When a woman is expecting a baby, her body can behave completely unpredictably. Often, the expectant mother changes the nature of the secretion secreted by the vagina, and early stages brown mucus appears, which is not always the norm.
What are the types of discharge during early pregnancy?
Discharge during pregnancy brown may be the norm, because after fertilization (7-12 days) the implantation of the egg occurs, accompanied by odorless odorless ointment. Light brown discharge during early pregnancy is normal, but only if it lasts no more than two days. If vaginal secretion is secreted longer, then you need to consult a doctor.
When copious fluid with a distinct smell of blood is released from the vagina, you should urgently contact a gynecologist. Mucous dark brown discharge during early pregnancy is a very alarming signal, as it may indicate pathological processes developing in the uterus. Timely diagnosis, treatment and pastel mode will help avoid miscarriage (spontaneous abortion).
What discharge is considered normal?
Sometimes brown discharge appears in the early stages of pregnancy on the days of menstruation (presumed). This is considered normal if it occurs in the first weeks after fertilization. Yellow-brown discharge during pregnancy can also occur when a girl is unaware of conception, perceiving it as a normal early process before her period. The norm is considered to be dark beige or pale brown fluid secreted in the last trimester, because this is a clear sign of placental abruption before childbirth.
Many women note that after conception, the amount of fluid released from the uterus increases. At normal indicators vaginal secretion should be like this:
- transparent or slightly yellow, odorless;
- moderate white or with a yellowish tint;
- scanty mucous with a pink tint.
Why is there brown discharge?
If light brown discharge appears in the early stages of pregnancy, this signals hormonal changes. The cervical canal, which is lined with epithelial cells, connects the vagina and the uterine cavity. Normally, it is filled with mucous membrane, which has secretory activity. In the first phase of the monthly cycle, under the influence of estrogen, it creates a transparent substance for better penetration of sperm.
After fertilization, during the period of egg attachment, the uterine transparent substance may be slightly colored in light colors. If the secreted mucus becomes more dark shade, especially when the process is accompanied by pain in the abdominal cavity, this is an alarming notification for the woman, requiring immediate consultation with a gynecologist.
In what cases should you consult a doctor?
When a woman has brown, brown discharge in early pregnancy, accompanied by lower back pain, severe dizziness and vomiting, this means a threat of miscarriage. This deviation develops due to an increase in male or lack of female hormones. Serious genetic disorders can provoke pathology, after which fetal death occurs at any month. The cause of dark uterine mucus and spontaneous abortion can be:
- Infection. All infectious diseases increase the risk of losing a child.
- Hormonal drugs. Inadequate treatment sometimes leads to abnormal fetal development.
- Bad habits. Smoking, regular stress, drinking alcohol or overwork are a threat to the baby's health.
Brownish mucus is often a sign of ectopic fertilization. When the fertilized egg does not enter the uterus, but into another organ due to adhesions, tortuous fallopian tubes or other indications, then fetal rejection is inevitable. Once attached, the embryo grows and stretches the fallopian tube or ovary, which are not designed for such changes, so the organs may rupture.
A woman may not be aware of the pathology at all, since, as with normal fertilization, her hCG level and the menstrual cycle is delayed. During ectopic fertilization, dark brown mucus is observed in 80% of cases due to endometrial rejection, so contacting a specialist should be done urgently.
Video: brown discharge during pregnancy - what to do
The most important and exciting period of pregnancy is the first trimester. At this time, all organs and systems of the fetus are actively formed, the woman’s body is completely rebuilt, and the risk of pregnancy failure is highest. When brown discharge appears, a woman begins to panic; she does not know what to think or what to do right. Today in the article we will talk about the reasons for the appearance of brown discharge in the early stages of pregnancy and find out whether this always poses a threat to the fetus.
Now let's look at this in more detail.
When is brown discharge normal during pregnancy?
In the first weeks of pregnancy, the embryo attaches to the wall of the uterus, and the placenta and amniotic sac form. The female body undergoes serious changes related to the functioning of hormones. A pregnant woman's body acts like a well-oiled mechanism, tuned to the birth of a healthy baby. However, even the most accurate watch sometimes fails, the woman notices the appearance of brown discharge and does not know whether this is normal or not.
