Allocation of fluid during pregnancy. Prevention of pathological vaginal discharge during pregnancy. Reasons for deviations from the norm

02.05.2019

The cervix of every adult woman constantly produces mucus, which in gynecology is called cervical or cervical. During the menstrual cycle, the consistency and amount of cervical mucus under the influence of sex hormones change, which has a specific meaning and performs important functions. So, at the beginning of the cycle, the cervical mucus is quite liquid: it is necessary for the unhindered movement of sperm and further successful fertilization of the egg. After the onset of ovulation, the discharge thickens and decreases in volume: this state prevents the penetration of infections and serves as a natural protection of the future embryo from pathological microbes.

Changes in cervical mucus do not stop with the onset of pregnancy, and therefore vaginal discharge is also observed in expectant mothers. But not all of them are the norm.

Very often, women are concerned about why there is abundant watery discharge during pregnancy and whether it is necessary to go to the doctor in this case.

Watery discharge in the first trimester

The first trimester of pregnancy occurs against the background of an increased level of the hormone progesterone in the body of the expectant mother. It creates the conditions necessary for the viability of the ovum and the preservation of pregnancy. Under the influence of progesterone, vaginal discharge acquires a viscous consistency, becomes slimy and thick.

Watery discharge in the early stages is usually uncommon. They appear closer to the second trimester, not earlier than after 12 weeks: it is during this period that estrogen production begins to activate.

Watery discharge in the second trimester

During this period, the hormone estrogen begins to be more actively produced, and by the end of pregnancy, its amount produced by the placenta increases approximately 30 times.

Estrogen prepares the mother-to-be for childbirth and subsequent breastfeeding. Also, a high level of this hormone contributes to cell division of a growing child and other vital processes in the body of the fetus.

Under the influence of a large number of estrogens, the cervical mucus also changes: it is strongly liquefied, which is why the pregnant woman has abundant liquid discharge. Sometimes a woman even thinks that she did not have time to reach the toilet.

This is the absolute norm in the second and even third trimester of pregnancy. However, such physiological discharge should in no case cause any discomfort, in addition to the sensation of moisture in the perineum. Normally, watery discharge during pregnancy is odorless and colorless (well, perhaps it may be slightly whitish), they are quite liquid, but sometimes they are also a little slimy. The amount of watery discharge can vary from a few drops to large enough portions.

Watery discharge in the third trimester

The active production of estrogens during pregnancy continues until the end of the term, and therefore watery discharge in the third trimester is also quite common and normal.

Meanwhile, it is in the later stages that the risk of leakage of amniotic fluid increases, and this likelihood should be excluded when liquid discharge appears. To do this, you can buy a special test for leakage of amniotic fluid at the pharmacy and conduct it at home. Even better and more correct is to go to the doctor's office and pass the necessary analysis (more precisely, to carry out an amniotest).

Water can leak at any stage of pregnancy, either in small amounts or in large quantities. Discharge containing amniotic fluid acquires a yellowish tint and a sweetish odor. Such a violation is dangerous (after all, it indicates a loss of integrity by the fetal bladder) and requires at least medical supervision. Therefore, it is better to play it safe and eliminate the likelihood of leakage.

Dangerous watery discharge during pregnancy

Any watery discharge during pregnancy that differs from the physiological norms described above can be a sign of a disease, a threat of termination of pregnancy or other pathology. The following changes in discharge during pregnancy should cause concern:

the appearance of a perceptible smell (putrid, beer, fishy, sour or any other);
discoloration (grayish, yellow-green, beige, pink, brown, bloody, scarlet red);
change in appearance and consistency (stringy, sticky, curdled, frothy, flaky);
changes in the state of the mucous membranes of the genital organs (swelling, irritation, redness, itching, burning, any rashes and formations);
other concomitant signs and symptoms (fever, pain, urinary disorders, etc.).

If at least one of the described symptoms is found, an unscheduled visit to a gynecologist should be made. The immunity of a pregnant woman remains somewhat reduced, including local: the vaginal microflora is now very vulnerable to pathological microorganisms. There is a high likelihood of developing thrush during pregnancy, colpitis, vaginosis, genital herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases and genitourinary infections.

