Discharge during pregnancy: colorless, white, yellow, bloody. Discharge during pregnancy: types and causes

The cervix of the female body systematically produces mucus - this is a natural and natural process. During the menstrual cycle, several types of secretion are generated - an abundant/liquid secretion that facilitates the penetration/movement of sperm for conception (the first half, estrogen dominates) and an opaque/rather viscous secretion that protects the uterus from pathogenic microorganisms (the second half, progesterone dominates).

In the first trimester of pregnancy, the functioning of the uterus and appendages is supported by progesterone; accordingly, from the thirteenth to fourteenth week, estrogen plays a dominant role. It is the above hormones that are responsible for the process of secretion from the vagina.

The following list of changes in the structure, viscosity and intensity of discharge is associated with natural physiological processes during pregnancy and is normal, but may vary in the specified time periods due to the individual characteristics of a particular female body.

1st week

2nd week

The secretion becomes slimy, sometimes with small amounts of blood. During this period, ovulation occurs/installation of the egg to the walls of the uterine cavity.

3rd week

Light or moderate implantation bleeding, sometimes accompanied by nagging pain in the lower abdomen. An alternative is a creamy discharge of pink, brown or yellow shades, which stops a few days after the process begins.

4th week

Consolidation of the implantation process is accompanied by abundant thick transparent or slightly whitish secretion without an unpleasant odor, sometimes mixed with blood. From this period, global hormonal changes begin, and an increase in mucus occurs due to the large flow of blood to the organ.

5th week

The norm is clear, odorless discharge in small quantities; any other color of the secretion indicates infectious, sexually transmitted problems or a threat of termination of pregnancy (in the presence of blood clots).

6th week

During this period, pregnant women usually secrete a clear or slightly white secretion in small volumes, odorless and of a standard structure.

7th week

Changes in hormonal levels entail an increase in the flow of secretions; they become not only more abundant, but also thinner. Thick secretion of any shade may indicate pathology.

8th week

The discharge is moderate, mostly light in color and slightly sour in smell, not liquid, of normal consistency. A brown secretion is very dangerous, usually accompanying the separation of the fetal embryo from the walls of the uterus with subsequent termination of pregnancy.

9th week

The secretion has a liquid, watery consistency, is odorless, has a light color and should not cause any discomfort.

10th week

During this period, the pregnant woman often undergoes a primary gynecological examination. The discharge is similar to the 9th week, but in rare cases a small spotting bloody secretion may be observed - it is not dangerous if there is no abdominal pain and can be caused by microdamage to the uterine walls that have become loose due to mechanical stress during a gynecological examination, after sexual intercourse or due to cervical erosion.

11th week

The secretion is thin, colorless or light, and is released in a small volume.

12th week

Good discharge of a moderate nature, light or whitish in color, sometimes having a slightly sour odor. During this period, sexually transmitted diseases are very dangerous, manifested by itching, burning, mucus/pus and leucorrhoea of ​​unnatural colors.

13th – 25th week

The discharge remains transparent, but its volume, due to the increasing influence of estrogen, begins to increase and acquire an increasingly liquid consistency. Leucorrhoea acquires a slightly sour smell.

25th – 36th week

Moderate or abundant discharge of light, less often white, shades with a pronounced sour odor. In rare cases, partial loss of amniotic fluid may be observed (yellowish tint, liquid consistency), which is a pathology and requires immediate consultation with a doctor. With severe constipation/hemorrhoids, the secretion may include bloody clots; if the discharge is brown or any other color, this is a signal of the presence of a serious pathology.

36th – 40th week

Moderate whitish discharge may alternate with a mucous-type secretion, sometimes with the addition of blood clots, signaling the process of preparation for the removal of the plug and the onset of labor. Translucent liquid discharge in large quantities is a waste of amniotic fluid or a change in the structure of the membranes. In any case, if they occur, you need to contact a gynecologist as soon as possible.

Below, we describe the main types of vaginal discharge that most often appear in the fair sex during pregnancy.

Light, white discharge

The reasons for its occurrence are the generation of mucus by the glands of the gallbladder, the renewal of the epithelium of the walls of the genital organs, and the proliferation of microflora.

The following are considered the norm:

• Thick and viscous secretion of a light milky shade.
• Light discharge with a watery consistency.

The volume of secretion depends on the concentration of a certain type of hormone - progesterone or estrogen.

As a rule, doctors associate this type of discharge with the menstrual cycle (corresponding to the days before pregnancy) - in the first part there is a thin secretion of a watery consistency, which is later replaced by a thick and viscous substance, completely white or beige. Towards the end of the cycle, the volume of discharge increases again.

Also, white, light-colored discharge can form after sexual intercourse or the use of hormonal contraceptives. An abundant secretion of white color, curd structure with a sharp sour or beer smell is already a pathology, usually caused by candidiasis. White, translucent liquid watery discharge in large quantities with an unpleasant odor - most often vaginosis of a bacterial nature.

Is this type of discharge accompanied by a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen or pain? Contact your doctors immediately!

Yellow discharge during pregnancy

The causes of occurrence are an allergic reaction to intimate hygiene products, inflammatory processes, leakage of amniotic fluid.

Opaque light yellow discharge in small quantities without a strong odor, itching, pain or discomfort is considered a relative norm.

Yellow discharge in the fair sex is not considered natural, but if it is not accompanied by other pathological symptoms and goes away on its own after some time, then it should not cause serious concern. You should definitely contact a gynecologist immediately if the secretion has a pronounced dark yellow tint - this is a possible sign of spontaneous abortion or a serious allergic reaction.

