Definition of vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge is a clear or white fluid that comes out of the vagina. This fluid is mostly made up of cells and bacteria. This process can help to clean and lubricate the vaginal area and help fight bad bacteria and infections.
Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy
Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is a normal condition as long as it is not accompanied by other disturbing symptoms. However, if the vaginal discharge that the pregnant woman experiences changes color or is accompanied by certain symptoms, such as vaginal itching or burning, smelly vaginal discharge, or vaginal bleeding, this condition needs to be watched out for because it could be caused by an infection. Vaginal discharge during pregnancy can occur due to increased levels of the hormone estrogen and blood flow to the vagina. The additional fluid that comes out of the cervix is actually waste from the uterus and vagina, normal bacteria from the vagina, and dead cells from the vaginal walls. In early pregnancy, this fluid fills the cervical canal to create a protective mucus that looks like egg white. As labor approaches, this mucus will become more abundant.
Some Causes of Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy
Normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy is characterized by the release of clear or white fluid and no odor. The texture of the vaginal discharge also tends to be thin, but can also be slightly thick. Usually vaginal discharge will appear in early pregnancy and in the last trimester of pregnancy. On the other hand, pregnant women need to be aware of the dangers of vaginal discharge if accompanied by certain complaints, because vaginal discharge like this can be caused by vaginal infections, such as:
- Bacterial vaginosis.
Under normal conditions, the vagina contains microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which function to prevent the entry of germs that cause infection. These normal microorganisms that grow in the vagina are called normal vaginal flora. If the number of normal flora decreases, the vagina can be more susceptible to infection. An example is bacterial vaginosis infection caused by the bad bacteria Streptococcus Group B. Symptoms that pregnant women can experience when they have bacterial vaginosis include:- Itching or burning in and around the vagina.
- A grayish-white discharge.
- Pain when urinating.
- Pain or discomfort during intercourse Sometimes bacterial vaginosis can go away on its own. However, pregnant women should not take risks if they experience symptoms and should see a doctor. This is because, if not cured, this infection can spread and become pelvic inflammatory disease. In pregnant women, bacterial vaginosis also carries the risk of causing miscarriage or premature birth. To treat bacterial vaginosis, doctors usually prescribe antibiotics.
- Yeast infections.
Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can also increase the growth of Candida, a fungus that naturally grows in the vagina. When this happens, pregnant women are at higher risk for yeast infections. Yeast infections in the vagina can cause several symptoms, such as:- Discharge of a yellowish-white fluid or cheese-like lumps from the vagina.
- Sour-smelling vaginal discharge.
- Redness and swelling of the vagina or labia (vulva).
- Itching or pain in the vagina.
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
- Painful feeling when urinating.
The cause of vaginal discharge during pregnancy generally needs to be treated with antifungal medication, either in the form of cream or tablets inserted into the vagina. If a pregnant woman experiences vaginal discharge caused by a fungal infection, she should consult a doctor for treatment.
- Trichomoniasis.
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis. When experiencing trichomoniasis, pregnant women may experience several symptoms, such as the appearance of a greenish-yellow, foul-smelling foamy fluid, as well as an itching and burning sensation during sexual intercourse. This disease needs to be treated with antibiotics according to a doctor’s prescription. If not treated properly, this cause of vaginal discharge during pregnancy is at risk of causing problems in pregnancy, such as fetal abnormalities, premature birth, or the fetus being born with low birth weight.
Preventing Vaginal Infections During Pregnancy
To prevent vaginal discharge during pregnancy caused by infection, there are several things that pregnant women can do, including:
- Clean the vagina regularly in the right way, namely from the vagina towards the anus after each urination or defecation. This step is important to prevent the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina.
- Change clothes immediately after your body sweats a lot or gets wet, for example due to exercise or swimming.
- Use condoms during sexual intercourse and avoid changing sexual partners.
- Avoid using sanitary napkins, tissues, and soaps that contain fragrances to clean the vagina.
- Avoid wearing pants that are too tight, especially nylon ones. For more comfort, wear pants that can absorb sweat, such as cotton.
- Get plenty of rest and reduce stress to keep your immune system strong. This is useful for keeping your immune system stronger against germs that cause infection.
It is important to remember that normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy, which is white or clear and odorless, is nothing to worry about. However, if this makes the pregnant woman feel uncomfortable, try using pantyliners or pads that can absorb excess vaginal fluid. On the other hand, if the pregnant woman experiences vaginal discharge that leads to signs or symptoms of vaginal infection as mentioned above, she should immediately see a doctor so that the condition can be treated properly.
Also be aware if the gestational age of the pregnant woman has not reached 37 weeks but there is a change in the shape and color of the fluid coming out of the vagina, for example becoming liquid, bloody, changing color to brown or pink. Because, this condition can be a symptom of premature birth.
