Pink discharge in pregnancy: from light to brown

When a woman finds out that she is expecting a baby, almost everything in her life changes. She begins to pay close attention to her health, listening to the slightest change in her well-being - and this is a completely predictable reaction, because a new life has begun inside her, and the woman is completely and entirely responsible for the future person. Women especially often come to the doctor for advice if a problem arises - for example, if they discover pink discharge during pregnancy. What is this: a natural state, or a reason to worry?

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Epidemiology

According to statistics, up to 90% of women experience pink discharge throughout their pregnancy. However, doctors offer reassurance: if they seek medical help in a timely manner, 80% of expectant mothers subsequently carry and give birth to healthy babies.

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Causes pink discharge in pregnancy

With the onset of the gestation period, the female body undergoes enormous stress and changes. The hormonal balance changes dramatically, blood circulation is rebuilt, and almost all internal organs begin to work in an "emergency" mode. The appearance of pink discharge is a peculiar symptom, which, however, also has its causes.

• Changes in vaginal microflora, thrush can lead to microdamage to the mucous membrane. Small amounts of blood leak through these damages, which, in combination with mucus, gives the effect of pink discharge.
• An autoimmune process that develops during a Rh-conflict between mother and baby, when the mother is Rh-negative and her future baby is Rh-positive. As a result of such a conflict, the woman's body begins to produce antibodies that attack the fertilized egg. Such a process, in the absence of qualified medical care, can end tragically.
• Sexually transmitted infections, which include ureaplasmosis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, mycoplasmosis, can also damage mucous tissues and provoke the release of pink discharge.
• Erosion in the cervix can sometimes bleed: blood comes out along with vaginal discharge in the form of pinkish mucus.
• Micro-damage during sexual intercourse can result in a small pink discharge, which usually disappears on its own.
• Cervical polyposis often occurs with damage to the polyps and their bleeding.

In addition, pink discharge is often one of the first signs of a threatened miscarriage. At this stage, a miscarriage can still be prevented if you contact a doctor in a timely manner. This type of discharge may also indicate that the pregnancy process is fading.

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Risk factors

• Hypersensitivity of the woman's mucous tissues, excessive blood filling, fragility of the capillaries.
• Frequent use of intravaginal ultrasound, frequent examinations on a gynecological chair, frequent or rough sex.
• Age over 30 years.
• Increased uterine tone and history of abortions.
• Chronic infections of the reproductive organs, inflammatory processes.
• Taking hot water treatments (baths, showers, foot baths).
• Frequent or severe stress, excessive physical and mental overload.
• Bad habits (smoking, alcohol).
• Taking various medications.
• Abdominal injuries.

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Pathogenesis

With the onset of pregnancy, the redistribution of hormones and increased blood flow in the woman's body lead to the mucous membrane of the internal genital organs becoming looser and more sensitive. As a result, capillaries can be damaged by the most minor mechanical impacts - for example, during sexual contact, during gynecological diagnostics, etc.

Sometimes a pregnant woman experiences pinkish discharge on days when, if she were not pregnant, her period would begin. This does not happen often and is considered one of the normal variations.

If the discharge is strong, with a sour smell, then this may be an initial sign of vaginal candidiasis - thrush.

The mechanism of formation of pink discharge may be different, which depends on the cause of this symptom. If the uterine tone increases, then placental abruption may begin - in this case, similar discharge also appears. This situation requires immediate medical supervision, since abruption, if no help is provided, often ends in a miscarriage.

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Symptoms pink discharge in pregnancy

Pink discharge - this sign cannot be confused with any other symptom. The appearance of such discharge is due to the fact that a very small amount of blood elements is added to the usual mucous secretion. This blood can be old, which has not completely left since the last menstruation, or it can be fresh, which leaked during the implantation of the egg.

If the discharge contains a large amount of blood, then the discharge no longer becomes pink, but red or brown, depending on how long the blood has been present.

