Every pregnant woman is interested in the topic of childbirth. Future mothers are worried about how this process will go. That is why they try to listen to themselves and pay attention to even the most minor changes before childbirth. A lot can be said about this during this period. At 38 weeks of gestation, they may increase slightly. Also, at the end of the term, the consistency and color of the vaginal mucus often changes. This article will tell you what the discharge means at 38 weeks gestation. You will also learn the opinion of doctors, gynecologists and obstetricians about this.
Bit of theory
Discharge at 38 weeks of gestation usually increases. However, the amount of cervical fluid generally becomes larger at the very beginning of the term. Why is this happening?
When the female and male cells are found in the weaker sex, conception occurs. During this period, the corpus luteum, located in the ovary, actively produces progesterone. Under the influence of this hormone, the tone of the uterus normalizes, the endometrium becomes thicker, and the muscle organs also relax. During this period, a mucous plug begins to form. The amount of mucus increases, and part of it remains in the cervix. This education will accumulate its volume until the last weeks of pregnancy. This plug allows you to protect the baby's developing body from the penetration of pathogens. It is worth noting that not all women exit this lump. Many people have no idea that there was some kind of traffic jam in their body.
What is the norm?
Is discharge at 38 weeks pregnant always normal? Of course not. Every expectant mother needs to know what is the norm, and when it comes to the pathological process. Be sure to visit a doctor and learn in more detail about your discharge. What should they be normal?
During the entire period, a woman may notice liquid or creamy discharge. They are light in color and resemble milk in appearance. Also, the smell of this mucus is practically absent. Sometimes the fairer sex can say that they smell like slightly sour milk. The consistency of such mucus is always uniform. Lumps, blood and other impurities are not present in it. This situation is normal. With any deviation from the described picture, we can talk about pathology. However, if you already have 37-38 weeks of pregnancy, then there may be other discharge. Consider the possible causes of the appearance of a particular mucus, which is separated from the vagina.
Fungal infection: thrush
White discharge at 38 weeks may indicate that a woman's vagina is affected by a fungal infection. About half of expectant mothers face thrush. At the same time, many representatives of the weaker sex have been unsuccessfully trying for a long time to cure the disease. During thrush, vaginal discharge acquires an intense white color. Outwardly, they resemble the curd masses. These substances strongly irritate the mucous membranes of the genitals. That is why itching, redness, and discomfort join the symptoms. What recommendations does the doctor give in this case?
If at the end of pregnancy such secretions were found, treatment should be carried out as soon as possible. Often, drugs such as Pimafucin, Terzhinan, Diflucan and so on are prescribed for this. Doctors also recommend the use of soda and saline solutions for washing. Douching, which many future mothers spend, is strictly prohibited during this period. Otherwise, the fungus and pathogenic microflora can enter the vagina and affect the baby.
Inflammation: infection
If you have 38 weeks, yellow discharge may be a sign of a serious pathology. Such purulent secretions often take a thick consistency. In addition, future mothers notice an unpleasant smell, itching. Sometimes pain in the pelvic area joins. The inflammatory process may be the result of a newly acquired infection. Often it is transmitted during the next sexual contact. That is why during pregnancy it is so important to use condoms. When the pathology was acquired even before conception, it is a chronic form. This is more dangerous for a woman and her baby. Chronic inflammatory process is almost impossible to cure.
What do doctors recommend in this case? Gynecologists prescribe a woman treatment. In this case, antibacterial drugs are most often used: Metronidazole, Amoxicillin, Naxojin and many others. It is worth noting that in more severe cases, a woman is given a cesarean section. This is necessary so that the baby can avoid infection while overcoming the genital tract. That is why it is so important even before conception to undergo examinations and cure all infections.
Detachment or presentation of a child's place - a dangerous pathology
If bleeding occurs at the end of pregnancy , then this can be very dangerous. The first thing doctors think about when treating a woman with such complaints is placental abruption. Such a pathology is diagnosed using ultrasound and a gynecological examination. The causes of this complication can be many: physical activity, sexual intercourse, stress, gestosis and so on. What do doctors recommend in these cases?
When detachment of the placenta, a woman needs emergency help. A caesarean section is usually performed. In especially difficult situations, it becomes necessary to remove the genital organ. It is worth noting that with delay, there is a high probability of intrauterine death. That is why it is so important to consult a doctor immediately if you have a stomach ache and discharge in the form of blood.
With placenta previa, bleeding is recognized as less dangerous than in the above case. However, it requires hospitalization. Often, such women are prescribed a planned cesarean section, which helps to avoid such complications as premature placental abruption.
Cork
If you have discharge after examination at 38 weeks, then most likely it is a mucous plug. As you already know, it forms at the very beginning of pregnancy. During the examination at this time, the doctor evaluates the opening of the cervix, its softness and readiness for childbirth. In this case, the doctor needs to insert fingers into the cervix to obtain accurate data. As a result, the mucous plug is somewhat damaged. After a few days, it may gradually exit the genital tract. What recommendations do doctors give?