In fact, the appearance of any discharge during pregnancy is an alarming signal that requires prompt consultation with a doctor. Despite the fact that brown discharge may be a normal physiological phenomenon, you yourself will not understand the reasons and will not identify the danger; only a doctor will be able to reassure you or prescribe the necessary examination. However, in order for you to understand the situation and navigate the problem, below we will talk about the reasons that cause the appearance of brown discharge in the early stages.
Brown discharge in the early stages of pregnancy can be of a varied nature; you should not always be afraid of it. During the period of attachment of the fertilized cell to the wall of the uterus, 7-12 days after sexual intercourse, a woman may experience a translucent brownish discharge; it is physiological in nature and is called implantation bleeding in medicine.
A slight dark spot may be observed on the days when a woman had her period before pregnancy. This is a hormonal process that is not dangerous to the fetus. Another cause of brown discharge is placental abruption. Detachment, in which small ones are observed, is not dangerous if they did not last long and stopped on their own.
Brown discharge as a primary symptom of pregnancy
The very first symptom that indicates a possible conception is light brown translucent discharge that appears 7-12 days after intercourse. They do not always occur and not for everyone, but even women who have a brownish “daub” often do not notice it or believe that it is their period that started prematurely. The amount of discharge is different for everyone, sometimes a few brown drops may appear on the underwear, and sometimes the discharge resembles menstruation. Few people pay attention to light, painless discharge, so girls usually find out about their pregnancy after a delay. The reason for this phenomenon is the hormones that are produced by the ovaries and the corpus luteum; the discharge disappears immediately after the woman’s body gets used to its new position.
Implantation of a fertilized egg
After sexual intercourse, the sperm enters the egg, it is closed by a dense membrane and begins its journey through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. The journey takes approximately 7-12 days, depending on the woman’s hormonal background. At this time, there are still no symptoms of pregnancy, but when the zygote attaches to the wall of the uterus, a radical hormonal change in the body begins.
At this moment it is already possible to say with confidence that pregnancy has occurred. During the implantation of the egg into the uterus, softening the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) is released and light brown or pink translucent discharge may appear (implantation bleeding). The uterine mucosa becomes tender and sensitive, so during the attachment of the zygote, microtears occur, which provokes brown discharge. Please note that implantation occurs within one day, while brown discharge should be painless and stop within two days.
If you notice similar discharge, then in the coming days (before your potential period) it is advisable to limit physical activity, try not to be nervous and avoid stress, so that the egg has a better chance of successfully implanting in the uterus.
Mucus plug in the cervix
In the late stages of pregnancy, brown discharge is a harbinger of labor. The mucus plug protects the pregnant woman’s body from infections and harmful substances. However, at the end of pregnancy, preparations for the birth of the child are in full swing, a lot of estrogen is produced, which softens the mucus and the plug comes out.
Where does the mucus plug come from? With the onset of pregnancy, the body adjusts to protect the embryo; for this purpose, special mucus is formed in the cervix, sealing the cervical canal. Now pathogenic organisms and infections cannot penetrate into the uterus. Another task of the mucus plug is to stabilize the desired microflora of the vagina and create an ideal environment for. Periodically, old cells are separated from the plug, which are excreted in the early stages in the form of brown discharge. The shade depends on the amount of hormone and ranges from light brown to rich brown.
"Memory" of the female reproductive system
Sometimes a pregnant woman experiences brown discharge during the period corresponding to the onset of her period. This is due to the low level, which is also called the pregnancy hormone. It turns out that the body does not notice pregnancy and continues to live according to its usual schedule. On the one hand, this phenomenon does not pose a serious threat to the fetus, however low level may be dangerous for pregnancy. Despite the fact that for some women such discharge continues almost until childbirth, it is advisable to observe bed rest during these days or exercise a minimum of physical activity. Depending on the level, treatment for a pregnant woman may continue in the hospital.
Brown discharge during pregnancy - pathology of a woman’s condition
Often brown discharge is pathological in nature, you should be especially alarmed if the pad has to be changed every hour, and the bleeding is accompanied by pain. In this case, immediately call an ambulance or go to the hospital yourself. Even minor discharge without odor or pain is a serious reason to consult a gynecologist - it is better to be safe than to lose your child. Timely medicine increases the chances of maintaining pregnancy and re-conception.