If, in addition to discharge, the expectant mother experiences problems such as pain, numbness, nausea, a feeling of pressure or distension, problems with urination or defecation, or dizziness, then she should immediately consult a doctor.

Pink discharge before pregnancy

Pink discharge that begins to appear before a new menstrual cycle can be considered a normal variation if it:

• not massive;
• do not have an unusual smell;
• are not accompanied by pain or deterioration in well-being.

Normal discharge may turn pink 1-2 days before the onset of menstruation, or during ovulation.

Natural mucous secretions may also become pink for other reasons:

• taking hormones;
• severe stress experienced;
• weak immunity, etc.

If the discharge is abundant and thick, it may be a sign of inflammation of the reproductive organs. In some cases, discharge is detected with polyposis, endometrial hyperplasia, and tumor processes.

Pink discharge as a sign of pregnancy

If before the onset of menstruation, pink discharge is observed instead of the usual one, this may be an indirect sign of pregnancy. During implantation, the egg can damage the mucous membrane: the smallest vessels are injured, microdamage occurs, which leads to slight bleeding and mucus staining in pink.

However, this manifestation cannot be considered as a reliable sign of pregnancy. In addition, it should not be forgotten that pink discharge is also found in cases of pregnancy disorders - for example, in case of ectopic embryo implantation.

Pink discharge during early pregnancy

The first trimester may be accompanied by pink discharge, which is often associated with hypersensitivity of the tissues of the internal reproductive organs and increased blood flow in the pelvic area.

In the early stages, due to the sensitivity of the mucous membrane, pink discharge may be a concern after an intravaginal ultrasound procedure, after a mirror diagnosis on a gynecological chair, after sexual contact.

A small amount of pinkish mucus is secreted in some cases during the period of egg implantation – this situation is normal.

Changes in hormonal activity often lead to the fact that a pregnant woman has characteristic discharge on the days when menstruation could begin. Moreover, on these days, a woman feels a nagging pain in the abdomen and lumbar region, as with the usual beginning of the monthly cycle. Such symptoms are considered temporary and soon pass.

From 2 to 12 weeks

The appearance of pink discharge in the specified weeks of pregnancy often indicates a disease in the cervix (for example, dysplasia or erosion), or an infectious lesion of the genitals. For example, in many cases, the culprit is a fungal infection, in particular, Candida fungi - the causative agent of thrush.

To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to take a smear for microflora and a cytological examination.

No less often in the early stages there is a threat of miscarriage, which can also be accompanied by the appearance of pink discharge. To exclude this pathology, it is necessary to conduct an ultrasound examination, which will show the presence of detachment, and will also allow you to track the heartbeat of the fetus.

From 13 to 20 weeks

As the second half of pregnancy approaches, the risk of spontaneous abortion does not disappear. However, the cause of the threat is often not progesterone deficiency, but isthmic-cervical deficiency. Other signs of this pathology include pain and a feeling of distension inside the vagina, although in some cases the disease can proceed without any symptomatic manifestations.

To eliminate the threat, it is necessary to regularly visit a gynecologist, undergo routine ultrasounds and examinations on a gynecological chair.

Pink discharge during late pregnancy

At later stages, in the second half of pregnancy, pink discharge occurs with placenta previa or abruption of a normally located placenta. In a similar situation, the patient must consult a doctor, and this should be done as soon as possible. Pink discharge, especially constant, can indicate the presence of a serious pathology.

When the due date is approaching, pink discharge sometimes accompanies the discharge of the mucus plug. This plug protects the cervix from various infections throughout the entire pregnancy. The discharge of the plug indicates that there is not much time left before the birth.

Pink discharge at 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 weeks of pregnancy

If we consider the normal indicators, there should be no pink discharge during these weeks. Sometimes their appearance can be caused by erosion of the cervix - however, at this stage the doctor will not be able to begin radical treatment of this disease. Full treatment will be carried out after the birth of the baby.

Most often, pink discharge at this stage is associated with an infectious lesion of the genitals. The type of infection can be accurately determined by taking a smear.

