With a short gestation period, brown discharge. Why are there brown discharges. Brown discharge in early and late pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, they appear under the influence of various negative factors. If a woman notices an admixture of blood in a secret, you should immediately call a doctor and take a supine position. Timely assistance can save the fetus. The problem should not be ignored. Pathology entails the death of the fetus and the failure of conception. You should be aware that such a problem may arise in the later stages. To understand what caused the disease, the doctor will help.

Brown discharge during pregnancy is not normal. The secretion of a healthy woman depends on the hormonal background and the presence of concomitant diseases.

Conception occurs only after the release of a mature egg from the follicle. This process is called ovulation. Fertilization occurs when the germ cells of a man and a woman merge. So that the spermatozoa can easily get to the egg, there is a slight expansion of the cervical canal. The surface of the organ is lined with glandular cells. They produce a secret that performs a protective function. During ovulation, there is an increase in mucus volume.

After fertilization, a blastocyst is formed from the egg. It has a cell layer, which is needed for fixing in the endometrium. The process of blastocyst implantation causes damage to the small blood vessels that feed the endometrium. Part of the liquid enters the channel and mixes with the secret. In this case, the patient observes pink light brown discharge in early pregnancy. They last one day and gradually the mucus becomes whitish.

The appearance of pinkish or light brown discharge within 24 hours occurs 5-6 days after the intended conception. The rest of the time, the secretion should be white or whitish. If there is a prolonged release of brown mucus, you need the help of a doctor.

Negative symptoms

You can determine the occurrence of any negative process by the presence of additional symptoms. The following signs should cause anxiety:

Brown discharge at the beginning of pregnancy during implantation is not accompanied by discomfort in the patient. If one of the additional symptoms appears, it is urgent to seek help.

In many women, brown discharge during pregnancy is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen. Such a phenomenon may indicate the presence of a danger to the further viability of the fetus. Also, pain occurs with problems with hormones and detachment of the chorion. In both cases, immediate medical intervention is required.

The negative accompanying symptom is vomiting and nausea. In some cases, these signs can cause an increase in body temperature. There is a febrile syndrome. Patients with these symptoms need urgent hospitalization.

The most dangerous symptomatology of uncharacteristic secretion in the first trimester of pregnancy is bleeding. Prolonged blood loss can harm the health of a woman and a baby. If bleeding has opened, the life of the fetus is rarely saved.

Causes of uncharacteristic secretion

The causes of brown discharge during pregnancy are varied. They depend on the state of the fetal egg, the health of the reproductive system and other factors. There are such negative factors as:

  • damage to the fetal egg;
  • incorrect localization of pregnancy;
  • death of the embryo;
  • various infections of the reproductive system;
  • endocrine pathologies;
  • inflammatory diseases.

Brown spotting in early pregnancy is in many cases associated with damage to the fetal egg. Pathology may be associated with hormonal failure. The viability of the embryo is completely dependent on two main hormones: progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin. If hCG decreases, you need to examine the state of the chorion. If there is a decline in progesterone, the problem lies in the corpus luteum. In both cases, a complete diagnosis of the female reproductive organs is required. Determining the lack of hormones gives the chances of saving the life of the embryo.

Brown discharge during early pregnancy can also occur due to an incorrect conception. Normal fertilization occurs in the lumen of the fallopian tube. After the fusion of the germ cells, the zygote begins to move along the villi of the tube to the uterus. Entering the uterus is accompanied by penetration of the zygote into the endometrial tissue.

Some women don't. The fault may be increased physical activity or severe stress. In this case, the blastocyst remains in the fallopian cavity. Under the influence of the hormone, the embryo begins to develop. The body, trying to get rid of this pathology, begins to defend itself. There is a contraction of the smooth muscles of the peritoneum. There is a slight damage to the vascular tissue. A woman has a long daub. To detect the problem in a timely manner, you need to contact the medical center.

A protective reaction of the body appears even in the absence of an embryo in the egg cavity. Normally, in the fifth week, a heartbeat in the fetus should be detected. If it does not appear, the doctor examines the condition of the fetal egg. With ultrasound diagnostics, the embryo must be visualized in the cavity. The absence of an embryo at the sixth week indicates a pathology such as anembryony.

Additional factors

Modern physicians often encounter anembryonia. It is impossible to establish the exact cause of this disease. It is believed that the problem depends on external factors and the psychological state of the woman during ovulation. If this diagnosis is made, vacuum cleaning should be carried out. The procedure will allow the woman's body to recover faster by the time a new pregnancy occurs. The preservation of such a conception leads to severe bleeding and inflammation of the uterine cavity. Problems are fraught with complications in the form of infertility.

In some patients, fetal death occurs. Early fading of pregnancy is less dangerous for the health of the mother. There are two ways to detect a disease. First, a blood test is taken for the presence of chorionic hormone. Gonadotropin falls in many cases. The main problem is to stop the development of the embryo.

