Such an important period for each woman (pregnancy) is not complete without worries. The body is undergoing serious restructuring - how not to worry, because often the expectant mother does not know which changes in her health are normal and which are deviations. Often, anxiety is completely unfounded, and the symptoms are far-fetched. In order that unpleasant emotions do not overshadow this period, it is better to familiarize yourself with information about the natural changes in the body of a pregnant woman in advance. In our article, we will address a question that often worries expectant mothers. Namely, we will talk about the norms and deviations of cervical secretions: why there are watery discharge during pregnancy, when they do not cause anxiety for doctors, and in which cases you need to urgently seek medical help.
What is cervical mucus
First you need to figure out what is cervical mucus in general. This concept means nothing more than vaginal discharge. Mucus is produced by the work of sex hormones. It protects the reproductive organs of women, as a natural barrier to the growth and development of various bacteria and fungi. In addition, cervical mucus acts as a lubricant during intercourse.
The consistency of the mucus varies depending on the day of the woman’s menstrual cycle. Such changes are explained by the work of hormones, the function of which, in turn, is to create the most comfortable conditions for conceiving and bearing a child. Watery discharge during pregnancy in the second trimester, not accompanied by additional symptoms, are considered a normal variant.
What are the normal discharge?
In the first days after menstruation and until the middle of the cycle, when ovulation occurs, the discharge is normally transparent and relatively fluid, mucous. In such an environment, the sperm can easily reach the egg. Immediately before ovulation, under the influence of a luteinizing hormone, the discharge increases in volume and becomes similar to raw egg protein.
In the second phase of the menstrual cycle, the number of secretions decreases, their consistency and color also change. During this period, cervical mucus can be whitish and pale yellow in creamy appearance. But if conception has occurred, then under the influence of hormones, a woman can note transparent watery discharge that is not characteristic of this period. During pregnancy, this condition does not need treatment.
The rate of discharge during pregnancy
If conception has come, then the hormone “pregnancy” progesterone begins to be actively produced in the woman’s body. Its action is aimed at the implantation of a fetal egg into the uterus. Against this background, throughout the first half of pregnancy, viscous mucus of a transparent color is observed.
Starting from the second trimester, the vaginal secretion becomes liquid under the influence of the hormone tarragon. Watery discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester is observed. In some women, they can be moderate, transparent or whitish, while in others, the amount of secretion is plentiful, giving a feeling of constant humidity.
If a woman has copious watery discharge during pregnancy, then often the expectant mother begins to use daily sanitary pads. But doctors do not recommend the use of such hygiene products, especially during the period of gestation. Since a moist, warm environment is the best condition for the propagation of pathogenic flora. Pregnant women are advised to change their underwear frequently and hygienic cleansing procedures.
It is worth noting that there is no clear framework for the norms of this secret - an individual feature is often found, for example, a tendency to yellow discharge or to transparent, but watery. But what should be cervical mucus under any circumstances, is described in detail in the relevant section of the article.
Can there be watery discharge in the first half of pregnancy?
Is watery discharge during early pregnancy - is this the norm or a deviation? And is there any reason for concern? In established medical criteria, it is believed that in the first trimester, the discharge should not be watery. But if there are no other patient complaints and symptoms, then most likely this condition is an individual feature of the woman’s body. Nevertheless, it is better, as they say, to play it safe and undergo an unscheduled examination with the delivery of the necessary tests.
Deviations from the norm
What watery discharge is considered abnormal? Abundant cervical secret, which is accompanied by: requires additional diagnosis and treatment:
- pains in the lower abdomen;
- color change;
- itching
- puffiness;
- redness of the external genitalia;
- the appearance of pigmentation or rash;
- unpleasant odor of secretions;
- elevated body temperature;
- pain during urination.
Normally, watery discharge during pregnancy is transparent, sometimes whitish or yellowish (due to rejected epithelial cells). If you notice that cervical mucus has acquired the features described below that are not characteristic for the normal course of pregnancy, you should urgently seek medical help:
- Pronounced yellow mucus with flakes or frothy discharge.
- White with lumps.
- Brown.
- Bloody.
This color of vaginal discharge may indicate the presence of infection, inflammation and the threat of termination of pregnancy.
Possible causes of deviations
The reasons for which there may be pathological watery discharge during pregnancy are very different, but they all boil down to the main one - a decrease in immunity, as a result of which a woman is exposed to negative external factors, including infection with sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, stress, non-compliance with hygiene rules, hormonal disorders, excessive physical activity and weight lifting can lead to a change in the secretion.
Water leakage
Watery discharge during pregnancy can be a symptom of premature leakage of amniotic fluid. Normally, this condition occurs after 38 weeks. If at such a time a clear liquid with a specific odor of about half a liter has leaked - it's time to gather in the hospital, the contractions are about to begin.
But if the leakage occurred at an earlier date (the earlier - the more dangerous), then this is a pathology. In addition, it should be noted that during early leakage of waters they can be released almost imperceptibly - a few drops per day. It is often difficult even to the doctor to notice and determine pathology without additional analyzes. This situation is extremely dangerous for both the child and the mother. High probability of septic complications. Urgently need to call an ambulance and get ready to the hospital.
Diagnosis of pathological discharge
To confirm or refute the preliminary diagnosis, the doctor will offer the patient to pass a standard smear, according to indications, undergo examination to determine diseases that are sexually transmitted.
Watery discharge during pregnancy in the early stages can cause the doctor to suspect leakage of amniotic fluid. Even before contacting a doctor (in the absence of symptoms requiring an emergency emergency call ), you can conduct a home test using the express system. It is easy to purchase at a pharmacy. It should be noted that most of these diagnostic tests also determine the absence or presence of infectious diseases.
How to use the express system to determine leakage of amniotic fluid?
Using the rapid test at home is not difficult. The system looks like a sanitary pad. After thorough sanitation of the genitals and hands, it is necessary to print the package and attach the pad to the laundry. You need to wait until the test system gets wet clearly or check it after 12 hours. You need to analyze the result right away. If the gasket has not changed color, no pathology is detected. But if spots of blue and green color appeared, regardless of their intensity and orderliness, then the test is positive, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Treatment and medical prognosis
The faster the woman went to the doctor, and the diagnosis was confirmed, treatment was prescribed, the more favorable the prognosis of pregnancy. What matters is not so much the quantity and consistency of the secret as its unjustified change. So, for example, white watery discharge during pregnancy can indicate inflammatory processes in the ovaries or candidiasis, yellow, brown and green - about detachment or damage to the placenta, with streaks of blood - a risk of miscarriage is possible .
To date, procedures have been developed, there are various medications that have minimal negative impact on the fetus, being an effective method of combating pathogens of infections.
Unfortunately, untimely detection of the cause of pathological discharge can lead to serious violations of the fetal development or spontaneous abortion.
Preventative measures
Watery discharge during pregnancy is difficult to predict and prevent. But it is possible and necessary to pay special attention to genital hygiene, avoid stress and physical overstrain, reduce the time spent in crowded places in order to prevent infection with viral respiratory infections, monitor nutrition and plan your vacation correctly.
During pregnancy, a woman is responsible not only for her health, but also for the well-being of the unborn baby. Therefore, with any changes in cervical secretions, be sure to consult a doctor for an additional examination. Health to you and your children!