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Vaginal discharge during pregnancy, both in the first, second and third trimesters, is not a disturbing symptom. At each stage of pregnancy, vaginal discharge may appear, which protects the female genital tract and the fetus itself from damage. How to judge if the vaginal discharge during pregnancy is normal? What color and consistency of vaginal discharge may indicate infection?
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy – normal discharge
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is a natural consequence of the proper functioning of the body. Physiological vaginal discharge should be clear or slightly white in color. This type of vaginal discharge in pregnancy leaves a yellow mark on underwear after drying. Vaginal discharge, which should not be suspected, is odorless. The volume of vaginal discharge in pregnancy and its consistency depend on the hormonal changes that occur in the woman’s body during pregnancy. As estrogen levels increase, vaginal discharge also increases. Estrogens are hormones that affect the organs and tissues of the female body. This explains the number of changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy, i.e. enlargement of the uterus, increased blood supply to the mucous membranes or changes in skin pigmentation. Vaginal discharge in pregnancy is the most desirable symptom, as it is assumed that vaginal discharge flushes the germs out of the genital tract, protecting both the mother and the child from damage. During pregnancy, a mucus plug forms in the upper cervix, which is a natural barrier for pathogens to enter the uterus. At the end of pregnancy, the mucus plug may be expelled, which is a signal of impending delivery.
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Vaginal discharge in pregnancy – causes
However, vaginal discharge in pregnancy is not always a normal symptom. If vaginal discharge becomes unnatural in color, has an unpleasant odor, or is patchy, this could indicate a genital infection or other medical condition. They assess the type of vaginal discharge in pregnancy, and the reasons for its occurrence can be traced.
- Brown-colored vaginal discharge – brown, rusty or red in pregnancy is a sign of blood in vaginal discharge. If such vaginal discharge occurs shortly after conception, it is not a symptom of concern. They only signal that the embryo has implanted in the uterine cavity. Blood-stained vaginal discharge during pregnancy may also appear after vaginal ultrasound, gynecological examination, and also after intercourse. During pregnancy, the vagina is extremely sensitive to any abrasions or damage, so small amounts of blood may appear in the discharge. However, if the brown discharge during pregnancy is very abundant and the discharge itself shows blood clots and uterine contractions, see your doctor immediately. Such symptoms may signal a miscarriage.
Check what is causing miscarriages more and more often
- Yellow vaginal discharge in pregnancy – The yellow color of vaginal discharge is not disturbing in itself. Doubts may be raised by the heterogeneous consistency of the discharge and an unpleasant smell. The cheesy consistency of vaginal discharge may indicate a vaginal fungal infection. During pregnancy, the risk of fungal infections increases significantly, and is exacerbated by additional antibiotic therapy or diabetes. If your pregnancy discharge is watery and profuse, see your doctor as discharge may be amniotic fluid. At the end of pregnancy, heavy discharge may indicate that you are about to give birth.
Vaginal discharge in pregnancy – treatment
The treatment of abnormal vaginal discharge in pregnancy is closely related to the cause of its occurrence. Therefore, prior consultation with the gynecologist conducting the pregnancy is always necessary. After identifying the cause, the doctor may prescribe antifungal preparations and recommend the use of appropriate intimate hygiene measures.
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