Pink discharge at 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 weeks of pregnancy

Not all expectant mothers begin labor at the expected time. Often labor begins earlier, and the appearance of pink discharge indicates that it is about to begin.

Many pregnant women experience a small amount of pink discharge when the mucus plug comes out – usually the plug comes out about two weeks before labor begins.

If the discharge is not just pink, but has bloody streaks, then you can confidently expect the imminent onset of labor. If there is still a lot of time before the expected date, then it is better to consult a gynecologist: perhaps the doctor will consider it necessary to place the expectant mother in a hospital to maintain the pregnancy.

You can tell with certainty whether the birth canal is ready for childbirth using a manual examination of the vagina.

Forms

If the expectant mother complains of pink discharge, then this symptom alone will not be enough for the doctor. He will definitely inquire about the presence of other pathological signs, and also clarify what other features in the pink discharge the woman noticed.

• Pale pink discharge during pregnancy, if it is not accompanied by other pathological symptoms, does not pose a danger for most patients and indicates an insignificant content of red blood cells in the mucus. Most often, physiological changes that occur in the female body with the onset of pregnancy are to blame.
• Light pink discharge during pregnancy may appear when microdamages occur in the mucous tissues of the vagina. To restore the mucous and prevent the appearance of discharge, it is necessary to protect the vagina from mechanical impacts (for example, damage can be received during sex or during an examination by a gynecologist).
• Pink-brown discharge during pregnancy indicates the presence of a larger number of blood elements in the mucus: in this aspect, we are already talking about serious painful reactions in the female body. You should be especially wary if such discharge is abundant and saturated. The darker the color of the discharge, the greater the likelihood of spontaneous termination of pregnancy or the development of tumor processes.
• Pink discharge after sex during pregnancy is associated with the fact that with the onset of fetal development, the blood supply to the reproductive organs increases. The mucous tissues become loose and sensitive, so that the slightest mechanical impact can lead to the appearance of microscopic cracks through which blood seeps. Normally, pink discharge after sex goes away on its own. If they continue for several days and become darker or more intense, then you should immediately consult a doctor.
• Pink discharge without pain during pregnancy is often physiological and does not pose a particular danger to a woman. However, to be on the safe side, it is better to consult a doctor.
• White-pink discharge during pregnancy with a sour smell indicates the appearance of vaginal candidiasis, or thrush. Pink discharge during thrush during pregnancy is usually accompanied by itching, burning inside the vagina and on the external genitalia, and a general deterioration in well-being. Self-medication in such a situation cannot be practiced - a visit to the doctor is mandatory.
• Lower abdominal pain and pink discharge during pregnancy indicate progesterone deficiency. If you do not start treatment in time and do not correct the balance of progesterone and estrogen, you can lose the child. This condition is observed in approximately every ninth pregnant woman.
• Pink mucous discharge during pregnancy may occur with partial rejection of the endometrium - the superficial uterine epithelium. Similar processes occur with the onset of a new monthly cycle. If a woman does not complain of pain, and the uterine tone does not change, then there is no need to worry too much in this situation.
• Pink-yellow discharge during pregnancy usually accompanies various inflammatory pathologies in the reproductive system. To accurately determine the problem, it is important to take a general blood test and a smear for vaginal flora. You may have to undergo a course of anti-inflammatory therapy.
• Bloody pink discharge during pregnancy is almost 100% an indication of a threatened miscarriage. Contacting a doctor in such a situation should be immediate: the sooner a woman “raises the alarm”, the more likely it is to save the child.
• Pink discharge during erosion during pregnancy occurs if the erosion reaches significant sizes or progresses. The doctor will be able to undertake radical treatment of erosion only after the birth of the baby, however, during pregnancy he will be able to prescribe maintenance treatment that will stop further growth of erosion.
• Pink discharge after a frozen pregnancy often indicates a hormonal imbalance in the body. To eliminate the problem, you need to take a blood test for the main female hormones to know the exact picture of the woman's hormonal background.
• Pink discharge during pregnancy before childbirth may appear simultaneously with the release of the mucus plug - in such a situation, such discharge is scanty and short-lived. Pink discharge also appears immediately before the onset of labor, as a sign of the imminent "start" of the labor process. However, you should not specifically wait for such a sign: it does not happen to all pregnant women.
• After Clotrimazole, pink discharge during pregnancy is most often associated with damage to the mucous membrane when inserting a vaginal tablet. Such discharge should be white-pink: they disappear approximately on the third day of treatment. If the discharge gradually darkens and intensifies, it is better to consult a doctor. Treatment with Clotrimazole in the first trimester is contraindicated for pregnant women.

