White discharge in the 3rd trimester. Possible discharge during pregnancy

Throughout pregnancy, the nature of vaginal discharge changes somewhat, which is associated with hormonal changes in the woman’s body. In the third trimester, preparations for the upcoming birth are in full swing, which has a direct impact on all physiological functions. At this time, the nature of vaginal discharge may change, but it may also remain at the same level - it all depends on the individual characteristics of the female body.

information The expectant mother needs to know what symptoms may indicate the development of an infection or the occurrence of a possible pathology, and in which cases they are completely natural.

Characteristics of normal discharge

During late pregnancy, discharge may become more liquid than in previous months, which is associated with an increase in the production of estrogen in the female body. As a result of the influence of these hormones, the permeability of the vaginal walls increases, which leads to an increase in the amount and change in the nature of vaginal secretion.

During the third trimester of pregnancy, discharge is considered normal if:

• are transparent or have a white tint;
• not accompanied by burning, itching, pain in the genital area and other unpleasant symptoms;
• have a uniform consistency without admixtures of thicker particles.

important If there is a change in the nature of normal discharge, especially the appearance of blood, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Types of pathological discharge

During the third trimester of pregnancy, special attention should be paid to the appearance of possible alarming symptoms. Vaginal discharge at this time may indicate the development of pathology if it has the following characteristics:

• White discharge with a heterogeneous cheesy consistency in most cases, indicate the occurrence of candidiasis (thrush). Treatment when such symptoms appear is only under the supervision of a doctor, since some pharmaceutical drugs can harm the health of the unborn baby.
• Mucous discharge of a bright yellow or green hue appear when a bacterial infection occurs. Treatment must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.
• Very liquid consistency vaginal discharge with a simultaneous increase in their quantity may indicate leakage of amniotic fluid. In this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible to undergo an examination and eliminate the causes of this pathology.
• Brown or bloody discharge. If an admixture of blood particles is observed before the expected date of birth, this may indicate the onset of placental abruption or the approach of premature birth. In this case, you must urgently contact a medical facility.

additionally Discharge that turns pink, red, or brown closer to your due date usually occurs as a result of a mucus plug coming out. This means that childbirth is very close, so you should hurry up and pack your things for the maternity hospital.

No discharge

An absolute absence of vaginal discharge during the third trimester of pregnancy practically never occurs, because as a result of hormonal changes in the female body, there is an increase in the production of mucus from the genital organs. However, it is advisable to contact a medical facility even if there is a very meager amount of mucus secreted, because only a doctor can determine whether this symptom is normal or indicates the presence of any undesirable changes in the pregnant woman’s body.

To prevent the development of a bacterial infection and the appearance of unusual discharge, during the third trimester of pregnancy it is recommended:

• give preference to underwear only made from natural materials;
• Use panty liners only when outside the home. At home, the skin should be allowed to “breathe”;
• Avoid using scented sanitary pads - such hygiene products can cause allergies;
• regularly perform hygiene procedures related to keeping the genitals clean.

Closer to the date of expected birth, it is necessary to especially carefully monitor changes in the nature of the discharge, and if blood appears in the mucous secretion, prepare for a trip to the maternity hospital.

By observing the above hygiene rules and being attentive to your own health, the likelihood of having a healthy baby is significantly increased.

The problem of discharge during pregnancy haunts many women. The question of what is normal and what is pathology is relevant for different periods. First of all, expectant mothers worry about the condition of the fetus. And even when the due date approaches, these worries do not subside. What kind of discharge there may be in the third trimester is an important issue that requires consideration.

Physiological changes

Everyone knows that pregnancy is a new state of the body. All systems and processes adapt to it. The main changes affect the hormonal sphere and genitals. After conception, there is a gradual increase in the concentration of progesterone, the main protector of pregnancy. This is necessary to reduce the excitability of the uterus and relax the ligamentous-muscular apparatus of the small pelvis. Under the influence of this hormone, the secretion of the glands of the mucous membrane of the genital tract increases, and as a result, physiological discharge (leucorrhoea).

Progesterone stimulation in the first trimester is accompanied by mucous discharge. They are transparent or whitish, but quite thick. From the second half of pregnancy, the balance of hormones shifts towards estrogens. They are necessary for the growth of the uterus and preparation of the breast for lactation. The secretion of glandular cells becomes more intense, the discharge becomes liquid and more abundant, but other parameters do not change. They can persist until the very end of pregnancy.

