Vaginal Infection During Pregnancy?

To keep yourself clean down there, always wipe from front to back to avoid introducing any fecal bacteria into the vagina. Use a panty liner (not tampons) if you're experiencing heavy discharge during pregnancy. Also take care to wash yourself in the tub or shower using water and a gentle soap. It's also a good idea to choose underwear made from cotton or other natural, breathable fibers, and to steer clear of tight pants (sorry, yoga pants lovers!).

If your discharge starts to smell unpleasant, you may be tempted to use products like douches to help mask the odor, but this is not advised. Instead, talk to your healthcare provider, who can recommend the best course of action.

Are There Any Other Types of Vaginal Discharge to Watch For?

Here are other types of discharge you may experience before, during, and even after your pregnancy:

• Ovulation discharge. The amount of leukorrhea you produce varies throughout your menstrual cycle. This amount will increase just before you ovulate (when you're most fertile) and its consistency is usually thin and slick. After you ovulate, the amount of mucus discharged decreases and becomes thicker, but less noticeable. You might be more aware of these changes if you were monitoring your fertility before becoming pregnant.

• Mucus plug. Exactly as it sounds, the mucus plug is a thick accumulation of mucus that fills the cervix, blocking entry to the uterus. It develops during your pregnancy to help protect your growing baby from infection. Just before or as you go into labor, as your cervix dilates, the plug comes loose and is pushed out of the vagina. The mucus plug can look clear or slightly bloody and pinkish in color, and it will be thicker than normal pregnancy discharge.

• Water breaking. A few hours before labor, the amniotic sac that contains your baby may break, and you could feel a watery discharge of amniotic fluid. It may not be as dramatic as it seems in the movies: Some women feel a small trickle, others leak a bit more, and some moms-to-be may not notice it at all.

• Lochia. After you've delivered your baby and the placenta, either vaginally, or by c-section, you'll start to see a new type of discharge. Lochia is the name for the vaginal discharge consisting of mucus and blood that you'll shed in the days after you give birth. It will start out red and thick, gradually fade to a pinkish shade, and then eventually become yellow or white. If you have a c-section, you might not have quite as much lochia as moms who have vaginal deliveries. You can expect this type of discharge to continue for about four to six weeks after you give birth.

There are so many curious and wonderful things that take place during pregnancy. Download our handy pregnancy guide for even more insights on what's in store for you and your baby.

39 weeks pregnant yellow discharge. Brown discharge before childbirth. Signs of approaching labor

The last month before giving birth can bring new symptoms, and the 39th week of pregnancy is no exception. Allocations can greatly change their character before childbirth, and this causes unnecessary worries.

Discharge at 39 weeks is intensified and is normal, but they can also indicate pathology. In order for you not to miss dangerous symptoms or the onset of labor, this article has been written.

Normal discharge at 39 weeks pregnant

At the 39th week of pregnancy, spotting in the form of abundant mucus streaked with blood is a complete norm, and they should not cause you much concern. There is not much blood, its source is the cervix, it is literally threads in abundant transparent or whitish mucus, resembling protein. This is the bottleneck. You should not have any other selections.

39 weeks pregnant, pathological discharge

White discharge

Bloody and brown discharge

Yellow and greenish discharge

Any doubts about the normal discharge for you during pregnancy should be a reason to consult a gynecologist.

At 39 weeks, the baby changes his position, he presses his knees to his chin, turns his head down and prepares for the exit. A woman by this time is also ready for childbirth for a long time, she can often be visited by forerunners of childbirth, vaguely resembling true contractions. If the plug comes off, then slight spotting may appear at 39 weeks of gestation. Usually, at this time, mom literally lives “on a suitcase” and is ready to go to the hospital at any moment. She constantly listens to her feelings and waits for the onset of labor, although some at this time, on the contrary, begin to worry and be afraid of childbirth.

During the entire period of gestation, it is important to monitor the diet

At the thirty-ninth week, the baby is already fully formed, stronger. A woman stops gaining weight and may even lose some weight as her body prepares for the upcoming delivery. Many mothers noted that at this time, a couple of days before giving birth, they suddenly had an acute desire to redo all household chores and their health improved markedly. Therefore, when an unexpected desire arises to carry out a general cleaning, it is worth knowing that a woman will begin to give birth in a day or two.

By this time, the baby is no less tired than you of living in a cramped stomach, because there is not enough room for him to straighten up. He cannot move properly, his legs-handles are constantly in a bent state. By this time, the baby is already considered full-term, so mommy needs to clearly monitor the discharge at 39 weeks of gestation. If brown-bloody spots appear on the linen or pinkish mucous clots, then this directly indicates the imminent onset of labor, which can occur within one and a half to two hours. Therefore, when leaving home, try to take documents and an exchange card with you, and it is better not to go anywhere alone.

