Pink discharge during pregnancy in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester

A pregnant woman has been trying to listen to herself and her condition for all 9 months. Colossal changes are taking place in the body of the expectant mother – and this is normal. 

Pink discharge can be encountered at different stages of pregnancy. We understand when they are considered the norm, and when – a deviation.

Why do pink discharge appear during early pregnancy

Pink discharge in early pregnancy is usually not threatening (1). If a woman does not feel any other signs of discomfort (itching, burning, urination disorders), then everything is normal. Pink discharge indicates that fertilization was successful. If such a problem appeared at the moment when your menstruation should begin, you should not be scared either. Most often, such pink vaginal discharge passes quickly and painlessly. 

However, if they are accompanied by pulling pains in the abdomen and lower back, then it is better to consult a doctor. This may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

Noticing pink discharge in early pregnancy, not worth it:

1 trimester

Pink discharge is common in the first trimester of pregnancy. Some women, not knowing about their situation, may not attach importance to them, they will consider them a harbinger of imminent menstruation. 

On the 25-28th day from the beginning of the last menstruation, such discharge indicates hormonal activity during a missed menstrual cycle (2). 

Do not worry if a woman encountered this problem from 2 to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Pink discharge passes quickly and does not pose a threat. But if they drag on, have a reddish or burgundy hue, if there are pulling pains in the lower abdomen or lower back, then you urgently need to see a doctor.

2 trimester

After the 12th week of pregnancy, a woman can relax a little, as the chances of losing the fetus are significantly reduced. The hormonal background is stabilizing. However, if from 12 to 27 weeks, the expectant mother notices pinkish or even brown discharge, this is a reason to see a doctor. In the second trimester, such discharges are dangerous, they can either talk about polyps (benign growths from the amniotic membranes) or placental abruption.

Why do pink discharge appear during late pregnancy

The last months of pregnancy are an important stage. The body prepares for the birth of a child, hormonal reserves, muscle activity and secretory function are activated. And it is the last component that plays a huge role in the health of the expectant mother.

If she notices pink discharge in the last months of pregnancy, she should consult a doctor. After all, pink vaginal discharge is bloody streaks that one way or another stain the main mucous secretions. 

Why may there be discharge of a pink hue at a later date:

• erosion;
• detachment of the placenta;
• thrush;
• start of labor activity.

IMPORTANT!

If you find yourself with erosion, then you do not need to plan any interventions and treatments before the birth of the child. During pregnancy, cauterization or the use of cryotherapy is not practiced.

Beginning of 3rd trimester

Pink vaginal discharge from 27 to 36 weeks requires special attention. When they appear, it is better for the expectant mother to consult a gynecologist, especially if such secretion appears regularly. The problem may indicate the presence of pathology.

End of 3rd trimester

If you notice pink discharge closer to the end of pregnancy at 37-40 weeks, then most likely there is no cause for concern. Such secretion may indicate the passage of a mucous plug, which indicates an impending birth. 

In any case, a woman needs to contact an obstetrician-gynecologist in order to consult and remove all suspicions, as well as protect herself and the fetus from unpleasant consequences.

What to do if pink discharge appears during pregnancy at home 

If you find pink discharge at any stage of pregnancy, you should not do anything on your own. The best thing you can do is to contact your gynecologist, who can pinpoint the exact cause of the problem.

– Discharge of pink color or with streaks of blood during pregnancy is always a special, separate situation that requires attention from both the pregnant woman and the doctor, – explains obstetrician-gynecologist Olga Lukasheva.

Popular questions and answers

Obstetrician-gynecologist Olga Lukasheva answers questions about pink vaginal discharge.

Sources of

1. Obstetrics: Textbook / G. M. Savelyeva, V. I. Kulakov, A. N. Strizhkoy and others; Ed. G. M. Saveleva – M .: Medicine, 2000.
2. E. N. Kravchenko. Miscarriage / E. N. Kravchenko, I. V. Medyannikova. – Moscow: Nauka, 2017.