Can there be discharge during pregnancy? What can be the discharge in the early stages of pregnancy

Expecting a baby is often accompanied not only by pleasant chores, but also by various anxieties and worries.

Expectant mothers, as a rule, are concerned about their own well-being.

So, vaginal discharge, which throughout life is an indicator of women's health, and in pregnancy may indicate a malfunction in the body of the mother and baby.

Norm or pathology?

Women notice that the color and consistency of discharge in different periods cycles are different. This is due to the fact that during monthly cycle in their body, the production of various hormones changes.

Because during the gestation period hormonal background the expectant mother also undergoes changes, this also affects the nature of the vaginal secretion.

Discharge from the genital tract during pregnancy performs its functions:

help prevent the development of infections and the growth of pathogenic bacteria to protect the fetus (embryo - on early dates);
and are also responsible for self-cleaning and maintaining normal vaginal moisture.

A small amount of light-colored vaginal discharge with a neutral odor is normal for any woman, whether she is pregnant or not.

During pregnancy, natural secretions increase due to blood flow to the genitals and hormonal changes (what is happening in the mother's body at this time is described in detail in the article 1 trimester of pregnancy >>>);
The smell of discharge during this period may also change somewhat, which does not necessarily indicate any pathology;
The mucous plug on the cervix, which protects the baby from infections, also contributes to an increase in vaginal discharge;
On the later dates pregnant women note abundant clear or whitish discharge. The production of a large amount of lubrication is necessary for the easy sliding of the baby through the birth canal;
White or light beige discharge during pregnancy and slight itching can also be considered normal;
In the early stages, pregnant women are often diagnosed with thrush. Her gynecologists consider her a variant of the norm, often she passes on her own (read the article on the topic: Thrush as a sign of pregnancy >>>).

What should not be discharge during pregnancy, which is a cause for concern?

Discharge with a sharp specific odor, accompanied by discomfort and redness of the genital mucosa;
Foamy, watery discharge, as well as thick discharge in the form of flakes;
Discharge of gray, green or yellow hues with blood clots;
Allocations with an admixture of pus, with a volume of more than 1 teaspoon per day.

Light discharge during pregnancy

Light, clear discharge supports the natural microflora of the vagina during pregnancy and should not cause concern.

They can be quite abundant, which is associated with an increase in secretory function during gestation;
Intense clear discharge may also indicate an allergic reaction to intimate hygiene products, panty liners or synthetic underwear;

After all, the body of a pregnant woman is very sensitive and can react differently to all sorts of stimuli.

Important! Carefully monitor the nature of light discharge in order to detect changes in time (a different color, smell, consistency) and inform the doctor about your observations.

1 to 2 weeks after conception, a woman may find slight brownish spotting when the fetal egg is implanted into the uterine wall. They have a single character and do not affect the general well-being.

This is either a threatened miscarriage, or an ectopic pregnancy, and sometimes placental abruption.

In the last stages of pregnancy, brown discharge may be a sign of beginning labor, namely, the discharge of the mucous plug.

We analyze all the signs of an approaching birth and how to behave at each stage within the framework of the online course Easy childbirth: how to give birth without breaks and protect the baby from birth trauma >>>

Green discharge during pregnancy

The cause of green vaginal discharge during pregnancy is most often bacterial infections and sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia, gonorrhea);
They may also indicate a threat of miscarriage and missed abortion or intrauterine infection of the fetus;
In the later stages, green discharge indicates inflammation of the membranes;
Leaking water of a greenish tint indicates that the baby is lacking oxygen (read the article Signs of leakage of amniotic fluid >>>).

Important! The green color of the discharge is always associated with pathology and requires medical intervention.

Bloody discharge during pregnancy

abdominal pain and bloody issues during early pregnancy are often a threat of miscarriage;
They may also indicate ectopic pregnancy;
The reasons for such discharge include missed pregnancy, various infections and hormonal changes;
A cystic drift can be diagnosed when an abnormal growth of the placenta is observed, which is dangerous for the baby;

Know! However, if a little secret is released, there are no blood clots in it and the woman does not experience discomfort, this phenomenon can be considered physiological.

This is due to the fact that in the first months of pregnancy, the epithelium of the neck of the T-shirt loosens, the blood supply to the genital organs increases, and therefore vaginal discharge mixed with blood may occur.

Physicians consider a small translucent spotting after sexual contact or a gynecological examination as a variant of the norm;
Bloody discharge often appears in expectant mothers with erosion, which indicates damage to the vessels of the cervix;
In rare cases, in the first few months after conception, perfectly healthy pregnant women may continue to menstruate (read more about this in the article Can I have periods during pregnancy?>>>).

Important! If the color of the discharge becomes saturated red or bright scarlet, their intensity increases, immediately seek medical help.

yellow discharge during pregnancy

Yellow discharge during pregnancy is the result of hormonal changes, stress or allergic reactions (more about allergies during pregnancy >>>);
There is no reason for concern if the discharge is light yellow, the woman does not experience discomfort and there is no pungent odor;
If yellow discharge is accompanied by pain in the abdomen, looks like pus and there are other unpleasant symptoms, you should immediately seek help from a specialist: inflammation in the ovaries or fallopian tubes is not excluded.