Immediately before childbirth, the so-called mucus plug comes out of the cervical canal. In turn, this is accompanied by an increase in the amount of discharge with a pinkish tint. And in the first stage of labor, when the cervix opens and the fetal head begins to move down, amniotic fluid is released. This phenomenon does not go unnoticed, because the volume of discharge immediately becomes 500 ml or more. They become like water and may turn yellowish.

Pathology

Having considered the physiological causes of discharge in the third trimester, one should begin to analyze conditions of pathological origin. They are the main cause of worry for pregnant women and cannot be ignored. When it comes to late pregnancy, it is worth thinking about the following conditions:

• Infections.
• Bacterial vaginosis.
• Placental complications.
• Leakage of amniotic fluid.

Each of these situations must be promptly diagnosed and eliminated, because there is a very real risk to the fetus. Therefore, a woman should pay attention to any symptoms that seem suspicious to her.

Infections

Inflammatory diseases of the genital tract initiated by microbial agents are a very common situation in gynecology. During pregnancy, women are also not immune from this pathology. And the first thing they pay attention to is the change in the nature of the discharge:

1. Colors: cloudy, greenish-yellow, brown, gray.
2. Appearance: foamy, curd-like, creamy.
3. Consistency: liquid or thick.
4. Smell: sour, putrid, “fishy”.

In addition, there are also subjective signs of pathology. Women note the appearance of unpleasant sensations, indicating an infectious process in the urogenital tract. These include:

• Burning, dryness and itching in the vagina.
• Discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.
• Pain when urinating.
• Temperature increase.

On examination, the vaginal mucosa is hyperemic (reddened), swollen, with areas of plaque and contact bleeding. The danger is that the process may spread to the overlying sections with infection of the child. Then at birth he will have certain symptoms: skin rash (vesiculopustulosis), conjunctivitis, rhinitis, vulvovaginitis in girls, etc. There are also more serious consequences of intrauterine damage in the form of meningoencephalitis, pneumonia, enterocolitis, sepsis. Possible slowdown of intrauterine development, premature birth and even fetal death.

Sexually transmitted infections in late pregnancy seem no less dangerous than in women in the first trimester.

Bacterial vaginosis

The nature of the discharge strongly depends on the composition of the microflora in the vagina. And if the natural biocenosis is disrupted, and beneficial lacto- and bifidobacteria are replaced by others (gardnerella, E. coli, fungi), then pathological signs appear. The discharge becomes more abundant, liquid, grayish in color and has an unpleasant odor. They intensify after physical activity or sexual intercourse. But there will be no other symptoms indicating an inflammatory process on the mucous membrane of the genital organs. This is the main difference between bacterial vaginosis and genital infections.

Placental complications

If spotting appears during pregnancy in the third trimester, then it is necessary to exclude placental pathology. We may be talking about premature detachment or presentation. In the first case, the following symptoms appear:

• Local pain at the site of detachment.
• Scanty bleeding from the vagina.
• Protrusion of the uterine wall (not always).
• Deterioration of the fetus' condition.

The situation when more than half of the placenta is detached is extremely unfavorable, since it is characterized by intrauterine death of the child. In other cases, signs of fetal hypoxia will be observed. If the process follows a central type, that is, detachment occurs in the middle of the placenta, then the blood is not released out, but can permeate the wall of the uterus. This is fraught with other complications - consumption coagulopathy or DIC syndrome.

Placenta previa is immediately manifested by massive bleeding that begins when the cervix is ​​opened or during some diagnostic procedures. In this case, the cervical canal is completely or partially blocked. The baby cannot be born on its own, and the bleeding cannot be stopped by anything other than surgery.

Placental complications are a dangerous obstetric pathology in late pregnancy, creating risks for the child and the expectant mother.

Leakage of amniotic fluid

If watery discharge, similar to those that are normally observed when labor begins, occurs much earlier, then it is necessary to exclude leakage of amniotic fluid. This occurs due to damage to the membranes and can create conditions for infection or premature labor. Symptoms are noticeable when moving or changing body position. A woman may feel fluid flowing down her legs, wetness in the perineum, or simply notice it by a wet spot on the pad.

Additional diagnostics

It is extremely important for a woman to understand what causes discharge in late pregnancy. But this can only be done after additional research. After conducting a gynecological examination, the doctor will refer the patient for diagnostic procedures:

1. General blood and urine tests.
2. Blood biochemistry (antibodies to infections, coagulogram).
3. Analysis of secretions (microscopy, culture, PCR).
4. Swabs from the vagina, cervical canal and urethra.
5. Colposcopy.
6. Ultrasound of the pelvis.
7. Fetal cardiotocography.