More negative are brown discharge during late pregnancy. The cause of uncharacteristic secretion lies in the problems of the development of the fetus or placenta. If death occurs at a later date, labor is stimulated. After the elimination of the dead fetus, a long recovery is required. The next conception can be planned only with the permission of the attending specialist.

Brown discharge in late pregnancy is not always associated with the development of the child. The reason may be the appearance of an infection of the reproductive organs. Diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms. They attack beneficial bacteria and cause their death. The area of ​​tissue inhabited by pathogenic microorganisms becomes inflamed. Inflammation leads to increased blood circulation. Thus, the body tries to eliminate the disease. In this case, part of the vessels is damaged. The mixing of blood, pathogenic microflora and secretion causes a change in color.

It is possible to determine the infection of the genital organs by the development of additional signs. Pathogenic secret has an unpleasant odor. There are brown discharges that have a foamy structure. External signs are itching and burning. All these signs require urgent examination. Diseases of the reproductive system should not be ignored. Delaying the process causes problems for the baby. They can also interfere with labor.

Other reasons

Brown discharge in late pregnancy appears due to sexually transmitted diseases. Such diseases are caused by pathogenic viruses. Viruses are negative for the cellular structure of various tissues. The virus does not have its own envelope and penetrates into the membrane of the host cells. In the shell, it causes a change in the kernel. The RNA of the cell is completely changed. The gradual spread of the virus is accompanied by a variety of disorders. Tissues slowly atrophy. Against this background, blood flow to the uterus increases. Damaged areas bleed. The fluid mixes with secretions and is excreted as brown mucus. This secretion has a characteristic fishy odor.

Affects secretion during pregnancy patient history. If it has any chronic diseases, problems may arise. Diabetes is the main concern. The disease negatively affects the peripheral vessels. Also, diabetes reduces metabolic processes. In women with this disease, bearing is difficult. The patient needs constant close monitoring by doctors.

Also, brown discharge at the end of pregnancy can be caused by the onset of labor. A few days before birth, there is a slight opening of the cervical canal. The cork is gradually rejected. With weak vessels, rejection of the plug can cause damage to the vessels. For this reason, it is secreted with brown streaks.

Diagnosis and treatment of the disease

Diagnostic measures consist in taking a series of tests and conducting an ultrasound examination. An analysis of venous blood and vaginal microflora is taken. The blood is examined for qualitative characteristics. The presence of diseases is accompanied by an increase in the number of leukocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes. Antibodies may also be detected.

The smear is examined for bacterial quantitative composition. Sowing is done in a special container. Reproduction of microflora makes it possible to quickly detect a pathogenic bacterium.

An urgent ultrasound examination is also required. The doctor with the help of the device determines the condition of the ovaries, chorion, placenta, fetus. Only after a complete diagnosis, treatment is selected. Therapy should not harm the child or mother. For this purpose, treatment is carried out only under medical supervision. If the woman's condition is not restored for a long time, hospitalization is required. Further therapeutic measures are carried out in the hospital.

The best way to protect against diseases during pregnancy is prevention. A woman should take care of her health. Heavy physical activity is not allowed. You need to maintain mental peace. Only these factors will help to calmly convey and give birth to a healthy child.

The period of bearing a baby causes not only positive emotions in the expectant mother, but also a lot of not entirely pleasant excitement. The first weeks after conception are the most important, because the female body changes dramatically and adapts to the needs of the emerging life. At this time, the fetal egg undergoes implantation in the upper layer of the endometrium, and the placenta and amniotic fluid are just beginning to form. Therefore, during this period, the fetus is most susceptible to negative influences, and the risk of abortion is very high. To save your pregnancy, you need to be attentive to alarm signals and seek help in time. Especially many questions in pregnant women cause brown vaginal discharge. When are they caused by normal physiological changes after conception, and when do they indicate a pathological course of pregnancy? Let's figure it out.

After the egg has matured and fertilization has occurred, the woman's hormonal background is completely rebuilt. Such changes affect the nature of the discharge from the genital tract. Normally, in the first trimester, the discharge can be described as watery, moderately abundant, without color and unpleasant odor. They should not cause discomfort, burning and itching.

But, not every woman has an ideal hormonal background and overall health. Often, women in position notice brown discharge in the first trimester, and sometimes even before the planned delay in menstruation. There may be enough reasons for such secretions, but you should not worry in advance. Most often, this is a normal reaction of the body to sudden changes.

Distinguishing dangerous secretions from physiological ones is not at all difficult. You just need to pay attention to your well-being and the nature of these secretions. But you still need to consult a gynecologist.

Brown discharge as the primary symptom of pregnancy

Light brown discharge during pregnancy is one of the few symptoms that can be used to suspect conception before the onset of a delay. But, most women do not even notice this “bell” and find out about pregnancy a little later.

