With the onset of the long-awaited pregnancy, a woman begins to pay more attention to your body and the changes that take place in it. There is no doubt that certain processes are launched, many of which are quite objective. But many associate white discharge during pregnancy with problems and diseases of the female genital organs. In order not to harm your future baby in any way, to prevent complications during its bearing and subsequent births, do not neglect the fact that it brings even slight discomfort. But far from always unpleasant symptoms are evidence of the disease. In particular, white discharge during pregnancy in most cases is the norm. When is it worth the alarm? This is what we will try to understand within the framework of this material.
Physiology of secretions
Vaginal discharge is normal for a woman's body are white, translucent color and odorless. Such symptoms should not cause any concern in the fairer sex, on the contrary, they indicate the full functioning of the female genital organs. In the cervical canal of the cervix through the work of the glands, mucus is produced - it moisturizes the vagina and protects the uterine cavity from infection.
What changes during pregnancy? Perhaps only the intensity. Is white discharge a sign of pregnancy? This question is asked by some of the fair sex. In fact, according to their intensity, we can conclude about certain changes in the female body. Indeed, odorless white discharge during pregnancy is still considered the norm. But they become more intense, which sometimes scares future mothers. And all because the main goal - to keep the pregnancy and help the body to make a strong and healthy baby.
First half of pregnancy
We just found out that with the onset of pregnancy, the amount of mucus produced by the glands increases. This is primarily due to hormonal changes in the female body. Progesterone in early pregnancy plays a crucial role in normalizing hormonal levels. Its role is to protect pregnancy. Progesterone begins to be actively produced immediately after ovulation in the corpus luteum of the ovary. It is under its influence that the menstrual cycle is suspended, which allows the embryo to gain a foothold on the walls of the uterus and begin active development. Later, as the placenta forms, progesterone begins to be actively produced in it. Leucorrhoea becomes even more intense, due to the need to more diligently protect the fetus from infection.
White discharge during pregnancy in the first trimester can acquire a pinkish or brownish tint. And here some women mistakenly confuse them with menstruation. In fact, it is implantation bleeding, indicating the fetus attaching to the uterine wall.
Second half of pregnancy
By the 20th week of pregnancy, the hormonal background of a woman undergoes new changes. During this period, the level of estriol literally rolls over, which indicates the normal development of the fetus. The woman’s body is actively preparing for labor, which is accompanied by the same leucorrhoea. But, what is interesting, it is precisely the liquid white discharge during pregnancy, and with each week they become more and more liquid and transparent. A periodic increase in intensity indicates leakage of amniotic fluid and impending birth.
Norm or pathology
We found that white discharge during pregnancy is the norm, we can talk about pathology if they begin to change the color to pinkish, brown, yellowish. On the problems may indicate a change in consistency and, above all, the emergence of blood clots, lumps. The appearance of a sharp unpleasant odor is another reason for a visit to a specialist. As a rule, such changes lead to discomfort, itching in the vagina, and sometimes urination is difficult, accompanied by severe pain.
Blood clots
White discharge during pregnancy in the early stages is sometimes accompanied by the appearance of mucus of a brownish tint. There is no reason for concern, because it is so the female body reacts to all changes, primarily consolidation of the fetus. But if such symptoms are accompanied by severe abdominal pain, weakness, dizziness, there is cause for serious concern. Often this evidence:
- ectopic pregnancy;
- threats of miscarriage;
- death of the fetus.
In this case, you must immediately seek qualified medical help.
Infection
At any weeks of pregnancy, white discharge is too intense, sometimes due to weakened immunity. It's no secret that he was one of the first to suffer from a new life developing in the womb. The lack of effective protection of the organism to catalyze and provoke an aggravation of chronic infection, including sex.
The shade of secretions will tell you exactly what infection develops in the female body.
Yellowish green
The appearance of white discharge during pregnancy with a yellowish-green tint and unpleasant smell - a messenger of pathology:
- Allergy - this reaction can cause the means for intimate hygiene, or materials of which is made underwear. That is why all gynecologists strongly recommend avoiding tight, uncomfortable underwear made of synthetic fabrics, preferring materials with a natural composition, models without seams.
- The inflammatory process is at risk for the uterus and appendages. Treatment should be immediate so that in no case prevent pregnancy termination.
