Vaginal bleeding during late pregnancy can be a concerning symptom, but what are the common causes? Learn how to identify the difference between spotting and bleeding, the potential underlying issues, and when to seek medical attention.

Understanding Vaginal Bleeding in Late Pregnancy

Vaginal bleeding during the third trimester of pregnancy is a relatively common occurrence, affecting around 10% of women. While spotting or light bleeding can sometimes be normal, it can also be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. It is crucial for pregnant women to understand the difference between spotting and bleeding, as well as the potential causes and when to seek medical attention.

Spotting vs. Bleeding: Identifying the Difference

Spotting is when a pregnant woman notices a few drops of blood on her underwear, which is not enough to require the use of a panty liner. Bleeding, on the other hand, is a heavier flow of blood that would require the use of a liner or pad to prevent it from soaking through the clothes.

Common Causes of Vaginal Bleeding in Late Pregnancy

There are several potential causes of vaginal bleeding during the third trimester of pregnancy, ranging from relatively minor to more serious conditions:

Benign Causes

• Sex: Vaginal bleeding, often just spotting, can occur after sexual intercourse.
• Internal Exam: Similar to sex, a routine internal examination by a healthcare provider can also result in spotting.
• Vaginal or Cervical Infections: Diseases or infections affecting the vagina or cervix can lead to bleeding.
• Uterine Fibroids or Cervical Growths: Benign growths in the uterus or cervix may cause bleeding.

More Serious Causes

• Placenta Previa: A condition where the placenta grows in the lowest part of the uterus, covering all or part of the cervix.
• Placental Abruption: When the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus before the baby is born.

Determining the Cause of Vaginal Bleeding

To identify the cause of the vaginal bleeding, healthcare providers will typically ask the pregnant woman a series of questions, such as:

• Is the bleeding accompanied by cramping, pain, or contractions?
• Has there been any other bleeding during the pregnancy?
• When did the bleeding begin, and is it constant or intermittent?
• How much bleeding is present, and is it spotting or a heavier flow?
• What is the color of the blood (dark or bright red)?
• Are there any accompanying symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or fever?
• Have there been any recent injuries or falls?
• When was the last sexual intercourse, and did bleeding occur afterward?
• Are there any other complications with the pregnancy?

Based on the answers to these questions, the healthcare provider can better determine the underlying cause of the bleeding and the appropriate course of action.

Managing Vaginal Bleeding in Late Pregnancy

The management of vaginal bleeding during late pregnancy will depend on the severity and underlying cause:

Mild Spotting

If the bleeding is light and not accompanied by any other symptoms, the pregnant woman may be able to monitor the situation at home. She should use a clean pad and check it every 30 to 60 minutes for a few hours. If the spotting or bleeding continues, she should contact her healthcare provider.

Heavy Bleeding or Concerning Symptoms

If the bleeding is heavy, the woman’s belly feels stiff and painful, or she is experiencing strong and frequent contractions, she may need to call 911 or the local emergency number. For any other significant bleeding, she should contact her healthcare provider right away, who will determine whether she needs to go to the emergency room or the labor and delivery area of the hospital.

The Importance of Prompt Medical Attention

Regardless of the severity of the bleeding, it is crucial for pregnant women to report any vaginal bleeding to their healthcare provider as soon as possible. Even if the bleeding has stopped, it is still important to seek medical attention, as the underlying cause may require further evaluation and treatment to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the baby.

Vaginal bleeding in late pregnancy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

One out of 10 women will have vaginal bleeding during their 3rd trimester. At times, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. In the last few months of pregnancy, you should always report bleeding to your health care provider right away.

You should understand the difference between spotting and bleeding:

• Spotting is when you notice a few drops of blood every now and then on your underwear. It is not enough to cover a panty liner.
• Bleeding is a heavier flow of blood. With bleeding, you will need a liner or pad to keep the blood from soaking your clothes.

When labor begins, the cervix starts to open up more, or dilate. You may notice a small amount of blood mixed in with normal vaginal discharge, or mucus.

Mid- or late-term bleeding may also be caused by:

• Having sex (most often just spotting)
• An internal exam by your provider (most often just spotting)
• Diseases or infections of the vagina or cervix
• Uterine fibroids or cervical growths or polyps

More serious causes of late-term bleeding may include:

• Placenta previa is a problem of pregnancy in which the placenta grows in the lowest part of the womb (uterus) and covers all or part of the opening to the cervix.
• Placenta abruptio (abruption) occurs when the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus before the baby is born.