Such discharge should be painless, light brown in color, odorless. They are caused by an increase in the amount of hormones that are actively produced by the ovaries and corpus luteum. They can be plentiful or very scarce, it all depends on the characteristics of the secretory function of the female body. The secretions disappear as soon as the body "gets used" to the embryo.

Implantation of a fertilized egg

As soon as a sperm enters the egg, it immediately closes with a dense membrane and “goes” to the uterus through the fallopian tubes. Such a journey takes an average of 7-12 days from the moment of ovulation, while the duration of this process is individual and depends on the hormonal background of the woman. When the fertilized egg reaches its destination, it implants in the upper ball of the endometrium. In order for the embryo to be firmly fixed, the endometrium becomes quite loose under the influence of progesterone. The introduction of the embryo causes micro-ruptures of the uterine mucosa, which provokes brown discharge. Normally, a brown daub can last no more than two days.

Important! If you are planning a pregnancy, and brown discharge coincides with a possible implantation date, be sure to limit physical and psychological stress for a couple of days. So the embryo will be more securely attached to the uterus.

Mucus plug in the cervix

As soon as conception occurs, the woman's reproductive center begins to actively protect the embryo from infections, mother's antibodies and harmful substances. To do this, the cervix begins to reproduce thick mucus, which tightly clogs the cervical canal in the cervix. This prevents the entry of pathogenic microorganisms into the uterus and stabilizes the vaginal microflora that is comfortable for a woman. The mucus plug periodically separates old cells and this causes brown discharge during early pregnancy. This discharge can be light beige to dark brown in color, depending on the level of progesterone in the body.

"Memory" of the female reproductive system

The hormone of pregnancy, progesterone, is responsible for the normal course of pregnancy. If a woman does not have enough of this substance, the body may not perceive her pregnancy and the woman may develop brown discharge during the period when menstruation should take place according to the schedule. This does not cause a strong threat, but during such periods it is better to observe strict bed rest. In some women, such discharge may appear before the very birth.

If a woman is diagnosed with a borderline low level of progesterone, she is recommended to be treated in a hospital. The fact is that low progesterone is often accompanied by high testosterone, which does not have the best effect on the course of pregnancy.

Brown discharge during pregnancy pathological condition of a woman

Brown discharge in the gestational period is not always natural. There are many pathological conditions in a woman that can terminate a pregnancy and deprive a woman of the joy of motherhood in the future. Therefore, even the most insignificant discharge should alert a woman. In this situation, it is better to play it safe than to lose the desired baby.

Violation of the attachment of the fetal egg

Special villi help the fetal egg to move through the fallopian tubes, which throw it like a ball. When the embryo enters the uterine cavity, it must be fixed in its upper part with the help of the trophoblast. If the female hormonal system fails, the fetal egg may take the wrong position close to the uterine os. As the fetus grows, the trophoblast will proliferate and form the placenta. An incorrect placental location will cause pulling pains and brown discharge in a woman. This condition in obstetric practice is called placenta previa. This requires treatment and constant monitoring, since a woman has a long-term risk of miscarriage and premature birth.

Ectopic pregnancy

The localization of the fetal egg in the wrong place leads to the fact that this pregnancy cannot end in delivery. The egg is implanted not in the uterine space, but in the tube or cervix, which makes subsequent pregnancy impossible and threatens the woman with a fatal outcome. If dark brown discharge is accompanied by intense pain on the one hand, you need to undergo a diagnostic study and establish the location of the fertilized egg.

A timely diagnosed ectopic pregnancy allows the removal of the embryo while preserving the fallopian tube. If the moment is missed, the tube ruptures under the pressure of the growing embryo, and the woman begins to bleed. This condition requires immediate surgical intervention.

Gynecological diseases

Various diseases of the reproductive system often develop against the background of hormonal disorders. Basically, a woman fails to get pregnant, but if conception occurs, then for all 9 months the woman has certain complications. Dark brown discharge during pregnancy, often with blood impurities, accompanies endometriosis, myoma or uterine fibroids, cervical canal polyps. Before pregnancy, these diseases, different in nature, cause profuse mucous discharge. But, after conception, they can manifest themselves in a special way:

  • With benign formations in the uterus (myoma, fibromyoma), a woman is disturbed by brown discharge on the days of the expected menstruation outside of pregnancy.
  • Against the background of hormonal changes in women in the first trimester, hormone-dependent polyps often appear. They provoke brown contact discharge. But in most cases, they are determined during the inspection during registration and are immediately removed.
  • With endometriosis, a woman notices abundant mucous discharge with blood inclusions. If a woman's uterine tone increases, the amount of discharge may increase.

