Contents
The period of bearing a child is always accompanied by changes in the body of a woman. Including various selections appear. FROM obstetrician-gynecologist Elena Kollerova let’s figure out what could be the causes of yellow discharge and how dangerous they are for a pregnant woman and a child.
Types of yellow discharge
| Shade | Features |
| Light Coloured | Variant of the norm in early pregnancy in the absence of unpleasant symptoms (itching, burning, unpleasant odor, etc.) |
| Bright | Usually indicates inflammatory processes in the uterus, fallopian tubes, appendages and ovaries |
| Dark | Symptom of dysbacteriosis with the growth of opportunistic microorganisms |
| Greenish | Often characterizes the causative agents of STDs, bacterial vaginosis or chlamydia |
| Brown | Indicates the admixture of blood. Usually due to erosion, tumor, placental abruption or fetal death |
| White | Talks about a reaction to underwear, intimate hygiene products, or the occurrence of a fungal infection – thrush. The latter is accompanied by a sour smell, the appearance of curdled flakes, itching and burning. |
If a pregnant woman is not sure that she is correctly interpreting the color of the discharge, it is better to consult a doctor. Each person has a different perception of color, and the expectant mother may not notice the dangerous shade of discharge.
Why do yellow discharge appear during early pregnancy
Slight and pale discharge of a yellow tint in early pregnancy is usually considered a variant of the norm. Often they appear due to changes in the microflora of the vagina and softening of the walls of the uterus due to the preparation of the body for bearing a child (1).
The following symptoms should be alert:
- pain,
- burning,
- itching,
- unpleasant odor
- weakness,
- temperature rise.
一 With such symptoms, yellow discharge at any stage of pregnancy most often signals a bacterial infection (STDs, staphylococci, streptococci and others), 一 explains obstetrician-gynecologist Elena Kollerova.- They can cause inflammation in the vagina, cervix, uterus and ovaries, as well as provoke infection of the fetus.
1 trimester
The body begins to prepare for gestation and childbirth immediately after conception. Hormonal changes occur, the hormone progesterone accumulates. It contributes to the formation of a mucous plug, the main function of which is to protect the uterine cavity from pathogenic microorganisms. It is under the influence of progesterone that a light yellow discharge can appear (2).
In some cases, the separation of the yellow secret indicates the presence of inflammatory processes – thrush, bacterial vaginosis, genital infections, cervicitis and colpitis. The main danger of pathologies during this period is due to the restriction of medications acceptable for treatment: most of them are allowed no earlier than the 12th week. Therefore, if you notice any warning signs, see a doctor as soon as possible.
Why yellow discharge appears during late pregnancy
The appearance of yellow discharge most often may indicate a pathology. As at the beginning of pregnancy, you need to pay attention to the color, character and accompanying symptoms. The emergence of any suspicion is a reason for an early visit to the gynecologist.
2 trimester
In the second trimester of pregnancy, the appearance of yellow discharge is also possible. Their consistency depends on the hormone estrogen. Under its influence, the vaginal secretion becomes more liquid and plentiful.
Should be alert:
- darkening of secretions
- unpleasant odor
- burning,
- redness of the mucous membranes,
- temperature rise.
Such symptoms may indicate inflammatory processes or exacerbation of chronic diseases of the reproductive system.
3 trimester
Light yellow discharge without odor and impurities is usually considered a normal variant in the third trimester. However, they can also appear for other reasons.
- Leakage of amniotic fluid. It is considered dangerous until 37 weeks, when the baby is still premature.
- Chorioamnionitis. This is an infection of the amniotic fluid or the inner membranes of the fetus. It is accompanied by high fever and an increased number of leukocytes. The level of the latter is determined by the results of the smear.
- Removal of the mucous plug. It is considered one of the main harbingers of childbirth.
A timely trip to the gynecologist will help protect yourself and your unborn child. If necessary, the doctor will refer you for an examination and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
What to do if yellow discharge appears during pregnancy at home
一 Yellow discharge of a saturated color at any stage of pregnancy is a signal for an urgent visit to the doctor, 一 says Elena Kollerova.一 Having noticed them, in no case should you self-medicate at home: put candles, take any drugs, and even more so use folk remedies. This can only aggravate the situation and damage the mucosa. Careful examinations such as Pap smear, PCR for STDs, and bacterial cultures can help determine the cause of the yellow discharge and prescribe treatment (3).
Popular questions and answers
We answer the most popular questions about yellow discharge during pregnancy with an obstetrician-gynecologist, doctor of the highest category Elena Kollerova.
Is it possible to play sports if yellow discharge appears?
Is the brown shade of yellow discharge always dangerous?
It occurs due to the attachment of the fetal egg to the wall of the uterus.
In this case, the discharge should be without scarlet inclusions, painful sensations and short-term. However, in order to avoid risks, it is better to consult a gynecologist.
Can tampons be used for yellow discharge?
Sources of
- Pregnancy, childbirth, motherhood / Burmistrova E.A. // 2012
- Vaginal discharge in women without the risk of sexually transmitted infections / Kovalyk V.P., Matushevskaya E.V., Vladimirova E.V. // 2018
- Vaginal discharge in gynecological patients: etiology and approaches to diagnosis / Rumyantseva T.A., Sursyakov V.A., Khairullina G.A., Chernyshova L.A., Gushchin A.E. // 2015