Pregnancy is a period full of worries and worries. Some are unfounded and inspired by rumors, some are quite significant. Yellowish discharge during pregnancy can only be considered normal in a few percent of cases. In the remaining 90+%, this is a deviation from the norm requiring urgent treatment. It is not recommended to be scared in advance. Let's find out everything in order.
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Why is there more discharge?
Normally, every woman, from puberty to menopause, experiences a small amount of vaginal discharge every day, transparent or whitish
, odorless. They are designed to maintain microflora.
Abundant yellow discharge during pregnancy is caused by the work of the hormone progesterone, which reconfigures the entire female body to bear and feed a child.
There are at least two explanations for the large volume of discharge:
- the first is the formation of a plug;
- the second is protective and cleansing functions.
Protection occurs as follows: a large flow of liquid masses removes all possible “garbage” from the female body and does not allow microorganisms to enter the uterus and affect the fetus.
The third reason relates to the late timing. Liquid mucous secretions help the baby pass through the birth canal.
Important!
During early pregnancy, the volume changes, but not the smell or consistency.
Minor changes in color up to a light yellow tint are acceptable.
Why does the discharge turn yellow?
Yellow mucous discharge appears as a result of the formation of a plug in the early stages. During this period, particles of the epithelium, the plug itself and natural microflora are mixed into the secreted secretion, as a result of which the secreted material acquires a white-yellow color.
Normal discharge
during early pregnancy:
- the color should in no case be bright yellow or saturated;
- the smell should not be sharp and unpleasant
; - a woman should not feel discomfort, itching, burning in the vagina, pain in the lower abdomen;
- the consistency should remain the same, without lumps and curdled masses, inclusions of blood or other shades.
In later stages the volume increases
, and the consistency becomes more liquid. There is no need to be afraid.
White or white-yellow discharge during pregnancy
Leucorrhoea or transparent discharge consists of colorless mucus, as well as the main “corrective” component in the form of lactic acid bacteria - lactobacilli. Mucus mixed with keratinized epithelial cells is an attractive environment for the development and nutrition of bacteria of pathogenic flora.
If a pregnant woman eats incorrectly, does not adhere to the rules of personal hygiene, uses aromatic products for intimate hygiene, or arbitrarily uses medications, the balance of the flora is disrupted, and pathogenic organisms “populate” instead of those that previously protected the woman’s vagina.
Important
Normally, the composition of vaginal discharge consists of 95% lactobacilli and 5% other types of bacteria. When the number of lactobacilli is disturbed, the most aggressive bacteria develop and spread, which populate the vaginal flora.
The color of yellow or white-yellow discharge in women should not cause a feeling of fear if there is no itching, burning, rash and swelling. If the discharge only slightly changes its color to a more yellowish tint, this may indicate a change in hormonal levels, but the condition is not dangerous for a pregnant woman.
If the yellow compartments acquire a bright color, a burning sensation appears, and the mucus becomes viscous and has an unpleasant odor, then this indicates the presence of a large amount of pathogenic flora, which the body is not able to cope with. Epithelial cells that have separated from the walls of the birth canal and good blood supply to the reproductive organs are excellent food for the growth of microbacteria, which is what the remaining 5% of bacteria in the body use.
Important
The skin and all mucous tissues of a person cannot be absolutely sterile, but lactic acid, which is produced in a woman’s body in the vagina in good health, maintains the “balance” and the necessary ratio of “good” and “bad” bacteria. If at any stage there is a change in secretion, an increase or decrease in vaginal acidity is observed.
See a doctor urgently
Abundant yellow discharge during pregnancy, accompanied by itching, burning, pain in the lower abdomen, a curd-like structure of the discharge, and an unpleasant odor is a signal for an urgent visit to the doctor.
Any illness in this position is dangerous, even a runny nose, let alone troubles in close proximity to the fetus.
Many diseases are fraught with the death of a child and the occurrence of pathologies and infertility in a woman.
Based on the color of the discharge, you can guess what kind of disease is bothering you, but it is always necessary to confirm it with tests.
Yellow
Yellow discharge in early pregnancy may be the result of an allergic reaction.
Allergies are caused by synthetic fabrics, intimate hygiene products and clothes washing products. The advice is the same for everyone - eliminate the allergen.
Yellow mucous discharge during pregnancy, accompanied by itching, cheesy lumps, swelling of the labia and a sour smell means Candidiasis. The disease appears out of nowhere, beginning to progress rapidly. The reason lies in the natural microflora, which by definition contains fungi of the genus Candida. Before pregnancy, immunity was at its peak and easily kept fungi from actively reproducing.
After conception, all forces, even reserve ones, are devoted to restructuring the body and creating comfortable conditions for the baby. Fungi are not controlled by anything, and they actively multiply.
Thrush needs to be treated! Necessarily! It has a detrimental effect on the condition of the vaginal tissues and leads to ruptures during childbirth; moreover, during the passage of the birth canal, fungal masses clog the child’s mouth, nose and eyes.
As a result, newborns go blind
completely and forever.
Dark yellow color is characteristic of inflammatory processes
during pregnancy. May be accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen and high fever.
We list the diseases that can affect the fetus in utero and provoke premature birth.
Vaginitis
- an inflammatory process affecting the walls of the vagina.
Symptoms:
- copious yellow discharge of varying consistency;
- pain during intercourse;
- itching in the vagina.
Cervicitis
– inflammation of the cervix.
Symptoms:
- yellow discharge;
- lower abdominal pain;
- Strong smell;
- itching and burning of the labia;
- spotting after sexual intercourse;
- chills and fever.
Inflammation of the uterine appendages.
Symptoms:
- constant tension in the lower abdomen;
- yellow discharge, possible greenish impurities;
- weakness;
- heat;
- chills;
- severe headaches.