Sometimes the decision to take action must be made immediately because emergency care is required. And in planned situations, the doctor will first evaluate the research results and then determine what to do next. But in any case, a woman should promptly contact an antenatal clinic to determine the cause of the discharge. If there is no reason to worry, then you need to tune in to a positive mood and expect a successful completion of the pregnancy.

Pregnancy is an unforgettable period in the life of every woman. A huge number of changes occur in the body of the expectant mother. Many pregnant women are worried about discharge in the third trimester of pregnancy, what is its norm. After all, their character also changes a little. This can be explained by the fact that a radical hormonal change occurs.

Mucus discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester is considered normal and a woman does not need to worry, because in this way the body prepares for an early birth. If they have any color other than cream or transparent, or an unpleasant, pungent odor, then you should immediately contact a specialist.

As a rule, in the third trimester of pregnancy, discharge appears in fairly large quantities in the morning. During the day their number should be insignificant. This is considered the norm. If brown discharge was noticed in the third trimester of pregnancy, then this may indicate the following.

1. Placenta previa may be present. In this case, the woman cannot give birth on her own, because the placenta blocks the baby’s “exit” from the uterus. Therefore, the pathology must be detected as early as possible so that there is time to prepare for a planned caesarean section.
2. Brown discharge with an unpleasant odor may indicate the presence of a variety of gynecological diseases that need to be treated before labor begins. As a rule, all pathologies, if any, can be found and eliminated quite early in pregnancy.
3. In addition, brown discharge also appears when the mucus plug comes off. It has a light brown tint and may come off in one go, or the mucus will be released in small portions over several days. In such mucous secretions, small streaks of blood can be seen.

If the brown discharge turns out to be a plug, then you can safely start getting ready for the maternity hospital.

As a rule, the plug comes out a few days before the onset of labor.

In some cases, it may break with the waters just before birth.

If everything is clear without words with brown, bloody, greenish discharge, then clear discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester is quite insidious. A woman should very carefully monitor the amount of such discharge. Sometimes you can encounter cases when water begins to gradually leak.

If a woman is pregnant for the first time and has absolutely no experience, then she may not pay any attention to this and attribute everything only to an increase in normal discharge.

Under no circumstances should a period of waterlessness occur, as this is dangerous for the baby’s life.

So, small amounts of clear discharge in the last months of pregnancy are considered normal, but as soon as their amount increases significantly, you should immediately consult a specialist.

As numerous practice shows, childbirth does not always occur on time. Sometimes this happens earlier and one of the harbingers of imminent labor is pink discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester. When the cervix is ​​actively preparing for childbirth, it becomes smooth and gradually begins to shorten. Such actions provoke the release of the mucus plug. This can happen a month before giving birth and literally a few hours before the onset of contractions.

Pink discharge, in which small streaks of blood can be seen, is usually the main sign that the baby will soon be born. If there is still quite a lot of time left before the due date, you should immediately consult a doctor who, with the help of special medications, will try to prevent premature birth. If the scheduled date of birth is soon, then you can start packing everything you need for the maternity hospital and calmly go to meet your baby.

White discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester should not cause anxiety in a pregnant woman. They are considered the norm and are called leucorrhoea. As a rule, the first discharge of this type appears approximately in the middle of the first trimester and accompanies the woman until the last weeks of pregnancy. Such discharge appears due to the influence of a large number of hormones on the body. Their quantity and consistency may change from time to time. At first, the leucorrhoea may be very thick due to the large amount of progesterone. Then estrogen begins to be produced more, which makes the white discharge liquid and becomes quite large. They remain this way until the end of pregnancy.

It is worth noting that white discharge appears in almost every pregnant woman. If the white discharge does not cause any inconvenience, then there is no need to worry.

White discharge, reminiscent of cottage cheese, which is accompanied by itching, may indicate the presence of thrush in a pregnant woman. The disease must be urgently treated before labor begins, so as not to infect the baby during its passage through the birth canal.

Throughout pregnancy, and not just in the third trimester, you need to monitor vaginal discharge. Control their color and consistency, because this is what will allow you to quickly find the cause if there are deviations from the norm. If you notice a strange smell in the discharge, its amount has become too large, or it has changed color, you should immediately contact a gynecologist. The same should be done when even a small amount of discharge causes irritation, severe itching or burning.