White discharge during pregnancy

White (light milky) discharge during pregnancy with a thick consistency is associated with increased production of progesterone or estrogen.

In this regard, leucorrhea is often regarded as the onset of conception. Also, gynecologists associate such discharge with the female cycle, which corresponds to the critical days until the moment of conception;
Beli should not be plentiful and be accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen and itching;
If the discharge acquires a curdled character with a sour smell, this is the first sign of thrush, which often attacks pregnant women against the background of a decrease in immunity.

If the thrush does not go away on its own after a while, it is important to treat it. During childbirth, the likelihood of a fungal infection entering the baby's mouth increases, which will make breastfeeding problematic.

The smell of secretions

A pronounced, pungent odor of vaginal discharge does not always indicate a pathology in the genitourinary system.

The blame for everything can be: a hormonal storm, changes in metabolic processes and a decrease in immunity in the female body;
The reason can also be: violation of intimate hygiene or improperly selected care products (during pregnancy, fragrances in hygienic cosmetics should be avoided and products with the most natural composition should be chosen);
It should not be forgotten that the sense of smell of a woman “in an interesting position” is enhanced and a pregnant woman may perceive smells differently. It is important that, in addition to the smell, there are no other warning signs, such as itching and irritation;
Discharges that have a sour and characteristic "fishy" odor indicate fungal and bacterial infections.

Features of discharge by trimester

1 trimester

In the first trimester, almost all women experience vaginal discharge of varying intensity. By the color of the discharge during pregnancy in the early stages, it is determined whether everything is in order with the health of the mother and whether there is a threat of miscarriage.

Know! In many developed countries, it is not customary to keep a pregnancy up to 12 weeks. Spontaneous interruption in the early stages is regarded as the non-viability of the fetus and various anomalies in its development.

In Russia, by contrast, women with discharge during pregnancy in the first trimester are carefully observed and, if necessary, hospitalized.

Usually, expectant mothers are diagnosed with a low attachment of the placenta to the uterus or a lack of progesterone, an important hormone responsible for bearing a fetus. These factors can provoke vaginal discharge with blood.

To prevent bleeding, women are prescribed bed rest.

At the beginning of pregnancy, when all the organs and systems of the child are formed, expectant mothers are advised to carefully observe personal hygiene and not lift weights.

2nd and 3rd trimesters

Some women experience discharge during pregnancy only in the second trimester, so they start to panic.

But, if the discharge does not cause discomfort, does not smell, has a whitish tint - there is no reason to worry. Even if they are quite plentiful and still have a sour smell. This phenomenon is physiological and is associated with increased production of progesterone.

Discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester can be moderate and abundant, clear or white;
Yellow discharge in the later stages may indicate urinary incontinence: some pregnant women may experience this;
In the third trimester, the discharge becomes thick. If their intensity increases, mucus appears with streaks of blood - this indicates that the cork has come off and you can wait for the onset of labor.

Attention! Pay special attention to pale pink and purple-red discharge during pregnancy, regardless of the trimester. It is they who pose the greatest danger and are the reason for visiting a gynecologist.

Responsibility for your own health and the health of the unborn child lies entirely with you. Be attentive to yourself, do not overload yourself.

In case of doubts or complaints, consult a doctor.

Calmly and without fear, you should treat the discharge during pregnancy in the early stages. The increase in the volume of secretion during childbearing is associated with a change in blood circulation in the uterus. The secreted mucus should be clear, viscous and odorless. If the color and texture do not correspond to the norm, there is a possibility of developing serious diseases. Most of them are dangerous, so a woman must correctly assess the changes taking place in the body and understand the difference between normal and pathological whites.

Some diseases during childbearing are secretive, and the only sign of existing problems may be vaginal discharge at the beginning of pregnancy. Transparency and lack of smell are the main indicators of the norm. In cases where the color, volume, structure and nature of the mucus change, consult a doctor.

The help of specialists is also necessary in the absence of discharge during pregnancy in the early stages. The uterus and vaginal mucosa need constant hydration and protection. With insufficient mucus production, this process is disrupted. Infections freely penetrate the genital organs, which negatively affects the development of the fetus.

Physiological

In the first trimester, progesterone affects all processes in the body of a pregnant woman. The active production of this hormone is reflected in the nature and structure of the secreted mucus. It has a curdled consistency, white color and no smell.

The abundance of discharge at the beginning of pregnancy is high, since a thick mucous plug forms in the cervical canal during this period. It is formed in the first month after conception and serves as a protective barrier against the penetration of harmful bacteria and infectious agents throughout pregnancy.

As the influence of progesterone weakens and the activity of the hormone estrogen gradually increases, the mucus thins and acquires a more liquid consistency. The color of the discharge in pregnant women in the early stages is either absent or varies from white to milky. If the phenomena do not cause discomfort and the tests are normal, the woman may not worry about her condition.