Very rarely, a chromosomal malfunction occurs, as a result of which connective tissue covered with vesicles is formed instead of the placenta. This phenomenon is called “skid”; it can be hollow or partial. With a partial pregnancy, there is a chance to save the pregnancy, because part of the placenta forms normally, but with a complete pregnancy, the fetus dies at an early stage of development, so it is important to carry out curettage in time to preserve the possibility of re-conception. Symptoms of the pathology are brown discharge, dizziness, and abdominal pain.
Violation of the attachment of the fertilized egg
The egg moves through the fallopian tubes with the help of special villi, and when it enters the uterine cavity, it is attached to the wall. However, mistakes happen, sometimes the hormonal system malfunctions and the fertilized egg takes a position near the os of the uterus. While the embryo is small, the problem is invisible, but as the fetus grows, the woman begins to experience nagging pain and brown discharge. Incorrect placement of the placenta in medical practice is called previa and is characterized by a high risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
Ectopic pregnancy
Usually the fertilized egg travels down the fallopian tube and implants in the uterus, but sometimes the zygote implants outside the uterus. It is almost impossible to determine this at the initial stage, because all the signs of pregnancy are similar, and the test shows two stripes. is dangerous to a woman’s life and makes further conception impossible. Diagnosed in time, it allows you to save the tube and get pregnant again.
Most often, with pathology, the egg is implanted in the fallopian tube, and sometimes in the ovaries, cervix or abdominal cavity. Therefore, if sharp abdominal pain occurs in combination with brown discharge, you should immediately go to the hospital. On an ultrasound, the doctor will see where the egg is located - if there is a suspicion of an ectopic pregnancy, the doctor carefully examines not only the uterus, but also all areas where the egg can attach. After this, an operation is performed to remove the embryo; if it is already large, it can rupture the tube, so it is necessary to remove the embryo along with the tube.
Gynecological diseases
Brown discharge may indicate. Small ulcers form on the mucous membrane of the cervix, which do not cause pain or discomfort, so the woman may not even be aware of the presence of erosion. Often gynecological diseases develop against the background of hormonal imbalance, as a result of which a woman cannot become pregnant or the pregnancy is accompanied by complications. may be associated with myoma or fibroids of the uterus or cervical canal. Please note that gynecological diseases can cause miscarriage or missed abortion, so if any brown discharge appears, a thorough examination is necessary.
Sexual infections
Infectious diseases can also cause brown discharge. Specific symptoms appear that indicate the pathological nature of the bleeding. It could be bad smell, itching, burning or pain in the abdomen. During pregnancy, immunity decreases, and dormant microorganisms awaken or poorly treated old infections worsen. At the stage of pregnancy planning, it is advisable to undergo a routine examination and treat all diseases, because they are dangerous not only for the pregnant woman, but also for the fetus.
Detachment of a fertilized egg
The course of pregnancy is regulated by hormones, so hormonal imbalance can lead to fetal loss. For example, a deficiency leads to the fact that the egg cannot stay on the wall of the uterus and the zygote detaches, which is accompanied by dark brown or scarlet discharge (the vessels of the uterine mucosa are injured). If the discharge is accompanied by pain, this indicates a threat of miscarriage.
Fading pregnancy
The risk of frozen pregnancy is noted from conception to 28 weeks, but in the early stages it can go undetected for a long time. A frozen fetus causes general intoxication of the body, which has dangerous consequences. Symptoms of a frozen pregnancy may include brown discharge and loss of consciousness. A doctor can diagnose the pathology using an ultrasound, which shows a discrepancy in the size of the embryo and the absence of a heartbeat.
Cervical erosion and vaginal microtrauma
The vaginal mucosa during pregnancy becomes very vulnerable and is easily injured, so small brownish discharge may indicate damage to the vaginal mucosa. This can happen during sexual intercourse or after an appointment with a gynecologist. Often, discharge appears in the presence of a polyp or.
Spontaneous miscarriage
One of the main signs of spontaneous abortion is brown discharge. Miscarriage can occur due to gynecological diseases or problems with the genitourinary system, severe physical activity, hormonal imbalance, genetic disorders and Rh conflict between mother and fetus. If a woman immediately seeks help, the fetus can be saved, but if open bleeding begins, then there is no chance of maintaining the pregnancy.
