White cheesy discharge during pregnancy. Thick discharge in early pregnancy

White discharge during pregnancy can cause a lot of anxiety in a woman. There are several reasons for this type of discharge. First of all, such discharge is directly related to pregnancy, since the body at this time carries out tremendous work to prepare for bearing and giving birth to a child.

As doctors explain, with the onset of pregnancy, a mucous plug appears on the cervix of the uterus, which prevents infection from entering from the outside; therefore, a woman’s discharge may increase slightly. In this case, the discharge is considered completely normal and should not cause panic in the pregnant woman. Natural discharge during pregnancy is considered mucous, transparent or milky white, without a specific odor. The discharge generally bothers the woman and does not irritate the vaginal mucosa. If personal hygiene is observed, such discharge is almost invisible. Discharge after childbirth goes away on its own, without any additional treatment.

Before giving birth, the amount of discharge may increase. This is also a natural process that precedes childbirth. If the discharge occurs painlessly, then there is no need to worry about it; the time for the baby to be born has not yet come. But if moderate clear discharge is observed within a few hours, most likely your water has begun to break, in which case it is better to immediately go to the doctor.

Pathology is considered to be discharge that occurs against the background of fungal, bacterial or infectious diseases. If this type of discharge appears, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible and begin appropriate treatment. If the discharge has a greenish, gray (or any other) tint, or an unpleasant odor, you need to consult a doctor and, if necessary, get tested. Such discharge is characteristic of yeast infection, bacterial vaginitis, and trichomoniasis. Timely treatment reduces the risk of severe consequences for both the woman herself and her unborn child. Self-medication during pregnancy cannot be practiced, since in order to correctly identify the causative agent of the disease, it is necessary to take a smear and then carry out appropriate treatment taking into account the woman’s condition and the duration of pregnancy.

A pregnant woman must pay attention to the color, consistency, and amount of discharge, so this will help to identify pathological processes in the genital organs in a timely manner. If the nature of the discharge has changed, the reason for this may be hormonal fluctuations in the body, diseases of the reproductive system, infection, etc. The most common cause of discharge in pregnant women is candidiasis (thrush). In this case, the discharge has a cheesy consistency, it is abundant, and has a beer smell. The possibility of the development of other opportunistic flora of the genital organs is also not excluded.

During pregnancy, cervical erosion sometimes develops, and a woman may experience yellow to brownish discharge. If symptoms of erosion appear, you should inform your doctor.

In pregnant women, white or pinkish discharge appears during the period when menstruation was supposed to begin. The discharge is odorless, does not cause concern and discomfort. If such discharge causes pain in the lower abdomen, you should inform your doctor as soon as possible, since such conditions may indicate various pathologies ( ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous miscarriage, etc.).

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes many changes. All of them are associated with the new status expectant mother- bearing, giving birth and feeding a child. Almost all pregnant women experience an increase in leucorrhoea during pregnancy. For some of them, copious white discharge is one of its first signs. At the same time, often intense discharge indicates the development of certain diseases, both infectious and inflammatory in nature. Therefore, it is very important in such a situation to seek help from a doctor in time.

Thin or thick white discharge during pregnancy

In the first three months of pregnancy, the hormone progesterone has a great influence on the body of the expectant mother. Before conception, it is produced by the corpus luteum of the ovaries in large quantities. After fertilization of the egg, the secretion of this hormone increases significantly. It is necessary for reliable attachment of the embryo to the wall of the uterus. It is under the influence of progesterone that a mucus plug is formed in the cervix, which prevents the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into this organ. During this period, most women notice thick white discharge. As a rule, a woman notices mucous clots on her underwear, transparent or white, which do not cause any discomfort. This odorless discharge should not make the expectant mother worry. They are quite natural during this period.

In the second trimester of pregnancy, a woman's hormonal levels again change. During this period, the production of another hormone, estrogen, begins to increase in her body. Under its influence, the nature of the discharge changes. White thin discharge most often occurs in the second or third trimesters of pregnancy. If they don't have unpleasant odor, their appearance is not accompanied by burning, itching or other discomfort, so there is no need to worry about them.