If the yellow discharge changes to green, this usually indicates the presence of some kind of sexually transmitted disease. Often in this case, corresponding additional symptoms are observed, in particular pain and itching during urination, burning in the genital area.

The bright yellow color of the secretion also indicates the connection to the pathology of a bacterial infection with inflammation of the ovaries, appendages or fallopian tubes. Very abundant light yellow watery discharge most often means partial loss of amniotic fluid, which is considered normal immediately before delivery - in any other situation, a pregnant woman requires immediate hospitalization.

Green discharge during pregnancy

Causes of occurrence: sexually transmitted diseases, bacterial infections, threat of miscarriage, inflammatory processes, gestational age over 42 weeks. A clear pathology and discharge cannot be considered normal.

Green discharge during pregnancy is always a pathology and can be caused by a number of reasons.

First and second trimester

Colpitis and cervicitis are most often diagnosed here. The former are infectious in nature (streptococci, gonorrhea, chlamydia, etc.), while the latter are an inflammatory process in the cervix. Less commonly, women with green secretion are diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis, which is considered a violation of the normal balance between beneficial and pathological microflora in the internal cavity of the vagina.

Generalized bacterial infections, in the absence of proper treatment, can overcome the placental barrier and cause serious pathologies in the developing fetus (including termination of pregnancy and death of the unborn baby), therefore, if green secretion occurs, it is necessary to contact a gynecologist as soon as possible.

Third trimester

In the third trimester of pregnancy, all of the above factors that contribute to the appearance of green discharge may be supplemented by chorioamnionitis - an acute inflammation of the fetal structural membranes of an infectious nature, which almost always develops into endometritis, which is an inflammation of the inner walls of the uterus. An infectious-inflammatory process, accompanied not only by the secretion of the above-mentioned color, but also by an increase in temperature, in the absence of effective conservative countertherapy affects the amniotic fluid and can infect the fetus itself.

With a significant delay in the process of delivery, over 42 weeks, even normal amniotic fluid turns green, indicating processes of hypoxia of the acute/chronic spectrum. In this case, doctors perform an artificial induction of the birth process, or, as a last resort, in its absence, a cesarean section.

Brown discharge during pregnancy

The causes are impending childbirth, ectopic pregnancies, disorders of the placental structures, severe inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system, a direct threat of miscarriage, type 2 and 3 erosions, microtrauma of the mucosal walls, precursors of bleeding.

The relative norm is considered to be small volumes of secretion of medium consistency of light brown color before childbirth, after implantation of the fertilized egg, as well as microtrauma of the mucous membrane during sexual intercourse/gynecologist examination.

Most often, discharge of this shade refers to pathologies. Thus, this type of secretion is a basic symptom of ectopic pregnancy with egg rejection. In addition, in pregnant women with normal indicators, brown discharge of dark shades of medium or high intensity indicates a threat of miscarriage - in this situation, you should immediately go to the hospital for conservative treatment or surgical help.

A translucent liquid secretion in extremely small quantities, appearing regularly throughout pregnancy, usually accompanies cervical erosion - a fairly well-known gynecological problem, which is treated after delivery by cauterization.

Red, strong discharge with brown local areas, blood clots and rare intense pain in the lower abdomen usually indicate an incomplete miscarriage and the need for a procedure to curettage the uterine cavity and remove the dead fetus.

In the late stages of pregnancy, but before the beginning of the 36th week, a brown secretion of a viscous consistency, secreted in small volumes, indicates placental abruption or disruption of its functioning. Very heavy discharge of any brown shade after the 36th week requires immediate hospitalization - the most likely cause is uterine rupture.

Bloody issues

The causes of occurrence are physiological hormonal changes, extraction of the fertilized egg into the uterine wall, infectious diseases, threat of miscarriage, ectopic or frozen pregnancy, placental abruption, microtrauma of the mucous membrane of the uterine walls.

The norm is considered to be discharge of this type during the menstrual period (corresponding to the days before pregnancy), a small translucent secretion after sexual intercourse or a gynecological examination.

Bloody discharge is a common physiological phenomenon in pregnant women in the first trimester and is caused primarily by hormonal changes, too active blood supply to the genital organs with increased sensitivity, as well as loosening of the epithelium of the uterine cavity. In all of the above situations, little secretion is released, it is translucent and does not have blood clots.

Certain concerns may be caused by an increase in the intensity of the discharge and a change in its color to a more saturated one. So, in the middle and late stages, a pink secretion of medium intensity may indicate placental abruption. The appearance of large blood clots in the discharge, as well as the secretion of mucus with rich shades, closer to brown, signal an ectopic/frozen pregnancy or a hematoma of the uterine structure.

In rare cases, gynecologists diagnose the so-called hydatidiform mole - structural changes in the fetal container with the proliferation of placental tissue. In this case, the discharge may not be of an intense red hue, but it is very abundant and continues for weeks, without pain. In the absence of professional medical care, the fetus may die.

The most dangerous spotting is in the second and third trimester of pregnancy and can indicate a number of pathologies, from genital injuries to fibroids.

Additional criteria for evaluating discharge

Smell

The norm is the absence of this or discharge with a slight sour odor. In case of strong unpleasant odors (beer, purulent, sulfur, etc.), it is better to consult a gynecologist to diagnose the problem and identify pathology.

Intensity

1. Minor - usually the norm, regardless of the color of the secretion with normal consistency.
2. Medium is the norm with clear and whitish discharge of normal consistency.
3. High intensity - only clear discharge is normal from the 13th week of pregnancy and is caused by an increase in estrogen production. Also, a short-term powerful flow of yellowish secretion from the 36th week indicates the release of amniotic fluid and the beginning of the labor process.