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Complications and consequences

Of course, we would like to immediately reassure pregnant women and say that pink discharge is not dangerous. But, unfortunately, this is not always the case. If such a sign as pink discharge appears, then a woman should listen to her well-being and evaluate: are there any additional symptoms, for example:

• the amount of discharge increases;
• the color of the discharge becomes darker;
• painful sensations appeared in the lower back and/or abdomen;
• the temperature rose;
• the urge to urinate has become more frequent, or urination has become painful, or false urges to defecate have appeared.

The listed symptoms may indicate a threat of spontaneous abortion, a frozen pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy, or the presence of an infection in the body. All of the listed cases require urgent medical intervention and can be very dangerous, both for the pregnancy process and for the life and health of the woman herself.

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Diagnostics pink discharge in pregnancy

It is very important to determine the cause of pink discharge: this will allow you to develop the correct further treatment tactics.

Diagnosis carried out in a timely manner helps to correct the condition of a pregnant woman and prevent possible undesirable consequences.

To determine the causes, it is necessary to carry out the following types of diagnostics:

• gynecological examination using speculums;
• cytological tests, bacterial culture;
• assessment of fetal heart function, ultrasound examination;
• cardiotocography.
• Other tests may also be needed:
• bacterial culture for pathogenic flora;
• Antibiogram.

Instrumental diagnostics, in addition to ultrasound, can be supplemented by Dopplerography, which will allow detection of vascular disorders in the placenta, umbilical cord and the future baby.

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Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis is usually carried out between the following conditions:

• placental abruption;
• threat of miscarriage;
• frozen pregnancy;
• autoimmune processes, rhesus conflict;
• premature birth.

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Treatment pink discharge in pregnancy

Treatment, if there is pink discharge during pregnancy, depends on what exactly provoked the appearance of such a symptom, and how serious this reason is. In difficult situations, a woman is sent to a hospital for inpatient treatment, and in ordinary cases, the expectant mother can undergo treatment at home.

Most often, pink discharge becomes a sign of a threatened miscarriage. If this is the case, then you cannot take any action on your own, you must definitely visit a doctor, and urgently.

So, what to do with pink discharge during pregnancy? The first and obligatory step is to consult a doctor. The second is to remain calm (both mentally and physically). You should not overexert yourself, worry or fret: if necessary, it is better to take a mild sedative, after consulting with a doctor.

What should not be done?

• Drink caffeinated drinks and carbonated drinks.
• Eat cocoa and chocolate.
• Have sex.
• Eat foods that can cause fermentation in the intestines and flatulence (white cabbage, peas, pears, processed foods).
• Take hot water treatments.
• Lift weights over 3 kg.
• To worry, to be anxious, to be afraid, to experience negative emotions.
• Drink alcohol and smoke.
• Move around on any type of transport, run, jump.

What is possible?

• Lie down and rest.
• Sleep.
• Take light walks at a slow pace.
• Read, listen to light music.
• Take a shower with warm water.
• Inhale the aromas of mint leaves and orange.

After examination and diagnostic procedures, the doctor may prescribe the following medications:

• herbal sedatives;
• antispasmodics (to relieve increased uterine tone);
• hormonal drugs;
• vitamins.

Hormones are prescribed after diagnostics – most often the drug of choice is Progesterone (Duphaston, Utrozhestan, etc.). This hormone is responsible for maintaining pregnancy.

