Mucus production during pregnancy. Discharge in the form of clear mucus during pregnancy. Early pregnancy: first signs and symptoms
The onset of the desired pregnancy is always a joyful event. But at the same time, it is a very difficult and responsible period in a woman’s life.
All its organs and systems undergo a number of physiological changes.
There is also a hormonal change in the entire body as a whole. From the moment of fertilization, a new life is born in a woman, which entirely depends on the state of health of her future mother.
The issue of allocations is far from the last. Already in the early stages you can notice mucus discharge during pregnancy, which are inherent in the second half of the menstrual cycle.
What are they?
In the first three months of pregnancy The discharge should be transparent or slightly whitish, easily stretchable between two fingers, not have an unpleasant odor and vary in quantity. This is a completely normal phenomenon and absolutely nothing to be afraid of.
During the first twelve weeks, the master in the body is the hormone, which bears full responsibility for the preservation and normal development of the fetus.
In addition, progesterone is involved in the formation necessary to protect the cervix from penetration of pathogenic microorganisms from the vagina.
In the first trimester, progesterone has a huge effect on a woman’s body. Therefore, the occurrence of opaque, thick and viscous discharge is normal. The amount of this hormone affects the successful attachment of the embryo to the wall of the uterus and the formation of the child's place - the placenta. During this period, the discharge is usually very viscous and scanty.
If they cause you some discomfort in your underwear, use a daily sanitary pad, but never a tampon. The main thing is that this discharge does not cause you burning or itching sensations.
If viscous mucous discharge is observed before the twelfth week of pregnancy, then from the thirteenth week the situation begins to change somewhat. And this is due to hormonal changes in the body - activation of estrogen production.
Due to this phenomenon of release become somewhat thinner, less viscous, and their number may increase significantly. In such a situation, you can continue to use the same pads. Just avoid using tampons to avoid introducing an unnecessary and dangerous infection to anyone.
Throughout pregnancy you should be careful about your secretions, the nature of their changes in quantity, smell, consistency and color.
When yellow, brown or greenish discharge accompanied by an unpleasant odor, you should immediately visit a antenatal clinic. After all, this sign may indicate the addition of a bacterial infection and the occurrence of an inflammatory process.
What does the color tell you?
White discharge during pregnancy, they consist of mucus containing epithelial cells that are exfoliated from the vaginal walls of a woman. In addition, mucus contains beneficial cells that produce lactic acid to protect against the effects of various bacteria and feed on epithelial cells.
The secretions also include liquid, the volume of which increases significantly as a result of excitement. Therefore, it is quite normal to experience white vaginal discharge that moisturizes and cleanses the vagina.
Copious clear discharge during pregnancy– this is an absolutely normal phenomenon. Their presence helps maintain normal vaginal microflora in a woman. In addition, abundant transparent discharge occurs due to the activation of the secretory function of the vagina and cervix.
Yellow discharge during pregnancy are pathological. They are nothing more than pus accumulated in the vaginal mucosa. This pus is formed due to the influence of pathogens such as staphylococcus, gonococcus or E. coli.
Greenish discharge indicate progression of the disease. And blistering discharge may indicate the appearance of gonorrhea or trichomoniasis. In such cases, severe itching, burning and pain when urinating occurs.
Bright yellow discharge during pregnancy indicate an inflammatory process in the fallopian tube or in the ovaries. And possibly a bacterial infection of the vagina. A woman could have contracted the infection before pregnancy. She could just be in a dormant state. And when the immune system weakened, it took over and manifested itself.
Pink discharge during pregnancy indicate the presence of blood in them. If they occur during the expected period and in small quantities, then there is no particular reason for concern.
But if such discharge is accompanied by pain, and especially cramping sensations in the lower abdomen and lumbar region, then you should seek medical help. After all, they can indicate the beginning. In this case, the sooner you get help, the greater the chance of maintaining the pregnancy.
Brown discharge During pregnancy, they are considered normal if they are smeared in the first trimester during the period of expected menstruation. But you should still consult a doctor, since discharge of this color is evidence of a threatening spontaneous abortion.