If the discharge is simply liquid, abundant, transparent, does not smell anything and does not cause unnecessary discomfort, then, most likely, this is an absolute norm, you can limit yourself only to increased adherence to the rules of personal hygiene during this period:

take a hygienic shower at least twice a day;
do not use cosmetics with synthetic ingredients for this;
change linen regularly to clean and dry;
wear underwear made of cotton fabrics, it is better to refuse from thongs now;
use panty liners that are breathable and free of fragrances. Do not forget that tampons cannot be used now. And gynecologists recommend to do without any hygiene products at all, replacing them with more frequent changing of clothes.

It should be noted that among the wide variety of changes that normally occur in the body of a pregnant woman and can occur during this period, watery discharge during pregnancy is one of the most common. If in other cases doctors say that this happens or happens, then in this case it is safe to say: liquid discharge from the vagina appears in almost all women carrying a child.

So there is no need to worry! Enjoy your special position!

Especially for - Elena Semenova

Normally, vaginal discharge in a healthy, non-pregnant woman should be white, and after drying, acquire a light cinnamon color. The secretions are a protective moisturizing mucus that protects against the entry of pathogenic bacteria and infections.

Vaginal secretions also help maintain the normal pH level on which microflora health depends.

Before menstruation, as well as during ovulation, the amount of discharge increases. Also, the amount of discharge increases during sexual arousal, with an intrauterine device and when taking some.

But what should be the vaginal discharge during pregnancy?

Discharge during pregnancy

During pregnancy, there is an increased secretory activity, as there is a global hormonal change in the body. But in some pregnant women, no increase in discharge may be observed, and sometimes they practically disappear altogether.

Also, different women may have discharge of different colors and consistencies.

Symptoms that should alert a pregnant woman, and after the appearance of which you should consult a doctor:

itching against the background of an increase in the amount of discharge may indicate the presence of (thrush);
an unpleasant odor, accompanied by discharge of a yellow-green color, may indicate the presence of a genital infection such as trichomoniasis, mycoplasmosis, chlamydia;
spotting, which can be either light pink or brown or bright red. They may indicate a disease of the cervix;
cloudy liquid, which indicates a leakage of amniotic fluid.

Immediately before childbirth, a thick, viscous mucus is released - this is a direct harbinger of an impending birth.

Now let's take things in order.

Thrush during pregnancy - causes and symptoms

As mentioned above, the first symptom indicating the appearance of thrush is itching, accompanied by discharge. There may also be a cheesy discharge. Thrush is a very common problem among pregnant women as well as among ordinary women. But most often it is in pregnant women, due to the increased level of female sex hormones, due to which the vaginal microflora changes, and the environment becomes more acidic. In pregnant women, immunity and leukocyte activity are reduced.

Thrush not only causes discomfort and discomfort, but also carries a danger. First, it complicates pregnancy and increases the risk of infection for the baby. Since during childbirth, the baby passes through the birth canal, it can easily become infected with yeast-like fungi, which will result in thrush of the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract.

Candidiasis must be treated immediately. That is why a smear on the flora is regularly taken from a pregnant woman and a bacterial culture is done. Treatment is prescribed only by a doctor, usually local therapy - suppositories, creams, since systemic therapy is suitable only for non-pregnant women.

Discharge with an unpleasant odor

Discharge with an unpleasant odor indicates a genital infection or internal malfunctions in the body, for example, a violation of the microflora in the vagina or. The reasons are the same - changes in hormonal levels, acidity in the vagina, reduced immunity.

Infections increase the risk of developing inflammation of the membranes, postpartum inflammation in the baby. For an accurate diagnosis, bacterial culture and PCR diagnostics are done. If detected, a course of local therapy must be carried out. With genital infections, antibacterial therapy is also carried out, which will not harm the baby.

Bloody discharge during pregnancy

The reasons for the appearance of bloody discharge can be anything - chronic diseases of the cervix and vagina, too stormy intimate life, detachment of the placenta, etc. In the early stages, it is rather difficult to establish the causes of such discharge, but in any case, even small hints should lead you to an appointment with a gynecologist, as there may be serious reasons.

