Pregnancy Discharge

It is normal to have an increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy, but it is best to discuss with a midwife or other health care professional the nature of the discharge in case of problems. The root causes behind vaginal discharge in pregnant women are the same as the causes in those who are not pregnant. These causes are:

• Hormonal activity,
• Infection,
• Non-infective irritation,
• Cervical ectropion (cervical erosion)

Hormonal Activity

It is quite normal for increased hormonal activity to lead to an increase in normal vaginal emissions. Clear or whitish mucous based discharge known as Leukorrhea, which is non irritant and mild smelling, can increase substantially while pregnant. Panty liners can be used to control these increased emissions, but tampons and douching are not advised as they can cause problems.

Infection

Discharges that are smelly, discoloured, irritant or bloodstained need to be assessed for infection. This will probably involve the use of swabs in order to find out the type or types of infection suspected. The two most common infections are:
• Candidiasis (thrush)
• Bacterial vaginosis

Candidiasis

Commonly known as thrush or yeast infection, emissions from candidiasis are characterised as being whitish or whitish grey in colour, having a lumpy consistency similar to cottage cheese and a yeasty smell like beer or baking bread. These infections occur when the yeast organisms, which are always present, are affected by certain conditions, including pregnancy, and become out of balance with the other natural micro organisms. For the treatment of thrush, various home remedies are said to work quite well. Ingestion or direct application of yoghurt will help to kill the yeast organisms as it contains lactobacillus which is a probiotic or “friendly bacteria”. The use of garlic and boric acid are also said to be effective. Various prescription antifungal drugs exist to treat candidiasis:

• Clotrimazole (e.g. Canesten) whilst no adequate tests have been performed on pregnant women (as is common with most drugs), no adverse effects on the foetuses of pregnant animals have been found in tests.
• Nystatin (e.g. Mikostat, Mycostatin oral and Restatin) has a similar safety status to the above.
• Fluconazole (e.g. Diflucan, Flucand and Flucoheal) also has not been adequately tested on pregnant women.Tests on animals do indicate adverse effects and toxicity on foetuses but the drug could be prescribed if the benefits were thought to outweigh any potential dangers.
• Ketoconazole (e.g. Nizoral creams and shampoos) has a similar safety status to the above.

Other drugs are used in more severe cases, usually in hospitals. Sugar intake is a factor that affects yeast infections, and it is sometimes recommended that cutting back on refined sugars is a good idea.

Bacterial Vaginosis

This condition is also related to the balance of micro organisms present in the vagina, and is characterised by watery non irritant discharge with an unpleasant fishy smell. BV is thought to increase the risk of premature labour threefold, so it is especially important that it is treated. Antibiotics like metronidazole (e.g. Anazol and Elyzol) are used to treat BV. This drug although not adequately tested on pregnant women, has not been found to indicate any risks to animal foetuses in studies

Other Infections

Trichomoniasis is usually transmitted through sexual intercourse. Symptoms include soreness and a greenish yellow or grey discharge that is foul smelling. It can affect both sexes, therefore partners must also be treated to avoid passing it back and forth. Treatment is usually by prescribed antibiotics.

Chlamydia is also sexually transmitted and sometimes results in discharge. It is more common to have light bleeding especially after intercourse and sometimes pain in the pelvic and lower abdominal region.

Always consult a midwife, doctor or health visitor if you suspect an infection before attempting any course of action.

Non Infective Irritations

Non infective irritation, or non infective vaginitis, is fairly self explanatory. The symptoms are irritation, itching and sometimes vaginal discharge without there being any infection. Causes of this condition can be:
• Reaction to toiletries, vaginal deodorants, fabric softeners etc,
• Wearing tights, exercise pants etc,
• Sweating,
• Wearing a wet bathing suit,
• Sexual activity.

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