Features of the woman's condition

Almost the entire pregnancy is now over, childbirth can begin at any minute. Mommy is already used to constant aching pain in the lower back, bones and muscle tissues. The body is already accustomed to being overweight, although the high load on the vertebrae, pelvis and back has not yet disappeared. Before the onset of childbirth, patients, as a rule, have lightness and a boost of energy, she is literally ready to move mountains.

• Uterine cervix shortens in order to quickly open and release the baby at the right time;
• The tummy drops noticeably, which brings the baby as close as possible to the exit from the uterus;
• At the 39th week, painful sensations may become somewhat dull, swelling stops, the lower back and stomach stop aching, which indicates the onset of labor over the next few days;
• Mom is often worried about training contractions, when the uterus begins to contract intensively, there are signs of contractions, which soon pass;
• The tremors become less and less frequent, and the fetus noticeably sinks down and presses on the perineum;
• Since the uterus also descends, the pressure on the diaphragm and lungs is reduced, so the woman's breathing becomes easier;
• Blood-streaked mucus may appear, which indicates the passage of a plug from the cervical canal;
• The pressure on the bladder becomes simply unbearable, which makes mommy run to the bathroom much more often.

Smoking is very dangerous for the expectant mother, it negatively affects the development and growth of the fetus

If a woman has a large belly, then it becomes very difficult for her to walk, as well as to do anything. Mom is recommended to rest more often, take warm baths in order to relax properly. Usually, in primiparous ladies, the tummy drops noticeably, but for those who give birth not for the first time, it may not fall until the very onset of labor. The skin on the tummy is very stretched, which causes a lot of negative sensations in a woman, such as itching and peeling. A clear pigment line is directed vertically from the navel down, which will disappear on its own in about 1-3 months after childbirth.

Stretch marks are considered quite normal. If mom monitored the condition of the skin, wore a bandage and lubricated the skin with special means against stretch marks, then there should not be any stretch marks. If they are, then over time they will brighten and acquire a shade of normal skin, which will make them less noticeable.

What kind of discharge bother you

Particular attention is required at 39 weeks of pregnancy vaginal discharge Some of them are quite physiological and do not cause any cause for concern. They can vary in texture, smell, color, structure and other parameters. In general, they can be conditionally divided into watery and mucous, curdled or bloody, as well as purulent. The nature of the discharge can say a lot about the course of pregnancy and the condition of the mother.

Spotting

During pregnancy at 39 weeks, bloody discharge can act both as a negative symptom and as a norm. If the discharge is insignificant, they have a mucous structure and contain only streaks of blood, then this may indicate a gradual discharge of the cervical plug, which throughout the entire period of pregnancy protected the baby from external negative factors.

But if the discharge of blood is more pronounced or abundant, then this may indicate the development of premature placental abruption. This condition requires urgent medical attention. In addition, the presence of blood in the vaginal discharge at this time can be explained by uterine hypertonicity, in which a woman experiences sensations of a stone belly and pronounced muscle tension. To relax them, it is recommended to take a No-shpy pill and go to the gynecologist.

Abundant bleeding may also indicate the presence of intrauterine bleeding, which also requires urgent intervention by an obstetrician-gynecologist. Brownish discharge may occur after sexual intercourse or a medical examination. Usually such discharges pass on their own the next day. Allocations of a brown color may indicate the onset of labor activity within the next two hours.

White discharge

It is not uncommon for a white discharge to occur at 39 weeks of gestation, which can seriously frighten the mother.

• Usually, if cheesy whitish mucus is found on the linen, which provokes unpleasant discomfort in the perineum and irritation of the external genital organs, then they speak of the development of candidiasis.
• At such a late gestation period, thrush can be dangerous for the baby, because during delivery, he may well become infected from the mother with such an unpleasant fungal disease.
• For the pregnant woman herself, candidiasis during childbirth is dangerous because the pathology leads to softening of the vaginal tissues, as a result of which, during delivery, the woman in labor can receive many injuries and ruptures.
• With candidiasis, leucorrhoea has a characteristic sour smell, so it is difficult to confuse it with any other secretions.

If a pregnant woman has thrush, then it must be cured before delivery in order to protect the baby from infection, which is fraught with large-scale candidal lesions of the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, etc.