In the second half of pregnancy, it is easier to establish the causes, but most often the causes are serious pathologies - spontaneous abortion. All these reasons require hospitalization.

Fluid is released during pregnancy

If a pregnant woman noticed discharge with liquid, she must immediately consult a doctor, as this indicates a leakage of amniotic fluid. The reasons for this phenomenon can be violent sexual intercourse, hyperextension of the uterus, hereditary diseases, trauma, infections. Also, a similar phenomenon often occurs after amniocentesis, but in this case, the "leaks" pass quickly and the amount of amniotic fluid is fully restored.

If an outpouring of amniotic fluid is detected, the pregnant woman is immediately sent to a hospital, where she is closely monitored.

It is not difficult to diagnose the outpouring of amniotic fluid, for this it is enough to do an amniotest - part of the fluid, when outflowing, necessarily enters the posterior third of the vagina, which leads to a change in acidity (an increase in the pH level).

Amniotic fluid can also be poured out at the onset of the intended birth, but the woman does not feel the contractions. It is also very important here to quickly go to the hospital.

Discharge from the external genital organs in women is absolutely normal, similarly, watery discharge during pregnancy is necessarily present in all women. Discharge during pregnancy before the delay is no different from normal discharge.

However, discharge can be both physiological and pathological and this must be taken into account for the successful course of pregnancy.

The process associated with secretions in pregnant women is physiological and is needed by the body as an auxiliary element for fertilization and protection of the unborn child during pregnancy.

Discharge is normal

The discharge is associated with a large amount of secreted secretion, which is produced by the glandular tissue of the cervix. The composition and character is dynamically changing and depends on fluctuations in female steroid sex hormones.

Watery discharge can be of two types. In the first period of the menstrual cycle, they are most liquid, which promotes the movement of sperm through the birth canal, and then helps the fertilized egg to attach to the endometrium of the woman's uterus.

In the second period of the menstrual cycle, the discharge acquires a thick consistency and forms a mucous plug in the vagina, which prevents the development of an infectious process from the external environment. Thick discharge has a protective function and is controlled by the female sex hormone - progesterone. Discharge during pregnancy before delay is similar to that of nulliparous women.

In the first trimester

Watery discharge during early pregnancy is quite common. Especially during pregnancy before delay. The early stages include the entire first trimester of pregnancy, however, discharge during this period of time appears most often by the end of the 10th week. In the period from 1 to 10 weeks, excretion is controlled by the hormone progesterone. Progesterone is necessary for normal implantation of the ovum and its further development.

Also, the hormone is responsible for protecting the ovum from all kinds of harmful environmental factors and infections. The concentration of progesterone peaks at 8 weeks, after which its production decreases and decreases significantly by 13 weeks. Starting from 11-12 weeks, estrogen begins to be intensively produced in a woman's body, which characterizes the development of watery discharge in the early stages. As mentioned above, estrogen promotes the development and activation of the glands of the cervix, and this is the reason for the onset of discharge in pregnant women at the end of the first trimester.

In the second trimester

In the second trimester, which lasts from 14 to 27 weeks, estrogen prevails in the woman's body, which characterizes the abundant discharge almost from the very beginning of pregnancy. Estrogen begins to be intensively produced by the placenta and predominates in the body until the very birth. A high concentration of estrogen is necessary for the normal physiological development of the child's organs and systems; estrogen also prepares the mother's body for the upcoming delivery.

With a constant high concentration of estrogens in the blood, the glandular layer of the cervical canal of the uterus changes the composition of the cervical mucus, it becomes more liquid and is constantly released, especially in the morning. Normally, such discharge does not cause any sensations other than increased moisture in the perineum. In some cases, the discharge may become whitish. The volume and consistency of discharge varies from woman to woman and can vary widely.

In the third trimester

The third trimester lasts from 27 weeks until delivery itself, which normally occurs at 40-41 weeks of gestation. In the third trimester, the discharge is no different from the second and continues to appear, since the dominant hormone is still the same estrogen. However, the discharge in the third trimester must be taken seriously, because it can be easily confused with the leakage of amniotic fluid, which is a pathological condition. More about water leakage →

You can also check at home by using special test strips (amniotest). In general, if the discharge has become much thinner and its volume has increased, you should not delay contacting the antenatal clinic for medical help.

