During pregnancy, estrogen production increases sharply in women. These hormones create a favorable environment for the reproduction of lactic acid bacteria in the genital tract. Therefore, during the period of gestation, the amount of vaginal discharge may increase. Usually they have a light or transparent color. This is not a sign of pathology. However, orange discharge during pregnancy is in most cases not the norm. Such a pathological manifestation should always be alarming and serve as a reason for going to the doctor. What diseases in pregnant women cause mucus to turn orange? And what to do when such discharge appears? We will answer these questions in the article.
Norm Option
Light yellow discharge during pregnancy is considered a normal option. They are odorless and resemble raw chicken egg in appearance. Detachable mucus may be clear or cloudy, thick or liquid. It contains desquamated cells of the vaginal epithelium, which give it a yellowish color. The consistency and intensity of the color of the secret depends on the individual characteristics of the woman.
If the mucous discharge does not cause the patient unpleasant sensations, then there is no reason for concern. Their appearance can be caused by the following factors:
- Hormonal changes. With the bearing of the fetus, progesterone production increases dramatically. This hormone stimulates the production of mucus in the endometrial glands.
- Taking medications based on progesterone (Utrozhestan, Dufaston). These drugs are prescribed for women with a threat of miscarriage. Against the background of the course of treatment, abundant discharge may appear. This symptom is not dangerous, but it indicates a hormonal imbalance in the body and an excess of progesterone. In such cases, you must consult a doctor to adjust the treatment regimen.
- Washing the fetus. Orange discharge during early pregnancy can be considered a normal option only in the first month after conception. Usually they appear on the days of the alleged menstruation. This is due to washing the fetus. This is the name of the process of attachment of the embryo to the walls of the uterus and the formation of a new circle of blood circulation for the life of the embryo. The resulting vessels often burst. Therefore, the discharge contains red blood cells and may have a brownish, yellowish or pinkish hue. This can be accompanied by pulling pains in the abdomen, as with menstruation. Not always a woman can independently distinguish the washing of the fetus from the threat of a miscarriage. Therefore, when such discharge appears, you should visit a doctor.
If the light yellow discharge during pregnancy has an unpleasant odor and is accompanied by suffocation, then this should be alarming. It is important to remember that during gestation, the woman’s body becomes extremely sensitive to various effects. An unsuccessful daily routine or intimate care products can provoke inflammation or an allergic reaction.
Troubling signs
Orange discharge in women during pregnancy often indicates serious pathologies. In this case, they are accompanied by a deterioration in well-being. The reason for contacting a doctor is the following concomitant symptoms:
- unpleasant smell of secreted mucus;
- an admixture of blood or pus in the discharge;
- pain in the lower abdomen and lower back;
- fever;
- weakness;
- itching and burning in the genital area;
- cramping while urinating.
If even one of the above symptoms appears, you must urgently undergo a medical examination.
Pathological causes
An orange discharge during pregnancy can be a sign of the following pathological conditions:
- genital infections;
- threats of miscarriage;
- endometriosis or cervical erosion.
With infections, the waste products of bacteria and dead white blood cells stain the secret in yellow. In addition, during inflammation, the genital mucosa becomes thinner and becomes very fragile. This may be accompanied by vascular damage. In this case, a small amount of blood is released, and the mucus turns orange.
If there is a risk of miscarriage, the discharge contains red blood cells, which give the mucus a reddish or brownish color.
Color and consistency of mucus
Orange discharge during pregnancy can have various shades - from yellowish to brownish. It is necessary to pay attention to the color and texture of the mucus. This will help to suggest a possible disease. During gestation, patients may have orange discharge of the following nature:
- Abundant bright yellow. This is a sign of the inflammatory process in the uterine appendages. Such discharge is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen and fever. Yellow discharge during pregnancy in the later stages appears before childbirth. In this case, they do not indicate pathology.
- Yellow with a brownish tint. This is a rather dangerous symptom. Mucus acquires such a color in genital infections, sexually transmitted infections. If during pregnancy the yellow-brown discharge has a vesicle structure, then this may indicate infection with Trichomonas or gonococcus.
- Dark yellow. This color gives the mucus a purulent impurity. The appearance of such secretions is a sign of inflammation caused by staphylococcus or E. coli.
- Yellow-orange. During pregnancy, the discharge acquires such a color due to chronic infection of the genital tract. Therefore, it is very important to cure inflammatory pathologies before conception. During the period of gestation, genital infections that are in remission are very often exacerbated.
- Brownish. An alarming sign is the appearance in women of orange-brown discharge. In pregnant women, this color of mucus may indicate a cessation of fetal development (frozen pregnancy), attachment of the embryo outside the uterus, or damage to the cervical region. These conditions require emergency care. In some cases, the discharge becomes brown due to a deficiency of progesterone in the body. Such a hormonal imbalance is also dangerous and can cause spontaneous abortion.
