Pregnancy can be a scary time in our lives. There are times when we find ourselves asking the question "Can this possibly be normal?". When we see a strange discharge during pregnancy we tend to freak out just a little bit, or even a lot. There are times when this discharge can be a legitimate concern, however the majority of time it's nothing to be concerned about.
* Blood
Bleeding during early pregnancy can be very scary, in fact, bleeding is scary in general, pregnant or not. Any bleeding during the first trimester is a reason to call your doctor as it can definitely mean trouble. However the most common type of bloody discharge during pregnancy comes after sex. I hear this question all the time and the answer is always the same, "Yes it's normal!" Your cervix is very temperamental during pregnancy and sexual activity can cause some light bleeding or pink discharge.
You should be sure and give the doctor a call if:
*The bleeding occurs any time during the first trimester
*If you have bleeding that is accompanied by heavy cramps or contractions.
*If you have bleeding that soaks more than one pad per hour.
*You have bleeding for a long period of time (more than 24 hours)
*Yeast
If you see a thick, white lumpy discharge during pregnancy you may have a yeast infection which is very common when you are pregnant. Some women have these more than others. One sign that the discharge is actually yeast and not something more serious include itching or burning along with the discharge. A lot of women wonder whether it is okay to take an over the counter medication such as Monistat for thier yeast infections when they are pregnant. The answer to this is YES! Monistat is okay during pregnancy.
You need to understand, though, that there are times when a discharge accompanied by a burning or itchy feeling could be something else that requires a completely different type of treatment. So it is important that you visit with your doctor about your symptoms before discounting them as simply a yeast infection.
Clear Fluid
This is the most important kind of discharge to take note of during pregnancy as it could be the most troublesome. Anytime during pregnancy, but especially during the third trimester, a clear, pinkish fluid could be amniotic fluid and could mean that you have a leak or a tear in your amniotic sack. This is a big deal girls. Call your doctor.
Typically however, this is not the case. Most usually this clear discharge is nothing more than urine! That's right girls, urine. Many times during pregnancy you will find that you urinate on yourself without even knowing it. Thankfully, there is a simple test that can be done at your doctor's office which can tell the difference between urine and amniotic fluid.
When to go to the emergency room:
*If you see any blood mixed in with the discharge
*Mild to heavy contractions associated with the discharge
Normally we will experience an increase in overall discharge during pregnancy. It is important to know what to look for. Most of the time our discharge will be milky and about the consistency of yogurt. If you are concerned, always call your doctor! - 15255
* Blood
Bleeding during early pregnancy can be very scary, in fact, bleeding is scary in general, pregnant or not. Any bleeding during the first trimester is a reason to call your doctor as it can definitely mean trouble. However the most common type of bloody discharge during pregnancy comes after sex. I hear this question all the time and the answer is always the same, "Yes it's normal!" Your cervix is very temperamental during pregnancy and sexual activity can cause some light bleeding or pink discharge.
You should be sure and give the doctor a call if:
*The bleeding occurs any time during the first trimester
*If you have bleeding that is accompanied by heavy cramps or contractions.
*If you have bleeding that soaks more than one pad per hour.
*You have bleeding for a long period of time (more than 24 hours)
*Yeast
If you see a thick, white lumpy discharge during pregnancy you may have a yeast infection which is very common when you are pregnant. Some women have these more than others. One sign that the discharge is actually yeast and not something more serious include itching or burning along with the discharge. A lot of women wonder whether it is okay to take an over the counter medication such as Monistat for thier yeast infections when they are pregnant. The answer to this is YES! Monistat is okay during pregnancy.
You need to understand, though, that there are times when a discharge accompanied by a burning or itchy feeling could be something else that requires a completely different type of treatment. So it is important that you visit with your doctor about your symptoms before discounting them as simply a yeast infection.
Clear Fluid
This is the most important kind of discharge to take note of during pregnancy as it could be the most troublesome. Anytime during pregnancy, but especially during the third trimester, a clear, pinkish fluid could be amniotic fluid and could mean that you have a leak or a tear in your amniotic sack. This is a big deal girls. Call your doctor.
Typically however, this is not the case. Most usually this clear discharge is nothing more than urine! That's right girls, urine. Many times during pregnancy you will find that you urinate on yourself without even knowing it. Thankfully, there is a simple test that can be done at your doctor's office which can tell the difference between urine and amniotic fluid.
When to go to the emergency room:
*If you see any blood mixed in with the discharge
*Mild to heavy contractions associated with the discharge
Normally we will experience an increase in overall discharge during pregnancy. It is important to know what to look for. Most of the time our discharge will be milky and about the consistency of yogurt. If you are concerned, always call your doctor! - 15255
About the Author:
Amanda has given birth to three amazing children and from there began to learn about pregnancy. 5 years later, she can tell you just about anything you want to know about pregnancy and child birth. To learn more about your own pregnancy development, please visit her blog. There you can follow your pregnancy week by week and keep up with what is going on with your body.
