Some secretions are common in pregnancy and do not require any care, but there are others that act as warning signs and should be noted by your doctor.
During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through numerous changes. It is common to notice physical, hormonal and also psychological changes. All these news end up worrying the mothers-to-be, full of doubts and anxieties about waiting for the baby. Vaginal secretions are frightening and confusing, as some are normal and others are warning signs for pregnant women.
Increased vaginal secretions are normal in pregnancy. Most are benign and physiological. In early pregnancy, the mucus has a milky appearance and almost no odor. The change in secretion is normal as the months go by and intensifies in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. For the pregnant woman to maintain safe hygiene, she must: use mild soap, do not do a vaginal shower and always wear comfortable clothes.
Other secretions require care and action by the pregnant woman, such as amniotic fluid, which is inside the pouch in which the fetus is immersed. If the pregnant woman suspects that she is losing this fluid, she should seek medical attention, who will identify if this is the case.
During pregnancy, vaginal secretions are deposited in the cervix, forming a mucus plug, a “cap” that prevents bacteria from the vagina from reaching the uterus. At the end of the pregnancy it will be expelled, a sign that the woman’s body is preparing for the birth of the baby, which does not mean that the birth will be soon – this varies from pregnant woman to pregnant woman.
A brown or bloody discharge is also a cause for concern, the causes of bleeding during pregnancy depend on the period in which it is. In the beginning it could be a threat or abortion in progress. With more advanced pregnancy, if there is pain and contraction, it may be the displacement of the placenta. In any of these situations, the pregnant woman should look for a doctor.
The only time that may be common for bleeding is during labor. During the entire dilation phase, the cervix begins to thin and widen and may bleed. Serious monitoring and complete prenatal care are essential to avoid these scares during pregnancy.
Some secretions may be unnatural in pregnancy and require treatment. During the entire period of pregnancy, the vagina undergoes changes and is more susceptible to infections. The characteristics are easily recognized and the physician must be consulted immediately to indicate the ideal treatment and avoid problems. If pregnant women experience pain during sexual intercourse, discharge with a strong odor and color (grayish, greenish), vaginal burning and discomfort, it may be a sign of an infection, such as candidiasis (very common infection in pregnancy), vaginosis, trichomonas and chlamydia.