Discharge turns brown when separating the fertilized egg from the uterine walls. In this case, blood leaks and severe pain is felt. In this case, urgent hospitalization in a hospital will be required to maintain the pregnancy.
Brown discharge at the very beginning of pregnancy may indicate tubal pregnancy. In addition, heavy bleeding and pain are common. This is subject to mandatory interruption.
As you can see, the color, abundance and consistency of discharge during pregnancy is of great importance. Therefore, always keep an eye on them, and if you have the slightest doubt, consult a doctor. After all It's better to get checked and be calm than to constantly worry and be nervous about this.
As soon as a woman learns about her delicate situation, everything around her changes almost immediately. The expectant mother begins to feel differently, tries to devote more time to issues of health, proper nutrition and lifestyle, and listens to the changes occurring in her body.
Among other things, a pregnant woman pays attention to the appearance of copious vaginal discharge. As a rule, mucous discharge during pregnancy is considered normal and natural. However, in some cases, the expectant mother should inform her doctor about an uncharacteristic excretory process.
Mucus discharge during early pregnancy
In the first weeks after conception, the appearance of clear, almost colorless and odorless discharge is considered normal. The consistency of vaginal discharge in early pregnancy should resemble raw chicken protein - a thick, jelly-like liquid, sometimes in the form of clots.
The appearance of transparent mucous discharge during pregnancy occurs under the influence of the female sex hormone progesterone. In the first twelve weeks, it is he who controls all processes in a woman’s body. Progesterone is responsible for the formation of organs and systems of the fetus, as well as for its normal development. In addition, the hormone is involved in the formation of a mucus plug. Viscous, thick and viscous mucus completely closes the cervical canal, thereby preventing the penetration of microorganisms from the vagina into the amniotic sac. Therefore, the appearance of heavy discharge of this nature at the beginning of pregnancy is considered normal.
If the excretory process causes discomfort to a woman, she can use sanitary pads. The main thing is that the pregnant woman does not experience burning or itching in the area of the external genitalia. If mucous discharge during pregnancy looks like cottage cheese, has a sour smell, causes irritation and other unpleasant sensations, you need to contact your doctor. The specialist will order tests to diagnose a possible infection.
After the thirteenth week, the consistency of the discharge changes: thick and viscous, they become more liquid due to the active production of the hormone estrogen. During this period, the amount of mucous discharge during pregnancy increases significantly, which also causes the expectant mother some inconvenience.
It is clear that in the early stages of pregnancy and in subsequent weeks it is necessary to pay close attention to the nature of the discharge, its quantity, color, smell and consistency. The fact is that the presence of cheesy discharge with a greenish or brownish color, having an unpleasant and pungent odor, indicates the presence of infection and an inflammatory process.
Transparent mucous discharge during late pregnancy
In the third trimester, the excretory process of the female genital organs may remain the same or change slightly. Both the first and second, in the absence of blood and other qualitative changes in the discharge, are considered normal. Thus, mucous discharge during late pregnancy can be either thick and viscous, or watery.
If the discharge contains blood, this may indicate premature placental abruption. In this case, spotting is also accompanied by aching pain in the abdomen. If even small blood clots appear in the vaginal discharge, you should immediately consult a doctor. It is possible that the woman will require hospitalization.
But even if the pregnancy went without complications, a few days before giving birth, the expectant mother may still experience changes in the discharge. During the entire period of gestation, the cervix is closed by a protective plug of mucus. At the 39th week of pregnancy, mucous discharge that has a reddish tint will indicate that it is beginning to drain and the body is preparing for childbirth. A pregnant woman must understand: if the plug comes out, this is a signal that labor contractions will begin any day now.
In some cases, heavy fluid discharge may actually be amniotic fluid. To confirm or refute leakage of water (a very dangerous diagnosis for mother and baby), a pregnant woman needs to undergo a special analysis of the discharge. In most cases, when the membranes are damaged, the amniotic fluid becomes infected. If the period is short, then the woman is offered to terminate the pregnancy. If more than 20 weeks have passed, the doctor prescribes antibacterial agents, as well as special drugs that promote rapid maturation of the child’s lungs, after which a cesarean section is performed.