If pink discharge occurs at a later stage, then in case of a threat of termination of pregnancy, it is possible to use a special ring on the cervix, which helps prevent its premature opening.

Medicines

In addition to rest and limiting physical activity, the doctor may recommend a consultation with a psychotherapist, autogenic training, and certain medications, depending on the underlying cause of the pink discharge.

• Herbal sedatives – valerian infusion, valerian root extract.
• Antispasmodics – Drotaverine, Papaverine, No-shpa, Magne-B ₆ (relax spasmodic muscles of the uterus).
• Progesterone (in case of decreased functionality of the corpus luteum) or progesterone-containing drugs, for example, Utrozhestan, Duphaston.
• Glucocorticoids – Dexamethasone, Metipred (for immune disorders and hyperandrogenism).
• Hemostatics – Vikasol, Dicynone (if pink discharge becomes bloody).

	Method of administration and dosage	Side effects	Special instructions
Utrozhestan	Prescribed orally at 200-300 mg in two doses, or intravaginally at 200-400 mg per day, morning and evening.	Dizziness, drowsiness, increased sensitivity.	Treatment is carried out during the first and second trimesters.
Progesterone	Administer intramuscularly 0.5-2.5 ml of 1% solution daily.	Increased blood pressure, drowsiness, headache, change in body weight, itching.	Can be used up to the fourth month of pregnancy.
Papaverine	Take orally 0.04-0.08 g three times a day, or rectally in the form of suppositories 0.02-0.04 g twice a day.	Arrhythmia, decreased blood pressure, intestinal atony.	The drug is used only for short treatment courses. Long-term use is contraindicated.
Drotaverine	Take 1 tablet 2-3 times a day.	Headache, low blood pressure, arrhythmia.	The period of taking the drug should be as short as possible.
Magne B 6	Take orally 1-2 tablets 2-3 times a day.	Diarrhea, numbness in the limbs, abdominal pain.	The duration of the treatment course is determined individually.

Vitamins

In case of pink discharge during pregnancy, vitamin preparations are indicated. If there is a vitamin deficiency, this can provoke a violation of fetal development. When pink discharge appears, tocopherol (vit. E), folic acid and the B vitamin group are considered especially relevant.

• Tocopherol is taken at 100-150 mg daily for several months, at the discretion of the doctor.
• Folic acid is taken at 0.0004 g daily.
• B vitamins are taken in the form of complex multivitamin preparations, which are prescribed individually.

Physiotherapy treatment

If necessary, the doctor prescribes physiotherapy:

• Short-pulse electroanalgesia – relieves pain, normalizes the passage of nerve impulses.
• Electrophoresis with magnesium – has a sedative effect, eliminates smooth muscle spasms.
• Uterine electrorelaxation – normalizes the tone of the uterus, relieves pain.
• The hyperbaric oxygenation method improves vascular microcirculation, eliminates tissue hypoxia, and has an antibacterial and detoxifying effect.
• Acupuncture, reflexology – stabilizes uterine tone, normalizes blood pressure, relieves psycho-emotional stress, improves sleep quality.

Folk remedies

There are many traditional medicine recipes that are designed to relieve a woman of pink discharge during pregnancy. However, it should be emphasized that during the period of bearing a child, one must be very careful about taking various infusions and decoctions internally, as this can lead to irreparable consequences. Before starting treatment, it is very important to first talk about this with a doctor.

What recipes can traditional medicine offer women?

• Take 50 g of rye stems, the same amount of calendula flowers, the same amount of nettle leaves, as well as 30 g of angelica and 100 g of cinquefoil, grind. Pour 1 liter of boiling water over the herbal mass, leave in a closed container overnight. In the morning, filter the medicine and drink 200 ml twice a day.
• Prepare a mixture of 20 g of licorice rhizome, 30 g of elecampane rhizome, 50 g of blackcurrant berries, 20 g of cinquefoil rhizome, 50 g of nettle leaves. Pour 1 liter of boiling water over the mixture, leave for 15 minutes, and then immediately place in a cool place. Filter after a few hours. Take 100 ml in the morning, afternoon, and night.
• Pour 1 tbsp. of crushed viburnum bark with 500 ml of boiling water, leave for half an hour in a thermos. Filter the medicine and drink 100 ml three times a day.
• Grind the dry yarrow plant into a powder. Use the powder ½ teaspoon in the morning during the first half of pregnancy.

