Discharge During Pregnancy. Types & Characteristics

Pregnancy is a crucial period of life for every woman. Discharges during pregnancy always make a woman worry. That is why it is so important to know the mechanisms of origin, kinds, and possible consequences for the health. Beyond the pregnancy, the cervix produces mucus all the time. At the same time, there are a few types of discharge within the cycle:

• The First Half of Menstrual Period: The work of all organism, primarily the work of the organs of the reproduction system, is directed to the implementation of the release of the egg from the ovary and possible merger with the sperm. For this purpose, the organism of a woman produces the liquid secret that simplifies the movement of the sperm;
• The Second Half of Menstrual Period: In a time of egg fertilization, the woman organism prepares for merging into the womb. In this case, there is not transparent and viscous mucus that protects the entrance of the womb from infection.

The first half of the menstrual cycle is regulated by the female sex hormone estrogen. The second half of the menstrual cycle is coordinated by progesterone. In the first trimester of pregnancy, only progesterone controls the work of the womb. It is possible to see some thick discharge that is produced by the womb. However, from the beginning of the thirteenth week, the female organism starts to make a significant amount of estrogen. Therefore, discharge from the vagina becomes more abundant and liquid.

The Normal Discharge During Pregnancy

The first trimester of pregnancy (the first twelve weeks) is determined by the influence of progesterone the female sex hormone. In the beginning, the hormone is discharged by the corpus luteum of the ovary menstruation. This hormone helps keep the embryo in the uterine cavity by means of overlapping the exit from the cavity of this organ and suppressing the contractility of the muscles.

Under the influence of progesterone, a woman can notice very thick, vitreous, transparent, and, sometimes, white discharge in the first trimester of pregnancy that can be seen on the laundry as mucus clots. It can be a norm only when it doesn’t have any smell and doesn’t disturb a pregnant woman, i.e. when there is no itching, burning, and other unpleasant sensations.

After the first trimester of pregnancy, when the fetus is fixed in the uterus and the placenta is almost mature, the organism of the woman starts to produce a lot of estrogens again. The main task for this period is the development of the uterus and mammary gland. Plentiful white or transparent discharge can occur from the female genitals under the influence of these hormones in the second half of pregnancy. But there is no need to be worry and think that it is something pathological. Nevertheless, it should not have any smell and some unpleasant symptoms, such as itching and other kinds of discomfort.

White Discharge During Pregnancy

This is the most common thing during pregnancy. It can be a signal to the first feature of pregnancy. At this stage, it is connected to the influence of progesterone. From the thirteenth week, the influence of this hormone starts to reduce but estrogen begins to do its work. In this period, all discharge becomes more abundant, transparent, and doesn’t have a certain smell. It doesn’t cause any unpleasant symptoms, such as burning, itching, which is essential for the diagnosis of pathological conditions.

Even though such discharge is a norm for the period of pregnancy, keeping attention on color, consistency and quantity are important. The change of it can indicate the presence of infection, violation of hormonal status, and diseases of the genital organs. The most common cause of this change is candidiasis or thrush female genital mutilation. In this case, the discharge becomes like cottage cheese and smells like beer.

The next source of discharge can be bacterial vaginosis. It can have a watery consistency and a clear hue, and quite an unpleasant smell. Thereby, white discharge during pregnancy is a common cause. However, smell and appearance should be taken into account.

Yellow Discharge During Pregnancy

The presence of yellow discharge cannot be considered the norm but it cannot cause any troubles if there are no other unpleasant symptoms as smell, itching, burning, and pain. Otherwise, a gynecological examination must be performed. Especially, when discharge has a dark yellow color.

The occurrence of dark yellow discharge can be the symptom of an allergic reaction to underwear or means of intimate hygiene. Also, some microorganisms can be a reason for specific yellow discharge.

If the color changes from yellow to green, it can indicate the development of serious deviations. For instance, it can indicate the presence of sexually transmitted diseases. They are also characterized by the appearance of itching, pain during urination, burning sensation in the area.

If the discharge has a bright yellow color, then they are more likely to be caused by inflammation of the fallopian tubes or ovaries, as well as a various bacterial infection in the vagina.

Brown Discharge During Pregnancy

Brown discharge can suddenly appear in any woman during the period. In most cases, such symptom shows the threat of miscarriage. In such a case, the experienced gynecologist should take all possible measures to save the fetus.

The appearance of brown secretions in late pregnancy may be evidence of violations of the work of the placenta. If the delivery period is on its way, suddenly appeared brown discharge may tell you about the beginning of childbirth. One of the most important reasons for brown discharge can be a uterine rupture. In most cases, it appears in women who have already had an abortion.

Bleeding During Pregnancy

Bleeding during pregnancy is a common case, especially in the first trimester. According to statistics, eighty percent of women bear the fetus without any problems.

There are many reasons for bleeding to occur. For example, the active blood supply to the internal genitals or excessive sensitivity. Usually, it happens after ultrasound when a special vaginal application was used.

Also, It can happen after sex.

By and large, vaginal discharge is a common process and the period of pregnancy is not an exclusion. Anyway, it is better to consult with your doctor again, even when the transparent allocation seems to be normal to you, to avoid possible unwanted complications in the future.