Short-term brown or discharge in the first days after conception is also considered a physiological norm. Gynecologists call this condition implantation bleeding. After the fertilized egg is introduced into the wall of the uterus, it deepens in the epithelial cells in order to securely gain a foothold. This is accompanied by microscopic damage to blood vessels. Minor bleeding occurs, which should stop after a few days.

Pathological

Particular attention is required to highlight the first days of pregnancy. The body gets used to the new state and perceives the fetus as a foreign body. Natural mechanisms suppress a woman's immunity, which causes frequent colds and the development of inflammation in the genital organs. You can learn about infection by the symptoms characteristic of this condition, such as:

change in the nature of discharge in the first trimester of pregnancy;
itching and burning;
pain during intercourse;
swelling and redness of the external genitalia.

Some diseases are latent and asymptomatic. A woman can learn about health problems by the changed nature and color of the vaginal secretion. This can happen at any time, so you need to constantly monitor the excreted mucus and inform the doctor about any changes.

White

White discharge during pregnancy is observed at all stages and is rarely pathological. Without smell, color and additional symptoms, they are not dangerous, but in cases where, in parallel with the appearance of flocculent discharge, a woman detects a sour smell and feels itchy in the genitals, medical attention will be required. Most often these are signs of candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis.

An exacerbation of thrush during pregnancy is the body's reaction to a weakened immune system. Pathogenic microflora begins to multiply uncontrollably and leads to candidiasis. Vaginal bacteriosis also develops due to a decrease in immune defense and can be triggered by hormonal disruptions.

Regardless of the causes of the development of the disease, the risk of miscarriage and premature birth increases. In order to avoid complications, it is desirable to undergo an examination and stop the progression of the pathology at the initial stage.

Red

Such secretions are among the most dangerous in early pregnancy, especially when there are lumps and clots in the secret. Such manifestations can be triggered by an ectopic pregnancy, cervical erosion, the presence of a malignant tumor, or the development of a mole. There are a lot of reasons, the most harmless include late menstruation.

The growth of the pregnancy hormone in the body is observed only after the attachment of the fetal egg to the wall of the uterus. This usually happens in the first days after conception. Sometimes the embryo joins the uterine surface at the end of the cycle, and the hormone that suppresses menstruation simply does not have time to develop in sufficient quantities. The woman begins minor and short-term bleeding. For bearing a child, they are not dangerous, but for the sake of your own peace of mind, it is better to tell the doctor about everything and do an ultrasound.

Red discharge is observed in women with fibroids detected before pregnancy and in the presence of cystic formations. Everything related to tumor conditions should be strictly controlled by a doctor.

The most dangerous thing that can happen is the necrosis of the tissues of the neoplasm. In such cases, miscarriage is inevitable. In the later stages, doctors save the baby and mother, but often the uterus is removed after childbirth. There are a lot of examples of a successful outcome of pregnancy with fibroids. If the diagnosis has already been made and pregnancy has occurred, the woman should monitor her health and respond to any manifestations of discomfort and changes in the nature of the secret.

Another cause of red discharge is the exfoliation of the fetal egg. This condition is considered a sign of a threatened miscarriage. In the early stages, the appearance of bloody mucus is accompanied by discomfort in the lower abdomen, in the later stages, the pain is stronger and looks like contractions.

Even with the meager nature of red discharge, a woman needs to seek medical help. With the timely intervention of doctors, the loss of a child can be prevented.

The appearance of bleeding after the 28th week of pregnancy is referred to as prenatal complications. Red discharge can be caused by rejection or malposition of the placenta when the entrance to the cervix is blocked. The abnormal state of the embryonic organ provokes an increase in blood pressure, which leads to the appearance of a red smearing secret.

Brown

In the first month of pregnancy, scanty brown discharge is not dangerous. Often they are observed during the period of implantation and attachment of the fetal egg, as well as in the later stages, when the mucous plug that covers the cervix throughout the pregnancy departs. In other cases, the appearance of brown mucus is attributed to pathological conditions. Sometimes they are accompanied by pain, bad breath, frequent urination and irritation in the genitals. All these are signs of infection and inflammatory processes that have begun in the body.

Unfortunately, very often such discharges are found when it is no longer possible to save the pregnancy. This occurs with the development of a genetic anomaly called "cystic drift", ectopic and missed pregnancy.

Too dark discharge, similar to black, characterizes ectopic and uterine bleeding.

Less dangerous and correctable conditions include brown discharge in early pregnancy, provoked by hormonal disorders and diagnosed cervical erosion. In such cases, doctors help a woman to keep and give birth to a healthy child.

Green or yellow

The most harmless reason for the appearance of yellow can be external irritants. Elementary uncleanliness and non-compliance with intimate hygiene contribute to the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria, which contributes to the formation of yellow-green mucus.

The secretion of this color may indicate an exacerbation of inflammatory processes in the urogenital area. As a rule, mucus has an unpleasant odor and is accompanied by burning and itching in the genitals.