To find the cause of your vaginal bleeding, your provider may need to know:

• If you have cramping, pain, or contractions
• If you have had any other bleeding during this pregnancy
• When the bleeding began and whether it comes and goes or is constant
• How much bleeding is present, and whether it is spotting or a heavier flow
• The color of the blood (dark or bright red)
• If there is an odor to the blood
• If you have fainted, felt dizzy or nauseated, vomited, or had diarrhea or a fever
• If you have had recent injuries or falls
• When you last had sex and if you bled afterward
• If you’re feeling the baby move
• If you’ve had other complications during the pregnancy

A small amount of spotting without any other symptoms that occurs after having sex or an exam by your provider can be watched at home. To do this:

• Put on a clean pad and recheck it every 30 to 60 minutes for a few hours.
• If spotting or bleeding continues, call your provider.
• If the bleeding is heavy, your belly feels stiff and painful, or you are having strong and frequent contractions, you may need to call 911 or your local emergency number.

For any other bleeding, call your provider right away.

• You will be told whether to go to the emergency room or to the labor and delivery area in your hospital.
• Your provider will also tell you whether you can drive yourself or you should call an ambulance.

Baeseman ZJ. Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee EM, eds. Conn’s Current Therapy 2023. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier 2023:1273-1276.

Francois KE, Foley MR. Antepartum and postpartum hemorrhage. In: Landon MB, Galan HL, Jauniaux ERM, et al, eds. Gabbe’s Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 18.

Henn MC, Lall MD. Complications of pregnancy. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 173.

Hull AD, Resnik R, Silver RM. Placenta previa and accreta, vasa previa, subchorionic hemorrhage, and abruptio placentae.  In: Lockwood CJ, Copel JA, Dugoff L, et al, eds. Creasy and Resnik’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 43.

Updated by: LaQuita Martinez, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, Alpharetta, GA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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Bleeding during pregnancy: When to worry about spotting in pregnancy

A little light bleeding or spotting during pregnancy is common, especially during the first trimester. Heavier or more consistent bleeding could signal a problem with the pregnancy. Early pregnancy bleeding can happen when the fertilized egg implants, or it could be from something more serious like a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Common causes of bleeding later in pregnancy include placental problems or preterm labor. Any bleeding is worth letting your doctor know about as soon as possible, especially if it’s heavy or it doesn’t stop.

Is it normal to have spotting during pregnancy?

A little light bleeding or spotting during pregnancy is common, especially in early pregnancy. Up to one in four pregnant women have some light bleeding in their first trimester. But even if the bleeding seems to have stopped, call your doctor, just to make sure everything is okay.

Spotting or light bleeding in pregnancy is probably from something minor. But it could also be a sign of a serious problem, such as an ectopic pregnancy, a miscarriage, or an infection.

Your doctor may want to do some tests, which can include a physical exam, an ultrasound, and blood tests, to check how well you and your baby are doing and to rule out any complications.

If you’re actively bleeding or you have severe pain and can’t reach your doctor, head to the emergency room right away.

What’s the difference between spotting and bleeding during pregnancy?

Spotting is very light bleeding, similar to what you may have at the very beginning or end of your period. It will look like small drops of blood on your underwear, varying in color from pink to red to brown (the color of dried blood). Pregnancy spotting is common, especially during the first three months.

Bleeding means that you need to wear a panty liner or pad to avoid soaking your underwear. And heavy bleeding will soak through one or more pads. Continued or heavy bleeding could signal a problem with your pregnancy, which is why it’s important to share with your doctor right away.

Early pregnancy bleeding: What causes it?

The most common causes of light spotting or bleeding during early pregnancy include:

Implantation. Some women have spotting even before they know they’re pregnant, about a week or so after they ovulate. It’s called “implantation bleeding” because it happens when the fertilized egg burrows (or implants) into the blood-rich lining of the uterus, a process that starts just six days after fertilization.

If you have a day or two of spotting in the week before your period is due, take a home pregnancy test. If the result is negative, wait a few days or a week. If your period doesn’t start when you expect it, try testing again.

