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Having a little bit of brown discharge in pregnancy is common, not a big cause for concern, however, you need to be aware because it can indicate infections, changes in pH or dilation of the cervix, for example.
Light discharge, in small quantities and with a gelatinous consistency, is more common in early pregnancy, being less worrying, but very dark discharge, with a strong smell, may indicate more serious changes. Find out what are the possible causes of pregnancy discharge and when it can be serious.
In any case, you must inform the obstetrician and perform tests to identify what is causing this symptom and start treatment as soon as possible.
Main causes
Small changes in the pH of the woman's genital area can cause brown discharge in small amounts, not a big cause for concern. In this case, the discharge comes in small quantities and lasts 2 to 3 days, disappearing naturally.
It is also common for pregnant women to notice a small brown discharge, which may contain a little blood, after making some physical effort such as going to the gym, climbing stairs with shopping bags, or doing intense domestic activities, such as cleaning, for example. .
But, if the dark discharge is accompanied by other symptoms, this may indicate more serious changes, such as:
- Infections, which can cause other symptoms, such as bad smell, severe itching or burning in the vagina;
- Risk of miscarriage, especially if accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal cramps and bright red bleeding. Know what can cause miscarriage;
- Ectopic pregnancy, which is characterized by severe abdominal pain and blood loss through the vagina. See what other symptoms of ectopic pregnancy are;
- Infection of the cervix.
Large amounts of dark discharge, associated with blood loss, increase the risk of complications, such as premature birth or rupture of the bag. Therefore, it is important to go to the doctor whenever dark discharge appears, even if in a small amount, so that the doctor can evaluate and perform ultrasound, to see if everything is fine with the woman and the baby. Find out which tests are mandatory in pregnancy.
When brown discharge in pregnancy is normal
Small brown discharges, with a more watery or gelatinous consistency are common, especially in early pregnancy. It is also normal to have a little bit of dark discharge after intercourse.
Other symptoms that should not be ignored are itchy vagina, bad smell and the presence of cramps. These signs do not always indicate something serious, but it is good to be cautious and inform the doctor.
The dark brown discharge, like coffee grounds, at the end of pregnancy can be a blood loss and should be reported immediately to the obstetrician. If it is a light brown and abundant discharge with a few strands of blood, it should not be of much concern, as it may be the mucous plug indicating that the time of delivery is coming. See what causes brown discharge in pregnancy.
How the treatment is done
Treatment depends on the cause of the brown discharge.
If it is a candidiasis, it can be done using antifungal drugs, and if it is an STD it may be necessary to take antibiotics. But when the discharge is not related to any disease, the treatment can be just rest, avoiding efforts.
In any case, some precautions that must be taken daily are:
- Avoid the use of soaps with moisturizing cream, antibacterials and antifungals;
- Use intimate soap recommended by the gynecologist;
- Wear light, loose and cotton underwear;
- Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach in underwear, preferring to use water and mild soap;
- Avoid the use of daily protectors;
- Avoid washing the genital region more than 2 times a day, which contributes to the removal of the natural protection of the mucosa of that region.
These precautions can help prevent infections and, thus, reduce the chances of discharge.
Can dark discharge be pregnancy?
The dark discharge can be pregnancy, but it doesn't always happen. This is because, in some women, there is sometimes a greater blood flow before or in the last days of menstruation. In some cases, the flow may decrease in the last days of menstruation, causing the blood to become more concentrated and darker.
Check out the first 10 pregnancy symptoms, if you suspect you may be pregnant.