Also, the causes of greenish discharge or are diseases caused by nonspecific bacteria (staphylococci and E. coli), and genital infections (chlamydia, gonorrhea, ureaplasmosis). The symptoms of these pathologies are largely similar. In addition to the atypical secret, women experience itching, pain in the lower abdomen, and problems with urination.

If you find any of these signs, consult your doctor. Complex diseases, accompanied by yellow-green discharge, can provoke a miscarriage at any time, so it is necessary to be treated immediately after the detection of harmful microorganisms.

Cream

Abundant may be a sign of developing thrush, but in most cases, such a secret is associated with the formation of an ectopic pregnancy, when the fetal egg is attached outside the uterus. The abnormal location of the embryo is accompanied by severe pain and requires surgical intervention.

When to see a gynecologist

To determine the color of the discharge, women are advised to use panty liners. All changes will be visible. Always pay attention to the duration, consistency, volume of mucus and the presence of pain.

Any new symptom and deterioration in well-being should alert. Do not wait for everything to work out and try to solve problems on your own. With the development of pathology during the bearing of a child, self-medication is ineffective and unsafe. Many drugs are contraindicated for pregnant women, and folk remedies, if handled ineptly, can only do harm.

Advanced stages of diseases are more difficult to treat, so if you find the first suspicious symptoms and discharge, contact women's consultation or call an ambulance.

Do not postpone a meeting with a gynecologist when you are worried about severe pain, itching, burning and other uncomfortable sensations. The doctor should be aware of such conditions. This will help to establish an accurate diagnosis and start treatment in a timely manner.

Diagnostics

Most of the diseases accompanied by vaginal discharge can be treated. Early diagnosis increases the chances of successfully solving the health problems of the expectant mother and prevents pregnancy loss.

Before starting treatment, the doctor examines the symptoms and prescribes a diagnostic examination, which includes urine and blood tests, ultrasound, and a microflora smear. The number of laboratory tests is determined by the gynecologist. After the cause of the disease is clarified, the specialist determines the type of pathogen, the degree of neglect of the pathology and prescribes the appropriate treatment.

From the moment of conception of a child, a woman begins to carefully monitor her health and any incomprehensible changes in the body become a matter of concern. This is especially true for vaginal whites. A woman may notice they pose a threat to the fetus, depending on the term.

Any deviations from the norm should force a pregnant lady to consult a gynecologist. After all, even minor changes in the color and consistency of whiter can talk about pathological processes in the body. If the vaginal discharge becomes brown or beige, and there are streaks of blood in the consistency, then in such a situation, the preservation of the pregnancy in a medical institution is required.

A woman should know what are the dangers of brown discharge The health of the future baby depends on this knowledge. Dark blood clots from the vagina appear after the detachment of the fetal egg, an involuntary miscarriage occurs. Such leucorrhoea often means an ectopic pregnancy, when a woman is not even aware of the conception of a child. At the same time, a small amount of smearing brown discharge will soon be replaced by heavy bleeding.

Immediately after the conception of a child in the body of a woman, many mechanisms are launched, the action of which is aimed at maintaining the fetus until the moment of birth. Under the influence of various factors, the work of these mechanisms is disrupted, there is a threat of miscarriage. During, the danger is abundant bloody mucus. Her intensity increases every hour and turns into full-fledged bleeding. The woman feels pain in the abdomen. In such a situation, timely access to medical professionals increases the chance of saving the fetus.

But in rare cases brown discharge with blood are a symptom of a very rare and severe pathology - Cystic drift. This disease affects the fetal egg when, at conception, double cells of the father are formed in it. And maternal ones are completely absent, or their number is insignificant. With such a pathology, a woman will have to undergo a vacuum aspiration procedure.

Appearance greenish discharge in the first trimester may indicate the presence infectious diseases. Women may notice the bubbling nature of the vaginal mucus, its color is green or bright yellow. This picture is typical for sexually transmitted diseases, and the yellow color of the mucus is the accumulated pus.

In the early stages infections from the female genital tract are easily transmitted to the fetus. After all, the placenta, which protects the embryo, is finally formed only by the 4th month of an interesting position. Treatment is necessary, but it is hampered by the fact that in the first 3 months, taking medication is highly undesirable.

The above discharge is dangerous in the second trimester of pregnancy. So, yellow discharge, accompanied by painful urination, indicate an inflammatory process in the genitourinary system. A woman can develop urinary incontinence, which not only causes discomfort, but also threatens her overall health.

The appearance of blood from the vagina in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, even if the intensity of the discharge is insignificant, in most cases means placental abruption. Or excessive growth of placental tissue. The same reasons cause discharge Pink colour. It is recommended that a woman immediately visit a gynecologist to identify pathology, otherwise the pregnancy will not work.

Discharge during pregnancy beige color is considered to be harmless. They appear against the background of insufficient levels of progesterone in the body. But the cause of the imbalance of hormones can be serious diseases. Therefore, in any case, it is necessary to try to replenish the required amount of progesterone to exclude violations in the future.