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Subchorionic hematoma. Also called a subchorionic hemorrhage, this kind of bleeding can happen when the outer layer of the amniotic sac (chorion) separates from the wall of the uterus. It’s usually harmless and stops on its own. Small collections of blood like this early on are typically harmless. But if the collection of blood is larger, it will take longer to reabsorb, or go away. This can raise the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor, so your doctor may want to check on it regularly with ultrasound.

Miscarriage. Spotting or bleeding in the first trimester, especially if you also have abdominal pain or cramping, can be an early sign of miscarriage. But it isn’t necessarily a sign, and actually, about half of women who miscarry don’t have any bleeding prior to diagnosis. Other signs of a possible miscarriage are discharge of liquid or tissue from your vagina, and no longer feeling any pregnancy symptoms (like morning sickness). If feeling better is your only symptom, however, try not to worry! Many pregnant women don’t experience nausea in the first trimester and have very healthy pregnancies.

Ectopic pregnancy. Early pregnancy bleeding also can warn of an ectopic pregnancy – when the embryo implants outside the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. Sometimes bleeding is the only sign, but other common symptoms include pain in the belly, pelvis, or shoulder. An ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening, so let your doctor know right away if you have bleeding or moderate to severe pain in your first trimester.

Molar pregnancy. This rare complication happens when the placenta doesn’t develop properly, and it can’t sustain the embryo. A molar pregnancy can be serious, and it needs prompt treatment.

Infection. An infection can irritate or inflame your cervix and make it more likely to bleed, especially after you have sex. These are some of the infections that can cause bleeding:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Herpes
• Yeast infection
• Trichomoniasis

Because certain infections can cause pregnancy complications, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics or another treatment.

You might also notice some spotting or light bleeding after sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam. More blood flows to your cervix during pregnancy, so it’s not unusual. A cervical polyp (a noncancerous growth on the cervix) can also cause spotting or bleeding after sex or an exam.

What causes second or third trimester bleeding?

Bleeding later in pregnancy might also be nothing to worry about. Light bleeding could be a sign of harmless inflammation, a cervical polyp, or other changes in your cervix. And a few days before your delivery date, bloody discharge called “show” is a sign that your cervix is getting ready for labor.

Heavy bleeding late in your pregnancy is a more worrisome sign. It’s worth making a call to your doctor right away.

Here are some common causes of bleeding in your second and third trimesters:

Placental problems. Bleeding or spotting after the first trimester can be a sign of a problem with the placenta, such as:

• Placenta previa, when the placenta partially or fully covers the cervix; usually this is diagnosed at your mid-pregnancy ultrasound or anatomy scan. Your placental location will continue to be monitored as pregnancy progresses, and your obstetrician will recommend that you abstain from intercourse as long as the placenta is over or near the cervix.
• Placenta accreta, when the placenta becomes abnormally embedded in the uterine wall. Although this is a rare complication, the risk slowly increases with each cesarean delivery.
• Placental abruption, when the placenta entirely or partially separates from the wall of the uterus. This is more likely to occur as a result of trauma (car accident, domestic violence), uncontrolled hypertension, or labor.

Late miscarriage. Most miscarriages happen in the first trimester, but bleeding between 13 weeks and the middle of your pregnancy can be a sign of late miscarriage.

Preterm labor. Bleeding is one sign of preterm labor (labor that starts before 37 weeks). Other symptoms are:

• Abdominal pain, cramps, or contractions
• Low backache
• Changes in vaginal discharge
• Pressure in your pelvis or lower abdomen

How much bleeding during pregnancy is normal?

Some light bleeding is normal, especially early in your pregnancy when the fertilized egg implants. But really, bleeding can happen at any point in your pregnancy, and for many different reasons. And because some causes are more serious than others, it’s always a good idea to let your doctor know about it.

Heavier bleeding that soaks through a pad, or bleeding that doesn’t go away is more concerning. It could signal a serious problem with your pregnancy that needs immediate medical attention. Calling your doctor right away or going to an emergency room could help you head off a problem and protect both your health and your baby’s.

When should I call my doctor about spotting or bleeding during pregnancy?

Any type or amount of bleeding in pregnancy is worth calling your doctor about, to make sure that nothing is wrong. This is important, even if your last ultrasound showed that your baby is healthy and growing according to schedule.

Heavy or consistent bleeding is a reason to call immediately. Your doctor can check for any problems, and either reassure you that you’re ok, or treat the problem.

