- When discharge may be severe
- 1. Candidiasis
- 2. Bacterial vaginosis
- 3. Gonorrhea
- 4. Trichomoniasis
- How to differentiate between discharge and rupture of the bag
- When to go to the doctor
Having wet panties during pregnancy or having some type of vaginal discharge is quite normal, especially when this discharge is clear or whitish, as it happens due to the increase in estrogens in the body, as well as increased circulation in the pelvic region. This type of discharge does not need specific treatment, it is only recommended to maintain the usual hygiene care.
The discharge that is not a cause for concern generally has the following characteristics:
- Transparent or whitish; Slightly thick, similar to mucus; No smell.
Thus, if the discharge presents any difference, such as a greenish color or a foul smell, it is very important to immediately go to the hospital or consult the obstetrician quickly as it may indicate the presence of a problem that needs to be treated, with an infection or sexually transmitted disease, for example.
When discharge may be severe
Generally, discharge can be a sign of a health problem when it is greenish, yellowish, has a strong smell or causes some kind of pain. Some of the most common causes of changes in discharge include:
1. Candidiasis
Vaginal candidiasis is a yeast infection, more specifically the fungus candida albicans , which causes symptoms such as whitish discharge, similar to cottage cheese, severe itching in the genital region and redness.
This type of infection is quite common in pregnancy due to hormonal changes and, although it does not affect the baby's development in the womb, it needs to be treated to prevent the baby from being contaminated with fungi during delivery.
- What to do: consult the obstetrician or gynecologist to start treatment with ointments or anti-fungal pills, such as Miconazole or Terconazole, for example. However, some home remedies, such as plain yogurt, can also be used to relieve symptoms and speed up the treatment recommended by the doctor.
2. Bacterial vaginosis
Vaginosis is a very frequent vaginal infection, even during pregnancy, as the change in estrogen levels facilitates the development of fungi and bacteria, especially if there is no proper hygiene in the region.
In these cases, the discharge is slightly gray or yellowish and smells like rotten fish.
- What to do: you must consult the obstetrician or gynecologist to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment with antibiotics that are safe for pregnancy, such as Metronidazole or Clindamycin, for about 7 days. See more about how this infection is treated.
3. Gonorrhea
This is an infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae that is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact with someone infected and, therefore, can arise during pregnancy especially if you have contact with an infected partner. Symptoms include yellowish discharge, urination, incontinence and lumps in the vagina, for example.
Since gonorrhea can affect pregnancy, increasing the risk of miscarriage, premature birth or amniotic fluid infection, it is very important to start treatment quickly. See what other complications can arise in the baby.
- What to do: if there is a suspicion of infection with a sexually transmitted disease it is very important to go quickly to the hospital or to the obstetrician to make the diagnosis and start treatment, which in this case is done with the use of antibiotics, such as Penicillin, Ofloxacin or Ciprofloxacin.
4. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is another sexually transmitted disease that can also arise in pregnancy if an intimate relationship occurs without a condom. Trichomoniasis can increase the risk of premature birth or low birth weight and, therefore, should be treated as soon as possible.
The most characteristic signs of this infection include greenish or yellowish discharge, redness in the genital region, pain when urinating, itching and the presence of minor vaginal bleeding.
- What to do: You should go to the obstetrician or gynecologist to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment with an antibiotic, such as Metronidazole, for about 3 to 7 days.
How to differentiate between discharge and rupture of the bag
To differentiate between vaginal discharge and rupture of the bag, the color and thickness of the liquid must be taken into account, being that:
- Runny: it is viscous and can smell or color; Aminotic liquid: it is very fluid, colorless or very light yellow, but without smell; Mucous plug: it is usually yellowish, thick, looking like phlegm or may have traces of blood, having a brownish color being quite different from the discharge that the woman may have had in life. More details in: How to identify the mucous plug.
Some women may experience small loss of amniotic fluid before labor has started and, therefore, if there is a suspicion of rupture of the bag it is important to inform the obstetrician so that he can evaluate it. Check how to identify if you are going into labor.
Thus, it is important to be attentive and put an absorbent to understand the color, quantity and viscosity of the secretion, as it can also be blood.
When to go to the doctor
It is recommended to go to the gynecologist whenever the woman has the following symptoms:
- Strong colored discharge; Smelling discharge: Pain and burning when urinating; Pain during intimate contact or bleeding; When there is suspicion of blood loss through the vagina during childbirth; When there is a suspected rupture of the pouch.
At the doctor's appointment, inform yourself when the symptoms started and show the dirty panties so that the doctor can check the color, smell and thickness of the discharge, to arrive at the diagnosis and then indicate what steps should be taken.