Consistency

1. Liquid - considered the norm in most cases. They usually appear from the thirteenth week after fertilization and continue almost until delivery.
2. Thick - indicate the direct influence of progesterone and are the norm in the first weeks of pregnancy.
3. Mucous, pasty - may indicate a variety of diseases (for example, candidiasis), are the norm after sexual intercourse, during the period of removal of the placental plug.

Immediately after delivery, for a month, a woman experiences a special type of dynamically changing discharge, characterized by bloody secretion and the presence of so-called lochia. The appearance of the latter is due to the process of natural healing of the internal structure of the uterus and the physiological rejection of excess tissue. Main stages with descriptive characteristics:

1. Copious bleeding with blood clots, bright red. Usually last up to three days after the actual birth.
2. Serous-sucrose secretion with a predominance of pinkish and brown shades. The discharge itself turns pale; normally there are no hemorrhagic clots or bright red inclusions. They begin on the fourth day after birth and disappear by 10–11 days.
3. The discharge is yellowish with an admixture of white shades, spotting, mostly liquid and odorless. Disappears by the third week after delivery.

From the third week after birth, the above-mentioned lochia begins to disappear, and the discharge becomes more scanty and watery with admixtures of glassy mucus from the cervical canal, leukocytes are absent or appear in isolated cases. After the sixth week, uterine discharge should stop completely, but secretion returns to prenatal norms only by the second month after the woman’s hormonal levels have normalized.

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Progesterone regulates the functions of the female reproductive system from the moment of conception. The hormonal changes in the body necessary for the growth of a baby begin thanks, among other things, to this hormone. Discharge increases during pregnancy. For the woman herself and doctors, they are considered an indirect sign of conception. When the egg attaches to the wall of the uterus and the second trimester begins, the hormone estrogen is activated. The nature of the discharge changes again.

What discharge is considered normal during pregnancy?

Regular discharge from the genitals is observed in girls and women in any condition and varies depending on age, condition and stage of the cycle, as well as other factors. If the amount of secretion increases and its consistency changes, it can be assumed that the woman is expecting a child. The changes are associated with the course of hormonal processes, and if the natural development of pregnancy is disrupted, there are signs indicating the presence of problems.

If everything is in order, the amount of secretion during pregnancy increases significantly. This is normal - the appearance of copious transparent discharge is necessary for the body. If there are no other worrying signs, then doctors recognize this condition as normal.

As the due date approaches and the uterus prepares to release the fetus, the amount and consistency of discharge changes again, and thick mucus appears, leaving the cervical canal. Immediately after childbirth and until reproductive function is fully restored, women in labor may have lochia. This is what the uterus needs to get rid of: blood, tissue debris. This phenomenon goes away naturally in about 40-45 days.

What do specific discharges indicate?

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Why should you be wary when sticky discharge, cervical bleeding, or viscous mucus appears? They say that the woman’s health is at risk, there is likely a bacterial or fungal infection, and there is a danger to the child’s life. Sometimes they appear already in the early stages. Infections do not go away on their own; timely treatment is necessary.

Some conditions are difficult to correct, since a number of drugs are contraindicated for pregnant women. For this reason, if alarming unpleasant signs appear in the genital area, you should rush to see a doctor for advice. Modern medicine has many methods to preserve the health of the expectant mother and baby. Unusual copious discharge of varying consistency and shade indicates pathological disorders.

White

At the beginning of pregnancy, white discharge occurs. As a rule, they have no odor at all and do not bother you in any way, because they are one of the normal options. The body simply adapts to its new state. If the secretion is odorless, there is no discomfort, itching or burning, then the pregnancy is proceeding normally. In case of alarming signs, you need to look for the problem and the reasons for its occurrence.

It happens that the mucus has acquired the consistency of cottage cheese, thick lumps have appeared, there is a bad smell, there is redness or itching. Then you need to inform your gynecologist about this. Candidiasis, which has not been treated for a long time, worsens the condition of the vaginal walls, the tissues lose elasticity, become loose, and this can lead to ruptures during childbirth.

Of red color

Most disorders that are not primarily associated with ectopic pregnancy or fetal pathologies are amenable to drug or hormonal treatment. They do not pose an immediate threat to the developing child. Regular heavy discharge during pregnancy is acceptable - this is required to maintain the balance of microflora in the vagina. Sudden red discharge during pregnancy and leucorrhoea with traces of blood should cause concern.

The most dangerous condition requiring immediate intervention is bleeding. If the discharge has acquired a red tint, and the woman’s health has worsened, pain in the lower abdomen has appeared, she must be taken to the clinic immediately. An examination is required if red, albeit rather scanty, vaginal discharge occurs during pregnancy. This is one of the signs:

• cervical erosion;
• mechanical damage, vaginal cracks;
• abdominal injuries;
• myomatous nodes;
• polyps of the cervical canal;
• conditions associated with decreased blood clotting.

Brown

It is important to know at what stage of pregnancy the dark brown discharge appeared, which looks like coagulated blood (more details in the article:). If only the very first weeks from 1 to 5 occur, then the one-time appearance of a brown secretion indicates that the fertilized egg has attached to the wall of the uterus. This is a variant of the norm, discharge of this kind can be short-lived and scanty, there is no need to worry. A woman in the initial period of the first trimester sometimes experiences a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen and mild malaise.

If the appearance of dark discharge occurs for a long time, it is strong, prolonged, painful, accompanied by unpleasant symptoms, then it’s time to see a doctor. This condition may indicate the beginning of detachment of the developing placenta.

The periodic appearance of brown secretion is one of the signs of arrested fetal development or other pathology, in particular, the attachment of the fertilized egg outside the uterine cavity. This may be a symptom of a frozen pregnancy.