Reasons for deviations from the norm

Pathological discharge during pregnancy has its own characteristics. So white watery discharge during pregnancy indicates the presence of bacterial flora in the genital tract. Bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy, in addition to changing the color of the discharge, is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms such as itching, burning, and an unpleasant odor.

In late pregnancy, the discharge may become noticeably thinner, which, again, does not exclude the leakage of amniotic fluid.

When is pathological discharge dangerous?

The most alarming sign is amniotic fluid leakage. This condition suggests that there is contact between the amnion cavity and the external environment, which significantly increases the risk of infection of the amnion. Infection will certainly lead to the development of serious complications in a pregnant woman and even to premature unsuccessful childbirth. With a positive amniotest, constant monitoring of discharge in the hospital is necessary.

Also during pregnancy, watery discharge speaks of danger if accompanied by an unpleasant odor and obvious discomfort. Violation of the vaginal biocenosis during pregnancy cannot be left uncorrected, since the infectious process can progress and lead to serious complications.

Primary diagnostics can and should be carried out independently, and if you suspect any deviations from the norm, immediate consultation with a specialist is necessary. Determining changes in the pathological side is quite simple. With the development of an infectious process in the external genital organs, the discharge becomes sticky and stringy, becomes white or yellow, in some cases the discharge may turn red.

In addition to color and consistency, an unpleasant odor from discharge is also an alarming symptom. If you experience these symptoms, be sure to contact the obstetrician-gynecologist leading the pregnancy for a diagnosis.

Treatment and prognosis

With the timely detection of pathological secretions and seeking advice and medical help from an obstetrician-gynecologist leading pregnancy, the prognosis is favorable. In most cases, pregnant women are referred to in connection with a violation of vaginal microbiocinosis as a result of either poor nutrition or insufficient hygiene.

The main treatment is lifestyle changes and an attentive, responsible attitude towards personal intimate hygiene. In most cases, it is possible to normalize the flora without the use of special drug therapy. If the infection is serious, they resort to antibiotic therapy and the use of local antiseptic drugs.

If there is a leakage of amniotic fluid, they try to preserve the pregnancy to the last, in some cases the leakage disappears on its own, with persistent leakage, antibiotic therapy is also carried out, and if the fetal bladder is infected, prompt delivery.

Prophylaxis

If you have frequent and heavy discharge, starting from the 10th week of pregnancy, do not be afraid and sound the alarm. Despite the fact that discharge is a physiological process, this suggests that the female body should be treated more carefully during pregnancy. Be sure to observe personal hygiene and regularly take water treatments. In the case of heavy discharge, you can and should use sanitary napkins for pregnant women.

What do women need to know if they have profuse watery discharge? In absolutely all people in the perineum, the body temperature is higher than on the rest of the skin - this is due to the anatomical features of the structure of the human body. When a large amount of discharge appears in the perineal area, which inevitably leads to the formation of a moist and warm environment, all conditions appear for the development of an infectious process, which must be fought by careful adherence to personal hygiene.

Keep track of your discharge throughout your pregnancy, especially later in pregnancy. With a careful and responsible approach to your own health during pregnancy, you will be able to give birth to a healthy and strong baby.

Useful video about discharge during pregnancy

When a woman is expecting a child, she, one way or another, listens to her body, noticing something new. But not all changes bring joy and pleasant sensations. some make you worry and think about whether there is danger in the symptoms that have appeared. And if you had to worry only about your health - this is one thing, but during pregnancy, a woman cares more about the condition of the unborn child. And when watery discharge appears, he naturally wants to know what this phenomenon is connected with and whether it poses a threat to the baby.

Normal condition

Before looking for danger in what is happening, you should think about whether the discharge can be a physiological state of the body. It is known that hormonal levels change significantly during pregnancy. Carrying a child takes place under the control of progesterone - it rises from the first trimester. This hormone is synthesized by the corpus luteum, and then by the placenta. Under its influence, thick mucous discharge comes from the genital tract. They are transparent or slightly whitish.