What to do if brown discharge appears
Any vaginal discharge during pregnancy is a reason to contact your doctor. If the discharge is accompanied by pain, nausea, or loss of consciousness, you should call an ambulance and go to the hospital. Small brown discharge in the early stages is due to many reasons; only a gynecologist can interpret them correctly. A woman should undergo the necessary examinations on time and not delay visiting a doctor if unusual situations arise. Modern medicine in most cases allows you to maintain a pregnancy and give birth to a healthy baby.
Pregnancy is a period during which global restructuring occurs in the female body. All systems, from the digestive to the cardiovascular and respiratory, operate in a completely new mode for them. But the most basic changes affect, of course, the endocrine and reproductive systems.
Any girl who has reached the age of puberty is faced with a variety of vaginal discharge. The discharge can be abundant or scanty, light yellow, white or transparent, depending on the phase of the menstrual and ovulatory cycles. All these are normal phenomena, evidence." proper operation hormonal systems of the body.
However, during pregnancy, especially in the early stages, even the usual discharge can frighten a woman and seem pathological to her, carrying signs that the process is going wrong. In addition, everyone knows that the best adviser to every pregnant and postpartum woman is the women's forum. It is also known that the information presented to the attention of readers may be somewhat distorted, and often has nothing to do with reality at all. If a woman sees light or dark brown discharge on her underwear or pad, this is certainly not the norm. But you shouldn’t give in to panic: a timely visit to an obstetrician-gynecologist will allow you to save your pregnancy. However, why does brown discharge appear?
No reason to worry
Normally, in the early stages of pregnancy, the volume and “diversity” of discharge increases. Information about changes in the functioning of the endocrine and reproductive systems is provided by an obstetrician-gynecologist when a woman is diagnosed with pregnancy; any women's forum is also replete with stories from women about how the nature of discharge changes during pregnancy.
During the period of bearing a baby, the mother’s body tries by all means to protect the fetus growing in the uterus. One of the main defense mechanisms is the several-fold increase in the level of the main pregnancy hormone - progesterone. Due to the influence of this active substance, a voluminous plug of viscous light milky mucus is formed in the cervix, separating the uterine cavity from harmful microorganisms that infest an unsterile vagina. This protective barrier is “erected” by the female body already at the very early stage of pregnancy (21-28 days), and abundant light yellow, straw, orange, whitish, milky or transparent discharge in the early stages is an indicator of a completely normal pregnancy.
Brown discharge may also not be an indicator of the presence of pathology.
In the very early stages of pregnancy, literally in the first few days after the egg has been fertilized, it must penetrate - implant - into the wall of the uterus. Most often, this process is accompanied by small brown, dark red or deep bloody discharge caused by slight detachment of uterine endothelial cells. Usually this discharge is not accompanied by any sensations; the appearance of mild spasms is normal. At this time, the woman does not yet know that she is pregnant.
If the discharge that appears is small in volume, appears around the time when menstruation should begin and is not accompanied by any sensations that bother the pregnant woman, then most likely there is nothing serious: these are signals of hormonal imbalances in the body. However, the Mama.ru forum - one of the largest sites where pregnant women and women who have already become mothers exchange experiences - advises: if brown discharge appears, you should not delay making an appointment with a gynecologist. With early applications, the percentage of pregnancy preservation is several times higher than among women who apply late.
During pregnancy, especially in its early stages, a woman’s well-being is of great importance. If brown discharge does not accompany other symptoms that disturb your well-being, there is minimal cause for concern.
Spotting brownish discharge
Brown smears on underwear repeated over a period of time in the early stages of pregnancy are a symptom that raises concerns for the health of a pregnant woman.
Whatever the reason for their appearance, the brown tint is given to them by erythrocytes - red blood cells. In other words, brown discharge is the same blood, which is in a small ratio with other elements. The discharge also contains mucus, epithelial cells, and pathogenic (capable of causing intrauterine infectious disease) microorganisms may be present.
The Mama66.ru forum presents to the attention of readers an article by N.V. Konovalenko, an obstetrician-gynecologist and an experienced doctor, where she names the reasons why spotting brown discharge may appear in the early stages of pregnancy:
Detachment of the ovum
A fairly common pathology that develops in the early stages of pregnancy. The Beremennost.net forum explains in detail and clearly why and how this process occurs. The chorion - the fetal part of the future placenta - for some reason rejects the fertilized egg. There is a violation of the integrity of the vessels, blood accumulates behind the chorion (in clinical practice this is called retrochorial hematoma). These processes contribute to even greater rejection of the fertilized egg and, in the end, it exfoliates completely, causing spontaneous miscarriage. Of course, if the fertilized egg is completely rejected, full-fledged bleeding occurs. However, during the pathological processes described above, brown discharge may appear.