A pregnant woman should be more attentive and respond to any physiological changes that do not meet the norm. We must remember that now she is responsible not only for her life, but also for the life of a small child.

Heavy discharge during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester

Girls, did your discharge increase towards the end of B? It happens to me that it seems to be pouring out, I was scared, I thought maybe it was water, but on the pad there was actually light discharge, not water. So I’m wondering, is this normal?

When carrying a baby, every woman should pay a lot of attention to her health. It is necessary to include wholesome and healthy foods in the diet, as well as monitor physical activity. Hygiene of the external genitalia is also important during this period. The intensity and color of the mucus secreted indicates the condition of the mother's body.

Is mucous discharge in pregnant women normal or pathological?

After conception, a restructuring of the hormonal system occurs in the body of the expectant mother. This is reflected in the quantity and consistency of sexual discharge.

In the early stages of pregnancy, women secrete from the genitals a colorless, viscous, thick substance that looks like raw egg white. Small white clots may be observed in it. The increase in the amount of mucus secreted is explained by the fact that it closes the cervical canal, into which pathogenic microflora can enter from the genital tract.

At the beginning of the third month, sticky discharge, reminiscent of snot, becomes more abundant, and is often accompanied by nagging pain in the abdominal area. This should not cause concern to the expectant mother, since at 9-10 weeks the position of the uterus changes.

In the second trimester, a woman’s production of the hormone estrogen increases significantly (we recommend reading:). This reduces the viscosity of vaginal secretions, which are released in large quantities. At 21-22 weeks, the discharge becomes grayish or milky in color.

Discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester becomes even more abundant. If the mother is completely healthy, they have no smell. To avoid discomfort during this period, pregnant women are recommended to use panty liners.

Throughout the entire gestation period, the secreted secretion should be transparent without the presence of foreign odors. If the mucus you secrete smells bad, is yellow, green, pink, or contains blood particles, you should seek medical help.

Causes of mucus formation during pregnancy

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The cervical canal is located inside the cervix, which opens into the vagina. It is covered by columnar epithelium, in which mucus is produced. The mucous membrane of the cervix contains a large number of endocervical glands, which secrete a viscous, viscous secretion that fills the cervical canal. This secretion prevents pathogenic microorganisms from entering the uterine cavity, as it has bactericidal properties.

Changes in hormonal levels in women affect the amount of vaginal discharge. Before conception, mucus production depends on a certain phase of the menstrual cycle. During pregnancy, the production of various hormones doubles, helping the mother cope with the increased load.

An increase in progesterone concentration in the first weeks of pregnancy leads to thickening of cervical mucus. The change in the consistency of the secretion is due to the need to protect the embryo from microorganisms that can enter the uterus from the vagina.

For normal development and maturation of the fetus in the third trimester, estrogens are necessary. They regulate the formation of all internal organs and bone tissue of the baby. The increased activity of hormones contributes to the release of a large amount of mucous secretions, which at this stage become more liquid.

Discharge color

The nature of vaginal secretion is one of the most important parameters by which one can determine how much the processes occurring in the mother’s body during pregnancy correspond to the norm. If a woman is healthy and pregnancy proceeds without abnormalities, clear mucous discharge that does not have a characteristic stagnant odor is considered normal. When the color of the secretion does not correspond to the norm, a woman should consult a specialist. The cause of unnatural changes may be the accumulation of pathogenic microflora, as well as various pathologies and infections that can pose a threat to the development of the child.

White discharge

White vaginal secretion is considered normal if it does not contain clots or blood. Discharge similar to egg white is observed in women in the first months of pregnancy.

If white cheesy inclusions are noticeable in the transparent mucus, it has a pronounced beer smell and is accompanied by itching in the genital area, this may indicate the development of vaginal candidiasis in the mother. This disease requires mandatory treatment as it can cause serious complications.

White discharge in the third semester may indicate illness if the mother exhibits the following symptoms:

• rashes on the body;
• burning during hygiene procedures;
• nagging pain in the abdomen and back;
• the appearance of a putrid odor from the genitals.

Yellow

Yellow jelly-like discharge is a sign of some sexually transmitted infections. Vaginal secretions acquire a yellowish tint due to a purulent process.

