What Can Cause Discharge In Pregnancy And How To Treat It
During pregnancy, changes in the body can surprise and create worries. So it’s best to be prepared to know what to expect.
From the moment a woman conceives, the body begins to go through great changes. One of the first to be noticed is increased flow in pregnancy. Although it is normal and generally does not indicate a problem. The causes can vary and, in some cases, be an indication of a complication.
Leucorrhea, as increased vaginal discharge in pregnancy is known, is a thick, milky, white to clear cervical mucus that begins to appear just about two weeks after the egg is fertilized. This fluid is produced by placental hormones in order to protect the womb.
As the weeks go by, the flow in the pregnancy increases and becomes more noticeable in the last weeks before delivery. This is because the baby begins to press with his head, pushing the cervical fluids.
When to worry about fluid in pregnancy?
When vaginal fluid has other characteristics during pregnancy, it may be due to a problem. In those cases, you always have to consult with the gynecologist.
Vaginal infection
Vaginal infections are common during pregnancy, especially after the second trimester. When it occurs, the discharge is greenish or yellow, has a strong odor, and may be accompanied by irritations and an itchy sensation. It can also burn when you urinate or have sex.
Vaginal infection or candidiasis is caused by an imbalance in the pH levels of the mucosa, which favors the development of the fungus called Candida. Also the high levels of sugar in normal vaginal fluids create an environment conducive to the fungus.
Although vaginal infection does not represent any danger, it is advisable to go to the doctor as soon as possible to start treatment. If left untreated, the infection can be passed to the baby during delivery.
In pregnancy, the most common treatment is with creams and suppositories, since there is no certainty of the effects that oral medications have on the fetus.
To prevent vaginal infections, the American Pregnancy Association recommends following some tips:
- Wear cotton underwear and not too tight.
- Bathing with neutral soaps and without scents.
- Dry the genital area with a hair dryer on low setting.
- Wipe front to back after using the bathroom.
- Do not stay in wet bathing suits after swimming.
- Bathe, dry off well, and change clothes after exercising.
- Do not use vaginal douches or sprays .
- Consume yogurt with probiotics and reduce sugar consumption.
Bacterial vaginosis and discharge in pregnancy
It occurs when the population of bacteria in the vagina increases to higher than normal levels. The cause of bacterial vaginosis is unknown, but it is believed that it can be triggered by sexual intercourse. Although it is not very common, about 10% of women suffer from it.
Bacterial vaginosis doesn’t always have symptoms, but it sometimes produces a grayish fluid with a fishy odor. Generally during pregnancy several tests are done to determine if there is bacterial vaginosis.
This infection can lead to premature births and even miscarriages. It is usually treated with oral or cream antibiotics.
Sexually transmitted diseases
If there is a contagion of a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis or trichomoniasis, vaginal fluids are also produced. In these cases, they usually have yellowish or greenish colors and strong odors.
These diseases can cause premature labor and abortion, and can also be transmitted to the baby during delivery, sometimes with serious health consequences.
Previous placenta
When the placenta keeps blocking the cervix in the lower part of the uterus during the last weeks of pregnancy instead of moving towards the womb, it produces what is known as placenta previa.
This condition can cause abnormal bleeding during pregnancy and at the time of delivery. Usually, the placenta previa is detected through routine ultrasound after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Generally, women who have placenta previa should continue the pregnancy in bed and with more frequent monitoring than normal. In extreme cases, it may require rest in a hospital or an early cesarean delivery.
How to manage flow in pregnancy?
In cases of normal leucorrhea, there is little that can be done to prevent it, however, it is advisable to take more care in genital hygiene to avoid other complications.
- Keep the genital area clean and dry.
- Always dry from front to back.
- Use cotton pads.
Finally, the doctor must be notified as soon as possible in case a change in the amount, color and odor of the discharge is noticed during pregnancy.