Mucous brown discharge at 38 weeks is not something dangerous. If there are no additional disturbing symptoms, then do not rush to the maternity hospital. However, the cork is a signal that the long-awaited meeting will happen very soon. All items must be packaged. Childbirth after corking can begin in a few hours. Also, the expectant mother can carry her baby under her heart for another two weeks. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the body. Remember that from the moment the cork is removed, it is necessary to stop sexual intercourse, treatment with vaginal tablets, and you should also refuse to bathe in the bath.
Amniotic fluid effusion
If you have abundant discharge (like water) at the end of pregnancy, you should immediately go to the maternity ward. Amniotic fluid is shed completely painlessly and unexpectedly. No expectant mother can accurately calculate the moment when this happens. When the fetal bladder ruptures, abundant discharge (like water) is observed. However, they can be transparent or greenish. In the latter case, it is about hypoxia, and a woman needs to go to the doctor as soon as possible.
Doctors recommend not to panic at this moment. Most likely, after the discharge of water, the woman will begin labor pains. Remember that from this moment the birth process is started. You will not be able to postpone the appearance of the baby. Therefore, do not hesitate. The less time the baby spends in anhydrous space, the better for him.
Uterine Cervix
Pink discharge at 38 weeks may indicate that the cervix began to open. This happens under the influence of prostaglandins. In this case, it is absolutely not necessary that the mucous plug is left and amniotic fluid is shed. Often, such discharge is preceded by a gynecological examination. At the very end of pregnancy, the cervix begins to soften. When this occurs, the expansion of the cervical canal. Tissues become more sensitive and loose. The slightest manipulation can lead to slight injury. What do doctors say about this?
If you have 37-38 weeks and pinkish discharge has begun, then you need to listen to yourself. In most cases, they do not represent any danger and are a short-term process. Try to calm down and relax. Lie down and rest a bit. If the symptom persists, and the discharge increases, then you need to take documents, things and go to the maternity ward.
Discharge after intercourse
If you notice unusual vaginal discharge, then recent sexual contact may be the cause of their occurrence. During ejaculation, sperm is released, which has a rather thick consistency. After a few minutes, the substance liquefies and begins to leak. Often, women confuse it with leakage of amniotic fluid.
Doctors recommend using a condom to avoid these symptoms. If, in addition to discharging fluid, a woman feels discomfort and pain, then you should contact the maternity ward.
Tips for expectant mothers from a doctor
At 38 weeks, fluid secretion is usually the norm. However, if this symptom bothers you, then you should consult a doctor. The gynecologist will be able to correctly assess your situation, and if necessary, prescribe treatment. In the last stages of pregnancy, the doctor gives future mothers the following tips.
- Move more. Try not to sit in one place. During movement, the pelvic bones begin to gradually diverge. This will help you give birth easier. Also, while walking, the baby gradually falls down. This helps to bring the time of birth closer and not endure pregnancy.
- Reorganize. Doctors recommend a reorganization before childbirth. For this, drugs such as Hexicon, Miramistin, Chlorhexidine and so on are prescribed. They are introduced in the form of suppositories, tampons, used for irrigation of the vagina. This helps to sanitize the birth canal. This manipulation will protect the newborn from many bacteria.
- Refuse to swim in the ponds. At the end of pregnancy, the cervix begins to open gradually. The baby is no longer as protected as in the first and second trimester of pregnancy. That is why you should refrain from swimming in lakes, rivers and pools.
- Carry out "therapy". Doctors say that male sperm contains prostaglandins. These substances help soften the cervix. If you have not yet removed the cork, then you can have sex without protection from the 38th week of pregnancy. However, you must be sure of the absolute health of your partner.
- Drink linseed oil. This substance helps strengthen tissues and increase their elasticity. If you do not want to get breaks during childbirth, then it is worth carrying out their prevention. Eat flaxseed oil three times a day, one teaspoon each. This drug will also be a good prevention of constipation.
- Refrain from physical activity. At the very end of pregnancy, strong physical exertion can lead to detachment of the placenta. That is why you need to take care of yourself. You have already covered most of the journey. There is very little left until the long-awaited meeting with the crumbs.
- Take the last exam. At the very end of pregnancy, doctors recommend making a final diagnosis. It includes ultrasound, cardiotocography and dopplerometry. These parameters will allow you to assess the condition of the future mother and her baby. If any abnormalities are found, the doctor will be able to prevent complications and avoid irreparable consequences.
- Tune in to a good result. Many doctors say that in the process of childbirth, almost everything depends on the woman. Do not be afraid of natural manipulations. Soon you will be able to pick up your baby. Let this thought reassure you. Trust your doctor and follow all obstetrician recommendations.
Summary or short conclusion
You now know what the discharge is in the 37-38 weeks of pregnancy. Remember that at this time your baby is already considered full-term. The long-awaited meeting can happen at any moment. Listen to yourself and watch the discharge. Sometimes they can change the consistency, color, smell and intensity. If unusual signs appear, be sure to consult a doctor. Do not ignore the appearance of pain or other unpleasant sensations in the abdomen and lower back. The doctor will examine you and give the necessary advice and recommendations. Stick to them, trust a specialist. Health to you and easy delivery!