Clear liquid discharge

It is important to do all checks and analyzes in a timely manner

If a woman at the end of pregnancy finds a clear watery discharge on her underwear, this may indicate leakage of amniotic fluid. Normally, within 3 days from the moment such secretions appear, the birth processes should completely end, and if the waters receded rapidly, then delivery should occur within the next day. Otherwise, there is a real risk of complications in the baby or infection.

Leakage of amniotic fluid at this gestation period is a sure sign of an approaching delivery. A woman is unlikely to be able to leave this fact unnoticed, because about half a liter of liquid will pour out of the vagina, after which contractions will come. If the leakage is insignificant, then it is quite difficult to determine it. To determine the nature of such secretions, special tests are used that work on the principle of determining the acidity of released liquids. Normally, the amniotic fluid has a neutral acidity, and the vaginal discharge is acidic.

Leakage can occur for various reasons. Sexual infections, smoking, uterine anomalies, insufficiency of cervical activity, improper embryonic position, etc. lead to a similar condition. it has not come and the leakage is in no way connected with the onset of labor.

Unusual discharge

Also during gestation, including at 39 weeks, a woman may experience yellowish-white discharge, which usually indicates an increase in hormonal substances that support gestation. In general, such secretions are considered normal if they do not have an unpleasant odor. If a pregnant woman is concerned about yellowish, greenish and other foul-smelling discharges, then this may indicate the development of a pathology such as an infection of bacterial origin, inflammatory processes in the tissues of the ovaries or fallopian tubes.

Also a dangerous sign are discharges that are purulent. If a woman has found a similar symptom, you need to urgently go to an obstetrician-gynecologist. Mom needs to have time to be treated before childbirth in order to avoid adverse consequences for the child, such as infection. Due to the weakness and insecurity of the infant organism, the treatment of such infections in newborns is difficult, and the disease itself proceeds with complications. Therefore, it is better to prevent infection of the baby than to treat it for a long and painful time.

Your baby

A characteristic feature of this period is a decrease in the child's motor activity. He has already grown up, he does not have enough space in his stomach, because he occupies the entire uterine cavity.

• The weight of the baby is already close to 3 kg, and the height is about half a meter. These indicators may vary slightly in accordance with the individual characteristics of the parents.
• All the intraorganic systems of the baby are already able to fully function outside the mother's womb, the first feces are already appearing in the intestines, which are formed as a result of swallowing a crumb of amniotic fluid. Such feces will come out of the body naturally after the birth of the baby.
• The central nervous system is not yet fully developed, all processes to improve the nervous system structures will continue after birth.
• The baby does not yet have its own microflora in the intestines, it will appear only after ingestion of mother's milk.
• The baby already knows how to distinguish between night and day, he feels touches and changes in the psycho-emotional state of the mother, so excessive worries and stress for the baby are by no means useful.
• The baby lives according to a certain schedule of sleep and wakefulness, he already knows how to focus his eyesight and suck his thumb. By the way, the formation of the sucking reflex is very important, because it is necessary for proper nutrition immediately after birth.
• The skin of the baby has acquired a natural shade and is no longer translucent, the wrinkles are gradually smoothing out, and there is hair on the head.

The baby has already managed to take the position necessary for delivery, although in some pregnant women the fetus is in a breech presentation. But you should not be afraid of this, today childbirth with a breech presentation is not uncommon at all and goes quite normally. If there are any risks, the doctor will prescribe a caesarean section.

Signs of impending labor

If you have any suspicious symptoms, you should immediately consult a gynecologist

At the 39-week period, a mother should become as attentive as possible to her own health in order to notice in time the signs of an upcoming birth and other changes in the body. Progesterone production at this time is noticeably reduced, it was this hormone that supported the pregnancy throughout the entire gestation period. Progesterone is being replaced by an increase in the estrogen hormone, which will be responsible for prenatal preparation. The approach of a significant event can be understood by characteristic features.

One of the first manifestations of the onset of childbirth is the lowering of the tummy, which is associated with the location of the head in the mother's small pelvis. Usually, with the lowering of the abdomen, normal breathing is restored, the work of the gastrointestinal tract is facilitated, such unpleasant nausea disappears, which bothered mom for a long time. Also, on the eve of childbirth, the mother’s weight drops sharply, by about one and a half, or even two kilograms, and the swelling characteristic of pregnancy disappears. If mom noticed that the ring on her finger began to be removed freely again, and marks from socks stopped appearing on her legs, then it means that the birth is close.

