The question of which discharge during pregnancy is considered normal, worries all expectant mothers. In principle, the discharge in women has two directions, one of them is considered the norm, and the other indicates the cause of any disease or deviation. There are cases that the usual discharge becomes suspicious, change the texture or smell. Should a pregnant woman panic right away? Why does the nature of the discharge change at different times? In what cases is it necessary to urgently run to the gynecologist? Let's look at these issues in more detail. We will learn to understand our own body and react correctly in any situation.
Normal discharge
Discharges from the genitourinary system of the female body are divided into normal and those that have pathological signs. The latter are associated with the development of bacteria and microbes, can be caused by inflammatory processes, and also occur with possible deviations during pregnancy. Discharge in women in an interesting position varies depending on the term.
In the normal life of the female body, when there is no pregnancy, complex processes occur in the genital organs, which are accompanied by various secretions at certain stages. During the menstrual cycle, the discharge can be white, transparent, watery, they replace each other, and this is considered the norm. During ovulation, hormones are most active, progesterone by enhancing secretion moisturizes the paths, so that sperm can reach its goal more easily and more comfortably. Such processes are inherent in nature. With a successful conception, the situation changes. Which discharge during pregnancy are considered normal, and which are not, we will consider further.
The onset of pregnancy
If the contact was successful, the egg is fertilized, the work of progesterone continues. The discharge during pregnancy in the early stages will already have its own character. At this time, a protective plug is created - a barrier in the form of a dense mucosa. The clot seals the vagina and prevents the uterus from leaving the fetus. A fertilized egg begins to fix on elastic walls. The created cork also protects the uterine cavity from the penetration of various fungi and microbes that can harm the fetus.
While the cervix has not yet closed, part of the white, viscous mucus is released. Experienced doctors classify this as the first sign of pregnancy; dense and dense discharge is considered the norm. The correct identification of mucus immediately indicates the initial stages of pregnancy, although the main signs may still not be observed.
Early period
After pregnancy occurs, the menstrual cycle stops. The color of the discharge during pregnancy in the first month may have a faint brown tint. This happens due to bloody spots, at this time everything is within normal limits. The fact is that during the fixation of the fetal egg in the uterus, the allocated droplets of blood can be mixed with mucus. Sometimes this creates the illusion of the arrival of menstruation. At the same time, a woman should not feel any pain or fever.
In the fifth week of pregnancy, there should no longer be any bloody streaks in the mucus, as well as clots. The embryo has entrenched, a new stage has begun in the body of a woman - preservation of the fetus. Estrogen is already responsible for this responsible mission.
At 6 weeks of gestation, the discharge should be alert if it becomes spotting, bloody (brown, beige or red). You also need to seem to a gynecologist if they acquire a foamy, curd character, have a gray, green, yellow color, a pungent smell.
At the same time, a woman may experience itching, burning, soreness and irritation in the genitals.
The norm for 6-7 weeks is considered to be slippery, liquid, let it not scare you, even if they are plentiful. This specificity persists until the tenth week. This should not be discomforting.
The relationship between the nature of discharge and fetal development
Discharges during pregnancy are closely interconnected with physiological processes that change with the development of the fetus. With its increase, small tears can occur in the uterine cavity, the walls expand, blood pressure increases. At this time, the discharge during pregnancy may have a slightly beige tint, it is not scary if the woman does not experience itching, pain, discomfort.
If untreated erosion remains before the onset of conception, this can also cause beige color of mucus, as during sexual contact, the damaged neck begins to bleed slightly. In the later stages, the cause of this may even be the intervention of a doctor, when a smear is taken during examination. This is not considered a cause for concern.
In the later stages, the color of the discharge can also lead to confusion. More and more secret with yellow impurities stands out. If there are no special complaints, then this can be explained by a weakened bladder. The fetus is large, it begins to squeeze internal organs, a woman often goes to the toilet. If this is not possible, then there is the likelihood of involuntary small urination, which you may not even notice. This can happen when lifting weights, with sudden movements. An admixture of a few drops of urine in whites gives a yellow color.
With the normal course of pregnancy, there are no other reasons for a color change in the later stages. If abundant mucus outlets, clots are noticed, then this can be considered a signal of the approach of labor. Perhaps the cork starts to come out, and then amniotic fluid flows out.
Pregnancy: second trimester
At this time, normal, light, moderate discharge, they may have a weak milky hue. The consistency of whites is uniform with a slightly sour smell. There should be no mucus and pus, yellow or green, cheesy discharge. A sharp unpleasant smell should be alert, this may be a sign of infection. If symptoms of thrush, trichomoniasis, chlamydia occur, you should immediately seek medical help, since the infection can affect the fetus.
At what stage of pregnancy are blood discharge especially dangerous? In the second trimester, this is not the norm. The reason, nevertheless, must be determined by the doctor. Blood from the vagina may appear due to placental abruption, hematoma after a blow to the abdomen, erosion due to mechanical damage (examination by a doctor, sexual intercourse), neoplasm. Vascular fragility can also cause bleeding. The volume of blood in pregnant women increases, blood vessels can burst under its pressure.
Some of these reasons may become a threat to your pregnancy, and some may not. Do not be very nervous and panic, the doctor will do an examination, prescribe an ultrasound and establish the cause. It also happens that hospitalization is not required and everything will return to normal by itself.
Miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy
Someone has a pregnancy without any complications during the whole period, while someone has to spend a long time in a hospital bed for the sake of a child. All individually. Any deviations should lead you to a gynecologist in order to maintain your health. From the first weeks of pregnancy, brown discharge should alert the woman, even if in most cases this is considered the norm. Listen to your body. No pain should occur in the lower abdomen.