When you call your doctor, let them know how long you’ve been bleeding and how much you’ve bled. Also tell them about other symptoms, like cramps, that you’ve had along with the bleeding. Also, be sure to be honest with them about recent sexual activity and medical history when you call.

Lastly, whenever the bleeding occurs, if your blood type is RH-negative, your doctor will want to make sure you get a Rhogam shot to protect future pregnancies. Call your doctor if you are RH-negative and have bleeding anytime in pregnancy. If you are RH-positive, this isn’t something you have to worry about.

Learn more:

• Pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore
• Vaginal discharge during pregnancy
• Rectal bleeding during pregnancy

reasons why and what to do

During pregnancy, a woman’s body transforms, adapting to carrying a baby and preparing for the upcoming birth. Many expectant mothers are concerned about changes in vaginal discharge: their volume and color may change alert.

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Article verified by an expert, obstetrician-gynecologist

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Marina Alexandrovna Boyko

obstetrician-gynecologist, member of ISSVD (International Society for Vulvovaginal Diseases) and ASEG (Association of Specialists in Aesthetic Gynecology),
Clinic “ART-ECO”

During pregnancy, life is filled with new meaning and sensations. In addition to a high emotional load, a woman experiences serious physical transformations – from hormonal to metabolic processes. The body adapts to new conditions, responding to them with certain reactions. He may continue to secrete a secret of a different nature and color. Therefore, it is important to monitor what is happening and not ignore the development of an unfavorable situation. We will tell you in detail what discharge during pregnancy occurs in the early and late stages.

Why discharge occurs during pregnancy

By itself, discharge from the genital tract in women is normal. They are necessary to moisturize the vaginal wall and protect the genitals from infectious agents. Naturally, physiologically normal discharges are not accompanied by sensations such as pain, burning, and do not lead to redness and swelling of the skin and mucous membrane of the external genital organs. Their abundance is affected by the following indicators:

• the phase of the cycle, when after menstruation they become less, and during the period of ovulation more
• the presence of infections and inflammations, including in the pelvic organs
• sexual contacts, their frequency and the use of contraception
• means for intimate hygiene wearing synthetic underwear

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Many women note that during pregnancy, the discharge changes even before the delay of menstruation. So the body gradually adapts to a new state. The fact is that in the first time after conception, a serious hormonal restructuring occurs. The role of the hormone progesterone as a regulator of pregnancy increases significantly, as does the level of estrogen. The reproductive organs begin to function in an enhanced mode, so the discharge may be unusual and vary depending on the trimester.

For example, in the early stages, up to 12 weeks, atypical discharge occurs in three out of ten pregnant women. They are different in color – from transparent to dark brown and in consistency – viscous or liquid. In most cases, we are talking about natural changes in the body, although not always. What discharge is considered normal during pregnancy:

• white or transparent
• without a sharp and unpleasant odor
• within the allowed volume (2-3 ml or about a teaspoon)
• without itching, pulling pain in the lower abdomen, burning

When the first or second week of pregnancy goes, the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus, growing into the endometrium, contacting the mother’s body, so there may be light brown discharge. They are observed within a few hours or a couple of days. They can become thicker, but not necessarily, and this is also considered the norm.

Types of discharge during pregnancy and their differences

The mucous plug on the cervix, necessary to protect against the penetration of microbes, appears due to progesterone. And more liquid, often viscous discharge during pregnancy becomes due to the influence of estrogen.

White discharge

Uniform density, matte white, without foreign smell and any clots of discharge are often noticeable throughout the entire period of gestation. If itching and burning join the white discharge during pregnancy, and they themselves become like thick kefir, this may already be a thrush. Vaginal candidiasis often accompanies women in position. The acidity of the vagina changes and it becomes sensitive to fungal microorganisms.

Fungi of the genus Candida are found in small numbers even in healthy women. As soon as the immune system weakens, they begin to multiply actively and cause unpleasant symptoms. The mucous membrane turns red, the itching intensifies, especially after a shower, and there is a burning sensation when urinating. It is impossible to take medications on your own, including vaginal ones, or douching. You need to talk about these signs to the doctor who will prescribe the treatment. If light discharge during pregnancy does not bother you, you do not need to deal with them.

