Content
White discharge during pregnancy is common and considered normal, as it happens due to the changes that happen during this period. However, when the discharge is accompanied by pain or burning when urinating, itching or a bad smell, it may be a sign of infection or inflammation of the genital region, and it is important to consult the gynecologist for the diagnosis to be made and appropriate treatment to be started.
It is important that the cause of the white discharge is identified and treated, if necessary, to avoid complications during pregnancy that could endanger the baby's life, or infection of the baby during delivery, which can also interfere with its development, in some cases.
The main causes of white discharge in pregnancy are:
1. Hormonal changes
White discharge in pregnancy usually occurs due to hormonal changes typical of this period, not a cause for concern for women. In addition, it is normal that as the uterus is pressed according to the development of the pregnancy, the woman will notice a greater volume of discharge.
What to do: As mild and odorless discharge in pregnancy is normal during pregnancy, no treatment is required. However, it is important for the woman to observe if there are other signs or symptoms, and, if they do, consult the doctor so that the diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment started.
2. Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a fungal infection, most of the time Candida Albicans, which causes, in addition to white discharge, severe itching, redness and swelling in the genital region, in addition to causing burning and pain when urinating.
Candidiasis in pregnancy is a frequent situation, since hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy favor the proliferation of this microorganism, which is part of the normal microbiota of the vagina.
What to do: It is important that candidiasis in pregnancy is treated according to the doctor's guidance to avoid infection of the baby at the time of delivery. Thus, the use of vaginal creams or ointments such as Miconazole, Clotrimazole or Nystatin may be indicated.
Learn how to identify and treat candidiasis in pregnancy.
3. Colpitis
Colpitis is also a condition that leads to the appearance of white discharge, similar to milk, which can be blistering and smell very strongly, and corresponds to inflammation of the vagina and cervix that can be caused by fungi, bacteria or protozoa, mainly the Trichomonas vaginalis.
What to do: It is important that the woman goes to the gynecologist so that an evaluation of the vagina and cervix can be made and appropriate treatment can be indicated and, thus, to prevent the baby from being infected or that there are complications during pregnancy the use of Metronidazole or Clindamycin may be indicated by the physician. See how treatment for colpitis is done.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team