If the expectant mother notices that the mucus secreted in large quantities has become liquid and yellow, then most likely an infection with trichomoniasis has occurred. The characteristic symptoms of this disease are:

• itching and burning in the labia area;
• painful urination;
• pustules on the vaginal mucosa;
• yellow foamy discharge with a pungent odor.

If left untreated, the disease becomes chronic. Trichomoniasis can cause dangerous consequences for the health of mother and baby.

Very thick vaginal secretions with a yellow tint are a sign of gonorrhea. When the expectant mother becomes infected, nagging pain appears in the lower abdomen, burning in the genital area, pain during urination, swelling and redness of the labia.

If treatment is not started in time, the disease can cause spontaneous abortion. Women who have had this disease experience impaired reproductive function, which in most cases leads to infertility.

Green discharge

Green mucus during pregnancy indicates an inflammatory process in the genitals. Vaginitis (colpitis) is a group of diseases characterized by inflammation of the vaginal mucosa. The causative agents of the disease are gonococci, trichomonas, chlamydia, mycoplasma, Treponema pallidum, mycobacterium tuberculosis and other pathogenic microorganisms.

In addition, the discharge takes on a greenish tint when there is a threat of miscarriage or the pregnancy is fading. The same color of mucus is observed with bacterial vaginosis and cervicitis. The diagnosis is made based on the results of a gynecological smear examination.

The appearance of green discharge in the 3rd trimester may be a sign of inflammatory damage to the membranes (more details in the article:). Untimely treatment can lead to infection of the amniotic fluid, and subsequently the baby itself. Infected women have a high body temperature and an increase in the level of leukocytes in the blood. To save a child in such a situation, long-term inpatient treatment is necessary.

Brown discharge

Mucous discharge during pregnancy acquires a brown tint when placental abruption occurs. This phenomenon has been observed in recent weeks due to excessive formation of amniotic fluid. To avoid fetal hypoxia in such a situation, it will be necessary to carry out procedures that accelerate the activation of labor.

Shortly before the baby is born, the mother may periodically experience brown, streaked discharge. This occurs due to the release of the mucus plug, which is a dense clot formed from the secretion of the cervical glands. During gestation, it performs a protective function. The plug blocks the cervical canal, creating a barrier between the uterine cavity and the external environment.

Pink slime

The cause of pink discharge is microcracks formed in the vaginal mucosa. They may appear as a result of mechanical damage during sexual contact, medical examination or collection of biological material. In this case, the color of the mucus returns to normal after 2-3 days.

Prolonged discharge of pink vaginal secretion is a characteristic sign of ectopia or erosion of the cervix. The cause of these diseases is infections of viral and bacterial etiology.

Bright pink streaks in the white mucus released by the expectant mother are a sign of a threatened miscarriage. The woman experiences severe pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the back.

In the last trimester, pregnant women often have pink droplets in their vaginal secretions. This phenomenon is considered normal because the body is preparing for delivery.

In what cases is it necessary to consult a doctor?

The expectant mother should be wary of the appearance of discharge containing blood or pus, since this is a clear sign of infection, which can lead to spontaneous abortion. Associated symptoms of infection are nagging pain in the lower back, cramps in the lower abdomen, burning in the vagina, and pain when urinating.

To eliminate the threat that has arisen, you must consult a doctor and undergo the necessary tests. Timely diagnosis and treatment in most cases help to avoid dangerous consequences.

Treatment methods

The treatment method for the appearance of discharge containing blood elements depends on the established diagnosis. When a threat of miscarriage is identified, therapeutic measures are taken aimed at preserving the fetus and normalizing its further development. If the cause of the bleeding is an ectopic pregnancy, emergency surgery is required.

For vaginal candidiasis, the expectant mother is prescribed antifungal agents approved for use during pregnancy. Since the main cause of the disease is reduced immunity, a woman also needs to take medications that increase the body’s natural resistance.

If bacterial infections of the genital organs are detected, the pregnant woman must take a course of antibiotics. The choice of drugs for treatment is made by a gynecologist and depends on the severity of the disease. When prescribing medications with antibacterial properties, the doctor must take into account the likelihood of side effects on the body of the woman and baby.

Prevention measures

Pregnancy is an important period in the life of every mother. To give birth to a healthy and strong baby, she needs to take responsibility for her health throughout the entire nine months.

Heavy discharge in the initial stages is a normal physiological process. To avoid infection in the first trimester of pregnancy, you must follow the rules of personal hygiene. If there is intense vaginal secretion, it is necessary to use daily anion pads with antibacterial properties. They need to be changed several times a day as needed.