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Herbal treatment

Herbalists recommend preparing herbal teas based on the following plants when pink discharge appears:

• Dandelion leaves and roots (5 g of raw material is poured with 200 ml of boiling water, drink 50 ml three times a day).
• Viburnum bark (1 teaspoon pour 200 ml of boiling water, drink 15 ml three times a day).
• Viburnum flowers (pour 1500 ml of boiling water over 30 g of raw material, leave for 3 hours, take 50 ml three times a day).
• Calendula and St. John's wort (take 1 teaspoon of each component, pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave until cool, drink with honey in the morning and evening, 200 ml).

Once again, we draw attention to the fact that many medicinal plants are prohibited for use during pregnancy. Therefore, first of all, it is necessary to consult a doctor who can say for sure whether a woman can use this or that folk remedy.

Homeopathy

When pink discharge appears, homeopathy offers a whole range of drugs that are taken 4 times a day until the condition is normalized. For prevention, it can be used three times a day from the beginning of pregnancy until the 16th week.

The most commonly used homeopathic remedies are:

• Aconite - if the appearance of discharge is associated with stress.
• Arnica - if the discharge is associated with abdominal trauma.
• Caulophyllum - for habitual miscarriage.
• Sabina - if discharge appears around the third month of pregnancy.
• Secale - in case of risk of spontaneous abortion in the second half of pregnancy.
• Viburnum - for the threat of miscarriage in the early stages.

It is better if the drug is prescribed by an experienced homeopathic doctor. He will be able to accurately calculate the dosage and correctly select the necessary remedy. Side effects when taking homeopathic remedies are practically excluded.

Surgical treatment

Surgical intervention during pregnancy is performed only in the presence of urgent indications, when there is a danger to the woman's life. Of course, the operation will not be performed only if there is pink discharge - this is not an indication for surgery.

Surgery may be needed in cases of acute appendicitis, hepatic or renal colic, pancreatic necrosis, purulent inflammation of the kidneys, rupture or torsion of an appendage cyst, or necrosis of a myomatous node. For example, emergency surgery during pregnancy is often performed to remove a benign cyst that is twisted or ruptured. This condition often causes bleeding, severe pain, which can lead to miscarriage or premature labor.

In all other cases, when surgical intervention can be postponed, doctors recommend waiting until the baby is born, and only then going to the hospital for surgery.

Prevention

For a normal pregnancy, women are recommended to:

• keep quiet;
• lie down as much as possible;
• avoid stress, conflicts;
• do not lift heavy objects, do not drive any type of transport on bad roads, avoid shaking and strong vibration;
• Do not take hot water procedures, do not steam your feet, do not visit a bathhouse or sauna.
• Everything should be done in moderation:
• walking is recommended, but being on your feet all the time is not advisable;
• Moderate physical activity (for example, yoga for pregnant women) is encouraged, but excessive physical activity is contraindicated.

In addition, you should not overeat, take any medications without your doctor’s knowledge, or consume herbal infusions unless they are prescribed by your doctor.

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Forecast

Pink discharge can occur for various reasons, so it is impossible to give a clear answer to the question about the prognosis of this phenomenon. Only a doctor should diagnose and determine the cause, and the information we provide will only help a woman generally navigate the situation. Indeed, in many pregnant women, the appearance of pink discharge is associated with one or another pathology. However, timely help from a doctor in most cases allows you to eliminate the problem and normally bear a healthy child.

Pink discharge during pregnancy is not a reason to panic, but a reason to consult a doctor. Pregnancy cannot be a period for independent experiments: trust your doctor, and the prognosis for you will be the most optimistic.