Many women experience heavy white discharge before the birth process begins. In some cases, the expectant mother experiences minor leakage amniotic fluid. At the same time, they mix with the mucus of the mucous plug of the cervix and form copious discharge. Therefore, when all these manifestations appear, a woman should immediately contact a medical facility.

An increase in the amount of secretions is fraught with considerable danger, since they are an excellent breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms. At this time, careful adherence to personal hygiene rules is of particular importance. The expectant mother should wash herself regularly (at least twice a day), use sanitary pads, and change her underwear more often.

White, thin discharge can also be a symptom of certain medical conditions. Most often they indicate the development of bacterial vaginosis. This pathology is associated with a violation of the vaginal microflora, which develops against a background of weakened immunity. Typically, bacterial vaginosis does not show any special symptoms. Sometimes liquid discharge has a specific (fishy) odor and is accompanied by a slight burning sensation and itching. This disease can provoke the development of an inflammatory process in the genital organs, so it must be treated.

White curdled discharge

The appearance of white, cheesy discharge during pregnancy, as a rule, indicates thrush (candidiasis). Thrush occurs in expectant mothers 2-3 times more often than in other women. Some people learn about candidiasis for the first time during this period.

The cause of thrush is a change in a woman’s hormonal levels, as a result of which immunity decreases and the acidic environment in the vagina changes.

Some women are calm about the appearance of this disease. However, you need to know that candidiasis can lead to problems during pregnancy, infection of the fetus and newborn. Therefore, the occurrence of cheesy discharge in an expectant mother should be a reason to consult a doctor.

Other symptoms of thrush, in addition to the characteristic discharge, are redness and swelling of the mucous membrane of the vagina and external genitalia, a burning sensation and itching in them, pain during urination and sexual intercourse. But if the disease is mild, some of the above symptoms may be absent or appear slightly.

The main way to treat thrush in women expecting a baby is to use medicines local purpose. The doctor prescribes vaginal suppositories, ointments and creams that have an antifungicidal effect.

Carrying a child is the most wonderful time for every woman, but sometimes it is overshadowed by the appearance of discharge on the early stages pregnancy or the next two trimesters. Gynecological infections now occupy a leading position among all female diseases. According to statistical studies, 75% of women examined have various vulvovaginitis, of which 25% are of candidal (fungal) origin.

Pregnant women are more at risk of genital infection. This is due to characteristic changes that occur during gestation. How are all organs and systems rebuilt to preserve the baby?

Features of the body of the expectant mother

Immediately after conception, the corpus luteum of pregnancy begins to grow and become active. Until about 12-14 weeks, the latter releases large quantities of the hormone progesterone, which many gynecologists call the “pregnancy hormone”. Progesterone is responsible for several important points necessary for successful childbearing.

The woman’s immune system regards the fetus as a foreign object and tries with all its might to get rid of it. To prevent this from happening, progesterone suppresses immune activity and prolongs pregnancy. The hormone also enhances the growth of the mammary glands, improves blood supply to the pelvic organs, relaxes the muscles of the uterus, reducing its contractions, and promotes the accumulation of subcutaneous fat.

After 14 weeks, the corpus luteum undergoes reverse development, ceases to function and secrete progesterone. Further production of the hormone is taken over by the placenta. As the fetus grows, the level of progesterone gradually decreases, and estrogen increases. Such hormonal fluctuations certainly affect the microflora of a pregnant woman’s vagina.

Thus, suppression of the activity of general and local immunity, changes in the level of hormones, the acidic environment of the genital organs, and a lack of vitamins and minerals lead to increased growth of some microorganisms and the disappearance of others.

An imbalance of microflora makes the vaginal mucosa most susceptible to any infection, which leads to the appearance of any pathological discharge during pregnancy, not just cheesy discharge.

What kind of discharge can there be?

All discharge from the genital tract during pregnancy can be divided into normal (physiological) and inflammatory (pathological). Normally, for each woman, the volume, color and consistency of vaginal secretion may vary. Also, discharge changes throughout the entire period of gestation.

