Causes of yellow discharge during pregnancy and when they need to be treated. White discharge with a green tint

Heavy discharge during pregnancy causes many women to worry about the condition of the unborn child. Like many other changes in the body, this symptom appears due to hormonal changes. The walls of the uterus soften, the microflora of the vagina changes, the amount of lubrication increases - all this will contribute to the process of giving birth to a baby in the future.

Their character should be of concern: color, consistency, smell. Heavy discharge during pregnancy is normal. But if it is colored, smells unpleasant, causes burning or itching, you need to see a gynecologist.

Such a symptom may be a sign of an infectious disease or disorders in the uterus.

In addition, progesterone provokes very thick, glassy, ​​transparent or whitish discharge that resembles lumps of mucus. They are odorless and do not cause discomfort; they accompany any pregnancy.

At the end of the 1st trimester of pregnancy, the placenta is almost completely mature, and the fetus is securely attached to the uterine cavity. Hormonal changes are expressed in an increase in the amount of estrogen.

The uterus develops and increases in size, and new tissue and ducts form in the mammary glands. These changes are accompanied by the appearance of copious colorless or whitish discharge.

Just as in the first trimester, they can be considered a sign of normality if they are odorless, homogeneous, and do not cause discomfort, itching or burning.

White discharge

White, copious discharge during pregnancy should alert you, as it may be a sign of an infectious disease. A cheesy consistency and sour smell indicate thrush. The reproduction of its pathogens, Candida fungi, occurs especially actively against the background of reduced immunity.

White liquid discharge with fragments of mucus and blood is characteristic of erosive lesions of the cervix, cervicitis.

Peeling off in pieces of film with a rotten fishy smell is a symptom (of a bacterial infection of the vagina). If the white color gradually becomes yellowish or greenish, then most likely there is pus in them. In all these cases, you need to seek help from a gynecologist so as not to harm the health of the unborn child.

Copious whitish discharge at the end of pregnancy may be waste water containing plug particles. If they are observed for several hours in a row, you need to go to the maternity hospital.

Yellow discharge

Yellow, light discharge, odorless, not abundant and not causing discomfort, may be normal. But if they are accompanied by unpleasant symptoms, cause anxiety, or have a dark tint, then you should definitely see a doctor.

They can be a sign of several problems:

• inflammatory processes (reduced immunity leads to the development of pathogenic microflora in the vagina);
• spontaneous abortion;
• dark yellow – allergic reaction to underwear fabric or intimate hygiene products;
• yellow-green, accompanied by itching, burning, pain when urinating - the presence of purulent inflammation, sexually transmitted diseases;
• bright yellow – inflammatory processes in the fallopian tubes or ovaries, bacterial infection.

In most cases, yellow discharge in a pregnant woman is a sign of worsened infectious and inflammatory diseases that were not cured before conception. Therefore, at the planning stage, it is important to undergo a full examination, which can identify all existing problems.

Brown discharge

Brown, heavy discharge during pregnancy occurs suddenly and signals the following problems:

• . The symptom appears in the early stages, when the woman may not even know that she is pregnant. Egg rejection is accompanied by brown discharge and sometimes bleeding.
• Risk of miscarriage. The symptom gradually becomes more pronounced. It appears in the 1st trimester and requires immediate medical attention.
• Incomplete miscarriage. Significant, red-brown in color, sometimes with clots. Accompanied by infrequent intense pain in the lower abdomen. In this condition, immediate surgery is necessary to remove any remaining fertilized egg.
• Disruption of the placenta. Small brown discharge late in pregnancy may indicate placental separation.
• Inflammatory processes, erosive lesions of the cervix.
• Beginning labor. Brown discharge at the end of pregnancy may appear due to the onset of labor or uterine rupture, especially if there is scarring.

Brown discharge during pregnancy is a sign of complications or diseases. Therefore, if they are detected, you should immediately go to the doctor.

Bloody discharge

Bloody discharge appears especially often in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when the fertilized egg is not yet well established in the uterine cavity. There are many reasons for this symptom.

With active blood supply to the genital organs and high sensitivity, it may appear after an ultrasound using a transvaginal sensor, after examination with a gynecological speculum. For the same reason, bleeding is observed after sexual intercourse.

Minor bleeding may appear early on in the days that marked the beginning of menstruation before pregnancy. A woman feels a nagging pain in the lower abdomen and lower back. The symptom occurs due to hormonal changes.

Discharge with blood in the first weeks of pregnancy, which is caused by an ectopic pregnancy or spontaneous miscarriage, can be dangerous. Such conditions may require surgery.

Sometimes bleeding accompanies genital injuries. For a normal pregnancy, if such a symptom appears, you need to be examined by a doctor.