When a woman sees on underwear white discharge curdled nature, and her external genitals itch unbearably, then you should be examined for the presence of Candidiasis. "Thrush" in the last months of pregnancy threatens intrauterine infection of the fetus. Also, infection with candidiasis can occur during the passage of the child's genital tract during childbirth. This leads to pathological disorders in the development of the fetus. In pregnant women, the disease is much more common.

Causes of candidiasis:

Due to the increase in the amount of female hormones, the microflora of the vagina changes. Ideal conditions are created for the rapid reproduction of yeast-like fungi.
The body of a woman gives a lot of strength to the formation and maintenance of the fetus. Immunity is reduced.
The bulk of vitamins entering the body with food is transferred to the fetus. In a woman who does not take pharmacies vitamin complex there is a shortage of them.
The presence of chronic diseases of the genitourinary system and the gastrointestinal tract.
Improper nutrition leads to a change in the microflora of the vagina.
Poor hygiene of the genitals.

The disease must be carried out before childbirth. Moreover, pharmacology offers safe drugs for pregnant women. Usually these are external agents - vaginal suppositories, ointments and creams. The most effective in the treatment of candidiasis in the third trimester are the drugs Clotrimazole and Miconazole. They have few side effects, and getting rid of the "thrush" occurs in a matter of days.

In the process of treatment, it is important to normalize the microflora of the vagina, follow a certain diet and try to carry out vitamin therapy.

In the 3rd trimester, pink discharge may appear. Is discharge dangerous during pregnancy? this color? If they appeared before the expected date of birth, then you should not worry. You should prepare for the arrival of the baby in the coming days. Pink discharge at this time makes it clear to the woman that the cork has come off and it's time to go to the hospital. But if pinkish mucus is observed before the 36th week of pregnancy, then there is a possibility of premature rupture of the fetal membrane. When amniotic fluid leaks, a woman needs hospitalization to prolong pregnancy for at least a few days. This will increase the chance of the baby's lungs fully expanding before delivery.

Throughout pregnancy, the nature of vaginal discharge is constantly changing. This is due to the restructuring of the female body regarding the hormonal background. With an increase in the level of progesterone, the mucus from the vagina becomes thick and viscous, its transparency is lost. During the formation of the placenta, a woman may notice the meager nature of vaginal discharge. The fact is that a plug is created from the mucus that protects the fetus from infections.

Discharge rate:

without smell;
color - transparent or with a whitish tint;
lack of itching and pain in the perineum.

Starting from the 13th week of pregnancy, the discharge should normally be plentiful, without a pungent odor and a pronounced color. Colorless mucus is formed in large quantities due to increased secretion activity of the vagina and cervix. The abundance of secretions allows you to keep the vaginal microflora in a normal state, retain pathogenic microbes and protect the genitals from infection.

Before conceiving a child, a woman needs to be examined, and if any gynecological diseases are detected, pregnancy planning should be postponed until complete recovery. After all, many diseases that are manifested by uncharacteristic vaginal discharge can seriously affect the condition of the mother and harm the unborn child.

And now you understand what dangerous discharge during pregnancy, the photo helped? Leave your opinion or feedback on the forum.

At the beginning of pregnancy, almost any woman notices discharge, as they are the result of hormonal and physiological changes in the body. The body of the expectant mother adapts to the new position and begins to work differently to provide the fetus with everything necessary, because of this the immune system becomes more vulnerable. What discharge in the early stages should not cause concern and when should you see a doctor?

The vaginal secret protects the mucosa and pelvic organs from infections and damage. It consists of the mucus that the cervix produces, the secretions of the sex glands, and desquamated epithelial cells. The "formula" of the vaginal secretion also includes microorganisms, in particular lactic acid bacteria. They perform a protective function and in the absence of health problems are characterized by low activity. Thanks to the secret, the genital tract has the ability to cleanse and bring out opportunistic pathogens, and the environment in them is maintained in a favorable state.

During the menstrual cycle, 3 phases change, each of which is characterized by a certain physiology and hormonal background. The latter also affects the state of the vaginal secretion. So, at the beginning of the cycle, while the dominant follicle with the egg matures in the ovaries, the functional layer - the endometrium - is rejected from the walls of the uterus, because of this menstrual flow occurs. Immediately after the end of this process, the endometrium begins to grow again, preparing to "accept" the fertilized egg. This process takes place under the influence of estrogen. It also makes the vaginal secret more liquid - in such an environment it will be easier for sperm to pass through the cervical canal. By the way, on the eve of ovulation, women who closely monitor changes in their body may notice liquid and even watery discharge.

What happens at the very beginning of pregnancy?

After ovulation, progesterone comes into play. Its level will increase during pregnancy, and one of the consequences will be an increase in the density of the vaginal secretion - thick mucus will better protect the uterus from infections. It is this pattern that determines which discharge during early pregnancy will be “safe”.

What discharge in pregnant women in the early stages is considered normal?

On the eve of ovulation, preceding conception, the vaginal secretion liquefies, on the days of ovulation, due to the activation of progesterone, the discharge becomes gel-like, and if the egg and sperm do not meet, the secret liquefies again due to estrogen. If there was a fact of conception, then under the influence of a growing concentration of progesterone, the vaginal secret will retain a dense consistency.

