Discharge in pregnancy. What is considered normal discharge? And how is the infection manifested?

Discharge in pregnancy is a frequent manifestation of pregnancy. Future moms are many times frightened by the increased production of vaginal discharge, which arises due to hormonal changes. However, it is better to be wary, because the body of a pregnant woman partially loses its ability to resist infections.

What discharge is considered normal and when to be wary, what to watch out for and what not to underestimate?

During pregnancy, the increased production of vaginal secretions and the subsequent discharge should not experience any additional complications. Problems arise if the color of the discharge changes, the consistency (for example, thick, lumpy discharge, itching, pain or swelling).

If you experience such changes, it is necessary to see a gynaecologist and have a vaginal swab taken for culture. The doctor will find out the cause and determine any treatment. To keep you and your baby safe.

Infection during pregnancy is dangerous for the developing fetus. It can cause premature amniotic fluid leakage and premature birth.

You often ask questions about the discharge that accompanies pregnancy. You will find the answer in our article:

• The occurrence of discharge in each trimester
• How to recognize discharge by its colour
• Infections, their symptoms and effect on the course of pregnancy
• When to see a doctor?
• What is the solution and how to avoid discharge?

Incidence of discharge in each trimester

Discharge in pregnancy is common and typical for each individual trimester.

In the first trimester, especially in the first few weeks of pregnancy, a discharge with blood or brown discharge may appear. It often appears when the egg has nested in the uterus on days 10-14 after fertilization. After fertilization, the discharge with blood admixture stops. A watery white discharge sets in, but it may also appear slightly yellow-colored, rather watery in consistency from increased production of the hormone estrogen.

In the 2nd-3rd trimester, a translucent, colourless or slightly white to milky discharge with a mucus-like consistency often appears. The discharge is common and is associated with an increase in the level of the hormone estrogen during pregnancy. The increase in estrogen levels leads to an increased production of vaginal secretions. However, a yellowish discharge may occur more frequently. If it is noticed in conjunction with any other symptom, it may also be a bacterial or yeast infection. Therefore, it is important to get examined by a gynaecologist. The vaginal mucosa is more prone to infection in pregnancy.

In the 3rd trimester, a thicker yellow-brown discharge may appear towards the end of pregnancy, which sometimes accompanies the passing of the mucus plug. In the last weeks of pregnancy, you may notice a thicker discharge, but also an uncomfortable feeling of wet panties. This may also indicate a gradual drainage of amniotic fluid or a loosening of the mucus plug.

In the late stages of pregnancy, you may also experience a discharge with an admixture of blood, which is a sign of progressing labour. If you have yet to give birth, you should contact your doctor and go for a check-up.

If the discharge is of a different color, gray, greenish, dark brown, yellow, it is probably some kind of vaginal infection. In this case, a visit to the doctor is necessary and urgent.

How to recognize discharge by color?

Ordinary discharge is nothing unusual. It appears during pregnancy, even if you did not notice it in the previous weeks. If you do not have any other symptoms, you do not need to worry.

If an unusual, differently colored, smelly discharge appears, it should be treated so that you do not endanger your pregnancy and the fetus.

Watery mucus - cervical mucus - also called cervical mucus

During the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy, cervical mucus is secreted and changes in consistency. Watery mucus secreted from the cervix is normal if it is clear or milky and odorless. During pregnancy, a small amount of mucus forms, often referred to as leucorrhoea.

White discharge - leucorrhoea

The discharge is clear or milky. It is common during pregnancy due to increased production of the hormone estrogen, which increases the production of vaginal secretions. This is a normal manifestation. The discharge should be odorless and without accompanying symptoms such as itching.

Yellow discharge

A slightly yellow, often watery discharge that is odourless and without accompanying complications (itching, swelling) is normal, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy and before delivery. It is related to hormonal fluctuations and increased mucus production.

However, if a dark yellow discharge or a greenish-yellow, smelly, thicker consistency appears and other symptoms are added, this is a sign of bacterial or other infection. If you notice a fishy-smelling discharge, a lumpy or more brownish coloration and pain in the lower abdomen, a visit to the doctor is necessary. It may be a sexually transmitted disease.

Yellow discharge may occur when:

• Hormonal changes, increased estrogen production
• Ectopic pregnancy is also often accompanied by yellow discharge with blood or yellow-brown coloration

Brown discharge

If it appears in the early stages of pregnancy, on days 10-14 after fertilization, at the time the egg is nesting in the uterus, or at the end of pregnancy with the release of the mucus plug, it is normal. The brown colour of the discharge can vary from light brown to almost black. The colour depends on the amount of blood in the mucus, which changes to brown over time.

If you noticed it in another period of pregnancy, it is necessary to visit a gynecologist to check the course of pregnancy. Such a discharge can be a sign of a violation of the vaginal mucosa, premature birth, opening of the uterus, and also the first sign of placental abruption.

Orange discharge

With such a coloration, it is mucus with an admixture of blood, but it is necessary to determine the exact shade. It occurs with problems of the cervix. If you see an admixture of light red blood, it is necessary to immediately contact a doctor.