Ectopic pregnancy
This is a serious problem, which is characterized by the fact that the fertilized egg - the zygote - is attached not to the uterus, which implies the physiological process of implantation, but to another organ - the fallopian tube (and then a diagnosis of “tubal pregnancy” is made), ovary, etc. This pathology is a life-threatening condition that requires not just medical, but surgical intervention. Treatment should be carried out as early as possible in pregnancy to avoid serious complications.
Cervical erosion
This point requires special explanation, because the word “erosion” usually causes panic fear in women. Every second forum is replete with messages about the inextricable connection between cervical erosion and cancer. It is generally accepted that erosion is a kind of disorder that, if it is not urgently “cauterized,” will quickly develop into cervical cancer. However, this is not true.
Today, this term no longer exists in clinical obstetrics, but everyone is so accustomed to it that it will not soon go out of circulation. Instead, the term “ectopia” is used and refers to the migration of columnar epithelium to the vaginal part of the cervix. There really is a danger of developing cancer: with age, these areas are again replaced by stratified squamous epithelium, and malignancy is possible in this area. In the context of this article, we mean erosion in the most literal sense of the word - a violation of the surface of something. Thus, if a woman has a violation of the vaginal or cervical mucosa, then this “ulcer” can bleed, causing brownish discharge.
period of abundance
Most often, brown discharge, accompanied by painful spasms, a feeling of weakness, sweating, and a feeling of nausea, are ominous signals of a threatening miscarriage. The reasons for the development of this condition can be completely different, but in any case it requires mandatory and urgent hospitalization of the pregnant woman and a set of measures aimed at maintaining the pregnancy:
- progesterone preparations (Utrozhestan, Duphaston);
- decreased uterine tone (magnesium sulfate);
- normalization of the condition, therapy of the disease that led to the development of the threat of miscarriage.
Heavy discharge brown tint may also indicate that the infectious process has moved from a latent phase to an open, acute one. This is due to the fact that while waiting for a baby, a woman’s immune system is extremely inactive. The purpose of this phenomenon is to protect foreign immune system mother's tissues of the child's body. This, of course, opens the “gate” to harmful microbes.
Thus, brown vaginal discharge can be either normal or a signal of serious pathology. It is important to remember: you cannot rely on the Internet. No forum can replace specialist consultation, a set of analyzes and functional research methods. It is important to see a doctor in time, and then everything will be fine with both the mother and the child.
The first trimester is considered a responsible and anxious period. This is the time when the unborn baby is very vulnerable to exposure unfavorable factors. That's why expectant mother should be especially attentive to your condition in the first weeks of pregnancy. One of the indicators of potential well-being (or ill-being) is discharge in the early stages of pregnancy.
The type of discharge during pregnancy can change significantly. In some cases, secretion becomes abnormal, and, therefore, normal development little life is at risk.
In this article we will look at which allocations are explained natural changes, occurring in the mother’s body, and which are quite acceptable, and which ones signal a danger to the health of the woman herself and her unborn baby.
Expectant mothers, as a rule, are concerned about similar questions; we will try to find answers to the most common ones by considering the stories and reviews of real women.
Discharge during early pregnancy: normal options
Effect of progesterone
Inna T. (Samara): “About 18 days have passed since conception. The test is positive. . I never noticed this before before my period. Can there be such discharge at 2 weeks of pregnancy or not? What could they mean?
There are two options for the occurrence of deep yellow discharge during early pregnancy: inflammation in the organs of the reproductive system and the proliferation of infection (ureaplasmosis, gardenellosis, chlamydial infection). At the same time, a woman may experience pain in the abdomen and sacral area. Itching and irritation are also sometimes present. Such discharge in the first trimester of pregnancy can be dangerous, as it can provoke spontaneous abortion, slowdown in fetal development and intrauterine infection, and subsequently premature birth.
