Discharge during pregnancy - characteristics and significance
Pregnancy is a normal state for the female body, therefore vaginal discharge is often considered normal. But every mother-to-be should know which discharge during early pregnancy (in the first trimester) and later stages are considered normal, and which indicate pathology.
Characteristics of highlights by color
Gynecologists can assume what is happening in a pregnant woman's body by the color of vaginal discharge. If a woman knows at least brief characteristics of the secretions, she will be able to seek qualified medical help in time, which will allow her to save the pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby. Color is the main criterion for determining the norm and pathology of vaginal discharge.
- 1-4 weeks of pregnancy. In the first week, bleeding is possible, which is usually the end of the last menstruation. The second week is characterized by white, slightly pink discharge, which indicates that ovulation has begun and the fertilized egg has attached itself to the wall of the uterus. The color of secretions during pregnancy during attachment of the egg to the uterus does not always have a bloody appearance. They are often characterized as yellowish and creamy. At the end of the first month of pregnancy, bloody or brown discharge may appear again. If they are moderate, you should not worry, this is an indicator of hormonal changes in the body.
- 5 - 20 weeks. Any pink, brown and red discharge is not normal and may indicate the beginning of a miscarriage or placental abruption. Whitish or transparent secretions of a loose consistency without odor can be attributed to the norm. Yellowish color, greenish spots, too thick secretions (stretching between the fingers), unpleasant smell - a reason to consult a gynecologist and undergo an examination for hidden sexually transmitted infections.
- 20 - 40 weeks. The norm can be considered only whitish discharge without impurities and smell. Bloody mucus from the vagina is evidence of damage to the cervix or discharge of the plug - a harbinger of childbirth. Yellowish, greenish, bubbly mucus with a sour or "fishy" smell is a sign of an active progression of a sexually transmitted infection and a reason to consult a specialist.
What does bleeding during pregnancy mean
Many women believe that blood stains on underwear indicate a miscarriage. But it is not quite so. A sign of an involuntary abortion is profuse bleeding at the beginning of pregnancy, but they are not considered diagnostic either. Hundreds of cases are known when a woman enters a medical institution with bleeding and the pregnancy is saved. Doctors are inclined to believe that this is how the body's hormonal system reacts to increased stress.
At 1-2 weeks of pregnancy, a yellowish mucus with an admixture of pink or red "fibers" may come out of the vagina. Such discharge is a sign of pregnancy before the delay. Usually mucus appears either at the end of the last menstruation or in the middle of the menstrual cycle.
The second trimester is characterized by clean, transparent (the presence of white "flakes" is allowed) discharge from the vagina. A cause for concern is the pink or red color of mucus, brownish spots on underwear or sanitary napkins. Even minor bleeding during pregnancy in the second trimester belongs to the category of pathological and can mean rupture of the uterus along the scar (if the woman is after a cesarean section), damage to the cervix, detachment of the placenta, premature birth. All these conditions are dangerous not only for the fetus, but also for the life of the woman herself.
Discharge in late pregnancy
In the third trimester of pregnancy, you need to be especially attentive to vaginal discharge. They will tell you about the beginning of labor and possible danger. If yellowish-gray spots appeared on the linen, and the discharge has a liquid structure (not viscous), then this may indicate:
- removal of the mucous plug and the beginning of labor;
- discharge of amniotic fluid (a harbinger of quick childbirth);
- exhaustion of fetal membranes (bladder).
In any case, mucous secretions during late pregnancy (in the third trimester) should be a reason to seek qualified medical help. If the mucus comes out in moderate quantities without smell and color, you should not worry.
What to do in case of abnormal vaginal discharge
Pregnancy is a state when most medicines and medical manipulations are prohibited. Therefore, any pathological discharge from the vagina during the period of bearing the baby should be diagnosed by a specialist. Even hidden genital infections and inflammatory processes during pregnancy can be cured, but this must be done under the supervision of a gynecologist, strictly following all the instructions.
Indispensably, the future mother must remember the time of the appearance of pathological secretions and the situation with which they may be related. For example, bloody mucous discharge may appear after aggressive sexual intercourse or douching. Such information will help the gynecologist to quickly diagnose the problem and provide competent assistance. Contact our clinic for advice and help through the Dobrobut.com website.
Related services:
Ultrasound examination
Obstetrician-gynecologist consultation during pregnancy
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