Norm

Normal discharge in early pregnancy is clear and moderately thick. They may become more abundant compared to previous cycles without conception, and such a change is not considered pathological. The main thing is to make sure that the discharge does not have an unpleasant pungent odor, there are no inclusions in it. "Side" symptoms such as dryness, burning or discomfort in the intimate area should also not be - such signs indicate the addition of an infection or the risk of developing inflammatory diseases.

Colorless discharge and leucorrhea without clots is the norm

Color

White discharge in early pregnancy is considered a normal variant if it has a uniform consistency without clots, and resembles egg white in texture. A change in color from clear to whitish or milky white may be due to the onset of a mucous plug that will protect the fetus from infections and bacteria over the following months. You also need to consider that due to hormonal changes and increased activity of the functional layer of the uterus, the vaginal secret can also become more cloudy. Determining and accurately describing the exact color of vaginal secretion can be difficult, and for many whitish discharge during pregnancy appears light gray. In the absence of signs of irritation of the mucous membrane, it is not necessary to be afraid of such secretions.

implantation bleeding

Blood on underwear or panty liners after conception is an alarming symptom, but a small discharge in early pregnancy with streaks in the first two weeks may well be a manifestation of the so-called implantation bleeding. Its cause is the introduction of the fetal egg into the endometrium. This usually happens in the second half of the cycle, 3-7 days after ovulation, when the fertilized egg, having made its way through the fallopian tube, reaches the uterine cavity and is fixed in it. In the process of chorionic villi, the eggs covering the outer shell penetrate into the mucous lining the uterine cavity. It, in turn, is corroded by special enzymes that are produced by the shell of the embryo.

When does implantation bleeding occur?

All this can lead to minor and harmless damage to the capillaries of the uterine wall. As a result, yellow-brown or pale pink discharge appears in early pregnancy. They are very scarce, smearing, persist for several hours or a maximum of 2 days. Future mom, who does not know about her interesting position, may take them for the onset of menstruation earlier than the expected date, especially since implantation may be accompanied by a slight tension of the uterus and tingling in the lower abdomen. Similar symptoms, characteristic of implantation bleeding, are noted by about 30% of women, and they occur with a standard menstrual cycle lasting 28-30 days on the 24th day.

No discharge during early pregnancy

Allocations at an early stage of pregnancy before the delay may be absent. The fact is that each organism is unique and reacts in its own way to the changes taking place in it. Not always implantation and the first days of intrauterine development of the embryo will be accompanied by abundant and thick vaginal secretions, a similar sign may well remind you of itself in other weeks of the first trimester.

It can be extremely difficult for a woman for whom pregnancy is her first to figure out what is happening with her body and what variables are considered normal. If any discharge at the beginning of pregnancy is in doubt or concern, you should seek the advice of a doctor. Such a measure, firstly, will eliminate any risks, and secondly, communication with a specialist will reassure the expectant mother.

In the first weeks of pregnancy, discharge may not be

Discharge during early pregnancy: when to see a doctor

In the first trimester, a woman's body experiences real stress. The invading embryo, in which half of the genes are foreign, is perceived by the body as a threat. It begins to attack him with antibodies, but the activity of aggressive immunity from the moment of conception is suppressed by progesterone. This hormone "works" to maintain pregnancy. As a result, a decrease in the body's defenses and a greater susceptibility to inflammation, infections and pathogenic bacteria. Such diseases have characteristic symptoms and in the vast majority of cases their development is accompanied by changes in the vaginal secretion. So, what discharge in early pregnancy can be considered an alarming sign?

Thrush

Curd discharge during early pregnancy is a sign of thrush. This disease, which is also called urogenital candidiasis, develops due to excessive activity of fungi of the genus candida. Most often, its cause is immunosuppression and weakening of the body. Increase the likelihood of the initial appearance or recurrence of such a disease such factors as:

medication, such as antibiotics, glucocorticoid hormones, and immunosuppressants;
non-compliance with basic standards of personal hygiene;
unbalanced diet with excess sugar and fast carbohydrates;
chronic diseases like diabetes;
problems with the work of the gastrointestinal tract: constipation, hemorrhoids, microflora disorders;
Iron-deficiency anemia.

Thrush in the first trimester should be treated as early as possible

In addition, under the influence of progesterone, the vaginal secretion becomes more acidic, the mucous membranes of the pelvic organs soften, and their blood supply increases. All this makes the conditions for the development of thrush almost ideal.

Curdled discharge during early pregnancy should not be ignored. The sooner the treatment of thrush begins, the faster its unpleasant symptoms will pass - itching, burning and severe discomfort. With timely therapy, such a disease is not dangerous, but if it is “launched”, the risks of delayed complications increase during the period of bearing a child, natural childbirth and caesarean section. In addition, the mucous membrane affected by the fungus becomes more vulnerable to infections, which in turn can become a direct threat to the child.

Yellow highlights

Yellow discharge during early pregnancy most often accompanies reproductive system problems such as inflammation and infection. They are a typical symptom of chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, cytomegalovirus and other bacterial lesions. All these diseases are especially dangerous during exacerbation or primary accession in the first trimester, when all organs and systems of the child are laid, and there is still no placenta protecting it.