Green
Greenish-yellow mucous discharge during pregnancy indicates infections.
Infections are caused by pathogens that, in most cases, enter the body from the outside.
The most common are trichomoniasis, chlamydia and gonorrhea, which are sexually transmitted. They are characterized by foamy discharge and a strong, unpleasant odor.
An increase in temperature and the appearance of purulent impurities is possible.
They can cause miscarriage or premature birth, and infect the child.
Bacterial vaginosis occurs due to the death of natural microflora, in the place of which opportunistic bacteria appear.
The appearance of the disease
contribute to:
- frequent douching or complete disregard for intimate hygiene;
- the use of vaginal contraceptives that destroy natural microflora (contains 9-nonoxynol);
- antibiotics that destroy microflora by definition;
- frequent change of sexual partners.
A characteristic feature of vaginosis is the “aroma” of spoiled fish.
, which appears after sexual intercourse or active physical activity. It poses a greater danger to the fetus than to the mother: it causes hypoxia, premature rupture of amniotic fluid, chorioamnionitis and miscarriage.
Brown
Brown color is clotted blood or pus.
If pus is characterized by a specific odor and a number of diseases caused by infections or inflammations, then the presence of blood means a certain pathology.
- Ectopic pregnancy. Blood appears after the fetus in the fallopian tube has reached its maximum size, which does not cause harm to the mother’s body, and has begun to grow further. As a result tissue rupture
, which is dangerous due to heavy bleeding and death. - Frozen pregnancy. The fetus stops developing in the womb. Urgent surgical intervention and artificial termination
of pregnancy are necessary. - Miscarriage. The process occurs with varying intensity for each woman, but is always accompanied by bleeding.
- Placental abruption. If diagnosed in time, the child can be saved.
- Erosion. With this diagnosis, it is possible to carry a child to term, but constant monitoring by a specialist is required. Treatment during pregnancy is unacceptable.
Other reasons
Yellow discharge may not always indicate the presence of an infection. Sometimes they are associated with completely different reasons.
Allergic reactions
White-yellow profuse discharge in a pregnant woman sometimes occurs as a result of an allergic reaction. Usually, you may notice irritation of the skin or mucous membrane on the external genitalia. With such symptoms, the expectant mother should urgently consult a doctor who will determine the allergen. For the problem to disappear, you need to eliminate its contact with the woman’s skin. Most often, allergies in expectant mothers occur when using the following things and products:
- gels for intimate hygiene;
- panty liners;
- any skin care cosmetics.
Intimate hygiene products can cause allergies in the vagina and cause yellow discharge
During pregnancy, allergies may appear to things that were previously used without problems.
During pregnancy, especially in the last months, I had vaginal irritation like an allergic reaction. I quickly realized that this was the problem, because when I saw the panty liner, I felt sick: it rubbed against my intimate area, causing discomfort. I decided to replace it, and only then, if there was no result, go to the doctor. Instead of the notorious pads, I bought special wipes for intimate hygiene, which are completely natural. In principle, you could do without them by using regular toilet paper. After getting rid of the pads, everything immediately went away, and I was joyful and happy again.
Leakage of amniotic fluid
In the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, a woman may notice light yellowish discharge - leaking amniotic fluid. Their appearance at the 40th week of pregnancy will “tell” that the baby will be born very soon. But such discharge in the second trimester may indicate the onset of premature labor. In both of these cases, especially in the second, you need to hurry to the doctor.
Toward the end of my pregnancy, my vaginal discharge increased. They began to resemble transparent mucus. I immediately thought that most likely it was amniotic fluid. My husband and I went to the maternity hospital, waited 4 hours - there were a lot of women in labor and whiners like me. After this, I was received by a very pleasant doctor, who examined me and briefly said that “the uterus is not ready,” but there was no leakage of water: according to the doctor, this is just a feature of the body, and such discharge is considered normal at the end of pregnancy. The doctor sent me home, which I was very happy about.
Treatment and prevention
Most diseases can be treated with minimal risk to the fetus.
Naturally, the earlier the disease was detected, the easier it is to get rid of it. Medicine does not stand still and antibiotics that do not cause harm
fetus There are few of them and they do not cure everything, but they exist.
In addition, a lot of topical drugs have been created that do not enter the bloodstream and do not affect the fetus.
Under no circumstances should you be afraid to tell the doctor about your discomfort, for fear that he will prescribe a drug that will harm the baby.
It is important to do tests as early as possible, identify the source of the disease and stop it in the early stages. This is the safest treatment method. Taking traditional medicine
is not always favorable, since herbs can provoke a miscarriage, uterine tone, dizziness in the mother, etc.
Prevention methods
diseases of the genital organs during pregnancy suggest:
- moderate personal hygiene;
- exclusion of allergic reactions;
- proper nutrition;
- not hypothermia of the pelvic organs;
- picky choice of sexual partners
before and during pregnancy.
Note!
Inflammation of the female genital organs is easily acquired as a result of hypothermia.
Proper nutrition
during pregnancy is not only a guarantee of adequate nutrition for the fetus and the subsequent formation of the future person, but also a guarantee of maintaining the proper level of immunity in a woman.
If the body does not need to spend its remaining strength on replenishing the shaken balance of nutrients in the body, it will be able to spend this energy on fighting diseases.
If possible, it is recommended to visit a gynecologist before conception and get tested for diseases.
If the sexual partner has not changed for a long time and the woman is confident in him, the only question is thrush and erosion
. If you had sexual intercourse with a stranger and without contraception, it is better to find out the result in advance and start treatment on time.
In some women, thrush may be in the development stage and show little effect, but after conception it will sharply intensify. Treatment will not require special methods and will not harm subsequent conception. You can find out if pregnancy and menstruation is possible by following the link.