- Sexually transmitted diseases - the discharge in this case acquires a greenish tint, is accompanied by itching, pain when urinating. Such diseases are especially dangerous for the expectant mother and her baby, as they can cause the development of fetal pathologies and termination of pregnancy.
White color combined with curdled consistency
White discharge without itching during pregnancy is the norm, but when they acquire density and density, their consistency becomes like cottage cheese, there is reason to think. These are typical signs of the so-called thrush. The cause of the disease is so bad is the rapid spread of a fungal infection caused by a weakening of the immune system. Again, in this case, thick white discharge during pregnancy requires emergency intervention by specialists and a focused fight, as they can cause harm to the fetus.
Grayish white tint
It is often accompanied by a fishy smell - symptoms of bacterial vaginosis. The main reason, again, is weakened immunity. The danger in this case lies in the likelihood of developing complications that can lead to premature birth.
Watery consistency with blood streaks
But the appearance of these symptoms is especially dangerous, because it can indicate cervical erosion. A woman should immediately contact her doctor. He will make a decision on treatment only on the basis of a gynecological examination, taking into account the degree of development of the disease. With severe damage to the cervix, cauterization is prescribed, but not with nitrogen, but with more gentle methods, which allows to preserve the natural elasticity of the tissues, as well as ensure the normal course of labor.
What to do
If a woman has odorless white discharge during pregnancy, which have nothing to do with pathology, there is no reason to worry. No treatment is required in this case. But to get rid of them yourself by the methods of modern and traditional medicine is certainly not worth it. All that is required of a future mother is to observe basic personal hygiene measures. During pregnancy, it is worthwhile to turn out flavored funds, since it is they that can provoke an allergic reaction and irritation of the vaginal mucosa, which will result in unhealthy white discharge during pregnancy.
In case of symptoms of pathology, you should immediately seek help from a doctor. He will prescribe a vaginal smear test to determine the infection. The faster the diagnosis is made, the higher the probability of getting rid of the disease without the use of potent drugs that can harm the developing fetus. In the fight against infection, doctors have long enough developed an action plan that they adhere to. To eliminate thrush, local drugs are most often prescribed, characterized by a gentle effect. These are creams, ointments, candles, suitable for home use. The sooner treatment is started, the less costly and lengthy it will be. So, let's say, at the early stage of thrush, it is completely possible to do with “Pimafucin”, the advanced form requires an integrated approach using modern antifungal drugs.
Effective in the fight against itching and burning, traditional medicine, for example, douching with infusion of oak bark, marigolds. But it is necessary to resort to them only after consultation with the supervising doctor. In no case do self-diagnosis and self-medication, because this can not only trigger symptoms, but also lead to irreversible consequences.
In no case do not self-medicate, it is strictly forbidden to take medications and turn to traditional medicine methods without consulting a gynecologist. The fact is that most of the drugs aimed at combating the infection are prohibited for women in the first months of pregnancy. Quite often, doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory and antifungal drugs with a gentle effect.
Prevention
In order for white discharge to not become a harbinger of complications, it is necessary to adhere to a number of preventive rules:
- The regularity of hygiene procedures.
For cleaning the better to use ordinary baby soap, the daily pads with aromatic additives should be abandoned.
- Wipe genitals thoroughly after hygiene procedures.
Warm moist environment - perfect conditions for the development of pathogenic bacteria, including bacteria and fungi.
- Use of wet toilet paper or wet wipes after defecation, which will prevent intestinal microorganisms, including bacteria, from entering the vagina.
- Use of cotton underwear.
Natural fabrics provide optimal microcirculation of air, the skin breathes in such underwear.
- Use clothing and linen in size.
During pregnancy, it is important to wear comfortable clothes, appropriate size, nothing should drag and pinch. The comfort of the future mother is the key to her wonderful well-being.
To summarize
We covered in detail the topic of discharge during pregnancy. It is important to learn that in such an interesting position, a woman should be under the regular supervision of a gynecologist, in which case she will save herself from fears and concerns. Vaginal discharge is the norm for the female body. They can have a different density, viscosity, shade, which largely determines the cause and degree of danger. Having felt the slightest discomfort, a woman must inform the observing doctor about it, in no case should she self-medicate, which could harm her health and disrupt the full development of the fetus.
We sincerely hope that our tips and tricks will help maintain women's health and give birth to a strong baby.