Yellow discharge with an unpleasant odor - a sign of infection

Yellowish discharge can be seen with the development of "pre-pregnant" diseases that have been activated due to immune suppression, as well as with bacterial vaginosis, allergies to panty liners, synthetic underwear or personal hygiene products. Such changes in the color of the hormonal secret, especially if they are accompanied by the appearance of a sharp unpleasant odor, itching or painful sensations, are a reason for an immediate visit to the doctor. Only a specialist can conduct a high-quality diagnosis and prescribe treatment that will minimize the risks for the baby and mother.

Green and frothy discharge

Greenish discharge at the beginning of pregnancy, which can be joined by foamy or purulent inclusions, indicates the addition of trichomoniasis. Pathological leucorrhea in this case is accompanied by severe itching and even painful sensations, the vaginal secret has a sharp and strong odor. Under normal conditions, this disease is quickly treated with pharmaceuticals, but the main problem is that many drugs are toxic to the fetus. Only a doctor can prescribe the correct treatment. It is necessary to seek help if such a symptom appears as soon as possible: trichomoniasis in the first trimester can provoke an abortion.

When urgent medical attention is needed

In the first trimester, pregnancy is very "fragile" and sensitive to a huge amount external factors. Wrong lifestyle and bad habits, excessive physical activity, severe stress, infections and high temperature - these and dozens of other factors provoke threats to the development and life of the fetus. The most dangerous discharge at the beginning of pregnancy is bloody.

Scanty brown discharge in early pregnancy

A brown "daub" a week before the expected date of the onset of menstruation may be implantation bleeding. If brown discharge during pregnancy appears after the 5-6th week, you need to urgently call a doctor or go to the hospital: it is this symptom that accompanies the detachment of the fetal egg. A similar condition can develop due to problems with the endometrium, adhesions and scars inside the uterus, inflammation or neoplasms. Detachment can lead to miscarriage, in some circumstances - at the most early stages, it can be stopped. But this requires hospital treatment and continuous medical supervision. "Safe" brown discharge may occur due to irritation of the sensitive cervix or after sexual intercourse. In any case, such a symptom should not be ignored.

Bloody discharge is a dangerous symptom

Blood on the linen or daily pad of a woman “in position” is always an alarming sign and a reason for emergency hospitalization. Scarlet, dark red and even black discharge during early pregnancy may accompany:

detachment of the fetal egg;
fading of embryo development due to hormonal, chromosomal and mechanical factors;
an ectopic pregnancy, when the embryo implants in the fallopian tubes, the rudimentary horn of the uterus, or the ovary.

If red discharge appears at any stage of pregnancy, if there is pain in the lower abdomen, weakness and in the absence of any associated symptoms, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.

With some of the changes that occur during pregnancy, a woman encounters for the first time. After all, those who have not previously been in such a state cannot assess how true certain phenomena are. Therefore, the question of what should be the discharge during pregnancy and why deviations from the norm appear is of great relevance. But in order to get an exhaustive answer on medical topics, it is always better to consult a doctor.

Norm during pregnancy

It is known that the body of a woman begins to rebuild immediately after the conception of a child. The secret secreted by the glandular cells of the genital tract also changes. The concentration of progesterone, the main protector of pregnancy, increases in the blood. It is produced by the corpus luteum of the ovary under the influence of pituitary regulators (lutropin), and then by chorionic gonadotropin produced by the placenta. Under its influence, there are secretions of a thick consistency, vitreous or whitish.

Gradually, the level of estrogens increases in the body, stimulating the growth of the uterus and the development of the mammary glands. Starting from the second trimester, the nature of the discharge also changes. They become more liquid and plentiful, retaining transparency or a somewhat whitish color. Immediately before childbirth, their volume can increase dramatically - this is the mucous plug from the cervix.

Regardless of the gestational age, physiological discharge from a woman in position is called leucorrhoea. They are mucous in nature and should not have an extraneous odor or pathological inclusions. Moreover, the woman will feel good, because whites do not provoke any unpleasant symptoms. Such manifestations during pregnancy are considered normal and should not cause alarm in the expectant mother.

If a woman does not know what discharge occurs during pregnancy, then she needs to consult a doctor. The specialist will dispel all fears and confirm the physiological processes.

Reasons for deviations

Having dealt with the question of whether there are discharges in pregnant women and which of them are considered the norm at various times, you need to start considering situations with deviations. The causes of violations of natural processes are most often inflammatory diseases of the gynecological sphere, but other conditions may also occur, including obstetric pathology. As a rule, you have to think about such violations:

Colpitis.
Dysbiosis of the vagina.
Thrush.
Cervical erosion.
Spontaneous abortion.
Ectopic (ectopic) pregnancy.
Placenta previa.

The spectrum of pathology is quite diverse, so careful differential diagnosis is required. Of particular danger are cases in which real threat for the fetus and the woman herself. Accordingly, they should be given more attention.

