Introduction
To stop microorganisms from entering the uterus, a thick plug of mucus forms during pregnancy. There is a chance that this plug will push into the vagina in the latter stages of pregnancy. Increased production of clear, pink, or slightly bloody vaginal discharge may be noticed. During pregnancy, the vaginal discharge varies in color, texture, and volume. Most discharges ought to involve milky white or transparent. Other hues, like yellow or green, can occasionally point to an infection or other issues. One of the first indications of pregnancy is frequently an increase in vaginal discharge.
One of the most obvious alterations that can take place is color.
A discharge could be:
-
Clear or milky white.
-
White and lumpy.
-
Yellow.
-
Grey.
-
Brown.
-
Pink or red.
What Is Normal Discharge?
Discharge is typical throughout pregnancy and during different times of the menstrual cycle. Leukorrhea, another name for healthy vaginal discharge, is thin, transparent, or white, with a faint smell. To lower the danger of uterine and vaginal infections, the volume of discharge increases during pregnancy. The last few weeks of pregnancy are when discharge is the heaviest and may contain pink mucous. Usually having a jelly-like consistency and sticky mucus is sticky are the sign that the body is getting ready for labor.
What Causes Pinkish-Brown Discharge During Pregnancy?
1. Implantation Bleeding
During week four, women actively seek symptoms and may detect some faint spotting early in their pregnancy. This may be bleeding that happens during implantation or when the fertilized embryo burrows into the uterine lining, which is extremely vascular.
2. Cervical Irritation
The bottom section of the uterus that opens and stretches during labor is called the cervix, which is extremely vascular during pregnancy. This indicates that it has numerous blood veins, which makes bleeding easy. A brownish-pink discharge may occur during pregnancy if the cervix becomes inflamed. Any time during the pregnancy, this can occur. Sexual activity and a cervical infection could be the cause.
3. Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy may occasionally be the cause of brownish-pink discharge. This is when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. The brownish color results from older blood rather than fresh red blood. A potentially fatal situation is an ectopic pregnancy.
4. Miscarriage
Pregnancy-related bleeding may be an early indicator of miscarriage. Usually, there are additional symptoms present along with the bleeding that causes a miscarriage. If one notices a discharge that is brownish-pink in color, the other symptoms noticed are,
-
Cramps increase.
-
Bright crimson blood fluid rush or watery discharge.
-
Pain in the abdomen.
-
Lumbar discomfort.
5. Preterm Labor
It may be indicated by any vaginal bleeding, spotting, or change in the kind or volume of vaginal discharge before 37 weeks. Menstrual-like cramps in the lower abdomen or pelvis, low back pain, or regular or frequent contractions are other symptoms. Additionally, the water can break.
6. Molar Pregnancy
A chromosomal issue is the cause of a molar pregnancy. The fertilized egg and placenta do not develop properly; instead, they become a mass of tiny, fluid-filled sacs. As early as six weeks into the pregnancy, symptoms include spotting or bleeding, nausea and vomiting, cysts passing through the vagina, cramping in the abdomen, and pressure or pain in the pelvis.
7. Birth Control Pills
Discharge may appear red, pink, or brown after using or stopping hormonal birth control. A hormonal imbalance brought on by any hormonal birth control may result in breakthrough bleeding.
The following circumstances increase the risk of breakthrough bleeding:
-
Forgets to change their birth control patch or ring.
-
Sick or dehydrated in the middle of their cycle.
-
Takes antibiotics.
-
Uses an intrauterine device (IUD).
8. Mucus Plug
If a woman notices an increase in discharge that is pink, brownish, or even somewhat green in color, one may be losing the mucus plug. This can happen anytime, from 36 to 40 weeks into the pregnancy. The cervix commonly softens and releases the mucus plug as the body prepares for labor. This mucus plug aids in preventing bacteria from entering the uterus. It could also be tinted with brown discharge when it comes loose, though. Women could experience a sudden release of the mucous plug. Alternatively, it can push in smaller, less apparent "chunks over a few days or weeks."
Is Pink Discharge Normal During Pregnancy?
Typically, the body produces increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy due to an increase in hormones; this discharge can take on a pink hue when mixed with a small amount of blood. Because blood turns brown when it dries, older blood may seem brown. During pregnancy, brown discharge is not uncommon. Most of the time, pink discharge is not a cause for concern, but if it persists, it can point to an underlying issue. An infection, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, or miscarriage are possible issues. Pink discharge later in pregnancy could indicate preterm labor or a placenta issue.
How to Deal With Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, a rise in the volume of mild-smelling vaginal discharge is normal; nevertheless, odd colors and odors frequently suggest infection. Infections in this part of the body can be treated with antibiotics or other prescription drugs by a doctor.
Pregnant women can keep their vaginas healthy by practicing the following:
-
Stay away from tampons.
-
Refrain from douching.
-
Selecting fragrance-free personal care and feminine hygiene products, such as fragrance-free soaps and toilet paper.
-
Using pantyliners to absorb surplus waste.
-
Wiping the vaginal area after stools or peeing from front to back.
-
Allowing the genitalia to air dry completely after swimming or showering.
-
Using breathable material on their pants.
-
Avoiding the risk of infection means avoiding nylon pants and tight jeans.
-
Maintaining a nutritious diet and abstaining from excessive sweets can exacerbate yeast infections.
-
Avoid bacterial imbalances in the vagina by consuming probiotic foods and supplements that are safe to take while pregnant.
Conclusion
Increased vaginal discharge is common during pregnancy, but unusual discharge combined with strong odors or abdominal or vaginal pain is frequently a sign of a health problem. If a woman experiences heavy spotting or bleeding that lasts longer than a day or coincides with pain or cramps, women should schedule an urgent medical appointment. Sometimes there is no reason to be concerned about pink vaginal discharge. Still, a physician must be consulted if women have other symptoms besides pink discharge.