Yellow-green Dark yellow Yellow Abundant yellow
Brown discharge in the early stages
Freezing of embryonic development
Larisa V. (Sochi): “When there was a delay of 2 weeks, the test showed two stripes. It was a busy period at work, so I didn’t go to the doctor right away. Discharge at 6 weeks of pregnancy made me come to my senses. They were brown and smearing in nature. Doubts involuntarily arose: maybe the first test was wrong? I bought a second one and it gave a negative result. Is this possible? The smearing does not stop, toxicosis has disappeared completely. Did I really come up with everything and there was just a delay?”
In some cases, a brown secretion may indicate that the development of the embryo is fading. If a woman initially had all the signs of gestation, and then they suddenly stopped, and at the same time brown marks appeared on her underwear, then intrauterine death of the embryo may have occurred. And its gradual peeling off from the walls of the uterus provokes the appearance of a brownish secretion. To dispel doubts, you should undergo an examination.
Smearing Smear
Cervical erosion
Anna Z. (Kirov): “. This is a brownish daub. After a couple of hours everything went away. Before conception, I did not have time to cure the erosion. Could discharge in the fourth week be a consequence of old erosion?
Indeed, erosion can cause the appearance of a brown secretion, which is explained by mechanical damage to the surface of the area affected by the disease. A similar secretion can be observed, for example, after an examination in a gynecological office. Treatment of erosion is not provided during the period of pregnancy; it will have to be postponed until delivery. Details of future therapy should be discussed with your doctor.
Dark beige Spotting for VB
Dark discharge during pregnancy
Yana S. (Voronezh): “Suddenly dark discharge began at 6 weeks of pregnancy. Not very strong, with blood clots. At the same time it hurts on the right side. Weakness appeared. My husband insists on calling an ambulance, but I don’t like to panic. Maybe it's not so scary? Is dark discharge normal?
Discharge at 6 weeks of pregnancy, having dark color and supplemented by acute pain and general malaise, can hardly be considered natural. Such symptoms are characteristic of the ectopic localization of the fertilized egg, that is, a condition when it is implanted not in the uterine cavity, but, for example, in a tube, ovary, or even the peritoneum. This pathology can be extremely dangerous for the health and life of a woman, since as the fertilized egg grows, the likelihood of organ rupture and heavy bleeding increases.
Green secretion
Kira D. (Sevastopol): “I’m seven weeks pregnant. I developed an unusual greenish secretion with some kind of nasty smell. It hurts to go to the toilet, everything itches and hurts. What kind of discharge could this be at 7 weeks of pregnancy?
The appearance of green secretion (pus) may be a sign of diseases such as trichomoniasis or gonorrhea. These sexually transmitted infections can cause spontaneous abortion. If such symptoms occur during pregnancy (itching, burning, swelling of the labia, traces of pus, repulsive odor), you should consult a doctor as soon as possible and undergo appropriate examination and treatment.
Green Purulent
White grains in vaginal secretion
Natalya S. (Kolomna): “I’m now in my twelfth obstetric week. A couple of days ago, the usual leucorrhoea began to change and turned into some kind of grains. At first there was no discomfort, but then severe itching began. What caused this discharge at 12 weeks of pregnancy? Could this somehow affect the condition of my unborn child?”
Such discharge at the 12th week of pregnancy occurs with the same frequency as, for example, at the sixth or thirty-ninth week. Candidiasis can occur at any stage of pregnancy. This stage of life is characterized by a slight decrease in the body’s defenses, against the background of which such an unpleasant disease as thrush very often develops.
At first, the secreted mass looks like white flakes or grains of cottage cheese, which are easily separated from the mucous membrane. As the disease progresses, the flakes turn into gray films, which, when trying to separate them from the mucous membrane, leave small wounds. This increases the discomfort significantly. The disease is accompanied by itching, swelling, hyperemia of the external genitalia, as well as a characteristic sour odor.
These do not pose a threat to the unborn child, but cause increased discomfort to the woman herself. Therefore, it is important to undergo antifungal treatment, which should be prescribed by a gynecologist. Most often, during early pregnancy, local agents are used.
With Secret flakes for thrush Like cottage cheese for Candidiasis
As you can see, in the first trimester, vaginal secretion can be quite varied. In the vast majority of cases, it is difficult for the expectant mother to independently understand the manifested symptoms. Therefore, it is extremely important to seek the help of competent specialists if any doubts or suspicious signs arise.
Hooray! Finally, the coveted two stripes on the BB test. And suddenly, after a few days, brown discharge appears during pregnancy. Naturally, this becomes a cause for concern. In order to calm down or take some urgent measures, you need to consult a gynecologist. Better once again play it safe rather than waste time and not do everything necessary to maintain the pregnancy if necessary.