In the first trimester, scanty, thick white discharge may appear. As the level of estrogen in the blood increases, the discharge becomes thinner and its quantity increases, which can cause anxiety in a woman. Accelerated rejection of the vaginal epithelium, constant maceration of the mucous membrane and skin of the external genital organs lead to an increase in the number of yeast-like fungi Candida, gardnerella, and nonspecific coccal microflora.

All of the above factors contribute to the addition of infection and the development of colpitis, vaginitis, cervicitis in a pregnant woman, which is manifested by curdled, foamy, yellow discharge or leucorrhoea of a different nature.

Thrush can cause curdled discharge

The interesting position of a woman contributes to the appearance of vulvovaginal candidiasis in 50-60% of cases. Almost every pregnant woman is familiar with the unpleasant cheesy discharge that appears with the increased growth of Candida fungi. What is this microorganism?

These are yeast-like microbes that normally live in our body on the mucous membranes of the genital tract, gastrointestinal tract, oral cavity. With normal functioning of all systems and the absence of other diseases, fungi do not cause harm and are found in small quantities in smears of women. As soon as the slightest fluctuations in the level of hormones and acidity appear, vitamin deficiency, somatic diseases arise, Candida, isolated from smears, immediately makes itself felt with a growth spurt. Vaginal candidiasis develops with corresponding symptoms.

Symptoms of thrush

As already mentioned, Candida is an opportunistic pathogen. A woman’s body is reliably protected from the proliferation of fungi by the presence of the following factors:

Normal balance of vaginal microflora (acidic environment pH 3.7-4.6; high number of lactobacilli);
Local protection (mucosal epithelium produces lysozyme, lactoferrin, ceruloplasmin);
General immunity (provided by phagocytosis, immunoglobulins, T-lymphocytes);
A small amount of glycogen in the epithelium.

Pregnant women are not able to resist infection, since all three factors are significantly reduced in them. This is why curdled discharge occurs so often during pregnancy.

Clinical signs cannot be confused with other diseases, as they are very specific. The pathogen forms special biofilms on the surface of tissues, with the help of which it protects itself from external influences. Many preparations and douching solutions irrigate only the surface film without affecting the fungus itself. Symptoms of inflammation decrease for a while, but then Candida recurs again.

Clinical manifestations of candidiasis:

Copious, odorless, cheesy discharge from the vagina;
White plaque (due to films) on the mucous membrane, difficult to remove;
Severe itching;
Burning sensation during douching, sexual intercourse;
Nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
Eroded mucous membrane under a white coating;
Sometimes bleeding;
Swelling and redness of the vulva;
Frequent and painful urination (sometimes).

Thrush in pregnant women manifests itself in varying degrees intensity. It depends on the state of the immune system, endocrine systems, concomitant diseases, age, complications of pregnancy itself, number of fetuses, lifestyle, diet and other factors. Symptoms acute period illnesses last from a week to a month. They often disappear on their own. In some women, without treatment, clinical manifestations are prolonged; in others, the infection becomes chronic with frequent relapses.

Interesting! Taking vitamins and using products (soap) for intimate hygiene significantly reduces the risk of thrush!

As a rule, exacerbations occur after sexual intercourse, when wearing tight synthetic underwear, and frequent use by a pregnant woman. sanitary pads, errors in diet (lots of sweets, flour, spicy foods). After childbirth, in 80% of cases, the level of Candida decreases and spontaneous self-healing occurs.

Complications of thrush

Fungal inflammation of the genital organs during pregnancy is not the most dangerous infection, however, it cannot be ignored. Severe and advanced forms of thrush can lead to the most tragic consequences for mother and baby.

Frequent complications of candidiasis:

Early miscarriages (before 12 weeks);
Fading pregnancy;
Intrauterine growth retardation;
Birth of low birth weight babies;
Infection of the fetus and amniotic membranes in utero;
Fetoplacental insufficiency, hypoxia;
Infection of a baby during childbirth with the development of candidiasis of the eyes, mouth, genitals, systemic candidemia;
Postpartum endometritis.

As you can see, the lack of adequate treatment for vulvovaginal candidiasis can cost the health or even the life of mother and child. To prevent this, when the first suspicious signs appear (curdy white discharge and itching), you should immediately contact an antenatal clinic.