As the fetus develops, the need for estrogen increases. Their concentration increases markedly in the second half of pregnancy. This is due to the growth of the uterus and the preparation of the mammary glands. The nature of the discharge in a woman also changes. The mucus in the cervical canal becomes more liquid and watery, its volume increases. Therefore, pregnant women may not leave the feeling of moisture in the intimate area. And it persists throughout the remaining period.

With the approach of childbirth, a different situation may arise. A sharp increase in the amount of watery discharge during pregnancy is associated with the outpouring of amniotic fluid. This indicates that the fetal bladder has burst, and the child will soon begin to move along the birth canal of the mother. Such discharge takes on a yellowish tint and a sweetish odor. If a woman is at the stage of completing her pregnancy, then there is no need to worry about them - you need to tune in to a successful birth.

Pathology

Particular attention should be paid to reasons indicating abnormalities during pregnancy. Every woman wants the period of bearing a child to be successful, which means she is obliged to monitor her condition. And if she notices any alarming symptoms, you should consult a doctor. A similar need arises when the discharge changes its usual character:

Volume and duration are abundant and constant.
Appearance and consistency - curd-like, frothy, with flakes, cloudy.
Coloration - bloody, gray, brown, green-yellow.
The smell is sour, purulent, "fishy" or otherwise unpleasant.

These features make it possible to assume the source of the secretions and the mechanism of their formation. This is very important for the diagnosis of gynecological and obstetric pathology.

Infections

In such cases, first of all, the idea of an inflammatory process in the genital tract arises. Discharge like water is possible with herpesvirus infection or trichomoniasis. They are not asymptomatic, so a woman may present with the following complaints:

Burning and itching in the vagina.
Discomfort during intercourse.
Redness of the external genital organs.
Increased urination.
Pain in the lower abdomen.
Temperature increase.

This poses a danger to the fetus, because intrauterine infection is possible. Then the child may experience various anomalies, impaired intrauterine development (delay), or premature termination of pregnancy.

Infectious processes in the vagina are a common cause of watery discharge in women at various stages of pregnancy.

Vaginal dysbiosis

In addition to infectious processes (colpitis), it is necessary to exclude bacterial vaginosis or the so-called vaginal dysbiosis. It is a violation of the normal microflora of the genital tract, when the place of bifidobacilli and lactobacilli is occupied by other microorganisms, in particular gardnerella. There will be no signs of inflammation on the mucous membranes (hyperemia, swelling, plaque) and subjective sensations, only the discharge will change: it will become grayish, abundant, with the smell of fish. But you should not relax - this is a favorable background for the development of dangerous infections.

Leakage of amniotic fluid

Having considered the likelihood of a microbial factor, you need to think about the fact that a woman in a position has leakage or premature rupture of amniotic fluid. Then the discharge will become very watery and sharply abundant. In contrast to the normal situation, when the amniotic bladder bursts before childbirth, damage occurs here long before the end of pregnancy. This is observed for the following reasons:

Malposition.
Narrow pelvis.
Isthmico-cervical insufficiency.
Multiple pregnancy.
Extragenital pathology (anemia, connective tissue diseases).
Bad habits.

Leakage of water is spoken of when it is released gradually. A woman notices a wet spot on her underwear or hygiene products (pad). As a rule, the discharge is transparent or yellowish, less often bloody, grayish-greenish or cloudy. There will be no additional signs other than a feeling of moisture.

If there is a premature outpouring of the amniotic fluid, then the pregnant woman notices a sharp increase in the amount of discharge - by 500 ml or more. It should be remembered that with an extraordinary leakage of amniotic fluid, additional conditions are created for infection of the fetus and premature birth.

Additional diagnostics

To find out why there are watery discharge during early pregnancy, you need to conduct a number of studies. Laboratory tests or instrumental methods may be required. Diagnostics includes the following procedures:

General blood and urine tests.
Blood biochemistry (antibodies to infections).
Discharge analysis (microscopy, culture, PCR).
Vaginal smear for cytology.
PH test (nitrazine).
Colposcopy.

It is better to identify any pathology at an early stage, because this facilitates further correction of violations and minimizes the risk to the child. Therefore, women who notice deviations in the nature of the discharge should immediately consult a doctor for diagnosis.

