Excretion of mucus during pregnancy. How do you know if this is normal discharge? Pathological discharge requiring immediate treatment

  • The date: 17.04.2019

Mucous discharge and other discharge in women is the norm if they are not accompanied by additional symptoms. But sometimes mucus is a sign that an inflammatory process begins in the reproductive system. Therefore, you need to know about the peculiarities of mucus discharge during pregnancy - for any violations, you should go to the hospital.

Causes of mucus formation

Mucous, like snot, discharge in women during pregnancy is formed in special uterine glands. Their amount depends on the level of hormones in the body. Before pregnancy, the occurrence of discharge depends on the phase of the menstrual cycle. And after conception, it changes.

In the absence of pregnancy in the first phase of the cycle, the secret arises due to the presence of a large amount of estrogen in the female body. During and after ovulation, the consistency of mucus changes - it liquefies. This is necessary in order for the fertilized egg to enter the uterus more easily. From the second phase of the cycle, the secretions become thicker, since progesterone is produced in large quantities in the body.

What Happens During Pregnancy?

When fertilization occurs, there are significant changes in hormonal levels in the body of a pregnant woman. After fixing the zygote, the uterine cervix closes. In order for the pregnancy to survive, a mucous plug is formed under the action of the hCG hormone.

A large amount of progesterone is released. Therefore, mucous discharge during early pregnancy is similar to discharge in the second phase of the menstrual cycle. Progesterone is responsible for the correct development of the embryo and its preservation in the uterus. If the hormone levels are too low, a miscarriage may occur.

Starting in the second trimester, estrogen levels rise in the body. Therefore, mucus discharge during pregnancy is very liquid and there are a lot of them. So white or colorless discharge of a mucous consistency during gestation is considered the norm.

The nature of the discharge in the early stages

Mucous discharge in early pregnancy should be colorless and odorless. The consistency should be jelly or viscous viscous. Sometimes, small light-colored clots can be found in the mucus.

The mucous plug formed under the influence of progesterone blocks access to the cervix. Therefore, the fetus is protected from pathogenic microorganisms that occur during genital infections. Snot-like discharge is normal, but not always. If they are accompanied by other symptoms (itching and burning, pain), the woman should see a doctor.

However, in most cases, they are harmless. But this condition can bring some discomfort to the expectant mother. To get rid of it, you can use panty liners.

In the second trimester, their number changes - they become more liquid and abundant. Therefore, a woman can feel constant moisture in the vaginal area. During pregnancy, discharge, like snot, should not be painful and have an unpleasant odor.

A woman should monitor the nature of the mucus. If it changes dramatically, has blood splashes, urgent medical attention is needed. Otherwise it might be too late.

Mucous discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester almost does not change. But they may become less abundant. Normally, the mucous secretions of this period are viscous, thick or watery. As long as they are clear and free from an unpleasant odor, there is nothing to worry about.

If blood impurities appear in the mucus during late pregnancy, this may indicate exfoliation of the placenta. The woman will experience severe pain in the lower abdomen. The bleeding will gradually increase until it becomes very profuse. You should seek medical help as soon as possible.

Even if the process of bearing a fetus proceeds normally and without complications before the upcoming birth, snotty discharge during pregnancy may change. A few days or weeks before childbirth, thick mucous discharge may turn reddish or pinkish. This indicates the discharge of the mucous plug and the imminent onset of childbirth.

Pathological discharge requiring immediate treatment

Snotty discharge during pregnancy should not dramatically change its consistency. During the transition from the first to the second trimester, they should liquefy gradually. If they have sharply acquired a jelly-like or curdled consistency, this may indicate various pathologies in the body.

If at 4-5 months there is discharge during pregnancy, like snot, the woman should be alert. This condition may indicate premature expulsion of the plug. And this can lead to serious consequences, and even to a miscarriage. A woman should be examined by a gynecologist and undergo an ultrasound scan.

In the last weeks of pregnancy, mucous discharge interspersed with blood can be a pathological sign and talk about leakage of amniotic fluid. This condition is quite dangerous for the mother and child. If the pregnancy lasts less than 22 weeks, the fetus cannot be saved - it dies due to suffocation.