The female body is initially adapted for the conception, gestation and subsequent birth of a child. Everything inside is adjusted and configured so that at the most convenient moment, when the egg and sperm merge, successful fertilization occurs. And the mucus that is periodically released from the vagina also takes a unique part in this process.
The secretion of a certain amount of mucus, both in pregnant and non-pregnant women, is considered a normal state of affairs. Mucus is initially produced by glands located in the uterus and envelops. This mucus is transparent, odorless and not abundant. During the menstrual cycle, it is excreted from the body through the vagina, and the intensity of the discharge changes under the influence of hormones. In the first phase and until the middle of the menstrual cycle, mucus production gradually increases under the influence of estrogens. During this period, the mucus has a liquid and viscous consistency - this is necessary to ensure the normal movement of sperm in the direction of the egg, and to help the egg exit the ovary. In the second phase of the menstrual cycle, the nature of the discharge, as well as the consistency of the mucus, changes dramatically. Thus, the mucus loses its transparency, becomes viscous, and the amount of its secretion decreases. The hormone progesterone is responsible for such changes.
As you know, during pregnancy a major restructuring occurs in the female body. This also applies to hormonal levels. Due to a noticeable hormonal shift, the nature of mucus secretion from the vagina also changes. Thus, during pregnancy (especially in the first trimester), the presence of progesterone in a woman’s body is very high: this hormone is responsible for the preservation and development of the fetus in the initial stages of gestation. Therefore, we can say that at this time the pregnant woman’s body is in a state close to the second phase of the menstrual cycle. This explains the fact that mucus at this stage of pregnancy is viscous, opaque, and in small quantities.
Against the background of increased hormonal activity, the opposite situation is also possible: the amount of vaginal discharge may increase. Thus, clear or whitish odorless mucous discharge, which is not an irritant, is classified by doctors as normal. To eliminate discomfort from heavy discharge, expectant mothers can use special sanitary pads. But it is better not to use tampons to avoid the risk of infection in the birth canal.
If mucous discharge is not accompanied, has a normal consistency for this period and does not cause pain, then the pregnancy is proceeding normally. But if any changes appear in the nature of mucus secretion, in its structure, or discomfort appears, you should immediately consult a doctor. The most common reasons why the natural process of mucus secretion is disrupted may be for a pregnant woman (), bacterial vaginosis, or any other infections. If the body has one of these diseases, it will immediately affect the mucous secretions. Thrush, for example, is accompanied by a white, cheesy discharge with a sour odor. However, they are often abundant and cause itching and burning in the perineal area in the pregnant woman. Bacterial vaginosis, in turn, is characterized by watery, non-irritating discharge with an unpleasant odor. In any case, if a pregnant woman notices any changes, it makes sense to visit a specialist. With its help, it will be possible to determine the cause of the changes and, if necessary, decide on treatment.
Especially for- Tatyana Argamakova
Mucous discharge appears during pregnancy due to hormonal changes in the body of the expectant mother. If they are not accompanied by discomfort and pain, then they are considered normal. A pregnant woman and the attending physician should monitor the color, consistency, abundance and odor of the discharged substance. Thanks to the way the discharge changes, it is possible to draw a conclusion about the condition of the mother and baby, and if there are deviations, notice them in time and eliminate them.
Abundant whitish or transparent discharge in the early stages of pregnancy is one of its main companions. The nature of vaginal discharge changes over the course of pregnancy and often depends on the individual characteristics of the expectant mother’s body. However, it is necessary to carefully monitor any changes in order to determine in advance the onset of the inflammatory process due to the color of the mucus.
In the early stages
During the first 12 weeks, under the influence of the production of large amounts of the hormone progesterone, a woman is often bothered by copious viscous mucous discharge. And that's okay.