Symptoms

What kind of discharge during pregnancy, in addition to physiological, may appear depends on the nature of the pathology - gynecological or obstetric. Therefore, the first stage of the diagnostic process necessarily includes a survey and physical examination. And if at the time of the medical consultation there are no discharges, then their nature will have to be judged only from the anamnestic data provided by the woman. So, you need to find out the following features:

Color.
Smell.
Volume.
consistency.
Appearance time.

Every moment can be important for diagnosis. For example, even information alone about the color of the discharge during pregnancy in a particular woman will suggest a probable cause. And during a gynecological examination, it is possible to identify additional signs that help the doctor make his conclusion.

Colpitis

Vaginal infection is the most common cause discharge during pregnancy. This gynecological pathology is caused by various pathogens: both ordinary staphylococci or E. coli, and specific microbes - gonococcus, trichomonas, chlamydia. The discharge that can occur during pregnancy also depends on the type of infectious agent:

With gonorrhea - thick, greenish-yellow, with a purulent sweetish odor.
With trichomoniasis - liquid, abundant and foamy, greenish in color.
With chlamydia - scanty and watery, transparent and odorless.

When examining the vagina, redness of the mucous membrane, its vulnerability, is revealed. And the woman feels a burning sensation, itching in intimate place, discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse, cramps during urination. Some infections, such as chlamydia, are completely asymptomatic or have a very blurred clinical picture, which makes it difficult to identify them. And the spread of the pathological process upwards can cause infection of the fetus.

Pathological discharge often indicates a genital tract infection, which creates additional risks during pregnancy.

Dysbiosis of the vagina

When the natural balance of the vaginal microflora is disturbed, bacterial vaginosis (dysbiosis) develops. It is characterized by a decrease in lactobacilli and bifidobacilli, in place of which other microbes develop. Most often we are talking about the colonization of the vagina by gardnerella. Because of this, whitish or gray discharge occurs during pregnancy, which has a creamy consistency and an unpleasant smell of fish. Most often they increase after sexual intercourse. There are no other signs indicating the development of infection.

Thrush

Many women have most likely already had an unpleasant experience with thrush. Scientifically, this is called vaginal candidiasis and can be considered a fairly mild pathology. Whitish curd-like deposits appear on the mucous membrane. Thrush often causes sour-smelling discharge during pregnancy. And among the additional signs can be noted:

Redness of the mucous membrane of the vagina.
Feeling of dryness, itching and burning.
Discomfort during sexual contact.
Pain when urinating.

Almost the only symptom may be itching in the vagina, which does not subside even at night, provoking insomnia and emotional disorders of the pregnant woman.

Cervical erosion

Normal discharge during cervical erosion may acquire a brownish tint. Most often this occurs during sexual contact or after it, when the mucous membrane is traumatized. The woman then feels discomfort and even slight pulling pains in the lower abdomen. But such clinical picture observed quite rarely - most often erosion is asymptomatic, being detected only during a gynecological examination as a defect in the epithelium on the cervix.

obstetric pathology

The highest risk is spotting during pregnancy. Very often they are a sign of obstetric pathology, complicating any period of bearing a child. In the early stages, we are talking about spontaneous abortion or ectopic pregnancy, and in the second or third trimester - about placenta previa. Miscarriage or miscarriage is suggested by the following symptoms:

Cramping or pulling pains in the lower abdomen, radiating to the sacral region.
Bloody secretions.
Pressure on bladder and rectum.

Similar signs are also observed in a disturbed ectopic pregnancy, but in this case everything is much more acute. If there is a rupture of the tube, then there are symptoms of an acute abdomen and internal bleeding. The condition of a woman in the absence of assistance progressively worsens, as everything goes to hemorrhagic shock and peritonitis.

Premature abruption of the placenta is characterized by scanty reddish discharge, local pain in the abdomen and deterioration of the fetus. If the process did not start from the edge of the organ, but in its center, then blood can accumulate in the resulting cavity and seep into the wall of the uterus. This creates the risk of coagulopathy complications. And with detachment of more than half of the placenta, fetal death is observed.

Obstetric pathology is of the greatest relevance during pregnancy, because it is often associated with dangerous complications.

Additional diagnostics

To understand the cause of purulent, bloody or acidic discharge during pregnancy, more research is needed. The doctor will prescribe to the woman some laboratory and instrumental tests to determine the nature of the pathology and determine the degree of its danger. Based on the preliminary diagnosis, the following procedures may be needed:

General blood and urine tests.
Blood biochemistry (antibodies to infections, hormones, coagulogram, etc.).
Analysis of secretions (microscopic, bacteriological, PCR).
Pap smear from the cervix for cytology.
Colposcopy.
Ultrasound of the small pelvis (uterus with appendages, placenta, fetus).

The results of an additional examination will make it possible to put an end to the question of whether there can be discharge during the bearing of a child, which is considered the norm and pathology. Having found out the cause of the deviations, the doctor immediately proceeds to the appropriate correction. And women with a physiological course of pregnancy certainly should not worry, but it is better to follow preventive recommendations.