Yellow discharge during pregnancy

Photo: UGC Yellow discharge at pregnancy is normal or sign diseases? These questions often meet on women's forums, their ask consultants specialized sites. But Not any information Can trust. IN article you will find professional answer on exciting question O yellow secretions V period nine months marathon

Causes of yellow discharge during gestation

Various factors can provoke the appearance of yellow vaginal leucorrhoea during pregnancy:

External reasons. These include allergies caused by the use of inappropriate intimate products, sanitary pads, and wearing poor-quality underwear).
Infectious diseases (venereal pathologies).
Internal inflammation. The cause of the formation of yellow discharge can be inflammatory pathologies of the bladder, uterus and other genitourinary organs.
Physiological features. In the female body during gestation, various hormonal changes occur that affect the functioning of the reproductive glands.
Infected abortion. These are the consequences of surgical interventions that led to infection of the uterine cavity or were carried out in the presence of contraindications. Remnants of the fertilized egg can also provoke infection of the uterine cavity.

A woman has vaginal discharge throughout her life. This process does not stop during pregnancy. Their color, consistency and quantity depend on the period of gestation, characteristics of the female body, the presence of infections and other factors.

In addition, the following diseases of the genitourinary system can contribute to the appearance of yellow leucorrhoea during pregnancy:

Colpitis. First, the membranes of the vaginal cavity react to genital infections. The cause of inflammation of the vagina can be the pathogenic activity of streptococci, staphylococci, chlamydia, mycoplasma, trichomonas and other bacteria.
Cervicitis. The appearance of yellow leucorrhoea during pregnancy may be a manifestation of inflammation of the uterine cervix. The causative agents of the pathology are the same bacteria as in colpitis, but they are localized in the uterus or cervical canal.
Thrush (candidiasis). White or yellow profuse discharge, accompanied by itching, may be a symptom of a fungal infection of the genitourinary system. The formation of thrush can be caused by wearing synthetic clothing, using inappropriate intimate products, taking antibiotics, decreased immunity, etc. Since candida bacteria are opportunistic microorganisms of the vaginal microflora, pregnancy leads to their active growth.
Bacterial vaginosis (gardnerellosis). The disease develops as a result of a disturbance in the vaginal microflora, which is characterized by the replacement of normal lactoflora by anaerobic bacteria and gardnerella. The main reason for the appearance of vaginosis is hormonal changes occurring in the mother's body.

Characteristics of discharge by color

Gynecologists can guess by the color of vaginal discharge what is happening in the body of a pregnant woman. If the expectant mother herself knows at least a brief description of the discharge, she will be able to seek qualified medical help in time, which will allow her to maintain her pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby. The main criterion for determining normality and pathology based on vaginal discharge is its color.

1 – 4 weeks of pregnancy. In the first week, spotting is possible, which is, in fact, the end of the last menstruation. The second week is characterized by white, slightly pinkish discharge, indicating that ovulation has occurred and the fertilized egg has attached to the wall of the uterus. The color of discharge during pregnancy during the attachment of the egg to the uterus does not always have a bloody appearance. They are often characterized as yellowish and creamy. At the end of the first month of pregnancy, bloody or brown discharge may appear again. If they are moderate, then there is nothing to worry about. This is an indicator of hormonal changes in the body.
5 – 20 weeks. Any pinkish, brown or red discharge is not normal and may indicate spontaneous abortion or placental abruption. The norm is whitish or transparent discharge with a loose consistency and odorless. A yellowish color, greenish inclusions in the mucus, too thick discharge (stretches between the fingers), an unpleasant odor - a reason to consult a gynecologist and undergo an examination for hidden sexually transmitted infections.
20 – 40 weeks. Only whitish discharge without impurities or odor can be considered normal. Bloody mucus from the vagina may be evidence of damage to the cervix or the passage of a plug - a harbinger of labor. Yellowish, greenish, bubbly mucus with a sour or “fishy” odor is a sign of the active progression of a sexually transmitted infection and a reason to consult a specialist.

Shades and types of yellow discharge during gestation

If yellow vaginal leucorrhoea occurs during pregnancy, you need to pay attention to its consistency, smell, shade and quantity. If any pathological changes are detected, you should consult a doctor. This will help to detect the development of the disease in the early stages and carry out effective treatment.

Light yellow vaginal leucorrhoea during pregnancy is considered normal. In such a case, there is no need to worry.

