Discharge in pregnancy: when should I worry?

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When we talk about discharge in pregnancy, whitish or transparent discharge is not usually a cause for concern. This is because its occurrence is quite common, not indicating gynecological problems. That is, its production is stimulated by the hormone estrogen, very present in women during pregnancy.

And while it moistens, lubricates and keeps the vagina clean and free of infections and inflammation, any changes in its color or smell may indicate the presence of a problem that needs treatment. Thus, we spoke with Paula Bortolai Martins (CRM 127.101), a doctor from the Paulista Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, to understand more about the subject.

Content Index:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Discharge Types
• Tips to avoid

Frequent questions about discharge in pregnancy

The discharge is more present during pregnancy because, during this period, the PH and the microorganisms of the vaginal region are more evident. In addition, a woman's immune resistance is also impaired. And any deviation from what is considered normal should be immediately investigated by a good professional.

What type of discharge may indicate pregnancy?

In order to know whether discharge may or may not be a sign of pregnancy, we need to carefully observe its permanence. Thus, if the discharge continues to be produced after the menstrual delay, the chances of pregnancy are great.

Read also: Urinary tract infection in pregnancy: Know the symptoms and know how to treat

Is discharge in pregnancy normal?

According to Paula Bortolai Martins, discharge is not normal, what is normal is the increase in physiological secretion. "However, this secretion can not present odor, discomfort or cause any kind of itching," adds the expert.

What does discharge mean in the first trimester of pregnancy?

During the first trimester, brownish or bloody discharge may indicate two situations. The rupture of small vessels? as the vascularization of the uterus and vagina increases; Can it also be a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy? one in which the fertilized egg implants itself in other structures, not the womb.

What can be white discharge in late pregnancy?

According to expert Paula Bortolai Martins, this discharge is the physiological secretion that increases by hormonal change. "And near delivery, the mucous plug, which contains small rays of blood that indicate the onset of the cervix and the preparatory contractions for delivery, may come out."

Can discharge cause harm to the baby?

Physiological secretion does not, but discharge may indicate fungal, bacterial, and protozoal infection. "And these infections can cause premature labor, rupture of the bag and fetal infection," comments Paula.

Much of this discharge happens due to increased estradiol and progesterone levels in the body. However, as the pregnant woman has lower immunity and is more prone to infections, any discharge should be assessed by the obstetrician to differentiate what is physiological from what should be treated.

Read also: Bleeding in Pregnancy: When to Worry

Types of discharge in pregnancy

When discharge in pregnancy has a thicker color, smell or consistency, this may be a sign of infection or even the presence of some sexually transmitted disease (STD). Thus, being able to identify their different characteristics and understand what they mean can help in the diagnosis.

Brown or bloody discharge

Brown discharge is usually the small amount of blood that has clotted in the vagina before being eliminated. ? It is not normal in pregnancy and may indicate a small retroplacental hematoma, a implantation bleed or a cervical bleed? explains the expert. Although not normal it is quite common and should be evaluated by the obstetrician.

Green discharge

According to Paula Bortolai Martins, green discharge is also not normal and may indicate a trichomonas infection. "This protozoan is transmitted sexually or through intimate contact with secretions from someone contaminated," he explains. The discharge is greenish yellow, accompanied by strong odor, discomfort, itching and should be treated because it facilitates infection with other STDs.

Yellow discharge

This discharge color may indicate a bacterial vaginosis caused by gardenerella or a trichomonas infection. According to the obstetrician, gardenerella infection is not necessarily sexually transmitted, because it is present in small numbers in the vaginal flora."The discharge usually appears when there is an imbalance in this flora, causing the number of bacteria to increase," concludes the expert.

White discharge

White discharge may be the physiological secretion that changes throughout the menstrual cycle, but it may also be a bacterial vaginosis. Usually the secretion of bacterial vaginosis is grayish white, but it can also be yellowish. "It has a strong odor, especially near the menstrual period, when the action of bacteria increases."

Read also: Colic In Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms And When To Worry

Strong smelling discharge

According to Paula Bortolai Martins, strong-smelling discharge is not normal and may indicate a bacterial or protozoal infection. Therefore, when you feel a bad smell combined with itching or burning while urinating, seek medical advice immediately.

Loss of mucous plug

Is it the loss of some sort of cork? which sits on the cervix protecting the amniotic sac. When does the cervix disappear? sometimes weeks before delivery? This gelatinous plug expels and may have streaks of blood. "This sign is normal and the patient need not worry", adds the obstetrician.

Although very common throughout a woman's life, discharge in pregnancy should be carefully observed. This is because the change in its color or odor may indicate that the natural physiological secretion has become pathological, which may pose risks not only to the woman, but also to the baby.

Tips To Avoid Discharge In Pregnancy

Learn more about avoiding this hassle and potential risks to your pregnancy:

• Avoid tight or stuffy clothes: According to expert Paula Bortolai Martins, the humid environment favors fungal infection, especially candidiasis, as well as increases physiological secretion.
• Prefer cotton underwear: This is because this type of fiber allows air circulation, keeping the intimate region much more airy.
• Avoid sex at the slightest of signs: This applies to both men and women who have discomfort in their genitals. "Seek medical help in these cases," recommends the obstetrician.
• Keep up with exams: Keep your routine exams up to date, such as Pap smears and vaginal discharge.

At the doctor's appointment, provide the most information about what your first symptoms were. Thus, the specialist will surely come to the correct diagnosis to offer the best treatment for your type of discharge.

Remember that your whitish or transparent version is no cause for concern. However, if it becomes pasty and becomes too abundant and thick, it may be your body showing that something is not going well. Investigate and keep an eye on your panties to keep up with any changes.

Discharge During Pregnancy: When to Worry | Parents (April 2024)