- Bloody impurity. The reddish color of the mucus is a sign of a high risk of miscarriage, as well as an ectopic or missed pregnancy. In such cases, the patient urgently needs to be hospitalized in a hospital.
It can be concluded that yellow discharge during pregnancy most often appears with genital infections. A bright orange (closer to red) or brownish color of the mucus indicates a threat of miscarriage or impaired fetal development.
You should pay attention to the consistency of mucus. Orange discharge in the form of eggs in a pregnant patient indicates complicated candidiasis. Usually, with thrush, white lumps come out of the genital tract, similar to pieces of cottage cheese. However, if a fungal infection proceeds against the background of endometriosis, cervical erosion, or hormonal imbalance, then curdled discharge may acquire a pinkish or orange color.
It is important to remember that thrush during pregnancy can be harmful to the fetus. The inflammatory process often causes a miscarriage. With the detachment of the ovum, the white yeast-like discharge turns orange due to bleeding.
First trimester
Yellow discharge during pregnancy in the early stages can be both the norm and a pathological sign. If the mucus is transparent and does not have an unpleasant odor, then copious secretion is most likely associated with natural hormonal changes. A bright yellow color of the discharge appears with infections.
Orange discharge during pregnancy in the early stages is considered the norm only if they are associated with implantation of the fetus. Usually they appear in the first month after fertilization. During this period, the patient does not always know about her pregnancy. The mucus has a pale orange color and a smearing texture. Such discharge lasts no more than 2-4 days, this period usually coincides with the date of the expected monthly. Very rarely, implantation bleeding occurs repeatedly throughout the entire first trimester.
Quite often, orange discharge is a sign of a miscarriage. The following factors may cause miscarriage:
- chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus;
- progesterone deficiency;
- stress in a pregnant woman;
- genital infections;
- rhesus conflict;
- antiphospholipid syndrome in a patient.
The greatest threat of spontaneous abortion exists in the first 8 weeks. As the fetus grows and develops, the risk decreases slightly.
Orange discharge during early pregnancy can be a sign of cessation of fetal development or improper implantation of the embryo. Consider these deviations in more detail:
- Frozen pregnancy. With this pathology, the fetus stops growing and developing, and then dies. In a woman, pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, drowsiness, and breast engorgement disappear. Often there are reddish-orange discharge. Ultrasound examination shows small size and lack of fetal heartbeat. This pathology most often occurs for up to 8 weeks.
- Ectopic (ectopic) pregnancy. With this pathology, the ovum is fixed outside the uterus. Most often, embryo implantation occurs in the fallopian tubes, less often in the ovaries and peritoneum. This is accompanied by trauma to the mucosa, which becomes the cause of discharge of orange or reddish color. In the first 5-6 weeks, an ectopic pregnancy proceeds without severe symptoms. Sharp abdominal pains appear as the embryo grows, when the fetus begins to put pressure on the tissues of the fallopian tubes.
It can be concluded that most pathologies of fetal development are noted in the first 2 months after conception. This period is considered the most dangerous. Why do orange discharge appear at 11 weeks of gestation? At this stage, embryo implantation has already taken place for a long time, and the fetus reaches a fairly large size. Most often, the separation of reddish mucus indicates a threat of miscarriage, such a danger persists at the end of the 1st trimester. At this time, a frozen pregnancy is also possible. However, such a pathology is most often diagnosed in a period of up to 8 weeks. An ectopic pregnancy can be ruled out, so its symptoms appear much earlier.
Second trimester
During this period, the formation of the placenta has been completely completed. This embryonic organ produces progesterone. Therefore, orange discharge during pregnancy in the second trimester cannot be associated with a hormone deficiency.
At this stage, the most common cause of orange mucus separation is infectious and inflammatory processes in the reproductive system. Mid-pregnancy is the most suitable time for the treatment of such pathologies. In the early stages, the fetal organs are laid and many drugs are prohibited. In the second trimester, antibacterial drugs to a lesser extent affect the development of the fetus, therefore, therapy becomes possible. However, antibiotics can only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. The specialist will select the most gentle drug for the pregnant woman, after evaluating all the possible risks.
Orange discharge during pregnancy in the second trimester can also appear with the threat of interruption of gestation. The risk of miscarriage during this period is much less than in the early stages. However, such a danger cannot be completely ruled out. In most cases, spontaneous abortion in the second trimester occurs due to placental abruption. The causes of this pathology can be jumps in blood pressure, increased uterine tone, autoimmune pathologies and abdominal injuries. In some cases, the placenta is located incorrectly, such localization can provoke detachment of the embryonic organ.
Placental abruption is accompanied not only by discharge, but also by abdominal and lower back pain. With a planned ultrasound examination, fetal hypoxia is detected.