If the terms exceed 23 weeks, the woman is transferred to a hospital, where she undergoes a course of treatment. It consists in the use of antibiotics and special drugs that accelerate the development of the respiratory system in the fetus. But due to the constant lack of oxygen, a child can be born with various brain pathologies.

To diagnose a pathological condition, a woman must undergo a special test for water leakage. If it turns out to be positive, the patient will be given a special ring that will tighten the uterine cervix and prevent the excretion of amniotic fluid.


If abundant mucous discharge during pregnancy has the wrong color, an unpleasant odor or a strange consistency, this is considered a sign of a pathological process in the body.

It is important to pay attention to the color and consistency of the discharge:

  • White or clear mucous discharge is considered normal. But if they acquire a curdled consistency, this may indicate a vaginal thrush.
  • Yellow discharge during pregnancy, like snot or jelly, speaks of advanced inflammatory processes in the reproductive system in a woman. This could be a symptom of a purulent bacterial infection.
  • Greenish discharge like snot during pregnancy is a sign of inflammation in the active phase. If their consistency is foamy, then the woman has gonorrhea or trichomoniasis. This condition may be accompanied by additional symptoms - itching and burning, pain during urination, etc.
  • Brown mucous discharge during late pregnancy may indicate an impending delivery process. During childbirth, the cervix opens, and contractions begin. Therefore, a woman should monitor her feelings. But if such a symptom appeared earlier - in the first or second trimester, there is a high probability of termination of pregnancy.
  • A pink discharge is a sign of the presence of blood in the vagina. If they appeared during the period when menstruation should have begun, this is not a sign of pathology. But if at the same time a woman experiences severe pulling pains in the lower abdomen, there is a threat of miscarriage.

Therefore, if uncharacteristic symptoms appear, with an abnormal color and odor of the discharge, you should consult a doctor. Only transparent mucus during pregnancy is harmless, and other cases can be a threat to health. Every woman should know the signs of the norm in order to react in time at the beginning of the pathological process.

Discharge like snot during pregnancy is a normal physiological manifestation of the female body. The mucous membrane, under the influence of hormones, changes depending on the period of gestation and in the early stages, transparent viscous mucus does not pose a threat to the development of the child inside the womb.

Normal discharge during pregnancy

Discharge like snot in a woman can be observed at different periods of life. During the period of the menstrual cycle, when the egg matures and ovulation occurs, the lingering secretions contribute to early conception. In early pregnancy, snot-like discharge is a consequence of the increased production of progesterone, which is responsible for the preservation of the embryo.

Normally, mucus is a clear or whitish odorless discharge and should not cause discomfort to a woman. Any extraneous manifestations that bother the pregnant woman indicate the formation of pathology, which must be reported to the doctor, since they pose a threat to the further formation of the baby.

At the beginning of pregnancy, thick discharge similar to snot performs a protective function, preventing harmful bacteria from entering the fetus and, thus, bringing them out. In addition, a mucous plug is formed on the cervix for additional protection, which increases the density of secretions.

As the child grows, the vaginal mucosa changes and, starting from the second trimester, due to the activity of estrogen, mucus often acquires a liquid structure. And only before childbirth, the secretions become thick and become like snot as a result of the discharge of the mucous plug.

Pathological discharge like snot during pregnancy

During the 9-month gestation of the fetus, the immune system reduces its functions and directs all its forces to preserve new life, therefore, it is not uncommon for pathogenic bacteria to multiply in the vaginal microflora. At the same time, the symptomatic manifestations of diseases change somewhat:
  • itching appears;
  • burning sensation when urinating;
  • the external genitals are swollen;
  • various kinds of rashes are possible;
  • the color and smell of secretions changes;
  • the consistency is caused by the appearance of curdled clots or blotches
If snotty discharge is accompanied by any of the above signs, pain syndrome and general ill health, then a visit to the doctor should be immediate so that the infection does not penetrate into the uterine cavity, specialists will prescribe the necessary course of treatment.

Also, when the vaginal microflora is susceptible to infection, the color changes dramatically. If secretions in the form of snot during pregnancy have acquired a cheesy consistency with a whitish tint and a characteristic sour smell, then the condition is caused by the predominance of the candida fungus and the presence of thrush. The disease does not pose a danger to the intrauterine development of the fetus, but in the process of labor, the pathology can be transmitted to the infant, therefore, drug therapy is still required.

