Although it is normal to have an increase in vaginal discharge due to the effect of the increasing estrogen hormone during pregnancy,
Although not every vaginal discharge may be a normal discharge due to pregnancy. Normal discharge due to pregnancy is generally odorless, white, fluid and thin, and does not cause itching. If there is itching in the outer area of the vagina, it may be an inflammation of the vagina due to infection.
When Does Discharge Start During Pregnancy? ;
Discharge during pregnancy begins in the first months of pregnancy and usually continues until birth.
The important thing is to follow the characteristics of the current. In the last months of pregnancy, expectant mothers may confuse the problem of water loss with discharge due to the opening of the water bladder. Breaking water during pregnancy is one of the important and urgent situations. Sometimes it may not be possible to separate it from the discharge. In suspicious cases, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
Vaginal discharge occurs in small amounts and at indeterminate intervals, while amniotic water constantly leaks out. Amniotic fluid is usually clear or slightly yellowish, watery in consistency, odorless or with a slightly sweet smell. Water may come in trickles, like a leak, or in excessive gushes. If there is any doubt about the breaking of water, it is necessary to immediately consult the doctor who is monitoring the pregnancy.
The doctor decides whether the amniotic sac has opened, water has broken and labor has begun.
How to Differentiate From Discharge Due to Infection?
Fungal infections-Candida Albicans; It is popularly known as mushroom. In fungal infection, there is a very itchy, curd-like and odorless discharge. Complaints such as itching and burning along with discharge are evident. Sometimes, excessive discharge from fungal infections may accumulate in the vagina and suddenly discharge, causing the pregnant woman to think that her water has broken.
Bacterial vaginosis; It is characterized by a discharge that is gray or yellow in color, transparent, sometimes foamy, and has a foul odor, such as a fishy odor. There may be a problem with painful sexual intercourse. Bacterial vaginosis can cause premature opening of the water sac during pregnancy and premature birth. Because of this, it must be diagnosed and treated.
Trichomonas Vaginitis:
It is one of the common vaginitis in pregnant women. The most common symptom is foul-smelling, foamy, yellow discharge; There may be an accompanying itching complaint. It is a sexually transmitted infection. Spouses also need to be treated. It must be treated for premature opening of the water bladder and breaking of water, as it may cause pain in premature birth.
Vaginal infections during pregnancy can sometimes occur when several of these, which we call mixed infections, occur together.
Can Discharge Be a Sign of Uterine Cancer?
In rare cases, foul-smelling and bloody discharge may be symptoms of cervical cancer. For this reason, pregnant women who complain of discharge may need to have smear tests taken as an examination.
What Can Be Done to Protect From Currents?
To protect against vaginal discharge and infections, cotton underwear should be used and underwear should be changed frequently. Washing the laundry with soap instead of detergent and ironing especially the crotch areas, avoiding sugary foods that may predispose to fungal infections, and using condoms are useful in protecting against vaginal discharge and infections.
Recommendations for Pregnant Women with Discharges
Apart from the odorless, white fluid consistency and thin discharges seen during pregnancy, if the discharge is foul-smelling, green, brown, yellow, pink or red in the form of spotting or foamy or itching is also present. If it accompanies it, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately.
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