Advice! Any hormone-dependent diseases can cause miscarriage or fading of pregnancy. Therefore, it is very important to consult a doctor in a timely manner about abnormal discharge.


reproductive system infections

At the planning stage or when registering, women must be screened for sexually transmitted infections. But, a normal pregnancy does not prohibit sexual intercourse, so the risk of “catching” infections is always present. You can suspect a problem by the discharge of dark yellow, sometimes green. They are accompanied by unbearable itching, burning, hyperemia of the external genital organs and a terrible putrid odor.

Important! Most pathogenic bacteria and viruses can cause genetic abnormalities in the fetus and pregnancy failure. If you have brown discharge for a week or more during pregnancy, be sure to consult a doctor to find out its nature.


Detachment of a fertilized egg

Progesterone deficiency weakens the ability of the fetal egg to adhere to the wall of the uterus. The detachment of the embryo causes microtrauma of the vessels, which begin to bleed. Therefore, a woman notices discharge with different color intensities. They can be dark brown or scarlet. If a woman feels pain with brown discharge during pregnancy, this may indicate a threatened miscarriage.

Fading pregnancy

Chromosomal abnormalities incompatible with life or sexual infections often cause the embryo to freeze. Before 4-5 gestational weeks, it is rather difficult to determine this fact, so it remains to rely on the woman's feelings. You can suspect the fading of pregnancy by meager brown discharge, poor health and abruptly stopped toxicosis.

On a note! It is impossible to save the pregnancy after it fades, so the woman undergoes a gynecological curettage followed by a histological examination of the embryo. This helps to establish the cause of his death and eliminate it.

Erosion of the cervix and microtrauma of the vagina

The presence of a site of damaged epithelial cells on the cervix (erosion) in a woman is often indicated by brown discharge during pregnancy without pain. Their intensity may increase after sexual intercourse or a gynecological examination. If erosion during pregnancy is diagnosed for the first time, a woman must take a fence for cytological smears to exclude dysplasia. Since the vaginal mucosa is very susceptible to injury, after examination, a woman may experience short-term brown discharge.

Spontaneous miscarriage

Unfortunately, not every pregnancy can be saved. For many reasons, a woman begins to detach a fetal egg or an already formed placenta and an abortion occurs. At first, when brown discharge only appears, the fetus can be saved, but in case of open bleeding, the woman loses the child. Therefore, if you have brown discharge during pregnancy and pain, immediately go to the hospital for help.

What to do if brown discharge appears during pregnancy

The period of pregnancy is not the time for self-diagnosis, so any changes, including brown discharge, should be discussed with the attending gynecologist. If the discharge is combined with severe pain and the appearance of an admixture of blood, you should immediately call an ambulance, without waiting for a planned visit to the doctor. While medical assistance is on the way, the woman needs to take a comfortable position, preferably lying with her legs slightly raised on the pillow. If the pain is very severe, you can drink an antispasmodic, for example, No-shpa.

If the discharge is scarce and does not bring discomfort, it is quite possible to consult a doctor at a routine examination. The doctor will determine why they occur, and advise what to do in such a situation.

Brown discharge in pregnant women can be interpreted in different ways. Therefore, only the obstetrician-gynecologist leading your pregnancy needs to determine the cause of their appearance. The only thing worth doing on your part is to visit the doctor on time, go through all the studies, eat well and adhere to a sparing regimen. Remember that the appearance of discharge is not a reason to panic, but only a signal that you need to see a doctor. Now most of the problems with discharge are easily solved with the help of modern drugs. Therefore, the chance to endure and give birth to a healthy baby is very high.

Video "What discharge should alert a woman?"

Pregnancy from the first days is accompanied by hormonal surprises and changes in a woman's normal lifestyle. The restructuring of the body during pregnancy, among other changes, leads to mucous discharge from the vagina. Depending on their color, consistency, smell and abundance, it is possible to diagnose the normal state of health of the mother and fetus, as well as respond in time to the development of possible pathologies and threats. Therefore, such an identifier as mucous discharge during pregnancy should be constantly monitored by a woman and her doctor. Let's consider what kind of selections are by nature and color, and what this means for the expectant mother and her child.

  1. In the terminology of obstetric and gynecological practice, white mucous discharge during pregnancy is called leukorrhea.
  2. Leukorrhea is a completely normal physiological feature of every woman in the absence of other complaints in the labia and vagina.
  3. In order to make sure that the discharge is natural, gynecologists take a general smear for the vaginal flora and for bacterial culture.
  4. It is leukorrhea that is called the protective function of the body, which “turns on” under certain hormonal conditions - after the conception of a new life.
  5. Protection of the prenatal and birth canal is a reaction of the body of the expectant mother, laid down at the level of genetics.
  6. If the tests show sufficient cleanliness of the vagina, in the absence of other factors, the mother should not worry about the child, as well as about the nature and abundance of the discharge.
  7. If a woman before pregnancy, according to physiological characteristics, had abundant discharge, then in the first stages of pregnancy they will be even more, and if scarce, respectively, not so large. Although excess discharge, more than a daily pad, should be a reason for additional consultation with a supervising physician, but in no case is a reason for the use of tampons.