Gray color

Gray discharge in women in any situation signals infection with sexually transmitted infections. This secretion has a characteristic odor, complemented by constant itching and periodic burning in the genital area when dealing with natural needs. It is necessary to check for vaginitis, trichomoniasis or other STDs. All of them are dangerous to varying degrees for a pregnant woman and even more so for a child who may become infected.

If trichomoniasis is detected, a woman must be hospitalized immediately, as this disease is dangerous for reproductive health. Vaginitis is a common bacterial infection, one of the main factors leading to premature termination of pregnancy, reducing the further likelihood of conception and significantly complicating pregnancy. Cloudy gray discharge makes it clear that you need to urgently go to a specialist.

Yellow color

If yellow discharge appears for the first time, then it is necessary to conduct an examination. When a yellowish tint is a natural feature of a pregnant woman's body, she should be aware of it and may not show concern. In other cases, the yellowness of the discharge signals the development of a chronic inflammatory process. Yolk-colored spots noticed on linen allow one to suspect the presence of inflammation in the area of ​​the fallopian tubes or ovaries.

Often, hormonal changes that occur after conception until childbirth serve as a catalyst for low-grade inflammation. In anticipation of a child, the body is subjected to increased stress, and all diseases that were not manifested before become more active. Infections that manifest themselves as yellow secretions are acquired even before conception, which means that the first stage of the disease for treatment has already been missed and you should not delay seeing a doctor even longer. Women planning a pregnancy are advised to undergo a full medical examination first.

A particularly alarming sign is the presence of constant yellow-green discharge, a feeling of discomfort in which the skin of the genitals itches, and a sharp burning sensation occurs when urinating. These are almost textbook signs of a number of sexually transmitted diseases. Foamy greenish-yellow or dirty discharge makes it clear that the disease is already advanced.

All these infections threaten, first of all, the health of the expectant mother, and are also fraught with numerous problems in the development of the fetus, including premature termination or termination of pregnancy. Dark yellow discharge is especially dangerous - one of the signs of an incipient miscarriage. You should not wait for bleeding to begin; it is wise to immediately contact the clinic where the expectant mother is being observed.

Cream shade

The likelihood of cream-colored discharge occurs due to insufficient amounts of the hormone progesterone. It is he who is responsible for the body’s adaptation to the process of attachment and development of the fetus, regulates the growth and tone of the uterus. At the initial stage, there is a slight decrease in immunity, which ensures the acceptance of a fertilized egg. If blood appears in the mucus at this time, you should consult a doctor.

Unusual cloudy, creamy, or sticky discharge during pregnancy often indicates a fungal or sexually transmitted infection. When the production of pink mucus continues, the discharge becomes beige or creamy, the presence of an inflammatory process can be suspected. The woman’s well-being deteriorates, discomfort appears, and there is a lot of discharge. The following phenomena are caused by infection:

• gonorrhea;
• staphylococcus;
• coli;
• gardenellosis;
• trichomoniasis.

Greenish tint

It is well known that normally during pregnancy, as well as without it, there is no green discharge. Green is a sign of suppuration. If a purulent secretion appears, you must rush to the doctors and undergo treatment under their supervision.

The reasons for this phenomenon are:

• colpitis is a disease of the vaginal mucosa (we recommend reading:);
• bacterial vaginosis;
• cervicitis - inflammation of the cervix;
• chorioamnionitis - inflammation of the membranes around the fetus;
• frozen pregnancy and fetal death.

Sometimes partial discharge of amniotic fluid during hypoxia is mistaken for green discharge. All these conditions pose a threat to pregnancy, and the expectant mother needs to be under medical supervision. Abundant foamy, dirty, cloudy discharge should cause concern.

When should you see a doctor?

Some signs are a reflection of the normal course of all processes, but if itching and redness appear, and vaginal discharge during pregnancy acquires an unnatural color and smell, treatment is required. Such phenomena are a sign of infection or inflammation. Primitive bacterial vaginosis, in which there is irritation of the mucous membrane in the absence of an inflammatory process, can cause pregnancy disorders.

A healthy pregnancy does not burden a woman; normally, discharge during pregnancy is transparent and colorless. If you have pathological signs, you should not be afraid, but seek help in a timely manner, undergo an examination and carefully follow all treatment instructions. You can't expect everything to go away on its own.

Treatment of diseases accompanied by discharge during pregnancy

With the development of pharmacology, infections in pregnant women began to be treated even before the birth of the child. In the past, drug therapy was delayed because many medications could harm fetal development. The new generation of drugs makes it possible to defeat the infection without disrupting the normal development of the baby. If signs of the disease appear, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. The earlier treatment is started, the faster and easier it is to cope with the disease.

For some conditions, doctors prescribe a course of antibiotics and at the same time supportive therapy for the child. This allows you to avoid the appearance of defects and developmental disorders. Special techniques have been developed for pregnant women that take into account their condition. Medicines are prescribed according to gestational age. Modern medications undergo all stages of testing and have a proven and confirmed degree of safety for pregnant women.

Discharge is present at all stages of pregnancy. By their consistency, color, and smell, specialists can determine whether there are pathological processes in the body and, if so, which ones. Let's look at the topic of mucus discharge during pregnancy: find out everything a expectant mother needs to know about it.

Mucous discharge during pregnancy - normal or pathological?

In the early stages of gestation, the discharge is colorless and odorless, sticky, and the consistency is viscous, thick, reminiscent of snot or raw chicken protein. Rarely contains tiny inclusions with light clots. Abundant mucous secretions contribute to the closure of the cervical canal, due to which the child is protected from the action of pathogenic microorganisms from the genital tract. At week 10, the expectant mother notices the appearance of a snot-like secretion with a nagging pain in the lower abdomen due to the fact that the uterus changes position.