Discharge in 1st trimester

During the normal course of pregnancy, discharge in the 1st trimester is insignificant, transparent, viscous, and odorless. They occur against the background of an increase in the amount of progesterone, change by the 2nd trimester and do not bring discomfort to the woman. Sometimes almost invisible.

White, copious discharge is common in early pregnancy. As a rule, they look like cottage cheese with a sour smell and bring unpleasant sensations in the form of itching and burning. This is thrush, an infectious disease caused by excessive spread of fungus against the background of reduced immunity and changes in vaginal acidity.

Discharge with blood and brown color is safe in cases where it is not abundant and appears on the days on which menstruation occurred before pregnancy. Additionally, pain occurs in the lower abdomen and lower back (as during menstruation).

In other cases, this color indicates diseases, complications of pregnancy (threat of miscarriage, ectopic attachment of the fertilized egg, incomplete miscarriage, etc.) and require medical intervention.

Yellow discharge in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy indicates an exacerbation of inflammation, and its unpleasant odor indicates an infection. If this condition is not treated, it can lead to spontaneous miscarriage because inflammation damages the uterine lining to which the fertilized egg is attached.

Discharge in 2nd and 3rd trimesters

Liquid transparent abundant discharge in the 2nd trimester appears due to the predominance of estrogens. They affect the permeability of blood vessels in the vaginal mucosa. Because of this, the volume of secretions increases and their viscosity decreases. The symptom is more pronounced in women who use sanitary pads.

But if the discharge in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters is opaque, medical attention is needed.

The color of the discharge can suggest the presence of a disease or pregnancy complication: white, cottage cheese-like, with itching and burning – candidiasis;

• bright red – detachment or placenta previa;
• watery, colorless, with an unpleasant odor - bacterial vaginosis, which provokes premature birth;
• dark red, brown, not mucous – exacerbation of inflammatory diseases, complications (placental abruption, etc.);
• yellow-green, foamy - exacerbation of infection.

Heavy liquid discharge during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester towards the end of the term may be a sign of water breaking. In this case, you need to go to the maternity hospital, where a doctor can consult if necessary.

Shortly before the expected date of birth, red mucous masses may appear - the release of a plug that protects the uterus during pregnancy.

The body of a woman carrying a baby works in a completely different rhythm. Features of the course of natural physiological processes affect all organs and systems, not excluding the reproductive one. For example, the gonads of a pregnant woman, as before, synthesize a certain amount of natural secretion (leucorrhoea), but due to ongoing internal reforms, their nature and intensity often change. Expectant mothers have a lot of questions about this, because sometimes white discharge in the early stages of pregnancy is indeed a sign of trouble.

The specific features of white secretion in the early stages of pregnancy will be discussed in this article.

As a rule, women are not concerned about the presence of leucorrhoea itself, but about the features in which they differ from the discharge that was present before pregnancy. Let's consider which white discharge in expectant mothers can be considered normal, and which indicates the presence of certain problems.

You will also be interested to know what the second and third trimester mean.

Marina, 23 years old (Moscow): “I recently found out that I’m expecting a child. About 10 days after the alleged conception, I noticed that the amount of mucus coming from the vagina had increased significantly. The leucorrhoea became translucent with a creamy tint, slightly thicker in structure than it was before. They do not cause me any concern (nothing itches or hurts). Can discharge in the first days of pregnancy be of this nature and why?”

Svetlana, 26 years old (Stavropol): “The fourth week of pregnancy has ended. For several days I have noticed that the leucorrhoea has become much more profuse. They look thick and white. They are odorless, there is no discomfort, but their quantity confuses me. I saw the doctor, but she didn’t stand on ceremony with me, she only said: “The tests are normal, according to the ultrasound, all the indicators correspond to the fifth week. I don’t see any reason for concern.” Is this kind of discharge normal at 5 weeks of pregnancy?

Hormonal imbalance in the first trimester

Abundance of secretion is one of the problems that most often worries pregnant women. However, discharge at the beginning of pregnancy very often becomes much more abundant than before, for quite good reasons. Most likely, increased discharge in the 4th week of pregnancy (as well as on the 10th day) is explained by large-scale hormonal and physiological changes associated with the birth of a new life inside the mother’s body. Can be considered, but not accurate.

Intense secretion of the gonads is most often explained by the increased production of the main pregnancy hormone - progesterone. In the first 12 weeks of the term, it is he who rules the roost. Increasing the concentration of progesterone in the blood allows you to create the most comfortable conditions for the process of conception, fixation of the fertilized egg in the wall of the uterus (approximately 9-12 days), and closer to the end of the first trimester - for the formation of the placenta. An increase in the amount of viscous secretion is one of the initial signs of conception.

Hormonal changes may be accompanied by copious mucoid leucorrhoea, the color of which can vary from milky white to clear.

