Discharges during pregnancy – characteristics and causes

Brown discharge in pregnancy or greenish discharge in pregnancy can be caused by a number of factors, both physiological and pathological. If the amount of discharge, odor, consistency  changes and is accompanied by itching or burning, visit a doctor. This can be the first signal of an infection inside the reproductive tract, in some cases dangerous for the fetus. 

Characteristics and causes of discharge during pregnancy

The discharge in the first weeks of pregnancy should be odorless, of uniform consistency, whitish-transparent or slightly yellowish in color. Only the amount of secretion changes. The increase in estrogen and progesterone induces increased production. This is to increase the protective function against viruses, bacteria and fungi. 

White discharge during pregnancy with a consistency resembling cottage cheese can indicate a fungal infection. Other symptoms of such an infection include redness around the vaginal outlet, itching and burning. This infection is caused by candida.

Green discharge during pregnancy, as well as green-yellow, foamy consistency, are indicative of vaginal cysticercosis infection. This protozoan can cause cystitis, which is additionally accompanied by whitish urine (indicating the presence of pus), pain in the urethral area during urination, a burning and pinching sensation.

Brown discharge in pregnancy means that the vaginal discharge is colored by blood. However, it does not necessarily mean anything dangerous, so do not panic. In early pregnancy, physiological light bleeding occurs as a result of the implantation (implantation) of the embryo into the uterine wall after sexual intercourse and changes in the body’s hormonal economy as it prepares for pregnancy and subsequent childbirth. 

After fertilization, there is a sudden increase in progesterone, which is designed to protect the embryo and provide it with optimal conditions for further development. However, the appearance of brown or bloody discharge should never be ignored. Immediately visit a doctor to determine the exact cause of the above-mentioned discharge. To assess the condition of the fetus, an ultrasound is primarily performed. Possible pathological causes of brown discharge are: cancer of the cervix or adnexa, placenta progenita, i.e. located above the entrance to the birth canal instead of in the uterus, premature detachment of the placenta and the beginning of the abortion process. In order to avoid serious complications, a gynecologist should be consulted and a restful lifestyle and properly selected pharmacotherapy should be implemented.

Discharges with a characteristic unpleasant odor indicate a bacterial infection. They are caused by aerobic bacteria. In addition to a peculiar odor, the color, consistency and quantity resemble normal secretions.

Treatment of bacterial infection

In each case, the most important thing is to determine the exact cause of the infection. Depending on the diagnosis and the pathogenic microorganism, the best and safest pharmacotherapy is selected. To determine the causative agent, tests are performed for culture, bacteriological and mycological smears, as well as cytology and vaginal cleanliness (biocenosis). When the infection threatens pregnancy, it becomes necessary to implement antibiotic therapy. It is less dangerous and easier to treat during the first trimester of pregnancy, but it carries a number of serious complications that can surface after the baby is born.

To prevent infections, special attention should be paid to daily intimate hygiene and keeping the perineum clean. This can be ensured by: wearing cotton underwear that guarantees proper skin breathing, washing the perineal area from the vaginal outlet to the anus, avoiding tight clothing such as leggings and panties, and avoiding directly pouring hot water over the perineum, as this can change the pH of the vagina and disrupt the natural bacterial flora. Perfumed soaps, scented toilet paper should also be avoided. It is good for intimate hygiene products during pregnancy to contain lactic acid.

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