Yellow discharge in pregnancy - features and causes of occurrence

Yellow discharge during pregnancy can be determined in different periods. Discharge of this nature is considered normal if it is in moderate quantity, transparent, without impurities, there is no foul odor, pain, fever, burning and itching.

But if the above symptoms occur, as well as if the amount, thickness, and color of yellow discharge changes towards a greenish or brown tint, you must immediately seek help from an obstetrician-gynecologist for diagnosis of the disease, timely therapy, and prevention of unwanted complications of pregnancy.

Why do yellow discharge occur during pregnancy?

Why yellow discharge occurs during pregnancy - worries all women, especially those who have encountered this problem. There can be many reasons for the occurrence of yellow discharge during pregnancy.

1. The impact of external factors (the most innocent reason):
   • soap or other product used for personal hygiene purposes,
   • wearing synthetic underwear,
   • use of daily pads impregnated with aromatic substances or other chemicals,
   • irregular hygiene of the genitals.
2. Diseases of the genitourinary system of an inflammatory nature (in the uterus, fallopian tubes, bladder or ovaries, etc.), caused by non-specific pathogens, for example, staphylococcus, E. coli or as a result of fungal infection.
3. Infectious diseases that are spread sexually (for example, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia ).
4. Disruption of vaginal microflora (dysbiosis).

If yellow discharge appears during pregnancy, it is better to consult an obstetrician-gynecologist to identify the causes of their occurrence through examination and additional diagnostic methods.

After a comprehensive examination, the specialist will be able to prescribe appropriate therapy if necessary. Self-medication should not be done, and a visit to the doctor should not be delayed either.

Yellow discharge in early pregnancy

Yellow discharge at the beginning of pregnancy may be normal, due to individual characteristics of the woman, or considered as a kind of relative norm, as a result of violation of intimate hygiene, and may also indicate the presence of inflammatory processes in the genitourinary organs, due to non-specific or specific infectious agents. In the early stages of pregnancy, when yellow discharge occurs, especially accompanied by an unpleasant odor, itching, pain (this picture is noted with gonorrhea), it is recommended to consult a doctor to establish and neutralize their causal factor, prevent further progression of the pathological process and thereby protect yourself from formidable complications, such as miscarriage.

Week 6

Yellow discharge at 6 weeks of pregnancy may be normal if it is of uniform structure, transparent and there is no pain, itching, or foul odor. If such clinical symptoms occur, you should immediately contact a specialist.

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Week 7

Yellow discharge at 7 weeks of pregnancy without other clinical symptoms is a normal variant. At this stage, such discharge can be abundant and mucous. If the color, structure of the secretion changes, odor and itching appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.

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Week 8

Yellow discharge at 8 weeks of pregnancy is usually normal, in moderate amounts, odorless, not accompanied by pain or itching. Often at 8 weeks of pregnancy, candidiasis (thrush) develops. Its occurrence during this period is associated not only with a decrease in immunity, but also with the fact that the pH in the vagina becomes acidic (in order to protect the fetus from infectious agents), which is a favorable environment for the development of fungal flora. In case of thrush, you should seek help from a specialist. If the yellow discharge becomes watery at this stage, then this is also a reason to visit a doctor to exclude leakage of amniotic fluid or any infection.

Week 9

Yellow discharge at 9 weeks of pregnancy is transparent, without impurities, has no smell, burning, pain is considered normal. If the structure of the discharge changes, the amount and the appearance of a greenish, brown secretion, the occurrence of pain, you must urgently contact an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Week 10

Yellow discharge at 10 weeks of pregnancy of a uniform structure, light, moderate and without other clinical symptoms are the norm. If pain occurs, the consistency, quantity and color of the secretion change, this is a reason to contact a doctor for examination and necessary therapy.

Week 11

Yellow discharge at 11 weeks of pregnancy may be normal, but if it is accompanied by an unpleasant odor, pain, itching, burning, very bright color or, conversely, dark, this indicates an infection of the genitourinary system. If these symptoms occur, you must seek medical help to begin therapy in a timely manner.

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Week 12

Yellow discharge at 12 weeks of pregnancy is considered normal, if it is not accompanied by other discomforting symptoms, has a uniform structure, is odorless, and is in moderate quantities. If the shade of yellow secretion changes to green or brown, pain, itching, and other symptoms occur, you should immediately go to the doctor.

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Week 13

Yellow discharge at 13 weeks of pregnancy may be normal if it is not accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, itching and a not very pleasant smell of the secreted secretion. At this stage, the secretion may become more liquid, since during this period the function of the hormone estrogen prevails, helping to liquefy previously thick mucus.

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Yellow discharge at the end of pregnancy

37 week

Yellow discharge at 37 weeks of pregnancy, if they are in moderate quantities and nothing else bothers you, then this is normal. But if the discharge becomes very watery and there is a lot of it, then you need to go to the doctor, since this may indicate the discharge of amniotic fluid and the onset of labor. Also, if the yellow secretion is accompanied by an unpleasant odor, pain, temperature, then this may signal inflammation in the genitourinary system, which requires immediate treatment.

