Orange discharge during pregnancy: causes, symptoms, treatment and recommendations from gynecologists

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

During pregnancy, women dramatically increase the production of estrogen. These hormones create a favorable environment for the reproduction of lactic acid bacteria in the genital tract. Therefore, during the period of gestation, the amount of vaginal discharge may increase. They usually have a light or transparent color. This is not a sign of pathology. However, orange discharge during pregnancy in most cases is not the norm. Such a pathological manifestation should always be alarming and serve as a reason for going to the doctor. What diseases in pregnant women cause mucus to turn orange? And what to do when such discharges appear? We will answer these questions in the article.

Normal option

Light yellow discharge during pregnancy is considered normal. They are odorless and resemble raw egg white in appearance. The secreted mucus may be clear or cloudy, thick or liquid. It containsdesquamated cells of the vaginal epithelium, which give it a yellowish color. The consistency and color intensity of the secret depends on the individual characteristics of the woman.

If the mucous discharge does not cause discomfort to the patient, then there is no reason to worry. Their appearance can be caused by the following factors:

1. Changes in hormonal levels. When carrying a fetus, the production of progesterone increases sharply. This hormone stimulates the production of mucus in the glands of the endometrium.
2. Taking drugs based on progesterone ("Utrozhestan", "Dufaston"). These drugs are prescribed to women with the threat of miscarriage. During the course of treatment, abundant discharge may appear. This symptom is not dangerous, but it indicates a hormonal imbalance in the body and an excess of progesterone. In such cases, you should consult a doctor to adjust the treatment regimen.
3. By washing the fruit. Orange discharge during early pregnancy can be considered a variant of the norm only in the first month after conception. Usually they appear on the days of the expected menstruation. This is due to the washing of the fetus. This is the name of the process of attaching the embryo to the walls of the uterus and the formation of a new circle of blood circulation for the vital activity of the embryo. The resulting vessels often burst. Therefore, the discharge contains red blood cells and may have a brownish, yellowish or pinkish tint. This may be accompanied by pulling pains in the abdomen, as with menstruation. Not always a woman can independently distinguish between washing the fetus and the threat of miscarriage. Therefore, whenthe appearance of such discharge, you should visit a doctor.

If light yellow discharge during pregnancy has an unpleasant odor and is accompanied by suffocation of well-being, then this should be alarming. It is important to remember that during the bearing of the fetus, the woman's body becomes extremely sensitive to various influences. Even the wrong panty liner or intimate hygiene products can provoke inflammation or an allergic reaction.

Warning signs

Orange discharge in women during pregnancy often indicates serious pathologies. In this case, they are accompanied by a deterioration in well-being. The reason for going to the doctor is the following concomitant symptoms:

• unpleasant smell of secreted mucus;
• admixture of blood or pus in secretions;
• pain in the lower abdomen and lower back;
• fever;
• weakness;
• itching and burning in the genital area;
• resi while urinating.

If even one of the above signs appears, you must urgently undergo a medical examination.

Pathological causes

Orange discharge during pregnancy may be a sign of the following pathological conditions:

• infectious diseases of the genital organs;
• threatened miscarriage;
• endometriosis or cervical erosion.

In infections, the waste products of bacteria and dead leukocytes stain the secret in a yellow tint. In addition, induring inflammation, the mucous membrane of the genital organs becomes thinner and becomes very fragile. This may be accompanied by vascular damage. This releases a small amount of blood and turns the mucus orange.

When there is a threat of miscarriage, the discharge contains red blood cells, which give the mucus a reddish or brownish color.

Color and consistency of mucus

Orange discharge during pregnancy can have different shades - from yellowish to brownish. It is necessary to pay attention to the color and consistency of the mucus. This will help to suggest a possible disease. During gestation, patients may experience orange discharge of the following nature:

1. Plentiful bright yellow. This is a sign of an inflammatory process in the uterine appendages. Such discharge is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen and fever. Yellow discharge during late pregnancy appears before childbirth. In this case, they do not indicate pathology.
2. Yellow with a brownish tint. This is a rather dangerous symptom. Mucus acquires this color with genital infections, sexually transmitted infections. If during pregnancy yellow-brown discharge has a bubble structure, then this may indicate an infection with Trichomonas or gonococcus.
3. Dark yellow. This color gives the mucus a purulent impurity. The appearance of such secretions is a sign of inflammation caused by staphylococcus aureus or E. coli.
4. Yellow-orange. During pregnancy, the discharge acquires this color due to a chronic infection.genital tract. Therefore, it is very important to cure inflammatory pathologies even before conception. During the period of gestation, genital infections that are in remission very often worsen.
5. Brownish. An alarming sign is the appearance of orange-brown discharge in women. In pregnant women, this color of mucus may indicate a cessation of fetal development (missed pregnancy), attachment of the embryo outside the uterus, or damage to the cervical region. These conditions require emergency care. In some cases, the discharge becomes brown in color due to a deficiency of progesterone in the body. This hormonal imbalance is also dangerous and can cause spontaneous abortion.
6. Stained with blood. The reddish color of the mucus is a sign of a high risk of miscarriage, as well as an ectopic or missed pregnancy. In such cases, the patient must be urgently admitted to the hospital.

