Contents
During the bearing of a child, any changes in the body of a woman can be alarming and cause concern. Including mucous secretions that occur during different periods of pregnancy. Together with gynecologists, we will figure out which of them are considered the norm, and which indicate the development of serious pathologies.
Obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist of the Institute of Reproductive Medicine REMEDI Nina Antipova tells what is the discharge in women. They consist of:
- secretion of the vaginal mucosa;
- mucus produced by the glands of the cervical canal, cervical mucus;
- a secret that is released from the uterine cavity (during menstruation – blood, on the days of the beginning and end of menstruation – mucous secretions that are produced by cells of the endometrium, the mucous membrane of the uterus).
– Discharge from the genital tract is an individual story, so the norm here is ambiguous. As such, the concept of mucous discharge during pregnancy does not exist, emphasizes Nina Antipova.
What are the mucous discharge during pregnancy
Mucous discharge during pregnancy can vary in color, texture, smell, quantity, and sensations. The norm is considered to be discharges that meet the following characteristics.
| Color | Colorless or white, without blood stains |
| Consistency | not thick |
| Quantity | Moderate, not abundant |
| Smell | No |
| Feeling | No itching, burning and pain |
Transparent highlights
Such discharge during pregnancy is considered the norm. But in the second and third trimester, they can be confused with amniotic fluid. Therefore, if abundant colorless discharge occurs, you should be wary.
White discharge
White mucus discharge that is not accompanied by odor, itching, or discomfort is normal (1). The main reason for their appearance is the formation of a mucous plug that prevents the occurrence of infections.
Yellow discharge
Yellow mucous discharge can be a symptom of severe inflammatory processes. The most likely cause of their occurrence is a bacterial infection (2). In such cases, additional symptoms appear: smell, burning and itching.
Bloody issues
The appearance of bloody mucous discharge during pregnancy can signal serious processes, for example, the threat of miscarriage. In such a situation, immediate medical attention is needed.
Brown discharge
Brown color indicates an admixture of blood in the secretions. This is not always a dangerous symptom, for example, discharge with a brown tint can be observed with cervical erosion. But you should not lose vigilance. In the first months of pregnancy, brown discharge can mean the presence of serious pathologies, and in the last, among other things, the onset of the birth process.
Why does mucous discharge appear during early pregnancy
Mucous discharge in a woman can occur for various reasons, which depend on the duration of pregnancy.
1 trimester
Abundant mucous discharge at the beginning of pregnancy may be one of the signs of its onset. In this case, they are painted white, do not smell and do not cause discomfort. Discharge with an unpleasant odor, accompanied by itching, may indicate a violation of the microflora. The treatment of this problem should be entrusted to a doctor.
The brown tint of discharge can signal an ectopic or missed pregnancy, or a threatened miscarriage. The symptom is dangerous, so you need to act immediately.
Why do mucous discharges appear during late pregnancy
Any discharge during pregnancy should not go unnoticed. The closer the date of birth, the more closely you need to monitor your well-being and the changes that occur in the body.
2 trimester
Mucous discharge in the second trimester of pregnancy, which is colorless and odorless, is most often associated with the action of hormones (3). But sometimes they can be a signal of problems. For example, abundant mucous discharge may be amniotic fluid. To understand whether this is true or not, you should consult a doctor and pass the necessary analysis.
If the discharge is white, itchy and painful, a fungal infection (such as thrush) may have flared up. It is impossible to treat it on your own with the help of pills during pregnancy, so you must definitely see a doctor.
3 trimester
Mucous discharge in the third semester of pregnancy can signal the following processes:
- expulsion of the mucous plug,
- discharge of amniotic fluid,
- placental abruption,
- the presence of a gynecological disease or infection.
If heavy discharge occurs in the last months of pregnancy, you should immediately consult a doctor. Any of these causes is a pathology and can lead to serious consequences.
What to do with the appearance of mucous discharge during pregnancy at home
If the discharge does not increase and does not cause concern, then it is usually not necessary to treat it. It is important to visit the gynecologist on time, monitor any changes and observe intimate hygiene.
– A pregnant woman often perceives mucous discharge as a minor symptom that she herself can eliminate. But in no case should this be done, because self-medication can negatively affect the development of the fetus, notes obstetrician-gynecologist, doctor of the highest category Elena Kollerova. – Doing anything at home is not necessary categorically, because this can lead to dangerous consequences.
Popular questions and answers
Any discharge, including mucous membranes, can provoke a lot of questions from a woman carrying a child. Our experts answer the most popular ones.
How dangerous is mucous discharge during pregnancy?
– Discharge from the genital tract is a mixed discharge consisting of vaginal secretions and cervical mucus. In every woman, under the influence of hormones during pregnancy, the nature of the discharge from the genital tract changes. For many, the amount of discharge increases, for someone they can become thicker or thinner, acquire a pronounced milky tint or remain transparent, says Nina Antipova. – During pregnancy, secretions from the genital tract are represented by the secretion of the glands of the cervix (cervical mucus) and vaginal secretions. The appearance of scarlet, brown, yellow-beige spotting during gestation is a reason to contact an obstetrician-gynecologist for an examination on the chair and ultrasound. Sometimes bleeding from the genital tract occurs during the normal course of pregnancy and does not require treatment and hospitalization. However, in some cases, they can be a wake-up call that requires emergency medical attention.
A change in the nature of the discharge may be associated with the threat of miscarriage or premature birth, the onset of leakage of amniotic fluid, shortening of the cervix and premature opening. In such situations, the doctor, if necessary, conducts tests for leakage of amniotic fluid, rupture of the amniotic membranes and premature birth, sends an ultrasound to determine the condition of the cervix and prevent complications.
In what cases is it necessary to urgently consult a doctor?
– At a certain stage of pregnancy, a woman may feel that her usual secretions from the genital tract have become more mucus streaked with brown, scarlet or pink. This may lead to thoughts about the release of the mucous plug. At home, it is impossible to assess such a situation. To do this, you should consult a doctor for examination in the chair, – Nina Antipova answers.
What are the measures to prevent the occurrence of mucous secretions during pregnancy?
– The main prevention of complications during pregnancy associated with a change in the nature of secretions from the genital tract is aimed at detecting infections. They are the main risk factor for preterm birth and prenatal rupture of amniotic fluid, says Nina Antipova. – Regular observation by an obstetrician-gynecologist, control of smears and compliance with hygiene rules is recommended. The first smears are made when a woman is registered during pregnancy. After – in case of complaints. The last smear is taken a month before delivery – at 36 weeks.
Sources of
- E.A. Burmistrova. Pregnancy, childbirth, motherhood. M., 2012
- Rebecca Malachi. Yellow Discharge During Pregnancy: Causes And Treatment. 2022. URL: https://www.momjunction.com/articles/yellow-discharge-during-pregnancy_00477970/
- A.E. Kasparova, I.I. Mordovina, L.A. Sus. Modern approaches to diagnosis and complex treatment of vaginal discharge syndrome. Algorithm for sanitation of urogenital infection during pregnancy (literature review). M., 2010