Bacterial vaginosis, a frequent companion of women, and in particular pregnant women. As a result of hormonal changes, an imbalance occurs in the vagina, which provokes the predominance of opportunistic bacteria. In this case, discharge like snot during pregnancy causes a lot of discomfort, itchy areas and a characteristic fishy smell appear.

The appearance of green secretions indicates a genital infection, immediate treatment will be required, since such diseases, if they enter the uterine cavity, can provoke a delay in the development of a child or even a miscarriage.

Any deviations from the norm should be known to the doctor. After carrying out all the diagnostic measures, specialists will prescribe sparing drug therapy, which will relieve discomfort and will not harm the developing baby.

Mucous discharge during pregnancy is normal. Many patients are anxious about changes in the characteristics of the mucus from the vagina. It is right. There are many reasons for the change in its etiology. To determine the cause of such discharge, you should consult your doctor. The specialist will take a swab and send it to the laboratory. After that, the issue of treatment can be resolved.

During the entire menstrual cycle, the discharge changes. The structure depends on the hormone that controls the body at this moment. Each phase is controlled by a specific substance.

The menstrual cycle begins with your period. The duration of menstruation is different for each woman. After a decrease in the intensity of bleeding in the body, the content of estrogen increases. This hormone makes the female ovaries work. Against this background, the appearance of the first discharge occurs. They have a liquid structure and a small volume.

As ovulation approaches, the secret changes its properties. Profuse mucous discharge appears. This is due to the opening of the cervical canal. The cervix is \u200b\u200bdilated by the action of luteinizing hormone. The substance promotes the growth of the follicle and the release of the egg into the abdominal cavity.

During ovulation, there is a discharge like egg white. Discharge like snot appears due to the partial opening of the cervical canal. A large number of glands are located on its surface. The glandular tissue performs the protective function of the body. Mucus partially blocks the access of pathogenic bacteria. Also, a change in secretion allows sperm to quickly penetrate into the uterine cavity. This quality increases the chances of developing pregnancy.

After ovulation, there is a gradual decrease in secretion. White thick discharge is observed. Viscous lumps help clog up the cervix. Many patients note that mucous discharge in pregnant women is possible. In other cases, the structure completely changes, they are viscous.

The viscous secret is due to the action of progesterone. The hormone helps the body prepare for the upcoming gestation. The substance helps to fix the embryo in the uterus. The further development of pregnancy depends on the nutritional function of the fetus. If pregnancy does not occur, the body prepares for menstruation. In front of her, women have a small amount of cheesy discharge.

Secretion during pregnancy

Mucous discharge during early pregnancy is considered normal. After fixing the zygote in the uterine cavity, the neck begins to close. The canal walls cannot close completely. For the further preservation of pregnancy, a mucous plug is needed. It is formed when chorionic gonadotropin appears in the blood.

This hormone helps a woman carry a baby. In the first days after conception, yellow transparent discharge appears. This is a subjective sign of pregnancy. Such a secret appears due to the active work of the glandular tissue of the cervical canal. The increased activity promotes the formation of a plug. After that, the volume is reduced. The shared secret becomes less active. They are yellow or white.

A woman should monitor the quality of mucus. The secretion of mucus during pregnancy can be abnormal. Anxiety should be caused by the appearance of the following pathologies:

  • bloody impurity;
  • odor and itching;
  • the disappearance or increase in the volume of mucus.

The main concern should arise with the appearance of a bloody impurity in a secret. Brown mucous discharge during pregnancy is considered a sign of pathology. The cause of such impurities may be the onset of a miscarriage. If the blood is accompanied by soreness of the abdomen, an urgent need to consult a specialist.

Pathology is the appearance of an uncharacteristic odor and itching of the genitals. This is a sign of a bacterial infection. Infection during gestation is considered dangerous for the baby. Pathogenic microorganisms can cause changes in the microflora of the uterus. This entails complications with further gestation.

Many patients ask if mucous discharge during pregnancy can disappear or change its volume. Doctors believe that this is a symptom of a pregnancy disorder. During the gestation period, the characteristics of the secret can change only at the end of the last trimester.