Types of mucous discharge from the vagina during pregnancy

Usually, normal mucous secretions are not accompanied by pain, itching, burning and other discomfort for a woman. Although there are different cases - especially dangerous and less, but there are individual reactions to various factors. Therefore, the expectant mother always needs to keep her finger on the pulse and not let any symptoms take their course, even if they disappeared just as suddenly as they appeared.

Mucus discharge in early pregnancy

  1. The first trimester is usually considered the most difficult for a woman - adaptation. Among the various changes that must be monitored by the doctor and the expectant mother herself, the issue of monitoring vaginal discharge is acute.
  2. Still, after all, the first weeks and even months are especially dangerous for a still fragile fetus and spontaneous miscarriage. In this case, the discharge can be the first and main call for understanding the situation and prompt response to pathologically dangerous changes during pregnancy.
  3. Normal mucous secretions in the first months of pregnancy can be considered transparent smears with a slightly viscous consistency.
  4. Depending on the individual characteristics that each representative of the fair sex necessarily has, the discharge may normally acquire a slightly whitish color.
  5. It is not so difficult to determine the normal consistency of the mucous fluid emerging from the vagina during pregnancy: viscous discharge should easily stretch between the fingers, resembling egg white or simply transparent snot.
  6. As for the smell, it should not be in principle, or at least any of its unpleasant forms.
  7. A mandatory point is the number of discharges in the first trimester - they should be very small. That is, they should not cause discomfort and bother a woman in principle. If, however, you are not very pleased with this state of affairs, use a daily cotton pad, in no case use a vaginal tampon.
  8. Allocations in the first months of pregnancy are completely due to the production of the pregnancy hormone - progesterone. Its tasks include protecting the fetus from external influences before the formation of the placenta and actually helping in its formation.
  9. It is progesterone that stimulates the formation of a mucous plug that prevents pathogens from entering the uterus from the vagina. And contributes to the successful attachment of the fetal egg to the endometrium of the uterus. It is the mucous secretions of a transparent nature of a viscous consistency - this is a sign of the normal course of pregnancy, namely the formation of protection for the embryo.
  10. The release of progesterone will continue until the end of the formation of the placenta.
  11. Any changes in discharge in color and consistency in the first months of pregnancy, even minor ones, should alert the expectant mother and become a reason for immediate medical attention.

Mucus discharge in late pregnancy

The change in secretions after the first trimester is due to the correction of the hormonal background.

  1. After the end of the formation of the placenta, under the influence of progesterone, another hormone, estrogen, begins to be produced.
  2. At this stage, the mucous discharge from the vagina changes in consistency and intensity, from viscous and scanty to more liquid and plentiful.
  3. In later pregnancy, when the tummy begins to grow more rapidly, clear vaginal discharge may also appear with sneezing, harsh coughing, and ringing laughter. There is no need to worry about this. This is due to the fact that the increasing weight of the baby begins to compress the bladder and urethral canals, and this provokes an uncontrolled release of a translucent fluid from the genitourinary system.
  4. To prevent such cases even when planning a pregnancy, doctors recommend special exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. They are quite simple: just go to the toilet in a semi-standing position, while straining the hip joint, as well as the muscles of the buttocks and legs.
  5. In the third trimester, when there is very little time left before childbirth, the cervix begins to gradually open, preparing for their resolution. When the cervix opens sufficiently, a woman may feel the separation and exit of the mucous plug of the birth canal with possible blood impurities. Including this can happen after active sexual intercourse, as a result of "rubbing" the cervix. Such a manifestation is a significant reason for an unscheduled visit to an obstetrician-gynecologist. So pregnant women and their partners need to be careful in lovemaking before childbirth.
  6. At the end of pregnancy, at 34-35 weeks, a sweetish-smelling liquid with a slight yellowness released from the vagina may also be amniotic fluid. It is important not to confuse discharge from the urethra with the birth fluid. A distinctive feature for a woman in this case should be the smell. If you experience amniotic fluid leakage at any stage of your pregnancy, call an ambulance immediately and notify your doctor.

I would like to summarize that any vaginal discharge in late pregnancy can be the result of several factors:

  • normal discharge during pregnancy;
  • regular leakage of fluid from the urethra;
  • exfoliation of amniotic fluid;
  • a symptom of a sexual disease.

Nonspecific mucous discharge during pregnancy and their color

Nonspecific discharge from the vagina during pregnancy is called if they have an odor, texture, color and abundance that are unusual for the natural microflora. The reason for this state of affairs may be pathological microorganisms, infections and inflammation of the pelvic organs. Most often, the cause of such secretions are vaginal and intestinal bacteria: fungi, staphylococci, gardnerella, E. coli and other pathogens. The acute and abrupt occurrence of a sign of a particular disease indicates that the infection has entered the mother's body even before pregnancy, and its activation at the time of hormonal changes. Therefore, it is extremely important to exclude all foci of infections even before the moment of conception.