Brown discharge

Colored mucus most often causes concern among expectant mothers, immediately there is a feeling that something has gone wrong. Brown discharge during pregnancy is not always dangerous during pregnancy. First of all, they mean the presence of an admixture of a very small amount of blood. As a rule, they are scarce and stop fairly quickly.

In early pregnancy, brown discharge is acceptable on the days when menstruation is due. Women often see them even before the delay – this is a mixture of cervical mucus and old blood with destroyed red blood cells. If a daily pad is enough for several hours, then they are considered moderately plentiful. If the “daub” persists for more than two days, you must consult a doctor.

Normally, the expectant mother sees them only in the first month after conception. At other times they should not be. Also, the pungent smell of brown mucus indicates the presence of an infection and a gynecologist’s consultation is required.

Yellow discharge

If a woman had light yellow discharge before pregnancy, it may also appear during pregnancy. They also occur due to desquamation of the epithelial cells lining the vagina. The beige shade is manifested due to the destruction of red blood cells that are in the vagina after washing, sexual contact, and the use of suppositories. It is better to see a doctor when such a secret is noted for more than a day.

What should be alert is the rich bright color – almost orange, typical for the development of venereal diseases. Yellow-green bubbling mucus occurs with inflammation provoked by Trichomonas. In addition, it may be a symptom of dysbacteriosis with the growth of opportunistic microorganisms. Again, with itching, burning, fever, frequent urination, pain in the genital area, you should urgently contact a gynecologist. A consultation will not hurt even in the presence of yellow discharge without other symptoms – only a doctor can determine their potential danger.

Pink discharge

Scanty, with small streaks of blood, pink discharge during pregnancy is quite common. They are associated with the stage of implantation of the ovum about a week after conception. During this period, there may not yet be a delay. Also, at an early stage, the body produces the amount of hormones corresponding to the first phase of the monthly cycle. Implantation secretions are noticeable even three weeks after fertilization. It is important to remember, as we mentioned above, that a meager and short (several hours) secret is considered the norm.

In general, if the pregnancy is between two and twelve weeks, pink discharge without other indicators (pain, itching, etc. ) is not dangerous. They say that fertilization was successful. The transition to a reddish and even more so burgundy shade already poses a threat of termination of pregnancy, including when there are pulling pains in the lumbar region. This is a must-see.

Bloody discharge

It is important to consider how much blood is being shed. Not too voluminous spotting during pregnancy sometimes appears due to the implantation of the embryo to the uterine wall. As we have already said, you should not be afraid of them. But there are more serious reasons why expectant mothers notice traces of fresh blood on underwear or pads.

Spotting may occur in the first half of pregnancy until 22 weeks. Then they can become the result of the following pathologies:

• premature detachment of the fetal egg
• ectopic pregnancy
• spontaneous abortion
• non-developing pregnancy
• vessel rupture during intercourse

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If we are talking about later dates, then the causes of bloody discharge become trauma to the polyp, cervical erosion, premature detachment of the placenta and premature birth. Discharges that are very similar to menstruation require special attention during pregnancy, it doesn’t matter if there are a lot of them or a little. You need to urgently contact a gynecologist who will issue a referral for an ultrasound scan.

Discharge at different stages of pregnancy

What is considered normal in the first weeks after conception is not always acceptable in subsequent trimesters. Let’s talk about at what stage of pregnancy the discharge reflects the problem and requires special medical control.

First trimester discharge

In some women (about 15%), spotting occurs about a week after fertilization. This is 18-22 days from the date of the beginning of the last menstruation. At this stage, the secret may be pale pink and brown. If a woman notices such slight discharge in the early stages of pregnancy, perhaps even before a delay, nothing bad happens in the body. Of course, if we are talking about two or three drops of vaginal fluid.

As we have already described, at this time the embryo is introduced into the uterine tissue: in the process of embryo implantation, damage to small vessels occurs. Hence a few stains on the linen. Note that some women mistakenly take discharge for signs of pregnancy. Yes, they can indirectly report it, but the test indicators, hCG analysis, and ultrasound results are more accurate.

Also in the 1st trimester, brown discharge may disappear and reappear, because sometimes there is not enough progesterone and there is a threat of termination of pregnancy. In general, hormonal changes are often accompanied by white or yellow secretions. Abundant spotting and the presence of other symptoms – itching, pain, change in smell, and so on should alert.