As practice shows, brown discharge during pregnancy in many cases should not be a cause for concern. If their occurrence is painless and is not accompanied by other discomfort, then this phenomenon is most likely not caused by a pathological condition. But when brown discharge in the first trimester of pregnancy is combined with a deterioration in health, then this is a symptom of processes that threaten the life of both the mother and the developing fetus.
Almost everyone experiences brown discharge at the beginning of pregnancy. Their appearance can be explained by various physiological processes that accompany the period of bearing a child.
The fertilized egg attaches to the placenta approximately 5-6 days after ovulation. Implantation is carried out in 3 stages. At first, the fertilized egg attaches to the surface epithelium of the uterus as soon as it enters its cavity. At the second stage, the microvilli of the fertilized egg begin to actively interact with the epithelial cells of the inner lining of the uterus. On the third stage, the egg secretes special substances that dissolve the endometrium and connects with the maternal circulatory system. Since minor damage to small blood capillaries occurs, a small amount of blood is released. The amount of implantation bleeding in different women different.
Sometimes it is almost invisible, and in other cases it can be mistaken for premature menstruation. For most women, this dark discharge during pregnancy is usually scanty and short-lived (up to two days). These are normal physiological manifestations of conception. Only very sensitive women can notice mild pain in the lower abdomen.
Light brown discharge in early pregnancy can be caused by hormonal instability that inevitably occurs in a woman’s body. Their painless appearance usually does not pose a danger. But it is still better to report them to the observing gynecologist.
Pathological discharge from the genital organs is almost always accompanied by a feeling of pain of varying intensity. If a brownish tint is a symptom of inflammation, then, as a rule, the discharge has an unpleasant, rotten odor. With endometritis, a dirty yellow discharge mixed with blood is observed. In this case, the temperature can rise above 39ºС. This is a dangerous disease that threatens infection of the amniotic fluid and death of the fetus at any stage of pregnancy. Only timely treatment prescribed by a gynecologist will prevent the development of all kinds of complications. Any delay, as well as independent therapy, is unacceptable in this case.
Many women experience brown discharge in the first 3 months of pregnancy on the days when their periods were supposed to begin. This occurs when the level of the hormone progesterone decreases. During this period, the likelihood of spontaneous abortion increases many times over. The appearance of bloody smear indicates the beginning of detachment of the fertilized egg. In this case, you need to call an ambulance and lie down so that your legs are higher than your head. The sooner the discharge stops and the pain subsides, the greater the likelihood of safe preservation of the fetus. Since brown discharge during early pregnancy is often a harbinger of miscarriage, increased attention should be paid to its appearance. The risks of spontaneous abortion increase in the following cases:
- infectious disease of a pregnant woman (rubella, chicken pox, cytomegalovirus, etc.);
- chronic TORCH infections;
- inflammation of the kidneys and bladder;
- previous abortions;
- sudden lifting of weight;
- abnormal hormonal levels;
- stress or sudden fear;
- Rh conflict between mother and fetus;
- genetic disorders of the fetus.
The process begins with the occurrence of contractions of the uterus, expressed by cramping pain. These contractions lead to detachment of the implanted fertilized egg. There are several stages of spontaneous abortion:
- Symptoms of an increasing threat of miscarriage are increased uterine tone. In this case, mild aching pain in the uterine area, radiating to the lower back, and minor bleeding may be observed. These symptoms are not always present.
- The onset of spontaneous abortion is expressed by the appearance of severe cramping pain and bleeding of varying volumes.
- Spontaneous abortion is characterized by severe cramping pain. Bleeding is always profuse.
Treatment of pregnant women who have previously experienced spontaneous abortions begins in the first trimester. In this case, the reasons that provoked spontaneous termination of pregnancy must be taken into account. Women at risk of miscarriage are first advised to adhere to strict bed rest. The emotional state is stabilized with the help of valerian or motherwort. If necessary, hormonal therapy is prescribed. If there are concomitant diseases, appropriate treatment is carried out
Sometimes the fetus stops developing as a result of death caused by various reasons. In this case, we are talking about a frozen pregnancy. It can only be diagnosed after 6 weeks, when the fetus begins to have a heartbeat. If the heart rhythm cannot be heard and the size of the uterus corresponds to the term, a frozen pregnancy is assumed. In such a situation, gynecologists prescribe curettage of the uterus, since prolonged retention of a dead fetus in the mother’s body will cause an inflammatory process in the organ, and in severe cases it can lead to general sepsis.