Yellow mucus during pregnancy

Such secretions are a sign of advanced inflammation. Yellow discharge appears with purulent vaginal infections. This can happen when exposed to pathogenic bacteria, such as gonococci, staphylococci and other microorganisms.

Green mucous discharge during pregnancy

The active phase of an infectious disease is evidenced by a greenish discharge from the vagina. If the consistency at the same time looks like a lot of vesicles, this is, without a doubt, a sign of gonorrhea or trichomoniasis. These sexual diseases are usually accompanied by burning during urination, itching and painful symptoms of the external genital organs.

Bright yellow mucus during pregnancy

If a woman, while in position, notices non-specific discharge of a bright yellow color, you should immediately consult a doctor. The fact is that it is this type of secretion that is dangerous for the fetus, since it indicates inflammation of the fallopian tubes or ovaries. Such a bacterial infection could well be present in the incubation state in the mother's body and before conception, manifesting itself only during pregnancy.

Pink mucus during pregnancy

A change in the color of the discharge towards reddish or pink is a wake-up call about the presence of blood in the vagina. This is the worst sign of pregnancy. If according to the schedule this period coincides with the dates of regular menstruation, then the excitement is in vain. However, if you feel aching pain in the groin area, as well as sharp, spasmodic jerks in the lumbar region and placenta, you should immediately consult a doctor and call an ambulance. Similar symptoms are a sign of an incipient miscarriage. In this case, the issue of maintaining pregnancy becomes paramount.

Brown mucus during pregnancy

  1. A slightly brownish mucus during pregnancy is quite normal only if these are the so-called dangerous periods of planned menstrual bleeding.
  2. Only a doctor can distinguish between discharge mixed with blood and sanious secretions from the vagina. Therefore, in any case with similar symptoms, you should immediately visit the antenatal clinic. For it is probable that what you would consider to be a barely brown discharge may be a secretion with the blood.
  3. This color of vaginal secretion can acquire at the time of separation of the fetal egg from the walls of the uterus in early pregnancy. Concomitant signs of irreversible processes can be blood, severe pain in the pelvic area, and even dizziness. This situation requires immediate inpatient "preservation" of pregnancy.
  4. Tubal pregnancy can also develop with similar symptoms, with additional manifestations in the form of profuse bleeding and acute pain in the abdomen. An ectopic pregnancy must be terminated surgically.

Brown discharge during pregnancy inevitably causes anxiety in the expectant mother. The reason for such anxiety is easy to understand, because the brownish color of such secretions is given by blotches of blood. And every woman knows about the danger of bleeding during pregnancy.

Indeed, brown spotting during pregnancy very often indicates various abnormalities and pathologies of the course of pregnancy. However, this does not mean that brown discharge is always an alarming symptom. In some cases, they are, if not the norm, then absolutely safe, that's for sure.

Of course, this does not mean that when a pregnant woman finds brown spotting on the underwear, she may not worry - a lot depends on the accompanying symptoms, the duration of pregnancy, and so on. In any case, the first thing a woman needs to see a doctor. She still cannot make a diagnosis on her own, and the risk is absolutely not justified.

There are a lot of reasons that cause brown discharge during pregnancy. Some of them directly depend on the gestational age, the rest are not tied to it in any way. And, of course, it makes sense for a woman to know at least the most common of them and understand the mechanism for the appearance of secretions.

The first trimester is especially rich in the causes of brown discharge during pregnancy. In addition, it is in the early stages that the most chances are that the discharge is safe.

When brown discharge during pregnancy is the norm

In the early stages: 1-2 weeks after conception, implantation of the ovum occurs in the uterine mucosa. During this process, small blood vessels can be damaged, the blood from which is mixed with natural vaginal discharge.

In this case, there will be light brown, perhaps even beige or pink discharge during pregnancy, the consistency of the discharge is creamy. In addition, they will be singular. Another distinctive feature of the discharges associated with the implantation period is that they do not cause any additional inconvenience to the woman: they have a neutral odor, do not cause itching, and are not accompanied by pain.

Another important point: at the moment the fertilized egg attaches to the wall of the uterus, the woman most likely does not yet know about her pregnancy, and often writes off the smearing brown discharge as a failure in the menstrual cycle. This is about taking care of your body. If you pay attention to an unusual phenomenon in time, you can assume that you are pregnant at a very early date, when other signs have not yet appeared.

One of the reasons why spotting can occur during pregnancy is minor disruptions in the hormonal background of a pregnant woman. Such failures can provoke discharge around the time when menstruation was theoretically supposed to begin. Such a phenomenon does not pose a danger to the mother or child, does not cause discomfort.


In this case, the discharge is also scarce, but it can last a couple of days. Moreover, in some cases, this phenomenon may recur within 2-3 months after the onset of pregnancy.