Diagnosis and treatment

Detecting Candida albicans in the genital tract is quite simple; you just need to visit your gynecologist and do a general smear on the flora. Sowing will be ready the next day. The detection of a large amount of fungal mycelium in the vaginal discharge, as well as the corresponding symptoms, indicate the need for treatment in a pregnant woman.

There are cases of carriage when fungi are constantly found in smears, but clinical manifestations and no complaints. In this case, the decision to prescribe treatment is made by the doctor, based on medical history, the presence of previous gynecological infections, and somatic diseases. Often, in addition to candida, other pathological microorganisms can be found in smears: gardnerella, cocci, gonococci, trichomonas. A mixed infection requires a different treatment regimen.

If the infection is confirmed microscopically and based on clinical signs, therapy can be selected. Now the pharmaceutical market is overflowing with drugs for treatment. Do not forget that pregnant women are a special group of patients that require careful selection of medications.

Most oral tablets (Fluconazole, Diflucan, Flucostat) are prohibited for pregnant women due to their negative effect on the fetus. Caution is also necessary in treating women in the first trimester, when the likelihood of miscarriages and uterine tone is high.

Mostly, gynecologists use local drugs to eradicate Candida (suppositories). Vaginal products are safe, are not absorbed into the bloodstream and do not penetrate the placenta, are well tolerated, and side effects are rare. Many of them effectively cope with thrush.

Preparations for topical use

Pimafucin. Available in the form of suppositories, creams and tablets for oral administration. Each suppository contains 100 mg of natamycin (an antibiotic against fungi from the macrolide group). The active substance is well tolerated, has virtually no side effects, and is not absorbed into the blood when taken orally (it acts only in the intestinal lumen). Resistance of yeast-like fungi to natamycin does not develop. Pimafucin is approved for use in lactating and pregnant women. To treat vulvovaginal candidiasis, use suppositories (1 at night), tablets to eliminate the source of infection in the intestines (1 tablet 3-4 times a day), cream for the sexual partner. The course of therapy is designed for 5-10 days. Pimafucin significantly reduces white curdled discharge during pregnancy already on the second day.
Neo-Penotran. The suppositories contain metronidazole (an antiprotozoal agent) and miconazole. The drug can be prescribed in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, one suppository before bedtime for 7-14 days. The duration of treatment is determined by the attending doctor. Sometimes minor irritation, discomfort, and burning may occur after the introduction of suppositories. This by-effect temporary and does not require discontinuation of the drug.
Terzhinan. Composition of vaginal suppositories: nystatin, ternidazole, neomycin, prednisolone. The complex drug is practically not absorbed from the surface of the mucous membrane, so it can be prescribed to pregnant women if it is really necessary. The course of treatment is up to 14-21 days.
Clotrimazole. Tablets for insertion into the vagina can also be used to treat thrush (except in the first trimester). It is advisable to combine treatment with douching with antiseptic solutions (chlorhexidine, malavit) for better effect.
Viferon

Important! The use of borax in glycerin for the treatment of vaginal candidiasis is not considered an effective remedy!

Baths and douching

For more effective treatment of thrush, vaginal irrigation with solutions of antiseptic drugs (soda, potassium permanganate, chlorhexidine, miramistin and others) is prescribed. A syringe is used for this purpose. You can buy it at any pharmacy. The product must be boiled for 3-5 minutes before each use. The prepared solution is poured into the bulb, the tip is put on and the vagina is washed 2-3 times.

This method effectively washes off fungal films, cheesy plaque, and dead epithelium from the surface of the mucosa. After douching, one of the suppositories mentioned above is administered. The procedure is repeated 2 times a day for 7-10 days.

Baths differ from douching in that the solution is poured into the vagina and remains there for 10-15 minutes. This method is used by doctors in antenatal clinics or gynecological hospitals. Irrigation is not recommended in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Lifestyle and diet

Particular attention should be paid to your diet, because it is so important not only for complete recovery, but also for proper development baby. Thrush loves glucose very much, so during treatment you need to exclude chocolate, all confectionery products, rolls, and honey. Candida also multiplies intensively when a woman eats spicy, salty foods. It is best to increase the volume of fruits, vegetables, cereals, herbs, and berries. Do not forget about taking multivitamins for pregnant women (for example, Elevit).