Pink discharge

This is a discharge with an admixture of fresh blood. It can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, but it can appear right at the beginning of pregnancy when the egg is nesting in the lining of the uterus, on days 10-14 after fertilization.

In pregnancy, it can occur in yeast infection in the vagina, when the mucosa is irritated and disturbed.

In the advanced stage of pregnancy, such a discharge should not occur. It is necessary to visit a gynecologist, in case of a strong pink discharge, go to the nearest hospital.

A bloody discharge

Does not mean anything good.

It can mean a disrupted pregnancy, incipient miscarriage, premature placental abruption, which puts you and the fetus at risk. In case of bleeding, visit the nearest hospital immediately and do not expect it to stop on its own.

Green discharge

If the discharge is admixed with green, yellow-green, brown-green, it is a sign of infections and sexually transmitted diseases. In this case, there is a risk of premature birth and the fetus itself is also at risk.

Gray discharge

Most often it is associated with bacterial infections and inflammation. It is often accompanied by itching and odor. Treatment is necessary so as not to endanger the development of the fetus and pregnancy.

Discharge accompanying the approach of childbirth

Towards the end of pregnancy, the discharge tends to be natural, but should be clear and without other symptoms. Before the approach of labour, you may notice a yellowish-brown discharge, possibly with an admixture of blood, probably related to the passing of the mucus plug.

For more about mucus plugs and their coloration, see our article.

For venereal diseases, a greenish-yellow discharge with a sour smell, yellow-orange, with a burning sensation, pain during urination, bleeding, pain in the lower abdomen, swelling is typical. It is common in trichomoniasis, chlamydial infections and gonorrhea.

Infections, their symptoms and effect on the course of pregnancy

Colpitis or vaginitis is an inflammatory disease of the vaginal mucosa, accompanied by significant discomfort in the genital area.

Vulvovaginitis is an inflammatory disease of the vagina and external genitalia.

During pregnancy, the vaginal mucosa is more swollen, which increases the incidence of infections. The body of a pregnant woman partially loses its ability to resist infections. This is a fairly common disease of the female genital organs, which is caused by various microorganisms.

Inflammation in pregnant women can cause inflammation of the cervix, uterus, amniotic sacs, amniotic fluid, even infection of the fetus. If the infection is left untreated and spreads, the health and life of both mother and baby are at risk.

It is a major cause of miscarriage, premature birth. Infection leads to induction of reaction and uterine contractions. Inflammation can spread to the amniotic sacs and cause their rupture and subsequent amniotic fluid leakage.

Therefore, it is very important not to postpone the infection and not to try to self-treat at home, but to visit a gynecologist and have gentle treatment applied.

Yeast infection

It is also called vulvovaginal candidiasis, mycosis.

It is one of the common vaginal diseases caused by an overgrowth of yeast.

It occurs more often in pregnancy, most often in the 3rd trimester. It happens due to higher hormone levels which causes an increase in the sweet environment in the vagina. Such an environment is ideal for the growth and multiplication of candida, i.e. yeast.

It is manifested by a thicker, whitish-yellow, cheesy discharge, sometimes referred to as cheesy discharge, severe itching, burning, burning, swelling and redness of the genitals. The presence of whitish plaques between the labia and pain during intercourse.

Later, there may also be a pinkish discoloration of the discharge from disruption of the mucosal wall by infection. It may be odorless or with a sour smell.

Candidiasis does not affect pregnancy, but it must be treated so that it does not become associated with another bacterial infection that may already threaten the pregnancy due to irritation of the mucous membrane.

Treatment in pregnancy consists of the application of antifungal vaginal caps and creams for the external genital area, which can be used even during pregnancy. Treat some medications with caution, especially during the first trimester.

If treatment is necessary right at the beginning of the first trimester, your gynaecologist will prescribe a medicine, most often with boraxglycerin, which is gentle on the developing foetus.

There are many types of drugs on the market today. Your gynaecologist will prescribe the best possible treatment option for pregnancy. The effectiveness of drugs in pregnancy is lower. A yeast infection is very unpleasant for any woman.

Lactobacillosis

Is a non-inflammatory disease of the vagina caused by an overgrowth of lactobacilli.

The manifestations resemble a yeast infection. Acidic, whitish, lumpy, thick discharge with or without a sour smell. To make a diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct an examination of the vaginal discharge. Lactobacillosis does not affect the course of pregnancy, so you do not have to worry about it.

Bacterial infections

It has an adverse effect on pregnancy. It can threaten it with miscarriage, premature amniotic fluid, premature birth and infection of the fetus. Bacterial infections can be distinguished from each other by different symptoms.

Bacterial vaginosis is an inflammation of the vagina caused by bacteria. It is characterized by a fishy odor, thick, thin white to grayish discharge, and a burning, aching, and itching sensation.

The bacterial infection threatens both the fetus and the pregnancy, so it is important to treat it. Treatment during pregnancy must be very careful, especially in the 1st trimester. After the end of the 1st trimester, treatment with antibiotics prescribed by your gynecologist can be given.