It is possible to identify the cause of pathological discharge in pregnant women only thanks to additional research, which will be prescribed by a specialist.

Correction

If, according to the results of the research, alarming changes in the woman's body are revealed, then she cannot avoid treatment. The doctor will take the necessary measures aimed at normalizing the course of pregnancy and preventing negative consequences for the fetus. And in cases where the discharge does not go beyond the boundaries of the norm, and there is no reason for worry, you can limit yourself to observing simple hygienic recommendations:

Take a shower at least twice a day.
Do not use aggressive detergents.
It is better to wear underwear made from natural materials, changing it regularly.
Use panty liners.

Do not forget about the diet, since a lot, even physiological discharge, depends on the nature of the diet of the pregnant woman. Avoid spicy, smoked, fried and canned foods. The diet should contain vegetables, fruits and herbs, dairy products, lean meat, eggs, fish, cereals. There is no need to worry in vain - it is better to enjoy a special position while waiting for the birth of a baby.

Such an important period for every woman (pregnancy) is not complete without experiences. The body is undergoing serious restructuring - how not to worry, because often the expectant mother does not know which changes in her health are the norm and which are deviations. Often, the concern is completely unfounded, and the symptoms are far-fetched. In order for unpleasant emotions not to overshadow this period, it is better to familiarize yourself in advance with information about the natural changes in the body of a pregnant woman. In our article we will touch upon an issue that often worries expectant mothers. Namely, we will tell you about the norms and deviations of cervical discharge: why there are watery discharge during pregnancy, when they do not cause concern for doctors, and in which cases you need to urgently seek medical help.

What is cervical mucus

First you need to figure out what cervical mucus is. This concept means nothing more than vaginal discharge. Mucus is produced by the work of sex hormones. It protects the reproductive organs of a woman, being a natural barrier to the growth and development of various kinds of bacteria and fungi. In addition, cervical mucus acts as a lubricant during intercourse.

The consistency of mucus changes depending on the day of the woman's menstrual cycle. Such changes are explained by the work of hormones, the function of which, in turn, is to create the most comfortable conditions for conceiving and carrying a child. Watery discharge during pregnancy in the second trimester, not accompanied by additional symptoms, is considered a normal option.

What are the normal discharge?

In the first days after menstruation and until the middle of the cycle, when ovulation occurs, the discharge is normally transparent and relatively liquid, mucous. In such an environment, the sperm can easily reach the egg. Immediately before ovulation, under the influence of luteinizing hormone, the secretions increase in volume and become similar to the crude protein of an egg.

In the second phase of the menstrual cycle, the amount of discharge decreases, and their texture and color also change. During this period, cervical mucus can be whitish and pale yellow in color, creamy. But if conception has occurred, then under the influence of hormones, a woman may notice transparent watery discharge, uncharacteristic for this period. During pregnancy, this condition does not need treatment.

The rate of discharge during pregnancy

If conception occurs, then the woman's body begins to actively produce the hormone "pregnancy" progesterone. Its action is aimed at implanting the ovum into the uterus. Against this background, the entire first half of pregnancy is observed viscous mucus of a transparent color.

Starting in the second trimester, the vaginal secretion becomes liquid under the influence of the hormone tarragon. There is a watery discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester. In some women, they can be moderate, transparent or whitish, while in others the amount of secretion is abundant, giving a feeling of constant moisture.

If a woman has abundant watery discharge during pregnancy, then the expectant mother often begins to use daily sanitary pads. But doctors do not recommend the use of such hygiene products, especially during the period of gestation. Since a humid warm environment is the best conditions for the reproduction of pathogenic flora. Frequent linen changes and hygienic cleansing procedures are recommended for pregnant women.

It is worth noting that there is no clear framework for the norms of this secret - an individual feature is often found, for example, a tendency to yellow discharge or to transparent, but watery. But what cervical mucus should not be under any circumstances, is described in detail in the corresponding section of the article.

Can there be watery discharge in the first half of pregnancy?

Watery discharge during early pregnancy - is this the norm or deviation? And is there any reason for concern? In the established medical criteria, it is believed that the discharge should not be watery in the first trimester. But if there are no other complaints of the patient and symptoms, then, most likely, such a condition is an individual feature of the woman's body. Nevertheless, it is better, as they say, to play it safe and undergo an unscheduled examination with the delivery of the necessary tests.