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38, 39, 40 weeks

Yellow discharge at 38, 39, 40 weeks of pregnancy can be considered normal if it is transparent, in moderate quantities, has no odor, is not accompanied by itching, pain, fever and does not have other impurities (for example, blood). In the case when yellow discharge becomes very watery and abundant, and thick mucus appears (discharge of the mucous plug), this indicates the onset of labor. If yellow secretion at these stages of pregnancy acquires an unpleasant odor, becomes greenish or brownish, pain occurs, then you must urgently contact an obstetrician-gynecologist.

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Heavy yellow discharge during pregnancy

Abundant yellow discharge during pregnancy can also be considered as a variant of the comparative norm, but in the absence of a foul odor and other clinical symptoms. In general, abundant secretion can be present in many women in position, since during pregnancy there is a softening of the walls of the uterus, a change in the microflora of the vagina, as a result of which a large amount of lubrication is produced, due to which the movement of the child through the birth canal is facilitated.

• Abundant secretion may have a yellowish tint, be of a liquid consistency and in the absence of odor and/or discomfort, then there should be no worries. But if the feeling of anxiety does not go away, then it is better to go to the doctor for a consultation.
• Excessive secretion may be a consequence of an acute infectious process of bacterial origin in the genitourinary organs (in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina).

In cases where abundant yellow discharge has a not very pleasant odor and is characterized by the following clinical symptoms - itching, hyperemia, discomfort, pain, burning, then you need to visit an obstetrician-gynecologist without delay, since these symptoms are typical of bacterial sexually transmitted infections.

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Yellow-green discharge during pregnancy

Yellow-green discharge during pregnancy is not considered normal. The causal factor for yellow-green secretion may be:

• sexually transmitted infections of bacterial origin (very often such secretion is characteristic of trichomoniasis).
• vaginal dysbacteriosis, which is characterized not only by yellow-green discharge, but also by the disgusting smell of rotten fish.

In addition to yellow-green discharge, a pregnant woman may often be bothered by burning, itching, discomfort in the genital area, pain in the lower abdomen and during urination.

• With trichomoniasis, the yellow-green secretion has a foamy character with a not very pleasant odor.
• In the acute period, such secretion is usually abundant.

If you detect yellow-green discharge, you should immediately go to the doctor, undergo a series of examinations and the necessary treatment in order to eliminate the infection and ensure favorable conditions for the pregnancy.

Yellow-white discharge during pregnancy

Yellow-white discharge during pregnancy may be normal or may be a consequence of allergic reactions to synthetic underwear, intimate hygiene products, or the result of fungal flora damage. Thrush (candidiasis) often occurs during pregnancy due to decreased immunity, which is accompanied by uncontrolled proliferation of opportunistic flora, in particular fungal flora. As a result, the pregnant woman develops:

• yellow-white secretory discharge, often of a cheesy nature with a sour odor reminiscent of yeast,
• against the background of discharge, there is pronounced itching and burning in the area of the entrance to the vagina,
• swelling of the labia minora is possible.

If you notice these symptoms, you should immediately contact an obstetrician-gynecologist to begin timely rational therapy for thrush and prevent infection of the fetus.

Yellow-brown discharge during pregnancy

Yellow-brown discharge during pregnancy can be considered a normal phenomenon, due to physiological processes associated with pregnancy (mainly in the early stages) or can be the result of serious disorders. In any case, if you detect a yellow-brown discharge at any stage of pregnancy, you should consult a specialist.

1. In the earliest period of pregnancy (in the first weeks), yellow-brown discharge may be normal, because at this stage the embryo attaches to the uterine endometrium and this process may be accompanied by the secretion of a small amount of blood. And as a result, the woman's physiological secretion - white or white-yellow - mixes with a small amount of blood and acquires a yellow-brown color.
2. The appearance of yellow-brown with a predominance of brown secretion, both at an early and later stage of pregnancy, should be a serious cause for concern. The cause of brown discharge at an early stage may be:
   • An ectopic pregnancy (tubal), which is a dangerous condition for a woman and, if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, can result in infertility.
   • Detachment of the fertilized egg, which threatens spontaneous miscarriage. Therefore, with timely diagnosis, strict bed rest and appropriate therapy should be observed in order to maintain the pregnancy.
   • Frozen pregnancy, in this situation the toxicosis stops, and the pregnancy test shows a negative result.
   • Spontaneous miscarriage, often accompanied by dizziness, weakness and pain in the lower abdomen.
   • Cervical erosion is possible.

The reasons for brown discharge in late pregnancy are:

• An abnormally located placenta is a close location to the cervix, which leads to its deformation, dysfunction, blood supply and fetal development disorders. Timely diagnosis of this pathology prevents complications for both the pregnant woman and the child.
• Placental abruption is also a dangerous condition that can result in premature birth and death of the fetus. Constant medical supervision is necessary in this situation to provide assistance to the pregnant woman and the child.
• After 38 weeks of pregnancy, the appearance of brown discharge may be normal, due to the discharge of the mucus plug, which is a harbinger of physiological labor.