Such a natural secretion should not have any foreign odor, much less be accompanied by irritation of the mucous membrane of the external genital organs and vagina. Its thickness during this period can also vary - from semi-liquid to creamy - it all depends on the individual characteristics of the woman’s body and the concentration of hormone levels in the blood. Thick white discharge most often stops when the second trimester begins, and another important female hormone, estrogen, takes over.

Increased blood circulation

Another reason for the increase in leucorrhoea during gestation may be an increase in blood flow to the pelvic area. This tendency is especially pronounced in those women who, before conception, took oral contraceptives for a long time, which have the property of minimizing vaginal secretion.

Thick mucus in the first months of pregnancy

Rimma, 31 years old (Samara): “Strange discharge appeared at 6 weeks of pregnancy. Small lumps of mucus are clearly visible in them. Sometimes they are very small, and sometimes a little larger. I'm very worried, is everything okay? The ultrasound did not show any dangers, but it is still very alarming, because this has never happened before. Is it possible for pregnant women to have such discharge during short periods of time?”

It protects the uterine cavity, and, accordingly, the fetus from the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms. The discharge associated with this process in the first weeks of pregnancy has a neutral odor and is not accompanied by unpleasant sensations such as itching, abdominal or lower back pain. Normally, leucorrhoea during this period may have a creamy or milky tint, and its structure may contain denser lumps of mucus. They are not only not dangerous, but also indicate a successful pregnancy. The process of mucus plug formation is completed by week 12.

Thin white discharge early in pregnancy

Anna, 24 years old (Ekaterinburg): “The 6th week of the gestational period has now ended. At first there were no suspicious symptoms, but a couple of days ago a whitish water began to appear instead of leucorrhoea. There is quite a lot of it. What could it be? What is the reason for thin white discharge at 7 weeks of pregnancy?

Natalya, 25 years old (Moscow): “This morning I noticed that I have a lot of . They do not look like the usual leucorrhoea. At the same time, there is a slight itching and a slight tug in the lower abdomen. I'm in my eighth week. What could they mean?

White liquid discharge during the entire period of pregnancy, including when it is only the sixth or eighth week, is an alarming factor. Their appearance may be associated with the onset of an inflammatory process or the penetration of an infection.

Such a development of events is especially likely when there are additionally sharp or nagging pains in the area of ​​the sacrum or lower abdomen.

Another reason why thin white secretion may appear during pregnancy is an allergic reaction. The mucous membrane lining a woman's external genitalia becomes especially susceptible to external irritants. A sanitary product, washing powder, or too tight synthetic underwear can be a provocateur. In such a situation, itching and irritation may be present, but pain should not be observed.

In rare cases, increased liquid white discharge during early pregnancy becomes a signal of unfavorable fetal development or the threat of imminent spontaneous abortion.

You should be especially careful in a situation where any pain in the abdominal area or general malaise is simultaneously noted. In this case, you must immediately seek medical help.

White curdled discharge

Marina, 18 years old: “Everything was great from the very beginning, but after four weeks, itching and white grains appeared instead of the usual leucorrhoea. I douched with chamomile - it seemed to go away. But I was happy early - in the seventh week everything happened again and even got worse. Can such discharge be normal at 7 weeks of pregnancy? What causes them? So what should I do?

Maria, 22 years old (Krasnoyarsk): “I noticed some flakes that resembled cottage cheese in my tenth week of pregnancy. They smell like acid and cause terrible discomfort: everything itches and itch. What can cause such discharge at 10 weeks of pregnancy?

The disease is better known to the common man as “thrush”. In parallel with the appearance of curdled flakes, there is also a specific smell of lactic acid (hence the name).

The disease causes the following accompanying symptoms: unbearable itching, hyperemia and swelling of the genitals, burning sensation when emptying the bladder. Sometimes, if treatment is not started on time, the secretion may take on a yellowish or greenish tint.

Treatment

If treated in a timely manner, thrush during pregnancy can be treated in a fairly short time with the help of antifungal drugs. In the first trimester, these are usually topical agents.

It is extremely important to undergo a full course of antifungal therapy under the guidance of a medical specialist in order to prevent relapses of candidiasis at a later date. It is important to remember that treatment should be carried out in parallel by both parents, since men are often carriers of the infection, but do not even suspect it.

In most cases, white discharge in the first weeks of pregnancy is not a pathological phenomenon. They are explained by the internal processes that occur inside the female body. However, no one canceled the exceptions. To notice the first signs of trouble requires experience and appropriate qualifications, so be prudent and try to find the doctor to whom you are undoubtedly ready to entrust the most precious thing - the life and health of your unborn baby.

By the nature of the discharge, one can often judge the state of health of the expectant mother and the development of the fetus. Any changes in color or consistency can make a woman worry and look for scary explanations for this. But fortunately, yellow discharge during pregnancy will not always be an alarm bell. In certain cases, this can only indicate hormonal changes in the body, which do not pose a threat.