The second trimester is characterized by a change in the properties of the discharge: at the 15th week of pregnancy, the woman notices that it becomes less viscous, slimy and more abundant due to the intense production of estrogen. At 20-21 weeks, the secretion becomes grayish, liquid and of a uniform consistency. By the 23rd-24th, false contractions appear along with milky discharge, which the expectant mother may mistake for the onset of premature labor.

In the 3rd trimester, the mucus becomes viscous and jelly-like or watery, but experts do not consider either option to be a pathology. At 28-29 weeks, the secretion becomes less abundant, maintaining a uniform structure and transparency. At week 30, the amount of mucous secretions increases, increasing noticeably by week 33, when maximum blood filling of the organs of the reproductive system occurs.

If bloody layers are found in the mucus, severe pain appears in the lower abdomen and then heavy bleeding occurs, these symptoms may be a manifestation of premature placental abruption. At 34 weeks of gestation, the volume of discharge decreases and becomes more slippery, similar to snot.

Even when pregnancy proceeds without any pathology, a certain time before the expected birth, the expectant mother notices changes in the nature of the vaginal discharge. At 38-39 weeks, snot-like mucus with a pinkish-red tint is produced.

Don't be alarmed: this is a plug coming off, signaling the imminent approach of labor. In the third trimester, at the onset of 40-41 weeks, the secretion acquires a yellowish tint, which is considered normal.

Why mucus forms - possible reasons

Normal discharge for the gestation period is synthesized by glands located in the uterine cavity and surrounding the cervix.

Hormonal changes

After fertilization, progesterone begins to be produced, which is responsible for the physiological development of the baby in the early stages and ensures the formation of the baby’s organs and systems. At the beginning of pregnancy, under the influence of the hormone, changes in vaginal discharge occur, which is why it is viscous, viscous and thick.

In the second trimester, estrogen production increases, and mucus becomes more abundant, but of a more watery consistency. If throughout the entire period it is transparent, does not have an unpleasant odor, foreign impurities or inclusions, this indicates the normal course of pregnancy.

Inflammatory process

When bacterial microflora joins during gestation, inflammation develops. The causes of the pathology are diseases of the urogenital tract, genital tract infections, exacerbation of chronic diseases.

Leucorrhoea is accompanied by the appearance of discomfort, itching and burning in the external genitalia, their redness, pain during urination, and is also characterized by the presence of pus in the mucus.

What does the color of the discharge indicate?

When vaginal discharge has a structure, shade and smell unusual for the norm, they are called pathological. Let's take a closer look at what disorder the color of the mucus indicates.

White color

They are considered physiological when they do not contain pathological impurities or unpleasant odors. From the 12th week, progesterone acts on the production of secretions, and on the 13th week the amount of secretions increases, but does not contain any foreign odor and does not cause itching or burning. If the secretion is abundant, it contains whitish inclusions that resemble cottage cheese and smell like beer, the expectant mother suffers from vaginal candidiasis. Thrush often occurs at 8-9 weeks and will need to be treated to prevent complications.

Yellow

At 6 and 7 weeks, leucorrhoea of ​​this shade is considered normal if it is uniform in structure and is not accompanied by pain, itching, or foul odor. Yellow discharge may indicate the action of external factors - wearing underwear made of synthetic material, using panty liners with fragrances, failure to maintain regular hygiene of the external genitalia.

Also, yellowish mucus indicates an advanced inflammatory process, usually at the purulent stage of the pathology. The causative agents of infection are staphylococcus, E. coli, fungi of the genus Candida, chlamydia, gonococcus, trichomonas. A pregnant woman must undergo treatment so that microorganisms do not penetrate the fetus and cause various complications.

In some cases, discharge is a sign of leakage of amniotic fluid. The appearance of minor wet spots on underwear, which over time turn into large ones and have a specific odor, should alert a woman. If this phenomenon is observed in the second trimester at 25-26 weeks, it threatens complications for the health and well-being of the baby.

At week 37, the appearance of copious yellow, watery discharge indicates rupture of amniotic fluid and the onset of labor.

Green

This color of mucus indicates the presence of an active phase of inflammation caused by bacterial microflora. In this condition, the genitals become hyperemic and there is severe discomfort with itching and irritation.

If the consistency of the mucus resembles foam, it is most likely that the expectant mother has sexually transmitted diseases - gonorrhea, trichomoniasis. Along with leucorrhoea, itching in the genitals and painful urination occurs.

Another reason for the appearance of green discharge is considered to be vaginal dysbiosis, in which it smells like fish, and when it dries, it remains on the underwear in the form of crusts.

Brown

The safest reason for the formation of beige secretion is the implantation of the embryo into the uterine wall, which damages the capillaries. This occurs after recent ovulation, and the discharge resembles discharge before menstruation. In the first and second trimester, a brownish tint indicates clotted blood, so experts regard them as a threat of spontaneous abortion. Sometimes, due to increased uterine tone, mucus with this color appears at 18 weeks. In addition, the secretion can be a manifestation of an ectopic or non-developing pregnancy, as well as cervical erosion.

In reviews in pregnancy forums, questions often arise: can brown mucus appear in late gestation. Yes, it can, but you need to worry: it is a harbinger of an imminent birth.

Pink

This color indicates the appearance of blood in the organs of the reproductive system. In the early stages, pathology occurs due to microcracks in the vaginal mucosa, traumatic effects during smear collection or sex.