When choosing underwear, you should give preference to models made of natural material, since synthetics promote the growth of pathogenic bacteria. To restore vaginal microflora, it is recommended to take probiotics.

To avoid sexually transmitted diseases during pregnancy, you should only have sex with one trusted partner. If he has signs of infection, it is necessary to use barrier contraceptives.

Pregnancy is always a burden on the body, so pay close attention to your health and well-being, and if you have the slightest doubt about your condition, seek help from your obstetrician-gynecologist. A symptom such as the appearance of brown discharge should be puzzling and alarming - it may precede a frozen pregnancy or miscarriage in the first trimester, or the approach of labor in the later stages.

Causes of brown discharge

If we talk about the prenatal period, then changes in character, composition and appearance are considered a variant of the norm; the cervix is ​​preparing to open. Having been dense and tough like cartilage throughout pregnancy, it must become soft and pliable in order to open. Metamorphoses that occur immediately before childbirth are usually accompanied by increased secretion of transparent mucus.

They usually appear in the morning, after the woman gets out of bed, and they will not be noticed for the rest of the day.

If a Woman suddenly notices the appearance of brownish mucus, it is most likely discharged mucus. What is it plug during pregnancy and why does it appear?

During the period of fetal ripening, it is surrounded by amniotic fluid and mucus that accumulates at the entrance to the uterus. They are the natural barrier that protects the baby from various infections.

When the time for childbirth approaches, under the influence of released hormones, the cervix gradually softens and opens slightly. At the same time, the mucous plug liquefies and it comes out. A woman may notice mucous on her underwear discharge in the third trimester pregnancy or discharge that looks like a piece of jelly.

The volume of mucus is usually small, especially since it may be discharged in parts. Besides, mucus plug during pregnancy It's easy to miss if she moves away in a situation where the woman is distracted, such as while taking a shower.

Similar discharge in the third trimester can vary in color, sometimes even brown. During the process of dilation of the cervix plug before childbirth may acquire either pink or brown color, or may remain transparent or yellowish.

Quite often there are cases when release of mucus plug does not occur until the onset of labor, and appears only with the waters. That is why it cannot be said with absolute certainty that drainage of a plug during pregnancy- a signal of approaching birth.

It is worth noting that if the plug came off before giving birth, then, most likely, in the next couple of days the woman may begin to give birth. However, the preparation of the body may take a long time and then the birth can be expected within two weeks.

In most cases, if a pregnant woman notices brown mucous discharge in the third trimester, this means that the p timid during pregnancy and you can slowly prepare for.

If there is nothing like that, this does not mean at all that childbirth will not occur in the coming days - anything is possible!

Another reason that can provoke brown discharge in the third trimester- This is an examination by a gynecologist. In the period after the 38th week of pregnancy, the doctor monitoring its progress must examine the woman using a gynecological chair; during such an examination, the degree of readiness of the cervix for labor is determined. After examination for several hours, a woman may observe a slight brown discharge, which appears due to the fact that the uterus was disturbed during the examination.

There is no reason to worry. However, a pregnant woman may be bothered by discharge of a different nature, which should not only be noticed, but it is advisable to immediately consult a doctor.

Dangerous secretions

If a woman notices pinkish mucous membranes discharge in the third trimester, or mucus with blood streaks - there is no need to worry, but if the discharge is bloody, you need to be alarmed. In the last days before childbirth, bleeding can be a companion to the problematic course of pregnancy and complications that have arisen, for example, placental abruption.

If a woman has bleeding, especially if the blood is scarlet, then she needs to urgently go to the hospital, not on her own, but in an ambulance, since the situation may worsen and this discharge will turn into bleeding.

If the discharge is mucous and not abundant (we are talking about removal of a plug during pregnancy), it would also be a good idea to go to the maternity hospital, since the brown color of the cork indicates that labor can begin at any moment.

All this once again confirms that during pregnancy a woman should pay special attention to her well-being and emotional state. If you suspect any health problems, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.

In most cases, mucous discharge during pregnancy, not accompanied by pain or discomfort, is considered normal. Their appearance is due to hormonal changes in the body. Depending on the consistency, color and smell of vaginal discharge, it is possible to diagnose the normal condition of the expectant mother and her child, as well as timely identify the development of possible pregnancy pathologies.