Discharge in the second trimester

Due to increased estrogen activity, the discharge becomes less viscous and more abundant. The liquid white secret continues to protect the vagina from germs, but only if it is free of inclusions and an unpleasant odor. Such discharge during pregnancy is considered normal in the 2nd trimester. But the abundant and frequent brown “daub”, noticed in the period from 14 to 28 weeks, is already the result of the development of pathologies in the development of the fetus, placental abruption or cervical injury. In the next few hours, the woman will need qualified help.

Bloody discharge during pregnancy in this trimester is the result of various conditions:

• low placental attachment
• placental abruption
• hydatidiform mole, when the embryo does not develop, and the chorion grows into vesicles with fluid 9 0036
• intrauterine death of an embryo in multiple pregnancy

If the secretion lasts longer than two days, looks copious, is accompanied by pain, no need to wait. It is urgent to contact a specialist.

Discharge in the third trimester

The closer to the final, the more abundant the vaginal discharge becomes. Moderate yellow or white discharge in the later stages rarely speaks of pathology. At the same time, they may indicate that the mucous plug is moving away, amniotic fluid is leaking, the fetal head is pressed against the cervix. Bloody discharge during pregnancy at the onset of the 3rd trimester may also indicate this. This happens after an examination by a gynecologist, when the uterus was greatly disturbed. The most harmless indicator is the natural removal of the mucous plug, which means that in a few days labor will begin.

Unfortunately, there are also dangerous causes of bloody secretions: placental abruption and placenta previa. Also, yellow discharge without impurities is considered harmless. But they also talk about leakage of amniotic fluid in the third trimester, which poses a threat to the child until the 37th week, when he is considered premature. It is also possible infection of the amniotic fluid or the inner membranes of the fetus. In this case, the temperature rises, and an excess of the number of leukocytes is noticeable in the smear.

Which discharge during pregnancy is dangerous

Based on the foregoing, it is rather difficult to meet pregnancy without discharge. They are needed to protect the genital organs from external influences, and also serve as an additional signal demonstrating the presence of pathology. We will tell you when you need to contact a gynecologist without delay.

• Abundant bloody may indicate uterine bleeding and injury to the vaginal mucosa.
• Curds with a sour smell, burning and itching indicate the development of thrush.
• Bright red secretion, accompanied by nausea, edema, vomiting, hypertension may indicate a mole – urgently see a doctor!
• Lack of growth of hCG in the blood, bloody discharge, drop in blood pressure, weakness, pulling pains in the lower abdomen – symptoms of ectopic attachment.
• Abundant clots, sharp pains along with vomiting and diarrhea are sometimes noted in miscarriage.
• Yellow-green discharge with a putrid odor indicates the manifestation of an infectious disease.

By the way, with a plentiful secret, it is permissible to use only gaskets. Tampons can harm the fetus and cause infection. You should not wait a week during pregnancy, when the discharge will pass by itself, studying the explanations of their causes on the forums. Not a single doctor will say that the expectant mother is worried in vain if she doubts the nature of the discharge. It is better to see a specialist once again to make sure that everything is in order with health and nothing threatens the baby.

Photo: Rodnae Productions, Mart Production, Leah Kelley: Pexels

ᐉ Discharges during pregnancy ➡ What are the discharges at different periods

Pregnancy is a time of serious physiological restructuring of a woman’s body. Under the influence of hormones, the body of the expectant mother changes, adaptive-protective mechanisms are activated, the work of all organs and systems is directed to bearing a child and successful delivery. Changes in the nature of vaginal discharge is one of the reasons for concern during early and late pregnancy. Discharge during pregnancy can be dark, light, brown, bloody, spotting, not typically liquid and plentiful, with or without odor – which of them are considered normal, and which ones need to urgently run to the gynecology? Read our article.

What is normal discharge during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the level of activity of hormones increases, the metabolism accelerates, in connection with this, the volume of vaginal discharge may increase.

What should be the normal discharge during pregnancy:

• Transparent, homogeneous mucous, not viscous.
• Color whitish or slightly yellowish.
• No repulsive odor. Normally, the aroma is slightly sour.
• May be more abundant than usual in quantity, especially in the first weeks (as during ovulation, before conception).
• Without other symptoms – itching, burning, redness, hyperemia and swelling of the vulva, pain and discomfort.