Risk of miscarriage

Unfortunately, this is where the norm ends, and complex and dangerous diagnoses begin. In the vast majority of cases, bleeding during pregnancy indicates a threatened miscarriage. Most often, the threat arises in connection with the exfoliation of the fetal egg. Damaged vessels remain in the place of detachment.

The reason for the detachment of the fetal egg is usually a lack of progesterone - the female hormone, the main function of which is to prepare the uterine mucosa - the endometrium - for the introduction of the fetal egg and maintaining pregnancy until the placenta is formed. If there is little progesterone in a woman's body or if it is not produced at all, the endometrium rejects the fetal egg.

Allocations with a threat of miscarriage can be both meager and moderate. As a rule, they also have mucus patches. There are other symptoms: pulling pain in the lower abdomen, nausea, in some cases, vomiting.

This condition requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, having discovered brown discharge in herself, the expectant mother should immediately call an ambulance, and then lie down and try to calm down. Any physical activity, and even more excitement, can only aggravate the situation.

Fortunately, with timely seeking help, in most cases, the pregnancy can be saved. A woman with symptoms of a threatened miscarriage is likely to be admitted to the hospital and further investigations will be carried out. In addition, measures will be taken immediately to preserve the pregnancy.

Women with a detached ovum are usually prescribed drugs containing progesterone, such as utrogestan, and are prescribed complete bed rest until symptoms resolve.

Ectopic pregnancy

Dark discharge during early pregnancy can also indicate a more unpleasant diagnosis: an ectopic pregnancy. As the name implies, we are talking about cases where a fertilized egg is attached not in the uterine cavity, but in the fallopian tube.

The danger of such a situation is obvious: as the fetus grows, it can simply rupture the fallopian tube, which will lead to internal bleeding. And this is a threat to the life of the mother. In addition, it will no longer be possible to restore the tube after this, so an ectopic pregnancy can also lead to a deterioration in reproductive function.

Like most pathologies, an ectopic pregnancy causes other symptoms besides bleeding. In particular, a nagging pain in the abdomen. Usually from the side of the tube where the fertilized egg is fixed.

In the case of an ectopic pregnancy, it is no less important to start treatment on time than with a threatened miscarriage, although the treatment will be radically different. Unfortunately, in this case, there is no question of preserving the pregnancy, it is removed surgically.

bubble skid

Another, extremely unpleasant, pathology is called cystic drift. The causes of this complication are not fully understood, however, it is noted that the fetus in this case always has deviations in the chromosome set. As a result, a theory arose that this pathology occurs when an egg is fertilized simultaneously by 2 spermatozoa, or by one, but having a double set of chromosomes. As a result, the fetus either has a triple set of chromosomes: 23 from the mother and 46 from the father, or the number of chromosomes turns out to be regular, but they are all paternal.

Since it is the paternal cells that are responsible for the development of the placenta and the amniotic sac, they are mainly affected by this pathology. Instead of forming a full-fledged placenta, a benign tumor forms on the walls of the uterus: multiple cysts, consisting of vesicles with fluid of various sizes.

Such a pathology can develop in different ways. Sometimes only part of the placental tissue is pathological. In this case, one speaks of a partial hydatidiform mole. Most often, the fetus in this case dies in the second trimester, but there is a possibility of the birth of a normal child.

Complete cystic drift is characterized by a change in all tissues of the placenta. In this case, the embryo dies in the early stages. Moreover, occasionally the affected tissue penetrates into the muscle tissue of the uterus. In this case, tumor vesicles can enter the bloodstream and metastasize. Usually in the vagina and lungs.

Bubble drift manifests itself as spotting, sometimes bubbles come across in them. In addition, the woman experiences nausea, sometimes vomiting. Less commonly, women suffer from headaches and high blood pressure. To clarify the diagnosis, ultrasound and a blood test for hCG are performed.

Ultrasound will show the structure of the placenta, the condition of the fetus, the absence of a heartbeat. In addition, the level of hCG in patients with hydatidiform mole jumps several times.

If this pathology is detected in a woman, then the fetus and pathological tissue are removed, and in some cases the uterus also has to be removed. If the drift can be removed, then after that it must be examined. The fact is that some women develop cancer on the basis of this pathology.

After removal of the cystic drift, the woman is under the supervision of a doctor for some time. If everything goes well, then in 1-2 years the woman will be able to give birth again. Fortunately, cystic drift is extremely rare, no more than 1 time per thousand pregnant women.

Causes in the second trimester

In the second trimester of pregnancy, there are reasons for spotting. Unfortunately, all of them are deviations from the norm, which means that they threaten the condition of the mother and child. And, of course, they need treatment.

Placental abruption

One of the causes of brown discharge in the second trimester is placental abruption. This phenomenon is dangerous for both mother and child. Firstly, the exfoliated placenta is not able to adequately supply the fetus with oxygen and nutrients. In addition, the mother may experience severe bleeding due to placental abruption.