During pregnancy, snotty discharge may have pink, barely visible streaks, accompanied by nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lumbar region. This is a dangerous condition, regarded as a threat of termination of pregnancy.

At the 8th month of gestation at a period of 35-36 weeks, a mucous secretion appears mixed with pinkish drops. This is not considered a pathology: the body is preparing for labor.

When to see a doctor

During pregnancy, the secreted fluid should be clear, colorless and not have a foul odor. If you notice changes in the nature of vaginal discharge (unhealthy color, unpleasant odor, excessively watery consistency, impurities of pus or blood), you should definitely consult a qualified specialist. This will avoid threats to the health of the expectant mother and child.

If you experience nagging pain in the lower abdomen, followed by bloody discharge, call an ambulance immediately: such symptoms may indicate a threat of miscarriage!

Treatment of infections that cause mucus discharge

Therapeutic measures depend on the reason why the mucus has become pathological. Any leucorrhoea during pregnancy caused by infection should not be ignored. Do not doubt that the drugs will harm the baby. Currently, doctors prescribe medications that are approved for different periods of gestation and are safe for the child.

If the inflammatory process is caused by a nonspecific bacterial microflora, the use of antibiotics will be required - Cefazolin, Amoxiclav. They are prescribed only by a doctor, and he does not recommend using them until the 12th week, when the formation of fetal organs occurs. It is strictly forbidden to change the dosage or duration of therapy on your own. Vaginal suppositories with an anti-inflammatory effect are prescribed - Hexicon, Terzhinan.

If pathological leucorrhoea occurs due to sexually transmitted diseases, antibacterial drugs are prescribed taking into account the causative agent of the disease. For chlamydial, mycoplasma or ureaplasma infections, the antibiotic Josamine is used, for trichomonas or gonococcus - Metronidazole. At the same time, local antiseptic therapy with Miramistin and Chlorhexidine is carried out.

For thrush you will need antifungal drugs - Pimafucin, Nystatin. To restore normal vaginal flora, a specialist prescribes suppositories with bifidobacteria and lactobacilli - Bifidumbacterin, Vaginorm.

Preventive measures

When carrying a child, a pregnant woman must carry out a set of measures to prevent pathological processes in the body with the appearance of leucorrhoea:

1. Watch your diet: food must contain essential nutrients.
2. Do not overexert yourself: physical activity should be rational and alternate with proper rest.
3. Regularly observe the rules of personal hygiene of the external genitalia. After each visit to the toilet, you need to wash yourself in the direction from the pubis to the anus.
4. Choose underwear made from natural material, as synthetic fabric promotes the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.
5. Take probiotics: they are designed to restore normal vaginal microflora.
6. Wash your hands exclusively with soap, without using sponges or washcloths, as germs multiply in them.
7. Treat all diseases in a timely manner, preventing them from becoming chronic.
8. Have sex with only one trusted partner to avoid acquiring sexually transmitted diseases.
9. Avoid prolonged use of panty liners.

Following simple rules will allow you to avoid unpleasant consequences.

In this video, the doctor will talk about female discharge:

Conclusion

After conception, the female body experiences hormonal changes that change the usual nature of vaginal discharge. As pregnancy progresses, the mucus acquires a different consistency to protect the fetus from adverse external influences.

However, pathological color, structure, smell and impurities indicate the development of a deviation that can cause harm to the baby and the expectant mother. When any mucus abnormalities appear, consult a doctor immediately to protect yourself from complications.

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Dear readers, during pregnancy, women are usually very worried about their condition, listen to different signals from the body so as not to miss dangerous situations and consult a doctor in time. This is considered normal, because the expectant mother takes care of her baby even when he is in the womb. And today I would like to raise the delicate topic of discharge, which sometimes greatly frightens women, and unnecessary worries, as we know, can only do harm.

Doctor Evgenia Nabrodova will tell us which discharge during pregnancy is considered normal and which is dangerous. What to do if spotting appears during pregnancy and what should those who, due to circumstances, cannot immediately see a doctor do? I give the floor to a specialist.

Hello, readers of Irina's blog! I am glad that I will be able to talk about this important topic for any woman. It is not customary to talk about discharge from the genital tract, and many are embarrassed to even tell a doctor about it. But pregnancy is a condition in which sometimes an hour of delay can cost the baby’s life. And with my article I would like, first of all, to help those women who do not know which discharge during pregnancy is considered normal and which require urgent measures to maintain pregnancy.

Relying on a doctor is correct and understandable, but, alas, specialists sometimes make mistakes and are late in making the right decisions. And sometimes women themselves act rashly and incorrectly. In any case, it is never too late for an expectant mother to improve her information literacy. First, I would like to talk about what kind of discharge occurs during pregnancy and what it can mean.

What type of discharge should there be during pregnancy? After conception, a woman’s body is reorganized to actively work to preserve the viability of the fetus. Hormonal changes contribute to the active secretion of cervical mucus. A plug forms from it - yes, the same one that comes off in most women 1-2 days before giving birth.

The vagina becomes moist, so the discharge during pregnancy is watery and quite abundant. They usually do not have any unpleasant odor. Transparent discharge during early pregnancy should not bother you if there are no other complaints (stinging, burning, abdominal pain). To maintain comfort during the day, it is better to use thin panty liners. After drying, the mucous discharge usually turns yellow. This is also considered the norm.

But during pregnancy there are other discharges: brown, yellow, green and even pink. When they appear, the woman usually gets scared and begins to come up with all sorts of diagnoses for herself. It’s worth saying right away that pathological discharge during pregnancy usually appears early.