One of the most serious complications - ectopic pregnancy - is also characterized by the appearance of dark brown discharge in the early stages of pregnancy. Adhesions of the fallopian tube, a lack of hormones, weakening the movements of the organ that move the egg, prevent the fertilized egg from entering the uterine cavity. Since a fertilized egg must attach to the mucosa at a certain stage of its development, its fixation occurs where it has managed to reach. Most often it is the fallopian tube, sometimes it is the ovary, and in very rare cases the fertilized egg begins to develop in the abdominal cavity.
A woman’s life can be saved only if it is detected in a timely manner. ectopic pregnancy. The ultrasound method allows you to diagnose the pathological attachment of the embryo in the sixth week. When an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed, surgery is prescribed to remove the fertilized egg. If it is attached to the fallopian tube, it is removed using 3 methods: without cutting it, with a part or with complete excision of the organ.
The laparoscopic method of surgery involves the least damage to the body and minimization of subsequent cosmetic defects. Since significant blood loss often occurs with an ectopic pregnancy, treatment includes replacing body fluids. Physiotherapy and antibacterial therapy may be necessary to fully restore reproductive function.
There are many reasons for the appearance of brownish discharge before the 13th week of pregnancy. Some of them may not cause concern to the gynecologist. The other involves conservative or surgical treatment. From 13 to 28 weeks, brown discharge in pregnant women is always ominous. Throughout the entire period, they may be a sign of a pathological location of the placenta. If the fertilized egg is fixed in the lower part of the uterus, then in this case we are talking about placenta previa.
Most often, this condition is diagnosed at the beginning of the second trimester using ultrasound. Complete presentation excludes the possibility of natural childbirth and threatens massive bleeding towards the end of pregnancy. In this case it is assigned C-section. In some cases of partial presentation natural childbirth possible. Bleeding with this pathology can be regular and scanty. But sudden heavy bleeding can also occur, caused by presentation and fatal for the pregnant woman. It may begin during childbirth. In this case, surgical obstetric care is necessary. In all situations, frequent bleeding harms the fetus by causing hypoxia.
Brown discharge during pregnancy at any stage can appear in the presence of fibroids. A growth of significant size can put pressure on the embryo. And the close location of fibroids to the placenta threatens its partial or complete detachment. Therefore, the presence of fibroids in a pregnant woman is a reason for more close attention to her condition.
Placental abruption, which is manifested by the appearance of brownish discharge, can be caused by a wide variety of reasons. Gynecologists put hypertension in 1st place. Other reasons that provoke this condition include multiple pregnancies, cesarean sections, and multiple births. Among external causes, smoking and abdominal injuries are of primary importance. The first degree of placental abruption may not manifest itself. This condition can only be determined by ultrasound.
Dark bloody discharge is characteristic of the second degree of placental abruption. In the third degree, the pregnant woman’s condition deteriorates sharply. Severe abdominal pain appears, blood pressure drops, and bleeding is usually minor. In all cases, the pregnant woman is placed in a hospital and stabilized with hemostatic drugs.
End of pregnancy
The appearance of brown discharge from the genitals of a pregnant woman after the 28th week of pregnancy in most cases signals the readiness of her body for childbirth. A couple of weeks before them, the reproductive system begins to signal directly about this event. One of the signs of preparation is the shortening, softening and beginning of dilatation of the cervix. The mucous membrane is easily injured during sex or a gynecological examination. This does not cause any pain. And the brown daub stops after a couple of hours.
Light brown discharge during pregnancy later may appear when the mucous plug, which protected the uterine cavity from the penetration of various infections, is released.
In all cases of brown discharge during pregnancy, you should discuss these processes with your gynecologist. Only he can correctly assess the degree of danger and possible risks. And self-medication and unauthorized use of various medications is a crime against one’s own child.
All events accompanying pregnancy should be under the supervision of a gynecologist. A full examination of future parents for the presence or absence of chronic diseases will help to avoid most problems. It is necessary to refuse in advance bad habits, balance your diet and physically prepare for a very difficult period called pregnancy.