If, during gestation, the appearance of one of these signs is observed, it is necessary to visit a specialist. Such symptoms should not be ignored. This can harm the baby and the mother's health.

Second trimester of gestation

Discharge during pregnancy in the second trimester may disappear completely. Rarely, a yellow secret appears, which has a mucous structure. At this stage, the woman should not be intimidated by such discharge. They are a sign of the norm.

In this trimester, abundant discharge like snot during pregnancy is considered pathological. This pathology indicates the threat of late fetal miscarriage. Enhanced excretion of mucus occurs with early discharge of the formed plug. To determine what consequences such a discharge has, it is necessary to undergo a medical examination. The doctor examines the characteristics of the plug and its location.

It is also necessary to closely monitor the appearance of fluid in the secret. It may refer to amniotic fluid. Early leakage of water leads to fetal hypoxia. The child begins to experience a lack of oxygen. Against this background, there is a violation of cerebral circulation. After birth, these children are diagnosed with a variety of brain pathologies. Intracranial pressure is considered a common ailment.

To prevent the problem, you should purchase a water leak test. If the test result is positive, the woman is given a pessary. This is a ring that tightens the neck and prevents water excretion.

All women should be aware that mucus discharge during pregnancy is yellow. If they become dark or bloody, you should see a doctor. Any change in the structure of the secret is considered a sign of the development of pathology.

Preparing the body for childbirth

Discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester is also yellow. A change in volume and color is gradually observed. The last trimester is characterized by the preparation of the body for the onset of labor. The following processes are observed in the body:

  • hormonal changes;
  • discharge of the cork;
  • expansion of the birth canal;
  • divergence of the pelvic bones.

Discharge during pregnancy in late stages is completely dependent on the restructuring of the body. The main change occurs in the hormonal system. Progesterone decreases gradually. This substance is being replaced by oxytocin. The hormone helps the uterus to contract.

Contracting activity contributes to the child's acceptance of the correct position. He turns his head towards the birth canal. The contraction of the uterus contributes to the gradual displacement of the fetus into the lower part of the uterus. From this time on, the reproductive system is in a state of readiness.

Also, secretion increases due to the expansion of the birth canal. This happens against the background of softening of the cervical canal. The neck becomes soft and elastic. The cervical canal opens. Due to this, the glandular tissue begins to produce additional mucus. The woman notes the appearance of profuse discharge. The secret is yellow or transparent.

The process of canal expansion is accompanied by a gradual expansion of the pelvic bones. The discrepancy is necessary to simplify the passage of the fetus through the birth canal. Also, in the last week of pregnancy, the baby is displaced into the small pelvis. Some of the mucus is excreted.

The main reason for the abundant yellow discharge is the gradual passage of the cork. The patient can easily distinguish it from an ordinary secret on her own. In appearance, the cork consists of thick mucus, which is cobbled together into a dense lump. The plug may not come off completely. Often the discharge is partial. Most of the cork can come off 3 days before the expected delivery. Less often, the cork comes out immediately before the onset of labor.

The first stage of labor

Not all women get contractions early in labor. Many women have a lot of mucus. This is due to the cleansing of the cervix from secretions. After a few minutes, the fluid ceases to be released.

If the cork does not come off on its own, you must use special medicines. The drug stimulates the enhancement of the contractile function of the uterus. The neck is sharply shortened. Due to this, the cork is torn away. This can be established both by the patient herself and by her attending physician. After this, active labor begins.

Why you need to know the secretion

Discharge in early pregnancy is an indicator of the normal development of the embryo. Many planning women are interested in the first signs of conception before the onset of a delay. These symptoms include the following indicators:

  • preservation of abundant secretion after ovulation;
  • the appearance of soreness in the lower abdomen;
  • single drops of blood in the mucus.

Secretion after ovulation remains abundant to form a protective plug. After a week, minor soreness in the lower abdomen may occur. Against the background of pain, small drops of blood may appear in the mucus. This is considered a subjective sign of fetal implantation. This symptomatology is not typical for all women. The development of pregnancy in each patient is individual.

Also, some girls ask if it is possible to get pregnant from lubricating mucus secretions. The probability of conception depends on the presence of sperm in the lubricant. Normally, in men, germ cells are present in the lubricant in small quantities. If such a lubricant enters the female body during the ovulatory period, the chances of pregnancy are greatly increased.