So, what not to do with cheesy discharge:

Do not take a hot bath;
Do not visit the sauna and public swimming pool;
Do not use sanitary pads for a long time;
Avoid synthetic underwear;
Sexual rest for the duration of treatment (mandatory sanitation of the partner’s genitals);
Avoid constipation.

After the course of treatment, you need to see your doctor again for follow-up tests. It is necessary to make sure that Candida has disappeared from the genital tract, otherwise re-inflammation may develop.

Why relapses may occur

Pregnant women often experience relapses of infection, which is associated with weakened immunity, high level estrogen, lack of vitamins. But not only these factors cause exacerbation of thrush.

Causes of recurrent candidiasis:

Resistance of Candida fungi to treatment;
Non-compliance with the treatment regimen (replacing the drug with another, shortening the duration of treatment, small dose, breaks in treatment);
Re-infection (if the sexual partner was not treated);
The presence of another source of infection, for example, in the intestines;
Certain factors that predispose to reinfection (features of carbohydrate metabolism, enzyme functioning).

Recurrent discharge during pregnancy, curd discharge can be treated with the same medicines, but it is advisable to use other means. Sanitation of the intestines of a pregnant woman is mandatory, otherwise a new case of thrush cannot be avoided.

Preventive actions

Every woman is simply obliged to take care of her health, and even more so an expectant mother! It has long been known that preventing the development of infection is easier than treating it. During pregnancy, you need to constantly listen to all new symptoms, and be especially attentive to changes in the amount and nature of discharge.

You can reduce the risk of recurrences in several ways:

Regular visits to antenatal clinics;
Timely examination (smear for microflora, blood tests, urine tests, ECG);
Contact your doctor, especially if discharge appears during early pregnancy;
You cannot refuse the proposed treatment (the doctor will not prescribe drugs that negatively affect the fetus);
Conscientiously follow all doctor’s recommendations;
Support intimate hygiene, correct mode day, rest more and eat right;
Strengthening immune system vitamins, walks fresh air, use fermented milk products.

Discharge from the vagina during pregnancy can be considered a completely natural phenomenon. Vaginal discharge can be classified in the same classification as saliva, snot, and stomach acid. The discharge cleanses the genital tract and prevents the penetration of various infections into it. At the same time, the nature of natural vaginal discharge directly depends on the age of the fairer sex, the degree of her sexual activity, her hormonal status and many other factors.

However, curd-like discharge during pregnancy by a woman may indicate a problem.

The most common cause of curdled discharge during pregnancy is candidiasis or thrush - a widespread fungal disease that affects the epithelial tissues of the genital tract and internal organs. Symptoms:

yellow discharge during pregnancy;
cheesy discharge and itching during pregnancy.

Curd discharge may appear during pregnancy in the early stages or later, in the second or even third trimester.

How to treat thrush and eliminate cheesy discharge and itching during pregnancy

Contact your doctor to find out an accurate diagnosis;
Pay attention to whether you have symptoms of intestinal dysbiosis. Very often, disturbances in the composition of the microbiota are observed simultaneously in both the intestines and the vagina. To treat thrush, it is worth taking a long course (at least a month) of Linex or Hilak Forte;
Take care of your diet. Fungi love sweets, so it is necessary to exclude all confectionery products, sweet pastries (you can leave homemade baked goods with the addition of a lot of fruit), sweets, and cookies. Also, eliminate kefir fermented with kefir grains from your diet; it can also support the growth of pathogenic fungus. Therefore, when choosing fermented milk products, give preference to those prepared using bifidobacteria and Bacillus acidophilus;
If you choose a medicinal method of treating thrush, remember that most antifungal drugs are contraindicated during pregnancy. As a rule, at this time, doctors give preference to the use of local methods of treatment (suppositories, creams) rather than general ones, since we must not forget that all drugs that enter the blood of the expectant mother in large quantities eventually end up in the child’s body. In any case, the right medicine, its dose and duration of use should only be prescribed by your doctor.