When the body is rebuilt to work with renewed vigor, chronic diseases of the genitourinary organs may worsen:

• vaginal candidiasis or “thrush”;
• cervical erosion;
• vulvovaginitis;
• gardnerellosis;
• inflammation of the appendages;
• cystitis;
• pyelonephritis.

The listed diseases are quite dangerous during pregnancy. Any infection is accompanied by the threat of miscarriage or pathological changes in fetal development. Treatment of genitourinary diseases is complicated by restrictions on the use of antibiotics and other potent drugs. But in any case, pathological discharge from the genital tract during pregnancy cannot be ignored. It is necessary to contact a gynecologist who will select an effective but safe treatment.

Discharge in diseases

In pregnant women, genitourinary diseases most often worsen, which change the nature of the discharge. First of all, this concerns the color of mucus. It may turn yellow-green, which indicates a large number of dead leukocytes and worsening inflammation. It is necessary to urgently contact a gynecologist and donate blood for infections, as well as smears.

Pink discharge often appears with cervical erosion. A woman may take them as a threat of miscarriage. The erosion begins to bleed a little more often after intimate contact, but minor bleeding usually goes away quickly and does not require treatment.

Sometimes mucous discharge during pregnancy is streaked with blood. This may indicate an incipient miscarriage. It is necessary to contact a gynecologist as soon as possible. If vaginal mucus begins to smell unpleasant, it is worth donating blood for sexually transmitted diseases, which in women can be hidden and chronic. Against the background of decreased immunity and changes in hormonal levels, bacteria begin to multiply more actively in the genital tract, causing an exacerbation of the infection. The discharge becomes more abundant and changes its color from white-yellow to green.

Curdled discharge

Thrush during pregnancy is when a discharge that looks like cottage cheese appears. In this case, other additional symptoms occur: redness of the vulva, itching and burning, which intensify during urination and intimate contacts.

A woman’s body is so amazingly designed that immediately after conception it adapts to maintaining pregnancy. In particular, this lies in the fact that the protective function of the immune system is reduced. This, combined with hormonal changes, leads to a change in the ratio between lactobacilli and opportunistic microorganisms in the vaginal environment. Pathogens begin to actively multiply, provoking a local inflammatory reaction and the appearance of “thrush” (candidiasis).

Clear discharge from the breast during pregnancy does not pose any danger to a woman. This is how the body responds to hormonal changes. In the second half of pregnancy, clear discharge from the mammary glands may become slightly cloudy or white. This indicates preparation for the baby to be fed soon. There is no need to worry, but if you are still worried, contact a mammologist. He will conduct an inspection and dispel all your doubts.

When discharge from the chest may indicate illness

You should be wary if the following symptoms appear:

• stabbing and shooting pains in the mammary glands;
• a large amount of discharge from the chest, causing discomfort;
• swelling, redness of the skin of the mammary glands;
• sudden change in nipple color;
• pathological serous-purulent discharge from the chest.

Many women in childbirth preparation courses are told about the need for special nipple preparation. But this must be done correctly, without injuring the mammary glands. Every day after a shower, it is recommended to lightly massage the nipples with a soft washcloth, and then gently dry with a terry towel. This is enough to reduce breast sensitivity and prevent injuries after childbirth. But most often, cracks occur not because of the delicate skin of the nipples, but as a result of the baby’s improper attachment to the breast.

It is no secret that many gynecological departments do not consider it necessary to continue a pregnancy when the delay is only a few weeks. But the baby already lives inside the mother, and if you help stop spotting in early pregnancy with the help of certain medications, the baby’s life will be preserved. Save or wait? It's up to you to decide.

I know that many people believe that “nature chooses the strong and rejects the weak in the womb,” but I am against this opinion. Otherwise, my third child simply would not have been born. I was pregnant twice and never knew what increased tone is when the pregnancy is only a few weeks old, and the lower abdomen becomes like stone. And the so-called “daub” appears. I understood perfectly well that if nothing was done in the next few hours, a miscarriage would occur. And this is scary and God forbid more than one woman experiences this!

It so happened that my husband was out of town for several days, and I simply couldn’t leave my children with strangers. I was scared, and this despite the fact that I myself am a doctor, although I was on maternity leave at that time. I can imagine how scary it is for women without medical education, but in such a situation you need to think about the child first. And I advise you to never hesitate, but to immediately call an ambulance. But if for some reason you cannot be hospitalized, continue your pregnancy at home. Or at least try before meeting with your gynecologist.

For this you will need the following drugs:

• duphaston tablets;
• tranexam tablets;
• dicinone in ampoules;
• Magne B6 tablets;
• no-spa in tablets or ampoules.

Duphaston is a pregnancy hormone (progesterone). Its deficiency is the main cause of spotting in early pregnancy and miscarriages. The drug does not pose any danger; it is taken when there is a threat of miscarriage and then continued to be taken for up to 20 weeks. You cannot abruptly cancel duphaston. Ideally, it is prescribed after determining progesterone levels, but when spotting appears during early pregnancy, waiting for test results can be downright dangerous.

Bloody discharge at the beginning of pregnancy is an indication for hormonal diagnostics and determination of hCG levels. But first, duphaston is usually prescribed - a single dose for “spotting” - 3 tablets. After 8-10 days, the dose begins to be gradually reduced - to 2 tablets per day (when bleeding stops), bringing it to 1 tablet per day. In the second half of pregnancy, your own progesterone is produced in sufficient quantities, so duphaston is canceled - also gradually.

Hemostatic agents

In the hospital, for bloody discharge in pregnant women, dicinone is prescribed - usually 2-3 times a day, 1 ampoule. It can also be used at home, but not more than 5-10 days. It is more convenient to take the drug in tablets - tranexam. It is also often prescribed for threatened miscarriage and placental abruption at a dosage of 500 mg 3 times a day for 3-5 days. It is recommended to cancel gradually - 2-3 days in advance.