When carrying, a woman should carefully monitor her health. A change in the characteristics of mucus is a reason for urgent referral to a specialist.

Mucous discharge during pregnancy appears in all expectant mothers. And in most cases this phenomenon is not pathological, but natural. However, in some cases, you need to pay attention to vaginal discharge and inform your doctor about it. Consider different situations by trimester.

1 trimester

Abundant mucous discharge during pregnancy is one of the first signs of it. Sometimes the tests still do not show a positive result, while the woman notices that she is literally "pouring" out of her. If the discharge from the vagina does not bring discomfort, does not smell and has a calm whitish color - everything is in order, the point is in the hormones, which will soon "calm down" a little.

Another thing is if brown mucous discharge appears during pregnancy, this situation is already abnormal. And do not listen to those who say that in this way "the fruit is washed." Especially if an ultrasound has not been previously performed. Since such discharge can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, frozen, as well as a threat or an already incipient miscarriage. "Dish" is blood mixed with mucus.

White mucous discharge during pregnancy, which smells unpleasantly of fish and provokes itching and swelling of the genitals, is a symptom of bacterial vaginosis, a frequent companion of expectant mothers. This is not a sexually transmitted disease, but a violation of the vaginal microflora. It is treated with antimicrobial drugs, but only under the supervision of a physician, since in the first trimester, many drugs are contraindicated or can cause vivid side effects.

2 trimester

Atypical discharge during pregnancy in the second trimester should not go unnoticed. For some reason, many believe that only in the first trimester negative factors affect the fetus, and in the second and third it is protected by the placenta. The placenta, of course, protects against infections, but they are not always the cause of the discharge ... And for the placenta, such tests do not pass without leaving a trace. FPN, fetal hypoxia are diagnoses that are made by doctors as a result, and it is good if there is not much time left before childbirth ...

Mucous discharge during pregnancy in the second trimester may be ... amniotic fluid. Usually, when water is leaking, the discharge is quite noticeable. To confirm or exclude leakage of amniotic fluid - a rather dangerous diagnosis for both the mother and the fetus, it is necessary to do an analysis of vaginal discharge, something like a test. This test is sold in a pharmacy, but it is better to perform it not on your own, but together with a doctor. He, with the help of a vaginal swab, will take the discharge for analysis and place them in a test tube with a special solution (all these components are in the pharmacy test). And after a few minutes, the result is assessed by the number of stripes: 1 - rupture of the membranes did not occur, water does not leak; 2 - water leaks.

In case of leakage of amniotic fluid, doctors look at the condition of the pregnant woman, the fetus, as well as the gestational age. When the membranes are torn, in most cases they become infected, therefore it will not work to prolong the pregnancy for more than 1-2 weeks (at best). Therefore, in the case of a short pregnancy (14-18 weeks), the woman is offered to terminate the pregnancy. If the period is far beyond 20 weeks, doctors inject the woman with antibacterial drugs, intravenously inject saline solutions, as well as a drug that promotes the rapid maturation of the child's lungs. After that, a cesarean section is performed.

Especially mucous transparent discharge during pregnancy in large quantities should be of interest in women with isthmic-cervical insufficiency, when the cervix opens under fetal pressure already in the second trimester. As a result of even a slight dilatation of the cervix, the membranes can become infected and tear will occur.

3 trimester

The appearance of mucous discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester, almost at its end, is most likely a mucous plug. The mucous plug protects the uterus from pathogens entering it. Distinctive features: usually a lot of mucus is secreted, and streaks of blood can be seen in it. There are not many of them. And this is the norm. If bleeding begins, this is a severe pathology, most likely placental abruption, requiring urgent operative delivery.

Abundant discharge in pregnant women can also be associated with the discharge of amniotic fluid (we wrote about this above). And also - with gynecological diseases. Some infections are latent, and begin to manifest themselves only before childbirth. So, yellow mucous discharge during pregnancy can sometimes be a symptom of gonorrhea. If you notice a change in the color of the discharge and its consistency, especially if it happened shortly before the expected date of birth, be sure to inform your doctor about it. If there is indeed an infection, the baby can become infected during natural childbirth. It is necessary to urgently carry out treatment or resolve the issue of operative delivery.