This wonderful moment in your life has come. Another heart beats inside you, so during this period it is so important to pay as much attention to your health as possible. Absolutely any change can be very scary expectant mother. In order not to panic, you need to know what is normal and what is pathology. Leucorrhoea during the period is a common occurrence. Below in the article we will figure out whether this is the norm or not.

When is discharge considered normal?

If you have leucorrhoea, there is no need to panic right away. In girls during this period, the amount of discharge increases, as a rule, it has an almost transparent color, and the woman does not bother associated symptoms such as:

burning
specific
irritation on the genitals

Compliance with personal hygiene rules (regular washing, underwear should be made of cotton fabric, regular shift panty liners, i.e. every 4-6 hours) all this maintains the normal microflora of the vagina.

Discharge during pregnancy is a consequence of the appearance of a mucus plug in the cervix. Its main function is considered to protect the baby from infections and microbes that are found in the mother’s genitals. If such discharge does not have a sharp sour smell, then there is no cause for alarm.

If you are still worried about this, you can consult your gynecologist and have a smear test.

In what cases is this a pathology?

Quite often, girls during pregnancy are faced with various pathologies that did not bother them before pregnancy. It is considered among the most frequently occurring ones. What is the reason for its appearance? The answer to this question is simple. The fact is that during pregnancy female body begins to rebuild, and the immune defense begins to weaken, which creates a favorable environment for the development of pathology.

This disease is characterized by white cheesy discharge, which is somewhat reminiscent of thick yogurt or cottage cheese. Self-medication, especially during pregnancy, is not worth it. Basically, all pharmaceutical drugs for thrush are not recommended to be taken during pregnancy. The disease should be under the strict supervision of a gynecologist.

In the last weeks of pregnancy, white, almost transparent discharge may appear; this is the main sign of impending labor. If there is no pain in the lower abdomen or back, do not panic.

White cheesy discharge without odor

White, cheesy, odorless discharge occurs in women of absolutely any age. They indicate the development of an infection, and they can also appear with more serious pathologies.

Vaginal discharge is considered normal if it white, without an unpleasant odor and normal consistency. They do not contain blood or yellow clots.

Curds should definitely alert any woman, even if there is no unpleasant odor. It is not normal. They may indicate the presence of serious diseases. Only a good specialist can identify them.

Yellowish cheesy discharge

As a rule, this discharge is not accompanied by an odor. This phenomenon occurs when microbes become infected in the area of the appendages, uterus or fallopian tubes.

In the acute course of the disease, in addition to discharge, the disease is accompanied by the following symptoms:

fever
pain in the lower abdomen
general body malaise
discomfort

Green cheesy discharge

If you have a cheesy discharge that has a greenish tint, this may indicate that infectious disease like trichomoniasis. The causative agent of this disease is vaginal Trichomonas, which is transmitted sexually. At acute form this disease is accompanied by the following symptoms:

copious vaginal discharge
itching
burning
pungent odor

In addition to the fact that this disease is sexually transmitted, you can also become infected through dirty bedding or through personal items: washcloths, towels. During pregnancy, this disease is extremely dangerous and has its consequences.

With this disease, the risk of birth with pathologies increases or the risk early birth. Therefore, at the first signs of illness, you should contact a medical facility as quickly as possible. You should not self-medicate; only a good specialist can prescribe one that is right for you.

Diagnostics

Only a doctor can diagnose a particular disease. At the same time, he prescribes a number of studies:

Vaginal flora smear. As a rule, it is taken before a vaginal examination. take with a sterile cotton swab, after which the contents are applied to 2 glasses.
Test for sexually transmitted diseases or STDs. Blood is drawn from a vein. The result will be ready the next day. Such a study will show not only the general condition of the pregnant girl’s body, but will also indicate the development of one or another.
Examination of a pregnant woman using a gynecological speculum. As a rule, sometimes patients cannot accurately describe their discharge, in which case such an examination is simply necessary.

In addition, the woman may be prescribed an ultrasound. This study allows you to assess the condition of the placenta and various pathologies of the fetus.