Factors influencing the nature of discharge

Considering that vaginal mucus is a kind of indicator of a woman’s health status, there are a number of components that can affect it.

The cause of yellow discharge may be:

• external stimuli;
• violation of vaginal microflora;
• development of infectious processes;
• diseases of the genitourinary system.

During pregnancy, both irregular hygiene of the genital organs and, conversely, too frequent washing can change the nature of the discharge.

Thus, even incorrectly selected underwear or a change in intimate hygiene products can provoke an allergic reaction and change the nature and color of the discharge. In addition, instability of hormonal levels during gestation can cause disruption of the vaginal microflora. The development of certain pathogenic bacteria will cause the mucus to change color.

To determine the exact cause of this phenomenon, you should definitely consult a doctor, even if yellow leucorrhoea does not cause discomfort.

When is yellow discharge safe?

Pregnancy is a very complex process that changes the functioning of the entire body. Therefore, expectant mothers are often concerned about such changes. Yellow mucous discharge can appear both at the beginning of pregnancy and in the last weeks. To avoid unjustified worries, you should learn to recognize when it is safe.

Such discharge is not uncommon, especially in the first trimester. This is due to the active production of progesterone. The hormone causes activation of the secretory function of the vaginal mucosa, which leads to the fact that a small amount of dead epithelium ends up in normal secretions. It is this that gives the mucus its yellowish tint. This is a physiological norm and is completely harmless to the unborn child.

Even if the discharge does not cause any discomfort, a pregnant woman should definitely inform her doctor about this in order to eliminate possible risks.

Yellowish mucous discharge from the vagina may also appear in the second trimester. This is due to the activity of another hormone called estrogen. Under its influence, vaginal mucus may increase in quantity and acquire a yellowish tint. This is also a physiological norm that does not require any intervention.

Light yellow ones may appear on the eve of birth. This will be a harbinger of imminent delivery. This is how the mucus plug begins to come off, which served to protect the fetus from external infections. In this case, the mucus may have a more saturated color, even closer to brown. This process is individual for each woman, so the amount of mucus and its shade may vary.

Yellow discharge without odor and itching during pregnancy, which does not cause discomfort and does not in any way affect the general condition of the pregnant woman, should not raise any doubts.

Signs of pathological changes according to the nature of the discharge

Often a preliminary diagnosis can be made after examining the pregnant woman in a gynecological chair and conducting a survey. But it is possible to give a clear answer and determine a specific problem only after taking a smear for microflora. Sometimes blood will be taken to check for various infectious processes in the body.

Preliminary diagnosis based on the nature of vaginal mucus discharge:

• bright yellow. Precursors of ovarian or fallopian tube disease. In addition, it is possible to develop an infection in the vagina;
• yellow, with the addition of a green tint. This form requires special attention, since, most likely, the development of a sexually transmitted infection is evident. These include gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. In this case, the woman will also notice the appearance of terrible itching in the vagina;
• dark yellow. They will indicate intensive growth of pathological bacteria. Among the most popular are staphylococci, streptococci, and gonococci. E. coli cannot be ruled out. In this case, discomfort, burning, and pain when urinating are also added.
• yellow-brown. They will indicate the presence of blood in the mucus. There can be a lot of reasons for this, they all depend on the duration of pregnancy. So in the early stages, this phenomenon can become a companion to the attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterus. This physiological process is considered normal if other symptoms are excluded. If a pregnant woman feels nagging pain in the lower abdomen, chills, fever, then there is a possibility of placental abruption and a miscarriage;
• yellow-white. You should pay attention to the smell and consistency. If the leucorrhoea has acquired a yellowish tint, has become like a cheesy mass and has a sour smell, it means that thrush or candidiasis is developing. Additionally, the pregnant woman will feel a sharp deterioration in her condition, as itching and burning appear in the vaginal area.

Untreated erosion before pregnancy can cause yellow mucus to appear. It will be possible to begin her treatment only after childbirth.

What measures should be taken

When the nature of the discharge changes, you should listen carefully to your own body. In normal amounts, the discharge is yellow, odorless, and has the usual consistency and does not require emergency care. But you should not postpone a visit to a specialist, since only a doctor can give an accurate answer and determine the reasons.

If yellow leucorrhoea is accompanied by a sharp deterioration in the body's condition, causes discomfort, pain or any other alarming symptoms, you should immediately seek help.

If the discharge turns yellow and has a sweetish odor, this may indicate leakage of amniotic fluid, which can threaten the baby's life.

Today there is a huge range of drugs that, with maximum safety, will relieve a pregnant woman of many health problems with minimal risk to the child. They should be used exclusively on the recommendation of a doctor after a full examination and an accurate determination of the source of the problem.

Only timely diagnosis and competently prescribed treatment will guarantee a positive outcome of the situation.