Yellow-brown discharge during pregnancy at any stage can also be a consequence of sexually transmitted infections of bacterial genesis, in this case there will be: itching, burning, pain and not very pleasant smell of the secreted secretion. In any case, if yellow-brown discharge occurs, you must urgently go to the doctor so as not to waste time and start therapy in a timely manner, if it is needed.

Light yellow discharge during pregnancy

Light yellow discharge during pregnancy is often normal, especially in the absence of any clinical symptoms. In the first trimester of pregnancy, the appearance of light yellow discharge is associated with the formation of a mucous plug in the cervix, which will perform a protective function - preventing the penetration of infections into the amniotic sac from the outside. Such secretion can be abundant and stop after three to four months of pregnancy.

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Yellow mucus discharge during pregnancy

Yellow mucous discharge during pregnancy, not accompanied by clinical symptoms, is normal. Mucous secretion in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy occurs due to the functioning of the hormone progesterone, which triggers the formation of a viscous and thick secretion in order to form a mucous plug that prevents pathogenic microorganisms from entering the uterine cavity.

• In the first trimester of pregnancy, mucous discharge may be abundant, transparent, whitish or with a yellow tint, and odorless.
• Starting from the second trimester of pregnancy, the function of estrogen predominates, as a result of which the mucous secretion liquefies and becomes more liquid, the color of the secreted secretion does not change and there is no odor.

In cases where yellow mucous secretion is accompanied by discomfort in the form of itching, burning, pain, or an unpleasant odor appears, it is necessary to immediately visit a doctor for diagnosis and therapy.

Yellow thick discharge during pregnancy

Yellow thick discharge during pregnancy can be considered normal, in cases when they do not manifest themselves clinically. Normally, such discharge is possible at an early stage of pregnancy, when a mucous plug is formed, which performs the function of defense against infection from the outside entering the uterus. Thick secretion can be observed in the first trimester of pregnancy, due to the functioning of the hormone progesterone.

Yellow thick secretion can be purulent in nature and accompanied by itching, pain, burning, and a not very pleasant odor, which indicates a sexually transmitted infection of bacterial origin (most often gonorrhea).

Thick, dark yellow secretion during pregnancy may be observed due to the active proliferation of E. coli, staphylococcus and is accompanied by the development of purulent inflammation.

If thick yellow discharge occurs, you should seek medical help from an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Yellow liquid discharge during pregnancy

Yellow liquid discharge during pregnancy can occur normally from the second trimester of pregnancy, when the hormone estrogen predominates, helping to liquefy previously thick mucus. The result is the appearance of abundant liquid secretion, odorless, colorless, which can be transparent or with a yellow tint. Such secretion does not cause discomfort, except for a feeling of moisture in the perineum. Daily pads, preferably fragrance-free, will help cope with this feeling to avoid allergies.

If yellow liquid discharge during pregnancy is accompanied by a not very pleasant smell, itching, pain, or fever, this may indicate a genitourinary tract infection, vaginal dysbacteriosis, or a possible allergic reaction. Also, the presence of yellow liquid discharge may indicate that amniotic fluid is leaking. Which requires an immediate visit to the doctor and timely therapy.

Watery yellow discharge during pregnancy

Watery yellow discharge during pregnancy may be a normal variant if there is no odor or discomfort. But it may also signal the presence of the following pathology:

• Genital herpes, which is characterized by a scanty watery discharge with the formation of vesicles on the inflamed areas of the perineum. There is often itching and pain at the site of the vesicles.
• Bacterial vaginosis may be present, in which the watery discharge often has an unpleasant odor, itching, pain, and urinary problems.
• Leakage of amniotic fluid, watery secretion may have a yellow tint and have a sweetish odor.
• As a result of any infections - specific - bacterial, sexually transmitted or non-specific.

The appearance of yellow watery discharge during pregnancy, especially accompanied by clinical symptoms, is a reason for an immediate visit to an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Yellow cheesy discharge during pregnancy

Yellow cheesy discharge during pregnancy indicates active development, most often, of fungal flora, resulting in candidiasis (thrush). Activation of fungal flora occurs due to decreased immunity during pregnancy, and can also be a consequence of taking antibacterial drugs. Yellow cheesy secretion with thrush is accompanied by severe itching, burning at the entrance to the vagina and an unpleasant sour smell of yeast. This condition requires timely therapy to prevent infection of the child and ensure a favorable course of pregnancy. Self-medication is contraindicated, since not all drugs can be used during pregnancy, and it is also necessary to clarify the diagnosis with a doctor and conduct additional examination methods (smear for flora).

At all stages of pregnancy, the occurrence of yellow discharge may be normal, in the absence of other symptoms. But do not forget about the possible leakage of amniotic fluid, which may not manifest itself in any way except for yellow secretion. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly be under the supervision of a doctor, come for examination at the appropriate time and take tests in a timely manner (in particular, smears).