It can be concluded that yellow discharge during pregnancy most often occurs with genital infections. Bright orange (closer to red) or brownish mucus indicates a threatened miscarriage or fetal developmental disorders.

You should also pay attention to the consistency of the mucus. Orange discharge in the form of eggs in a pregnant patient indicates complicated candidiasis. Usually, with thrush, white lumps come out of the genital tract, similar to pieces of cottage cheese. However, if a fungal infection occurs against the background of endometriosis, cervical erosion, or hormonal imbalance, then curdled discharge canbecome pinkish or orange.

It is important to remember that thrush during pregnancy can be dangerous to the fetus. The inflammatory process often causes a miscarriage. When the fetal egg detaches, white yeast-like discharge turns orange due to bleeding.

First trimester

Yellow discharge during early pregnancy can be both normal and pathological. If the mucus is transparent and does not have an unpleasant odor, then abundant secretion is most likely associated with natural hormonal changes. The bright yellow color of the discharge appears with infections.

Orange discharge during early pregnancy is considered normal only if it is associated with the implantation of the fetus. They usually appear in the first month after fertilization. During this period, the patient does not always know about her pregnancy. The mucus is pale orange in color and has a spreadable consistency. Such discharges last no more than 2-4 days, this period usually coincides with the date of the expected menstruation. Very rarely, implantation bleeding recurs throughout the first trimester.

Quite often, orange discharge is a sign of a threatened miscarriage. The following factors can cause miscarriage:

• Chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus;
• progesterone deficiency;
• stress in a pregnant woman;
• genital infections;
• Rhesus conflict;
• antiphospholipid syndrome in a patient.

Greatestthe threat of spontaneous abortion exists in the first 8 weeks. As the fetus grows and develops, the risk decreases slightly.

Orange discharge during early pregnancy may be a sign of fetal failure or improper implantation of the embryo. Consider these deviations in more detail:

1. Missed pregnancy. With this pathology, the fetus stops growing and developing, and then dies. A woman disappears such signs of pregnancy as nausea, drowsiness, engorgement of the mammary glands. Often there is a discharge of a reddish-orange color. Ultrasound examination reveals small size and absence of fetal heartbeat. This pathology most often occurs before 8 weeks.
2. Ectopic (ectopic) pregnancy. With this pathology, the fetal egg is fixed outside the uterus. Most often, embryo implantation occurs in the fallopian tubes, less often in the ovaries and peritoneum. This is accompanied by injury to the mucosa, which causes orange or reddish discharge. In the first 5-6 weeks, an ectopic pregnancy proceeds without severe symptoms. Sharp pains in the abdomen appear as the embryo grows, when the fetus begins to put pressure on the tissues of the fallopian tubes.

It can be concluded that most pathologies of fetal development occur in the first 2 months after conception. This period is considered the most dangerous. What causes orange discharge at 11 weeks pregnant? At this stage, the implantation of the embryo has already taken place, and the fetus reaches a fairlylarge sizes. Most often, the separation of reddish mucus indicates a threat of miscarriage, such a danger persists at the end of the 1st trimester. At this time, a frozen pregnancy is also possible. However, this pathology is most often diagnosed in the period up to 8 weeks. An ectopic pregnancy can be ruled out, as its symptoms appear much earlier.

Second trimester

During this period, the formation of the placenta is already completed. This embryonic organ produces progesterone. Therefore, orange discharge during pregnancy in the second trimester cannot be associated with a hormone deficiency.

At this stage, the most common cause of orange mucus is infectious and inflammatory processes in the reproductive system. The middle of pregnancy is the most suitable time for the treatment of such pathologies. In the early stages, the laying of the organs of the fetus occurs and many drugs are prohibited. In the second trimester, antibacterial drugs affect the development of the fetus to a lesser extent, so therapy becomes possible. However, antibiotics should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor. The specialist will select the most gentle drug for the pregnant woman, having previously assessed all possible risks.

Orange discharge during pregnancy in the second trimester may also appear with the threat of interruption of gestation. The risk of miscarriage during this period is much less than in the early stages. However, this danger cannot be completely ruled out. In most cases, spontaneous abortion in the second trimester occurs due to detachmentplacenta. The causes of this pathology can be jumps in blood pressure, increased uterine tone, autoimmune pathologies and abdominal trauma. In some cases, the placenta is located incorrectly, such localization can provoke detachment of the embryonic organ.

Placental abruption is accompanied not only by discharge, but also by pain in the abdomen and lower back. During a planned ultrasound examination, fetal hypoxia is detected.

