Discharge during pregnancy: when should I be concerned?

When we talk about discharge in pregnancy, whitish or transparent discharge is usually not a cause for concern. This is because its occurrence is quite common, not indicating gynecological problems. That is, its production is stimulated by the hormone estrogen, very present in women during pregnancy.

And although it moistens, lubricates and keeps the vagina clean and free of infections and inflammation, any change in its color or smell can indicate the presence of a problem that needs treatment. So, we talked to Paula Bortolai Martins (CRM 127.101), a doctor at the Paulista Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, to understand more about the subject.

Frequently asked questions about discharge in pregnancy

The discharge is more present during pregnancy because, during this period, the pH and microorganisms in the vaginal region are more evident. In addition, the woman’s immune resistance is also impaired. And any deviation from what is considered normal should be immediately investigated by a good professional.

What kind of discharge can indicate pregnancy?

To know whether or not the discharge can be a sign of pregnancy, we need to carefully observe its permanence. Thus, if the secretion continues to be produced after the menstrual delay, the possibilities of a pregnancy are great.

Is discharge during pregnancy normal?

According to Paula Bortolai Martins, the discharge is not normal, what is normal is the increase in physiological secretion. “However, this secretion cannot present odor, discomfort or cause any type of itching”, adds the specialist.

What does discharge in the first trimester of pregnancy mean?

During the first trimester, brownish or bloody discharge can indicate two conditions. Rupture of small vessels – as the vascularity of the uterus and vagina increases; it can also be a sign of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy – one in which the fertilized egg implants itself in other structures, not the uterus.

What can white discharge be in late pregnancy?

According to specialist Paula Bortolai Martins, this discharge is the physiological secretion that increases due to hormonal changes. “And close to childbirth, the mucous plug may come out, which contains small rays of blood that indicate the beginning of the cervix draining and the contractions preparatory to childbirth”.

Can discharge harm the baby?

Physiological secretion does not, but discharge can indicate infection by fungi, bacteria and protozoa. “And these infections can cause premature labor, rupture of the water and fetal infection”, comments Paula.

Most of these discharges are due to increased levels of estradiol and progesterone in the body. However, as the pregnant woman has a lower immunity and is more prone to infections, any discharge should be evaluated by the obstetrician to differentiate what is physiological from what should be treated.

Types of discharge in pregnancy

When the discharge in pregnancy has a color, smell or thicker consistency, it can be a sign of infection or even the presence of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Thus, being able to identify its different characteristics and understanding what they mean can help in the diagnosis.

Brown or bloody discharge

Brown discharge is usually blood in a small amount that has clotted in the vagina before it passes out. “It is not normal during pregnancy and may indicate a small retroplacental hematoma, implantation bleeding or cervical bleeding,” explains the specialist. Although not normal, it is quite common and should be evaluated by the obstetrician.

green discharge

According to Paula Bortolai Martins, green discharge is also not normal and may indicate a trichomonas infection. “This protozoan is transmitted sexually or through close contact with secretions from an infected person,” she explains. The discharge is greenish yellow, accompanied by a strong odor, discomfort, itching and must be treated because it facilitates infection by other STDs.

yellow discharge

This color of discharge could indicate bacterial vaginosis, caused by gardenerella, or a trichomonas infection. According to the obstetrician, gardenerella infection is not necessarily sexually transmitted, because it is present in small numbers in the vaginal flora. “The discharge usually appears when there is an imbalance in this flora, causing the number of bacteria to increase”, concludes the specialist.

white discharge

White discharge can be the physiological secretion that changes throughout the menstrual cycle, but it can also be bacterial vaginosis. Typically, bacterial vaginosis discharge is grayish white, but it can also be yellowish. “It has a strong odor, especially close to the menstrual period, when the action of the bacteria increases”.

Strong smelling discharge

According to Paula Bortolai Martins, discharge with a strong smell is not normal and may indicate a bacterial or protozoan infection. Therefore, when you experience a bad smell combined with itching or burning when urinating, immediately seek medical attention.

loss of mucus plug

It is the loss of a kind of “cork” that is in the cervix protecting the amniotic sac. When the cervix begins to drain – sometimes weeks before delivery – this plug is expelled, which is gelatinous and may have streaks of blood. “This sign is normal and the patient does not need to worry”, adds the obstetrician.

Although very common throughout a woman’s life, discharge in pregnancy should be carefully observed. This is because the change in its color or odor may indicate that the natural physiological secretion has become pathological, which can bring risks not only to the woman, but also to the baby.

Tips to prevent discharge in pregnancy

Learn more about how to avoid this nuisance and possible risks to your pregnancy:

• Avoid tight or stuffy clothes: according to specialist Paula Bortolai Martins, the humid environment favors fungal infection, especially candidiasis, as well as favors the increase of physiological secretion.
• Prefer cotton underwear: this is because this type of fiber allows air circulation, keeping the intimate region much more airy.
• Avoid sexual intercourse at the slightest sign: valid for both men and women who have some kind of discomfort in their genitals. “Seek medical help in these cases”, recommends the obstetrician.
• Keep your exams up to date: keep your routine exams up to date, such as Pap smears and vaginal secretion.

At the doctor’s appointment, provide as much information about what the first symptoms were. Thus, the specialist will certainly arrive at the correct diagnosis to offer the best treatment for your type of discharge.

Remember that its off-white or transparent version is nothing to worry about. However, if it goes pasty and becomes too thick and thick, it could be your body showing that something isn’t right. Investigate and keep an eye on your underwear for any changes.