During late pregnancy, the discharge is mixed with urine – the result of incontinence due to the pressure of the growing uterus on the bladder. This is also a variant of the norm, just try to visit the toilet more often.

When you need to see a doctor for discharge

During pregnancy, it is important to periodically see an obstetrician-gynecologist, and the first question that the doctor asks at the consultation is is there any unusual discharge? It is by the nature of the vaginal secret that one can judge the course of pregnancy, the presence of hormonal imbalance, inflammation and other health problems. Signs of pathological discharge:

• Curdled consistency, the presence of white clots with an unpleasant sour smell – with vaginal candidiasis. This is a fungal infection that is activated against the background of hormonal changes, occurs in 30% of women during pregnancy. In addition to the characteristic discharge, thrush is accompanied by itching, redness and rashes in the vulva.
• Unpleasant aroma, atypical color and texture are signs of dysbacteriosis or infection with bacteria, parasites. The most common sexually transmitted infections are chlamydia, Trichomonas, and gonococci. Atypical discharge is accompanied by pain, itching, skin rashes, ulcers, swollen lymph nodes in the groin. During pregnancy, STIs are especially dangerous: they can cause miscarriage, premature birth, placental insufficiency and abnormal development of the unborn child. If infections are detected in a pregnant woman, treatment is necessary.
• Bloody, brown discharge, sometimes with clots – may occur with the threat of fetal loss, ectopic pregnancy or the presence of pathologies of the cervix. Blood discharge during pregnancy is usually accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen – with such symptoms, urgent medical attention is needed.

To find out the exact cause of changes in the vaginal secretion, a doctor’s consultation and examination (ultrasound, tests) is necessary.

What can be discharge during early pregnancy?

Normal discharge in early pregnancy – translucent, whitish or yellowish, without foreign smell, itching and skin irritation. During the first month, the secret is released more abundantly than always, and from 5 to 20 weeks, its volume decreases to the usual, the consistency becomes more liquid and transparent.

In the first days of pregnancy, due to slight damage to the blood vessels of the myometrium during the implantation of a fertilized egg, there may be a spotting brown discharge. Usually they are scarce and short-term, pass in a couple of days.

Can there be spotting during early pregnancy – a frequent topic of discussion in women’s forums. If the bleeding is severe and even more so accompanied by pain, urgently call an ambulance. The cause may be a threatened miscarriage or a miscarriage that has already begun, a tubal pregnancy, or a hydatidiform mole.

Brown discharge during early pregnancy (at 5, 6, 7 weeks), even without pain and foreign smell, is another reason not to postpone a visit to the gynecologist. Such symptoms often indicate a threatened miscarriage or missed pregnancy.

Discharge in late pregnancy

Starting from the 20th week of pregnancy, whitish discharge without blood, clots and foreign smell is normal. In the last three months, from 7 to 9, you need to pay special attention to the quality and volume of vaginal secretions:

• Too abundant, watery discharge may be the result of leakage of amniotic fluid. The risk of such a problem increases from 18-20 weeks and later. Amniotic fluid is released when the fetal membrane is ruptured, it leaks especially strongly when moving or changing position. If you find this – do not delay a visit to the doctor.
• Spots of gray or yellowish color on linen in combination with liquid, non-viscous secretions may indicate the onset of labor – the release of the mucous plug and the outflow of amniotic fluid. Need medical help.
• The presence of brown or bloody discharge during late pregnancy is one of the likely signs of a dangerous pathology, premature placental abruption.

Discharge during pregnancy: differences in color

The color of vaginal discharge, as well as other characteristics (smell, volume, density) is an important indicator of health and the absence of complications during pregnancy. Normally, the secret is colorless, slightly whitish or yellowish. Color changes should be a concern:

• Greenish-yellow, frothy discharge is a sign of trichomoniasis.
• Greyish-white secret of a sticky, foamy consistency with a fishy odor – a manifestation of gardnerellosis.
• Green-yellow, mucous or purulent, sometimes bloody, symptoms of gonorrhea.
• White or yellow, thick discharge with lumps – a sign of candidiasis.
• Brown, spotting, pink or red mucus (not during the first weeks of pregnancy, but later) – indicate the threat of interruption, uterine polyps and other disorders.

If there are changes in the shade and other characteristics of the discharge during pregnancy, an examination is necessary.