From the 13th week, estrogen is added to progesterone. Therefore, mucous secretion in the second trimester of pregnancy becomes more liquid and can be produced more abundantly than before. In this case, daily sanitary pads will come to the rescue.
Thus, clear discharge during pregnancy is normal. The reason to see a doctor will be a secret:
- greenish,
- brown,
- curdled,
- bubbling,
- with an unpleasant pungent odor.
This kind of mucus in a woman during early pregnancy indicates infection or inflammation. In this case, itching, burning in the genital area and painful urination may occur. Treatment in this case is prescribed by a specialist, since only he will make the correct diagnosis and select the necessary therapy.
In the later stages
Mucous discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester normally resembles egg white. It doesn’t matter whether they are thick or thin - any of these options is typical for the normal course of pregnancy.
Premature placental abruption may be indicated by secreted mucus streaked with blood. This phenomenon is very dangerous. It is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, and secretion interspersed with blood develops into bleeding. In such a situation, emergency hospitalization is necessary.
It happens that abundant secretion is a sign of leakage of amniotic fluid. This condition is dangerous for the baby and his future mother. To diagnose this pathology of pregnancy, it is necessary to submit the secretion for analysis.
Based on the results of the study, the doctor will choose further tactics. If it turns out that the water is actually leaking, then a pregnancy up to 22 weeks will not be able to be saved. In other cases, the woman will be admitted to the hospital to speed up the maturation of the baby’s respiratory organs, who will have to be born prematurely.
By the end of the 3rd trimester, the mucus may take on a reddish or pink tint. This secretion is considered physiological and indicates the approach of labor. A woman’s plug simply comes off, which reliably protected the entrance to the cervix throughout pregnancy.
Different shades of mucous secretions
Discharge like snot during pregnancy is the norm for the female body, which is being rebuilt under the influence of hormones. The main thing is that the separated secretion should be white or transparent and resemble raw egg white.
Thick viscous secretion performs a protective function. It protects the fetus from penetration of harmful bacteria. Flowing out, normal secretions carry with them everything foreign, which can pose a threat to the baby.
But if the color of the discharge changes, acquires an unpleasant odor, and the external genitals swell and itch, then this is a serious cause for concern.
White
Abundant green vaginal discharge is usually accompanied by itching, burning in the genitals and requires treatment prescribed by a doctor.
Pink
The secreted secretion becomes pink due to blood entering it. And when at the same time you feel aching pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, it means that the cervical os is opening, and if you do not take emergency measures to preserve the pregnancy, you can lose the child.
The smell of blood is the most dangerous and alarming symptom of pregnancy. In this case, you should not seek advice on forums, but urgently call an ambulance and go to the hospital.
In the later stages of pregnancy, a pink tint of mucus indicates the passage of the plug, which means that the woman must be ready to go to the maternity hospital at any time.
Treating infections that cause discharge
Any infection found during pregnancy must be treated. If left unattended, it will harm the child. He may develop pneumonia or sepsis. The disease can affect the liver, kidneys and even the brain.
Yellow or green discharge with a pungent odor, accompanied by nagging pain in the lower back and lower abdomen, indicates an infection. There are various treatment methods that will defeat the disease and not harm the baby. The doctor will select individual therapy for each specific case.
When, as a result of treatment, the thick, stretchy discharge becomes more liquid, the characteristic color, smell and other unpleasant signs disappear, this will mean that the infection has been defeated and the danger has passed.
When to see a doctor
If the discharged substance has become purulent yellow or green in color, accompanied by an unpleasant odor, itching and burning, then these are signs of inflammatory diseases or bacterial vaginosis. Both of these conditions must be treated, otherwise they will lead to serious complications.
If the above symptoms appear, you should see a doctor, and he will accurately determine whether this is normal or pathological.
If previously the treatment of many diseases was postponed until after childbirth, now there are enough drugs that can cope with the infection and not harm the fetus.
Therefore, if in doubt, do not delay consulting with a doctor. The sooner you start therapy, the easier it is to cope with the disease.