If you experience discharge of any color, you should consult a doctor. What violations may they be a manifestation of:

Bright yellow discharge during pregnancy is a sign of pelvic inflammation or infection of the vaginal cavity.
The appearance of dark yellow leucorrhoea is an alarming sign that indicates pathogenic activity and proliferation of E. coli, streptococci, gonococci, staphylococci and other bacteria. The listed microorganisms could be present in small quantities in the female body before fertilization, and the new position provoked their growth and reproduction.
Yellow-green leucorrhoea, accompanied by a burning sensation, unpleasant odor or itching, may be a manifestation of gonorrhea, dysbacteriosis or trichomoniasis.
Leucorrhoea of a yellow-brown hue during gestation poses a considerable danger to the fetus and the expectant mother. They can cause placental abruption, fetal death, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or cervical erosion.
Yellow mucous discharge during pregnancy combined with a sweetish odor may indicate leakage of amniotic fluid.

If yellow leucorrhoea is accompanied by itching and burning, there is a high probability of developing an allergy to hygiene products. To eliminate pathological symptoms, it is enough to stop using the allergen-containing product.

Normal or pathological?

Basically, discharge in large quantities occurs:

before menstruation,
in the middle of the cycle (when a mature egg is released from the ovary),
when taking hormonal drugs,
during pregnancy/gestation
during lactation (breastfeeding a newborn)

The disease is indicated by a change in the color of the discharge. They may turn greenish, gray, or dark yellow. Often when the color changes, their smell also changes. For example, someone may have discharge that smells like rotten fish. The following symptoms also indicate pathology:

stomach ache
itching and other unpleasant sensations in the vagina
burning sensation when urinating

During pregnancy, from the very first weeks, a woman’s immunity weakens. That's nature. This is necessary so that the mother’s body, which considers the fetus a foreign body, does not reject it. Today, the protective forces of most organisms are already reduced due to unfavorable environmental conditions and many other factors. Therefore, during pregnancy, immunity can be very low.

Yellow discharge during early pregnancy

Vaginal leucorrhoea of a yellow hue in the first weeks of gestation without pain, odor or itching is considered normal. This is explained by the action of the hormone progesterone, the formation of a mucus plug and the entry of epithelial cells into the uterine walls.

The appearance of yellow leucorrhoea interspersed with blood in the early stages does not always indicate the course of the pathology. Blood impurities may occur due to implantation of the fertilized egg into the uterine wall.

If leucorrhoea is accompanied by painful sensations, you should consult a specialist. They may indicate an ectopic pregnancy or spontaneous miscarriage.

Why does mucus appear yellowish?

Yellow discharge during pregnancy is not always a sign of pathology. There are many reasons why leucorrhoea is colored in such shades.

Let's look at the most common of them:

Variant of the physiological norm. If pathological changes are not accompanied by itching, hyperemia, an unpleasant odor and there is no increase in body temperature, then there is no need to sound the alarm.
Allergic reaction. Allergies can develop to intimate hygiene products, when using new pads or prescribing previously unused medications. In this case, you need to switch to hypoallergenic products and find out the reason.
Purulent infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary organs (bacterial, fungal, protozoal, viral).
Vaginal dysbiosis. Usually develops with long-term antibiotic therapy or promiscuity.

Yellow discharge during pregnancy in the second trimester

In the second half of gestation, leucorrhoea becomes more abundant. They should be odorless and interspersed with a different color. Pathological yellow discharge in the 2nd trimester can occur for any of the above reasons. This gestation period is considered favorable for starting appropriate treatment if any abnormalities are detected.

There should be no bloody impurities in the leucorrhoea at this stage of gestation. If such disorders are detected, you should consult a doctor, since the appearance of blood spots may indicate placental abruption, interruption of pregnancy, and other disorders.

Treatment of the most common diseases that cause pathological discharge

The difficulty of treating pregnant women is that the ingestion of many effective drugs is contraindicated for them. We have to limit ourselves to local agents.

Fungi

Fungal infections are treated with agents with fungicidal activity. In the first trimester, Pimafucin suppositories are allowed.

Under favorable conditions, the fungus disappears after 1–2 weeks.

From the author: at the beginning of pregnancy, yeast-like fungi were detected in my smear. Externally expressed by thick yellow discharge and itching. I cured it in 10 days, on the doctor’s advice, by inserting a Nystatin tablet (without a coating) into the vagina at night.

Gonorrhea

Pregnant women with gonorrhea should be hospitalized in a hospital, where they are prescribed a course of one of the following antibiotics:

Ceftriaxone;
Spectinomycin;
Azithromycin.

Photo gallery: antibiotics for the treatment of gonorrhea in pregnant women

Ceftriaxone is a powerful antibiotic that has a detrimental effect on gonococci.

Spectinomycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, especially effective for gonorrhea.

Azithromycin may well replace Ceftriaxone if it is intolerant

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis is treated with local anti-trichomoniasis agents. At the beginning of pregnancy, you can use Lomexin cream or vaginal capsules.

Lomexin can be used as both an antitrichomoniacal and an antifungal agent

If a sexually transmitted disease is detected in an expectant mother, simultaneous treatment of her husband is mandatory.