Deviations from the norm

What watery discharge is considered abnormal? An abundant cervical secret requires additional diagnosis and treatment, which is accompanied by:

pain in the lower abdomen;
color change;
itching;
swelling;
redness of the external genital organs;
the appearance of pigmentation or rash;
unpleasant odor of discharge;
increased body temperature;
painful sensations when urinating.

Normally, watery discharge during pregnancy is transparent, sometimes whitish or yellowish (due to rejected epithelial cells) shade. If you notice that the cervical mucus has acquired the features described below uncharacteristic for the normal course of pregnancy, you should urgently seek help from a doctor:

Mucus of a pronounced yellow color with flakes or foamy discharge.
White with lumps.
Brown.
Bloody.

This color of vaginal discharge may indicate the presence of infection, inflammation and the threat of termination of pregnancy.

Possible reasons for deviations

The reasons why pathological watery discharge during pregnancy can occur are very different, but they all boil down to the main one - a decrease in immunity, as a result of which a woman is exposed to negative external factors, including infection with sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, stress, poor hygiene, hormonal imbalances, excessive physical activity and heavy lifting can lead to changes in secretion production.

Leakage of near-water waters

Watery discharge during pregnancy can be a symptom of premature amniotic fluid leakage. Normally, this condition occurs after 38 weeks. If, at this time, a clear liquid with a specific odor of about half a liter has leaked - it's time to go to the hospital, the contractions are about to begin.

But if the leakage occurred at an earlier date (the earlier, the more dangerous), then this is a pathology. In addition, it should be borne in mind that with an early leakage of water, they can be released almost imperceptibly - a few drops per day. It is often difficult even for a doctor to notice and determine the pathology without additional analyzes. This situation is extremely dangerous for both the child and the mother. The likelihood of septic complications is high. We urgently need to call an ambulance and go to the hospital.

Diagnosis of pathological discharge

To confirm or deny the preliminary diagnosis, the doctor will offer the patient to take a standard smear, according to indications, to undergo an examination to determine sexually transmitted diseases.

Watery discharge during early pregnancy can make the doctor suspect that amniotic fluid is leaking. Even before going to the doctor (in the absence of symptoms that require an emergency call for an ambulance), you can conduct a home test using the express system. It is not difficult to get it at the pharmacy. It should be noted that most of these diagnostic tests also determine the absence or presence of infectious diseases.

How to use the express system to determine the leakage of amniotic fluid?

Using a rapid test at home is not difficult. The system looks like a sanitary napkin. After a thorough sanitation of the genitals and hands, it is necessary to pack and attach the pad to the underwear. You need to wait until the test system is clearly wet, or check it after 12 hours. You need to analyze the result immediately. If the gasket has not changed color, no pathology was found. But if spots of blue and green color appear, regardless of their intensity and order, then the test is positive, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Treatment and medical prognosis

The sooner a woman consulted a doctor, and the diagnosis was confirmed, treatment was prescribed, the more favorable the pregnancy prognosis. The important thing is not so much the quantity and consistency of the secret as its unreasonable change. So, for example, white watery discharge during pregnancy may indicate inflammatory processes in the ovaries or candidiasis, yellow, brown and green - about detachment or damage to the placenta, streaked with blood - the threat of miscarriage is possible.

To date, procedures have been developed, there are various medications that have a minimal negative effect on the fetus, being an effective method of combating infectious agents.

Unfortunately, late detection of the cause of pathological discharge can lead to serious violations of fetal development or spontaneous abortion.

Preventive measures

Watery discharge during pregnancy is difficult to predict and prevent. But it is possible and necessary to pay special attention to the hygiene of the genitals, avoid stress and physical overstrain, reduce the time spent in crowded places in order to prevent infection with viral respiratory infections, monitor nutrition and properly plan rest.

During pregnancy, a woman is responsible not only for her own health, but also for the well-being of the unborn baby. Therefore, for any changes in cervical secretions, be sure to consult a doctor for additional examination. Health to you and your children!