Bacterial vaginitis is manifested by purulent yellow-green discharge, burning of the genitals, burning during urination and swelling.

Aerobic vaginitis is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria. The typical symptom is an excessive amount of thick purulent discharge, even creamy, usually yellow in colour and often accompanied by an unpleasant odour.

Anaerobic vaginitis is accompanied by a thin grey-white discharge, which is with a large amount of white blood cells and occurs in mixed infections.

Chlamydial infection

It is manifested by a prolonged creamy, brownish or yellowish-white or greenish discharge. The discharge is accompanied by pain on urination. The infection is often accompanied by slight bleeding from the vaginal mucosa when the gynaecologist examines the vagina and takes material for examination.

Chlamydia is a risk factor for pregnancy. The presence of this infection in the early stages of pregnancy is associated with an increased number of spontaneous abortions, frequent bleeding and pain in the lower abdomen.

In advanced pregnancy, there is an increased risk of premature uterine contractions, which can cause amniotic fluid leakage and premature delivery.

Babies are more prone to death after birth, more complicated postpartum course and adaptation. The newborn must be in intensive care after birth.

Chlamydial infection complicates pregnancy and puts the fetus at risk. The newborn is at risk of infection at birth through the birth canal, up to 60-70%. After birth, 20-50% of newborns develop conjunctivitis and 10-20% develop pneumonia on approximately day 10.

Treatment in pregnancy is complicated and is recommended only after the first trimester with antibiotics. Definitive treatment is recommended after the end of pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Trichomoniasis

This is a very common sexually transmitted disease. It often occurs without symptoms. Transmission to the baby from an infected mother is not common and there is no evidence that it can cause premature birth or premature amniotic fluid discharge.

It presents with yellow-green, foamy discharge and irritation of the vagina and urethra, pain on intercourse, pain in the lower abdomen. The discharge may be foul-smelling. In pregnancy, treatment is recommended only after the end of the first trimester. Treatment of the partner is also necessary.

Gonorrhoea

This is a sexually transmitted disease.

It is often associated with other venereal diseases such as syphilis, chlamydial infections. The symptom is a purulent or mucousy, yellow-green, thick discharge from the cervix or urethra. The vagina is red and bleeds after intercourse.

It can be thicker in pregnancy, with stronger discharge, burning during and after urination, and frequent urging to urinate. In pregnancy, depending on which trimester you are in, it can cause miscarriage or premature birth.

Treatment consists of giving antibiotics, which are not recommended in pregnancy. After the first trimester, it is treated with sparing antibiotics.

The risk is fetal compromise during delivery, which can result in blindness of the newborn. This is prevented by prophylactic administration of eye drops to newborns with 0.5% ophthalmoseptonex.

When gonorrhoea is confirmed in the mother, the newborn is given antibiotic eye drops.

When to see a doctor?

Women often seek a doctor if the discharge changes in consistency, color, odor, itching and swelling of the genitals, or pain in the lower abdomen.

If you notice a change in consistency, increased amount of discharge, change in colour and smell, you need to see a doctor for advice. He or she will examine you or take a sample for testing. He or she will find out what the infection is and then give you a gentle treatment that will not endanger the developing foetus.

So when should I see a doctor?

If the consistency of the discharge changes:

• too thin
• lumpy
• too thick
• any change from normal

If you feel:

• sour smell
• fishy
• or an unpleasant smell

If you smell:

• Pain
• itching
• stinging
• increased sensitivity
• burning during and after urination

Change in colour of discharge:

• with an admixture of blood
• brown
• brownish yellow
• yellow
• green
• too white

What not to do!

Definitely do not try home recipes and self-medication. Seek medical help and consult your gynecologist.

Especially in pregnancy, it is necessary to deal with it right from the beginning so that the infection does not spread to the amniotic sacs and endanger the development of the fetus and your pregnancy by miscarriage, premature amniotic fluid drainage and premature birth. Your baby would be at risk of life in such a case.

Do not use tampons to stop the outflow of discharge. Tampons block the outflow of discharge and can result in serious infections and inflammation. Use sanitary napkins that do not prevent the outflow of discharge.

Do not flush the vagina.

There are many products on the market for vaginal flushing, and there are plenty of recipes on the internet for homemade herbal extracts.

Don't do this. You can make the infection worse. During pregnancy, it is important to monitor the condition of the pregnant woman and the fetus. Therefore, heed the advice of your gynaecologist.

What is the solution and what to do to avoid problems?

First of all, the most important thing is proper and thorough intimate hygiene.

If any symptoms appear or you feel that something is wrong, a visit to the gynaecologist is important. Especially in pregnancy, do not postpone it!

Prevention:

• Avoid synthetic underwear and perfumed soaps
• Avoid swimming pools
• Avoid sweets. Ingested sugar is also secreted into the vagina and increases the risk of candidiasis because they love the sweet environment
• Limit hot baths
• Limit hot baths
• Wear cotton underwear
• Use unscented intimate hygiene products
• Maintain thorough and frequent genital hygiene

During pregnancy, you are more prone to developing an infection in this part of the body.