Pregnancy is the most responsible and mysterious period in the life of every woman. That is why much attention is paid to the health and well-being of the future mother. Any change can cause a woman to panic. To avoid this, you need to know what is considered the norm and what is pathology. White discharge during pregnancy is a fairly common manifestation. Let's try to figure out whether this is the norm or not.
What discharge is considered normal
When white discharge appears, do not immediately worry. Normally, after a woman has become pregnant, the number of secretions increases, they acquire a pale white color, but do not cause any discomfort (itching, burning, irritation of the genitals).
Personal hygiene (regular shower, clean and natural underwear, daily panty liners) allows you to maintain a healthy vaginal microflora and neutralize discomfort. White discharge during pregnancy is a consequence of the appearance of a mucous plug in the cervix, which helps to protect the fetus from possible infections and bacteria in the genital tract of the mother.
If the discharge does not have a sharp specific smell, then there is absolutely no reason for concern. To see this for sure, you can visit a doctor and take a smear.
What symptoms should be troubling
White discharge during pregnancy with a greenish or gray tint, while having a fishy or sour smell, may indicate the presence of fungal or yeast microorganisms that cause trichomoniasis and vaginitis. If such symptoms are found, consult a doctor immediately.
You can not prescribe treatment yourself, even if there were similar symptoms in the past, and there was a prescription or drugs. Many of them are contraindicated during pregnancy. To get the correct diagnosis and effective treatment, you need to contact a gynecologist and pass the necessary tests. After this, it will be possible to determine suitable drugs that can quickly neutralize harmful bacteria and infection, but do not affect the development of the fetus and its condition.
To self-medicate and thereby jeopardize the child’s life and health is an extremely imprudent measure.
First trimester discharge
White discharge in early pregnancy indicates fertilization and implantation of the egg into the uterine wall. At the same time, the mucous plug closes the neck , which provides reliable protection against many infections and bacteria that inhabit the mother's vagina.
Discharge increases due to changes in the hormonal background of women. This is necessary for the bearing of a healthy fetus and the normal course of labor. Hormonal disorders can lead to the development of candidiasis or, in rare cases, to termination of pregnancy.
As a rule, discharge is the norm and does not require medical intervention. Regular change of daily pads and maintenance of cleanliness neutralize any uncomfortable sensations.
When can we talk about pathology?
White-yellow discharge during pregnancy is a symptom of an infectious disease. At different times, they may indicate different diseases. In the first and second trimesters, these are:
- candidiasis;
- vaginosis;
- colpitis;
- cervicitis.
The yellow color of the discharge indicates the progression of the inflammatory process, accompanied by the presence of pus. Treatment of diseases can only begin after 10, and more often 12 weeks. In the early stages, you can not use drugs, they can contribute to the development of pathologies in the fetus and even spontaneous abortion or missed pregnancy.
In the third trimester, the yellow color of the discharge may indicate infection of the amniotic membranes and fluid. This poses a great threat to the baby and mother and requires immediate medical attention.
When the 39th week of pregnancy arrives , white discharge may turn yellow. This may be the norm, indicating the passage of the mucous plug during the preparation of the body for labor.
Cheesy discharge
Leucorrhoea, having a curdled consistency and sour smell, are a consequence of the development of thrush. This is the most common disease during pregnancy. It occurs against the background of an imbalance of microorganisms in the vagina when fungal bacteria replace the natural flora.
Candidiasis treatment begins only in the second trimester, when it becomes possible to eliminate the disease without harming the fetus. White discharge during pregnancy, which changed its smell or texture, requires immediate medical attention and smears on the flora.
Green highlight
The appearance of a green tint in the discharge indicates the presence of trichomoniasis and cytomegalovirus. These diseases pose a great threat to the baby and require the appointment of effective treatment.
A qualified doctor should conduct an examination and prescribe drugs based on the results of the tests. It is necessary not only to take a smear on the flora, but also to conduct bacteriosis with an antibioticogram in order to choose the most effective medicine.
Pregnancy 37 weeks: white discharge
In later stages, abundant whitish discharge may be the precursors of childbirth. Particular attention should be paid to the presence of discomfort and pain. If they are absent, then do not rush to the hospital, as an increased amount of discharge is the reason for the cork to leave the cervix, indicating the imminent onset of labor.
As a rule, copious discharge is most often present in the morning, and then does not cause much concern. If throughout the day frequent abundant mucous secretions are observed, this may be a sign of leakage of amniotic fluid, which requires immediate treatment by the pregnant woman in the hospital.
Late discharge
After the cork has passed away, special attention should be paid to genital hygiene. Since the cervical canal remains open for infections, it is necessary to regularly (preferably after each trip to the toilet) wash the genitals and anus. This will minimize the number of bacteria that can penetrate the genital tract and cause infection of the fetus.
If the 39th week of pregnancy has already arrived, white discharge, accompanied by heaviness in the lower abdomen and cramping pains, indicate the onset of labor. In this case, you can not delay with a trip to the hospital, especially if it is the second birth, which, as a rule, proceed much faster than the first.
Abundant white discharge during pregnancy, odorless, are the norm. In addition, they should have a mucous consistency and not bring discomfort to the pregnant woman. For any changes in discharge, you should immediately consult a doctor and carry out treatment that will help to avoid the penetration of bacteria into the amniotic membranes.