For this reason, mucous discharge at any stage of pregnancy should be monitored by the woman herself and her doctor. Even a slight change in their character is a signal of possible pathology.

Viscous, abundant mucous secretions completely block access to the cervical canal, protecting the fetus from pathogenic microflora from the genital tract. This is why mucous discharge, which usually appears in the early stages of pregnancy, is considered normal.

If this process brings significant discomfort to the pregnant woman, daily sanitary pads will come to the rescue. A sign of well-being during this period is the absence of accompanying discomfort in the form of itching and burning, as well as the appearance of bloody and other colored discharge.

In the second trimester, mucous secretions during a normal pregnancy change, becoming more liquid due to intense estrogen synthesis. From this moment on, the discharge becomes more numerous, which also affects the discomfort of the expectant mother.

In the early stages of pregnancy, it is important to monitor the nature of mucous secretions, pay attention to changes in their structure, smell and color.

Mucous discharge in later stages

In the last trimester, the nature and consistency of mucus during pregnancy remains almost the same as at the beginning of the second trimester, or may change slightly. If there is no blood or other negative changes in this discharge, there is nothing to worry about.

Mucus discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester can be thick and viscous or, on the contrary, more watery, and both of these options are considered normal.

If the mucus discharge during pregnancy contains blood, this often indicates premature pregnancy. This condition is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen with further development of bleeding. The situation requires urgent assistance.

But even with a normal pregnancy, some time before the upcoming birth, a woman may notice changes in the mucus from the vagina. If throughout the entire period of gestation the entrance to the cervix was reliably protected by a mucous plug, then at 38-39 weeks changes begin, signaling the imminent onset of labor.

Discharge from the genital tract will be the same as mucus during pregnancy, but with a reddish or pink tint. This is not a cause for alarm: a woman should know that her plug is coming out, and labor will begin any day now.

Sometimes heavy mucous discharge during pregnancy, occurring in the third trimester, is actually a fact.

This is a dangerous condition, so it needs to be accurately diagnosed to avoid problems for mother and child. The expectant mother undergoes an analysis to determine the nature of the discharge, and if necessary, the doctor chooses further treatment tactics.

If the pregnancy is less than 22 weeks, unfortunately, it cannot be saved, and the woman is offered to have it done. If the period is more than 23 weeks, the woman is hospitalized in a hospital. Treatment consists of prescribing antibiotics and drugs that help the child’s respiratory organs mature faster, after which they carry out.

When should you see a doctor?

If mucus discharge during pregnancy changes in character, that is, it acquires an unhealthy color or smell, most likely it is an infection.

Not in all cases, pathogenic microflora causes an infectious-inflammatory process in the genital tract; sometimes, against the background of its proliferation, the mucous membranes are simply irritated. This condition is called. But if left untreated, it will result in more serious complications.

During the development of the inflammatory process, mucous discharge during pregnancy becomes purulent-mucous, green in color, and is accompanied by a bad odor, itching and burning in the genitals. In this case, the cause may be infections such as ureaplasmosis, trichomoniasis and others.

Thus, if normally during pregnancy, discharge in the form of mucus is transparent and colorless, then as a result of infection they turn green and change their character to mucopurulent. If there is itching, burning, or a foul odor from the underwear, there should be no doubt about infection of the genital tract. You should consult a doctor immediately to avoid unnecessary risk to mother and baby.

Treatment of infections that cause mucus discharge during pregnancy

Any infectious factors that were discovered in a pregnant woman during the process of bearing a child cannot be ignored. If in the past the treatment of infections was postponed until later, prescribing therapy after the birth of the baby, since there were no drugs safe for its intrauterine development, now such an approach is not practiced.

If the infection is not treated during pregnancy, complications such as sepsis, pneumonia, and liver, kidney and brain damage in the unborn child may occur.

Any abnormal mucous discharge from the vagina during pregnancy, caused by infection, requires medical intervention. Currently, there are special methods for treating expectant mothers, with the help of which therapy can be carried out with approved medications, focusing on the timing of gestation.

Women should not be afraid of the treatment prescribed by the doctor. Modern medications have passed all the necessary clinical studies and are safe for pregnant patients.

It turns out that heavy mucous discharge that occurs during pregnancy is completely normal. Thanks to them, an optimal balance of microflora in the vagina is maintained.

If burning, itching or other unpleasant symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible and undergo the treatment prescribed by him.

Useful video about thrush during pregnancy

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