Most often, this problem is faced by women with high blood pressure and women who smoke. Scars on the uterus from abortions or caesarean sections, abdominal trauma during pregnancy, or too short an umbilical cord can provoke this pathology.

Detachment is manifested by bleeding of varying severity: from spotting to heavy bleeding, as well as pulling pain in the uterus and tension in the lower abdomen. Most often, detachment of a small part of the placenta occurs, although in rare cases, complete detachment can occur.

Detachment of the placenta is not treatable, so we are usually talking about a caesarean section. In mild cases, they try to postpone it until the period of 30-36 weeks, when there is a chance to save the child. If the situation requires immediate intervention, an emergency caesarean section is performed.

placenta previa

Placenta previa is diagnosed when the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix. In this case, the growing fetus puts more and more pressure on the placenta and can damage the vessels located on it, which provokes bleeding. Due to increased pressure, placental abruption can also occur, but in most cases such complications can be avoided.

Naturally, the offer of a placenta makes natural delivery impossible. The only thing left is a caesarean section. In addition, this position of the placenta makes it necessary to more carefully monitor the condition of the fetus, since it can compress important vessels, which will provoke oxygen starvation.

Causes in the third trimester

In addition to the fact that brown discharge can occur in the third trimester for the reasons listed in the previous section, in the last weeks of pregnancy, a woman may experience bloody mucous discharge during pregnancy. Most likely, there is nothing to be afraid of in this case.

It is possible that this is just a mucous plug that closes the cervix and protects the child from infections and other influences from the external environment. Usually the mucus plug comes off a few hours before delivery, although in some cases it happens much earlier.

Causes of brown discharge, not dependent on the term

Of course, not all causes of vaginal bleeding are, one way or another, tied to the gestational age. Some of them can make themselves felt at any time. They can be associated with various diseases, structural features of the uterus, and so on.

Cervical erosion

In particular, cervical erosion can be the cause of smearing brown discharge in pregnant women. This problem is familiar to many women, both pregnant and giving birth, and those who have yet to do so. However, during pregnancy, the delicate epithelium of the cervix is ​​especially easy to damage. That is why for the first time women often face this problem during pregnancy.

Usually, erosion is asymptomatic, but after violent sex or examination on a genealogical chair, a pregnant woman develops scanty, spotting spotting. This happens due to the fact that the foreign body disturbs the damaged epithelium.

Erosion of the cervix in our time is most often treated with cauterization. However, this is not recommended during pregnancy, as a burn can make it difficult to give birth naturally. Therefore, during pregnancy, drug treatment is preferred.

Many women have a question: is it necessary to treat erosion during pregnancy at all? It is better to cure it, as it increases the risk of developing oncology.

Infections and inflammatory processes

Some infectious diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, and inflammatory conditions also cause vaginal bleeding. In this case, the discharge may be accompanied by various symptoms.

Including unpleasant or specific pain sensations and the like can take place.

It is not at all necessary that a woman has become infected already during pregnancy. Often, the microorganisms that live in the microflora of the vagina do not make themselves felt until favorable conditions for reproduction arise. During pregnancy, a woman's immunity decreases, which provokes the development of the disease. In addition, old, poorly healed infections can make themselves felt.

In this case, it makes sense to recall that at the stage of pregnancy planning it is desirable to undergo a complete examination and treat all your illnesses. However, if you are reading this article, then most likely it is too late to talk about it.

Any infection during pregnancy is dangerous not only for the mother's body, but also for her unborn child, so treatment must be started urgently.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to select drugs for pregnant women, since some of them, together with the mother's blood, penetrate through the placenta to the fetus. Modern pharmaceuticals have taken a step forward in this regard, creating new drugs that are safer, with more accurate dosage.

This makes the work of doctors somewhat easier. Many women worry about this, however, in any case, it is better to be cured than to risk your health and the health of your baby.

Unfortunately, in most cases, brown spotting during pregnancy indicates a variety of pathologies, abnormalities and diseases. It is very undesirable to try to figure out what exactly is happening on your own. It is much wiser to meet with your doctor at the first alarming symptoms and find out the exact cause of the discharge.

Even if it turns out that nothing terrible is happening to you, no one will blame you for your anxiety. It is always better to know exactly what is happening than, being afraid of the lines, disturb the doctor once, then disentangle the consequences of a rash act.

Unfortunately, now many women are looking for an answer on thematic forums. You should not do this, since the body of each woman is individual. Therefore, the same external manifestations in different women may indicate different diseases.

An accurate diagnosis can only be made by an experienced physician, and then after additional research. Please note that the more accurately you describe your feelings to the gynecologist, the easier it will be for him to make a diagnosis.

Article review: Ilona Ganshina,
practicing gynecologist