Additional funds

Magne B6, no-shpu is used according to indications. For increased tone, I personally used papaverine in suppositories. I drank No-shpa periodically until the end of my term - due to nagging pain and tone. I often see in reviews that women talk about the absence of the concept of “increased uterine tone” in Europe, but it is difficult to ignore this condition, especially at 4-5 months, when the growing belly suddenly seems to sink down and instantly turns to stone.

Do not use no-shpa and papaverine without increased tone and nagging pain. Unfortunately, when using antispasmodics in the later stages, problems with labor may arise.

I had a little trouble with my son. There were also problems with contractions. I believe that this happened due to the use of antispasmodics in late pregnancy. But this is not a problem, just a minor side effect. Without antispasmodics, increased uterine tone leads to miscarriage, especially when combined with other factors (stress, inability to refuse work, overwork).

Bed rest

Bloody discharge during early pregnancy most often appears due to stress or physical fatigue. For the first 2-3 months, you need to protect yourself from psycho-emotional overload. This is difficult to do in our modern world, especially if there are still children with whom you need to play, solve homework and just be actively involved in their lives.

I had to force myself to lie down. With each rise, the “daub” became more noticeable. But there is no need to panic. In the early stages, doctors themselves do not know whether there is a pregnancy, but it’s not worth looking at the chair again. This may lead to miscarriage. If the period is less than 2 months, there is simply nothing to watch. This is also why I didn’t rush to the hospital.

Sexual rest is observed for several months. The period up to 3-4 months is the most dangerous. It is recommended to limit intimate contacts during this period if increased tone persists and nagging pain occurs in the lower abdomen. And lie, lie, lie as much as possible until the condition normalizes. Housework can wait, because saving the child is more important.

Early ultrasound

It is imperative to do an ultrasound if there is bloody discharge! There are cases when “daub” is not an ordinary threat, but a manifestation of a frozen pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy. In this case, no drugs will help. And if they are used without confirmation of intrauterine pregnancy, they can delay miscarriage and provoke tubal rupture.

Vaginal ultrasound makes it possible to determine pregnancy after 5-7 days from the first day of delay. Isn't this surprising? Previously, women could not find out about an ectopic pregnancy so early, which is why there were many complications in the form of tube rupture and infertility.

If the doctor refuses to continue the pregnancy due to the short term, suggests cleaning, or suspects fetal fading, be sure to undergo an ultrasound with a vaginal probe in a private center from an independent specialist. This way you can be sure that the doctor’s suspicions are correct.

Remember that your child is of great value to you, first and foremost. For doctors, unfortunately, your case is one of dozens per day. Specialists are burning out, and that’s a fact. Fight for your baby, don’t be lazy to check the doctor’s words and don’t save money on a high-quality ultrasound.

In this video, a specialist talks about the possible causes of spotting during pregnancy.

Features of personal hygiene during pregnancy and discharge

During pregnancy, it is recommended to pay increased attention to personal hygiene. The vaginal microflora may shift towards opportunistic due to a decrease in the activity of the immune system and a change in the ratio of female sex hormones. Avoid hygiene products that contain fragrances, dyes, fragrances, and allergenic components that can irritate the mucous membranes, cause a burning sensation and increase the manifestations of candidiasis.

If there is a lot of natural discharge, you can use daily wipes. Do not wear tight synthetic underwear - it does not allow the tissues to breathe and disrupts the normal blood supply to the pelvic area.

If discharge from the genital tract appears associated with urogenital infections or other diseases of the genitourinary organs, you must first contact a gynecologist or venereologist (depending on the suspected cause of the inflammatory process), undergo all tests and begin treatment as soon as possible. Infections during pregnancy can cause not only miscarriages, but also various abnormalities in the development of the baby and complicate childbirth.

Often women are embarrassed to contact specialists with pathological discharge and begin to select medications on their own. Doing this is strictly prohibited! Many antimicrobial and antiviral agents have a teratogenic effect on the fetus and can even penetrate the protective hematoplacental barrier, causing abnormalities in the growth and development of the fetus. The doctor can select medications that are approved for use during pregnancy.

Most often, heavy vaginal discharge in pregnant women occurs against the background of decreased immunity. If the microflora is disturbed, chronic gardnerellosis may worsen. Most women develop thrush during pregnancy. Treatment of candidiasis is predominantly local. Systemic drugs are prescribed only after the second half of pregnancy and in cases of severe vaginal candidiasis, when cheesy discharge interferes with a woman’s life and is accompanied by intense itching and redness of the genitals.

Calendula tincture is good for relieving itching due to thrush. It is diluted with water (1:1) and used for wiping or washing. Baking soda also has an antipruritic effect (1 tablespoon of powder per 1 liter of water). Clotrimazole and pimafucin are good for thrush. Before using the vaginal tablet, pour a little boiled water on it (to prevent damage to the mucous membrane).

Quickly treats thrush and nystatin ointment. It is lubricated with mucous membranes several times a day. If you have candidiasis, it is not recommended to use pads - even thin panty liners. And remember that fungi “love” a sweet environment. Follow a diet, give up baked goods, sweets, sugar, and the symptoms of thrush will decrease or disappear completely.

So I told you what kind of discharge is possible during pregnancy and what to do in each specific case. I hope the article is informative and understandable for you. I wish you a calm and comfortable pregnancy - without unnecessary worries and fears, and, of course, an easy birth for you!

Treatment and prevention of cystitis during pregnancy