Genital herpes

Herpetic rashes during pregnancy are lubricated with topical antiviral creams:

Acyclovir;
Valacyclovir;
Gerpevir;
Herperax;
Famvir;
Zovirax.

These drugs are used with caution in the first trimester, after weighing the benefits and risks.

Genital herpes is resistant to treatment, persistent and prone to relapse. Therefore, fighting it requires a reserve of patience and perseverance.

Yellow discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester

Starting from the 37th week of gestation, yellow-brown leucorrhoea may appear, which indicates the approach of the upcoming birth. Also, an increase in the amount of leucorrhoea may indicate leakage of amniotic fluid. This is a sure sign that labor is approaching.

In the later stages, yellow leucorrhoea can be provoked by the same factors as in other periods of gestation. Also in the third trimester, it is possible to develop a disease such as chorioamnionitis (infection of the membranes, amniotic fluid). This pathology is characterized by the appearance of yellow discharge, hyperthermia, as well as an increase in the concentration of leukocytes in smears and blood.

When should you see a doctor?

If the color or consistency of the discharge changes or if there is an unpleasant odor, consult a doctor. You should also consult a doctor if you experience itching or pain when urinating. Watery or bloody discharge may mean your water is breaking or you have a mucus plug. If you are less than 37 weeks pregnant, this may indicate the onset of preterm labor. In this case, you should consult a doctor at the first symptoms. If at any point during your pregnancy you experience vaginal bleeding (more than minor spotting), see your doctor or call an ambulance right away.

Prevention and treatment of yellow leucorrhoea during pregnancy

Yellow vaginal leucorrhoea during gestation may be a reaction of the mother's body to ongoing hormonal changes or a manifestation of inflammation of the genitourinary system. A doctor can determine the cause of pathological leucorrhoea after a laboratory examination of a vaginal smear. If pathogenic microorganisms are identified, bacteriological culture will be carried out, which will determine the sensitivity of the detected virus to antibacterial agents. Based on the diagnostic results, appropriate therapy will be selected.

The choice of the most appropriate drug should be made by a doctor (self-medication is unacceptable), since the list of approved medications during pregnancy is strictly limited. Treatment of the identified pathology is carried out from the second trimester and is developed taking into account the nature of the detected disease, the duration and characteristics of the course of pregnancy, the individual characteristics and health status of the patient.

To prevent the appearance of pathological vaginal discharge during gestation, pregnant women should do the following:

Adhere to a healthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy (engage in moderate physical activity, give up bad habits, etc.).
Eat a balanced and rational diet, including foods rich in vitamins and micronutrients in your daily diet. This will help increase the body's protective properties and strengthen the immune system.
Maintain a sleep and rest schedule, avoid nervous stress and psycho-emotional stress.
Adhere to hygiene rules.
Use barrier contraceptives to prevent sexually transmitted infections.

Usually, yellow, odorless and itchy discharge is normal during pregnancy. If the consistency, shade or amount of vaginal leucorrhoea changes or other pathological symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor who will select the safest and most appropriate therapeutic tactics.

Attention!

This article is posted for informational purposes only and under no circumstances constitutes scientific material or medical advice and should not serve as a substitute for an in-person consultation with a professional physician.
For diagnostics, diagnosis and treatment, contact qualified doctors! Number of reads: 7168 Date of publication: 03/30/2018
Gynecologists - search service and appointment with gynecologists in Moscow

Prevention measures

Who may experience white discharge? Any woman. Why? Because she doesn't lead a healthy lifestyle. A pregnant woman should exercise, adhere to the principles of proper nutrition, etc. This is necessary to minimize the risk of developing various diseases. The components of a healthy lifestyle can be presented as follows:

Balanced nutrition in terms of quality and quantity. The diet should be rich in vitamins, minerals, valuable proteins, all micro- and macroelements. A woman should eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible.
Moderate constant physical training. The purpose of the exercises is to maintain the body in tone, prevent complications from the fetus and increase the overall resistance of the body.
Only protected sexual intercourse. Any contact can lead to infection. The infection can develop not only in the vaginal area and external genitalia, but also penetrate through the softened, dilated cervical canal, easily overcoming the mucus plug. In such a situation, infection of the fetus and many other complications are possible.
Careful hygiene. Daily toileting of the genitals twice a day provides complete protection of the vaginal microflora from pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms.
Careful selection of underwear. A woman's clothing should be made exclusively from natural materials. It is not recommended to wear synthetic items or clothes purchased for the first time to prevent allergic reactions.

If it was not possible to avoid the appearance of negative symptoms and yellowish discharge is detected, you should consult a doctor. He will prescribe a full course of examination and select further treatment. It is strictly forbidden to engage in healing on your own.