A woman begins to think about the birth of a new life after several days of delayed menstruation. One or two weeks pass, most often the girl becomes confident in her own pregnancy. But suddenly she discovers brown discharge, which is accompanied by abdominal pain and even fever. Such symptoms are a harbinger of a serious problem. Perhaps an ectopic pregnancy develops. Chorion formed in the tubes, and not in the uterine cavity. The cavity of the tube is not intended for the development of pregnancy, so this condition is extremely life-threatening. A woman will need an emergency operation, she must be hospitalized.
The first weeks after conception are the most dangerous in terms of preserving pregnancy, so it is very important to know how a woman feels during this period and what discharge is considered normal.
Even if the embryo has fixed itself correctly in the uterus, brown mucus may indicate a threat of abortion. It happens that brown clots turn into red, this leads to the opening of bleeding.
If you seek medical help belatedly, you cannot save the fetus; a miscarriage is possible. There are many reasons for this. It even happens that, not knowing about pregnancy, a woman took medications, which caused a miscarriage.
Possible diseases
In the last months of pregnancy, discharge with brown mucus may indicate problems with the placenta. Its stratification can cause a threat to the life of the mother and baby. Do not neglect changes in secretions if you notice blood impurities, clots, threadlike fragments. Those women's diseases that were not detected before pregnancy can also declare themselves:
- polyps;
- uterine fibroids;
- inflammation
- erosion;
- vaginal injury.
Hidden foci of disease awaken due to an increase in the fetus, hormonal changes. If there are attacks of pain in the abdomen, lower back with secretions, you should immediately consult a gynecologist. If it is still possible, he will help maintain pregnancy, prescribe treatment.
Fungal infections and germs
The discharge during pregnancy, if it proceeds normally, does not have an unpleasant odor. If such appeared and appears even after hygiene procedures after a short period of time, curdled discharge with a white, yellowish tint is visible on the gasket - this is cause for alarm. In general, all these are symptoms of microbial, fungal diseases.
An accurate diagnosis will be made by a gynecologist after taking a smear. These may be the following ailments:
- thrush;
- E. coli;
- gonorrhea;
- pyelonephritis (kidney disease);
- other infections.
Some diseases proceeded even before the onset of pregnancy, could wear a hidden form. In an interesting position, the immunity decreased, the sensitivity of the genitals increased, and all the symptoms showed up and went outside. What are they manifested in? The woman experiences intolerable itching, burning in the genitals, pain during urination and sexual intercourse, there is an unpleasant smell of fish, acid.
When planning a pregnancy, you need to seriously approach the issues of conception. A comprehensive study will reveal all the hidden diseases of the body. Both partners must undergo treatment, if the husband does not take this seriously, then the treatment of the spouse will not make sense.
Remember that the bacteria and microorganisms of your microflora affect the development of the fetus and can harm it. Pathologies need to be identified on time and not self-medicate.
The effect of allergic reactions
It happens that unwanted discharge during pregnancy appears due to some allergic reactions. The reason may even be personal hygiene products:
- gel and soap;
- cream;
- gaskets;
- toilet paper;
- synthetic underwear.
To eliminate this risk, review all your funds. Eliminate the content of fragrances and dyes in them, change the gaskets to another brand, wear linen only from natural materials. Extend the wash time. Replace toilet paper with wet wipes.
If you exclude all suspicious sources, and the discharge still seems abnormal to you, look for the cause of the allergic reaction in another. It can be some kind of medication or food.
Preparation for childbirth
The last weeks of pregnancy are exciting for expectant mothers, especially for those who give birth for the first time. During this period, it is necessary to know well what discharge is possible.
At 38-40 weeks, light discharge during pregnancy or a milky shade is considered quite common. They have a uniform consistency and a slightly sour smell. At this time, the cervix begins to soften, it slightly opens, so it is possible that some mucus appears. If you notice a pinkish tinge, an admixture of blood in the mucus, then this indicates that you need to prepare for an early birth, perhaps the cork will begin to discharge. Sometimes the cork can come off at a time, it looks like a lump of mucus with small blood streaks.
Be sure to consult a doctor if you notice signs of infection in the last stages of pregnancy (curdled or yellow-green discharge with an unpleasant odor). Immediate treatment is required, because during childbirth you can infect a baby. During its passage through the birth canal, all bacteria, fungi and microorganisms simply attack the baby.
In the event that bright spotting is detected, you should also urgently call an ambulance. This indicates placental abruption. This condition threatens the health of both the baby and the mother. Even if bloody discharge seems insignificant, at any moment the situation can develop into a more threatening one.
Unclear, fluid discharge indicates that amniotic fluid outflow begins. A high probability of an early birth, and perhaps this indicates a depletion of the membrane. The doctor will determine exactly, he will decide on further actions. It is extremely dangerous for a baby to remain in a dehydrated environment, at least this threatens him with infection. With the manifestation of contractions, we can talk about the beginning of labor. By this time things in the hospital should be prepared. It remains only to tune in, calm down, remember what the instructor for childbirth taught you, and with faith in all the best to go to the hospital.
Finally
The female body is the main mystery of nature. It is a woman who reproduces offspring, thanks to her life on Earth continues. It is very important to know how our reproductive system works, which discharge during pregnancy should be normal, and which should be wary. Take your health seriously, and then strong and healthy babies will be born.