Orange discharge in women during pregnancy can flow not only from the genital tract, but also from the rectum. As the unborn child grows, pressure increases in the pelvis. If the patient suffers from hemorrhoids, then during pregnancy bleeding from nodes in the rectum often appears. An exacerbation of the disease is most often noted in the second trimester.
Late dates
Orange discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester can be caused by the following pathological reasons:
- infectious diseases of the genitals;
- placental abruption;
- premature birth.
In preterm birth (from 22 to 36 weeks of gestation), discharge appears a few days before the onset of labor. The mucus usually has a brownish color.
Orange discharge in a pregnant woman at 38-42 weeks is considered a harbinger of childbirth. Throughout the perinatal period, the cervical canal is blocked by a mucous plug. This is necessary to prevent infection of the fetus. About 2 weeks before delivery, the mucous plug goes out. Most often it is transparent with red veins. However, orange, brownish or pink mucus is also a normal variant. The patient must inform the doctor about the exit of the cork and monitor her condition. During this period, you need to carefully observe intimate hygiene, since the uterus is open to any infections.
Amniotic fluid emerges immediately before delivery. Normally, they are a clear, colorless liquid. If the water leaves along with greenish, brown or orange discharge, then this indicates a pathology of the placenta or fetal hypoxia. In such cases, the patient needs urgent medical attention.
Diagnostics
Orange discharge during pregnancy has a different etiology. Only a specialist can determine the cause of their appearance. Therefore, all unusual discharge should be reported to the attending obstetrician-gynecologist. The doctor will conduct an examination and, if necessary, prescribe the following examinations:
- A smear from the vagina on the microflora. This test is given for suspected infectious inflammation. It helps determine the type of pathogen. In some cases, a test is carried out on the sensitivity of the microorganism to antibiotics, this allows you to choose the most effective drug.
- Ultrasound This study reveals the pathology of embryo development. With the help of ultrasound diagnostics, it is possible to determine a frozen and ectopic pregnancy, a threat of miscarriage, improper localization of the placenta.
- Cardiotocography. This diagnostic method allows you to determine the heart rate of the fetus and the tone of the muscles of the uterus. The study is indicated for suspected placental abruption.
- A blood test for chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This test is prescribed for suspected missed pregnancy. With the termination of fetal development, the level of hCG decreases.
Treatment
The appearance of orange discharge during pregnancy in some cases requires emergency care. With the threat of miscarriage, placental abruption, a dead and ectopic pregnancy, the patient needs urgent hospitalization.
If the cause of the discharge is infectious processes, then the treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. The choice of treatment method depends on the type of pathogen. Some infections do not have an adverse effect on the fetus, in which case medications are prescribed after birth. If bacterial or viral pathology is a danger to the embryo, then drug therapy is started during the second or third trimester. Doctors try to prescribe the most sparing antibiotics:
- "Wilprafen Solutab".
- Rovamycin.
This is a new generation of antibacterial drugs that can be used during pregnancy.
If the discharge is provoked by viral pathologies (genital herpes, papillomatosis), then in the second or third trimester, interferon drugs are prescribed:
- Viferon.
- Oscillococcinum.
- Anaferon.
During pregnancy, these drugs are used in the form of suppositories and sprays.
If a woman is diagnosed with thrush, then from the 12th week of gestation the use of the following antimycotic drugs is allowed:
These medicines do not have toxic effects on the fetus. The use of more modern antifungal agents ("Fluconazole", "Diflucan") is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy.
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- Vitamins: complexes with tocopherol and folic acid.
Patients with a threat of miscarriage and placental abruption need to observe bed rest. In some cases, a special ring (pessary) is installed on the cervix, which prevents spontaneous abortion.
Preventative measures
The appearance of orange discharge during pregnancy requires a comprehensive examination and treatment. At home, you must adhere to the following recommendations of doctors:
- Carefully observe personal hygiene. With copious discharge, hygiene procedures should be performed more often. To wash the genitals, hypoallergenic agents should be used, best of all - baby soap. The use of flavored gels for intimate hygiene should be discarded.
- Use hypoallergenic daily pads. It is better to purchase hygiene products without fragrances. During pregnancy, perfumed perfumes can provoke inflammation and an allergic reaction. Even with abundant secretions, tampons should not be used, such drugs increase the risk of infection in the genital tract.
- Wear underwear made from natural fabrics. Synthetic products do not allow the skin to "breathe", which creates the conditions for the reproduction of bacteria.
- Limit spicy foods and sweets. It is advisable to exclude mayonnaise, ketchup, spicy sauces, chocolate, sweets, pastries from the menu. Such food contributes to the reproduction of the pathogen of thrush.
These preventative measures complement therapy and prevent the development of infections.