Increased urination and loose stools are also quite characteristic conditions for impending labor. The fetus that has descended into the pelvic cavity strongly presses on the urinary and intestines, so the mother is worried about diarrhea and frequent urination. Also, pulling sensations in the lower part of the abdomen, aching soreness and severe discomfort indicate an imminent delivery.

Often there are cramping sensations that are associated with harbingers. A feature of the precursors in primiparous patients is the lowering of the abdomen about a couple of weeks before delivery, at the birth of the second and subsequent children, the tummy can drop about a day or two before active labor.

The duration of gestation is about 28-42 weeks, which is determined by the characteristics of the organism, heredity and the course of pregnancy. You should not try to accelerate the onset of childbirth processes on your own, because such amateur activity is dangerous for the development of complications and adverse consequences. If there is a need for stimulation, then this will be done by doctors with the help of special preparations.

Discharge at 39 weeks of gestation: types and features

During pregnancy, a woman periodically encounters the fact that the discharge from the genital tract changes, and often for the worse. It can be yellow thick discharge or liquid whitish, or streaked with blood. If you have any doubts, you should consult a doctor. At different times, allocations can vary significantly. You should be especially attentive to your condition at the end of pregnancy.

Contents:

1. Discharge in a pregnant woman as a precursor of childbirth
2. Discharge indicating pathology during pregnancy
3. Discharge during discharge of amniotic fluid

Discharge at the 39th week of pregnancy may indicate the onset of labor, since one of the first signs of labor is the discharge of the mucous plug.

Mucus plug forms at 7 weeks of gestation in the cervical canal. Its value is very high - it prevents the penetration of infection into the uterine cavity. If the cervix begins to open, then the cork comes out. In fact, it can happen at any stage of pregnancy. Therefore, if the birth is far away, and the cork has moved away, then this is a reason for seeking medical help as soon as possible.

But most often the cork comes off in the last month of pregnancy. The cork usually looks like a lump of mucus streaked with blood. Although it may look different: in the form of a transparent viscous clot without any impurities or take on a whitish, yellowish-creamy and even brownish tint.

Sometimes it separates gradually, then there will be spotting at 39 weeks of gestation. In most cases, this process takes a few days, much less often - a few weeks. But this does not apply to pathology. A pregnant woman should understand that from this moment on, the cervix becomes very susceptible to various kinds of infections, so now being in a filled bath (stagnant water) and having sex are definitely unacceptable.

Traces of blood in the plug or its brownish color may signal the onset of labor in the next few hours.

In addition to the plug, discharge may be associated with infection. Then they become yellow or with a green tint. The smell of such secretions is clearly unpleasant, and their appearance is very much like a purulent mass. There is itching and swelling of the genital organs. All these signs indicate the presence of a bacterial infection in the genital canal of a pregnant woman. In this case, urgent medical attention is required, since there is a huge risk of intrauterine infection of the fetus. Against this unfavorable background, the newborn may develop pneumonia or sepsis.

If the discharge is cheesy, then candidiasis has worsened (and this is a common occurrence during pregnancy). The highlights in this case become white. Also, the pregnant woman suffers from severe itching of the genital tract. This condition requires an urgent course of local treatment. Since the birth is already very close, you need to have time to be treated before the rupture of the fetal bladder, during childbirth the baby may be infected.

Worst of all, if the discharge has become bloody and profuse. In fact, we are already talking about the onset of bleeding in a pregnant woman. This may indicate placental abruption. Sometimes in such a situation, the discharge is not bloody, but smearing brown. This is due to the fact that placental abruption can begin in a small area, and with periodic contractions of the uterus (training before childbirth), already coagulated blood is emptied and comes out. The worst thing about the onset of placental abruption is that such a pathological condition can progress very quickly. If there is a delay in providing urgent medical assistance, death in the womb of the fetus and the death of the woman in labor due to severe bleeding is possible.

In such cases it is better to call an ambulance and go to the maternity hospital. The doctor should be engaged in finding out the cause of the discharge, since only he will be able to assess the situation and make the right decision.

This is another sure sign of close labor. Amniotic fluid can come out in small portions (i.e., leak for several days) or pour out at once in a fairly large amount when the fetal bladder ruptures. In the latter case, we can talk about the beginning of labor, so you need to urgently go to the hospital. Contractions usually follow. Most often, amniotic fluid leaves in pregnant women in the morning, lying down or when getting out of bed.

Normally, these secretions are thin, clear, clean, with a sweet smell. A pinkish or yellowish tint is acceptable, as well as a small amount of white flakes in them (these are traces of the original lubricant covering the baby's body). Sometimes the waters are colored in greenish or brownish shades, this indicates that the original feces of the fetus have entered them.

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