Orange discharge in women during pregnancy can expire not only from the genital tract, but also from the rectum. As the unborn child grows, the pressure in the pelvis increases. If the patient suffers from hemorrhoids, then during pregnancy bleeding from the nodes in the rectum often appears. Exacerbation of the disease is most often noted in the second trimester.

Late dates

Orange discharge during pregnancy in the third trimester can be caused by the following pathological causes:

• infectious diseases of the genital organs;
• placental abruption;
• preterm birth.

In preterm labor (between 22 and 36 weeks of gestation), discharge appears a few days before labor starts. Mucus is usually brownish in color.

Orange discharge in a pregnant woman at 38-42 weeks is considered a harbinger of childbirth. During the entire perinatal period, the cervical canal is clogged with a mucous plug. This is necessary to prevent infection of the fetus. Approximately 2 weeks before delivery, the mucous plug comes out. Most often it happenstransparent with red veins. However, orange, brownish or pink mucus is also a normal variant. The patient must inform the doctor about the release of the cork and monitor her condition. During this period, intimate hygiene should be especially carefully observed, since the uterus is open to any infections.

Immediately before birth, amniotic fluid comes out. Normally, they are a clear, colorless liquid. If the water leaves along with greenish, brown or orange discharge, then this indicates a pathology of the placenta or fetal hypoxia. In such cases, the patient needs urgent medical attention.

Diagnosis

Orange discharge during pregnancy has a different etiology. Only a specialist can determine the cause of their appearance. Therefore, any unusual discharge should be reported to the attending obstetrician-gynecologist. The doctor will conduct an examination and, if necessary, prescribe the following examinations:

1. Vaginal smear for microflora. This analysis is taken if an infectious inflammation is suspected. It helps to determine the type of pathogen. In some cases, a test for the sensitivity of the microorganism to antibiotics is carried out, this allows you to choose the most effective drug.
2. Ultrasound. This study allows you to identify the pathology of the development of the embryo. With the help of ultrasound diagnostics, it is possible to determine a missed and ectopic pregnancy, a threat of miscarriage, and incorrect localization of the placenta.
3. Cardiotocography. This diagnostic method allowsdetermine the fetal heart rate and uterine muscle tone. The study is indicated for suspected placental abruption.
4. Blood test for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). This test is prescribed for suspected miscarriage. When the development of the fetus stops, the level of hCG decreases.

Treatment

The appearance of orange discharge during pregnancy in some cases requires emergency care. With the threat of miscarriage, placental abruption, frozen and ectopic pregnancy, the patient needs urgent hospitalization.

If the cause of the discharge is infectious processes, then the treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis. The choice of method of therapy depends on the type of pathogen. Some infections do not have a harmful effect on the fetus, in this case, drugs are prescribed after childbirth. If a bacterial or viral pathology poses a danger to the embryo, then drug therapy is started during the second or third trimester. Doctors are trying to prescribe the most benign antibiotics:

• "Vilprafen Solutab".
• "Rovamycin".

This is a new generation of antibacterial drugs that can be used during pregnancy.

If the discharge is provoked by viral pathologies (genital herpes, papillomatosis), then interferon drugs are prescribed in the second or third trimester:

• "Viferon".
• "Oscillococcinum".
• "Anaferon".

During pregnancy, these drugs are used in the form of suppositories and sprays.

If a woman is diagnosed with thrush, then from the 12th week of gestation, the following antimycotic drugs are allowed:

• "Nystatin".
• "Pimafutsina".

These drugs do not have a toxic effect on the fetus. The use of more modern antifungal agents ("Fluconazole", "Diflucan") is categorically contraindicated during pregnancy.

If a pregnant patient suffers from endometriosis or cervical erosion, then the question of the appropriateness of treatment is decided by the doctor. In many cases, therapy is delayed until the postpartum period. If during erosion there is a risk of bleeding during childbirth, then therapeutic lotions and douching are prescribed. As for endometriosis, during pregnancy, this disease is not treated. However, such patients should be closely monitored by an obstetrician-gynecologist, as they have an increased risk of miscarriage.

As already mentioned, women with ectopic and missed pregnancy need urgent hospitalization. These conditions are life threatening. Implantation and growth of the embryo outside the uterus leads to rupture of the fallopian tubes, and missed pregnancy in advanced cases causes sepsis. These patients require emergency surgery to remove the fetus.

Hospitalization is also necessary in case of a threatened miscarriage and placental abruption. With such pathologies, urgentmeasures to save the unborn child. In stationary conditions, patients are prescribed the following groups of drugs:

1. Hemostatic: Dicinon, Tranexam, Vikasol.
2. Hormonal (based on progesterone): Utrozhestan, Duphaston.
3. Reducing the tone of the uterus: "Drotaverine", "Papaverine".
4. Vitamins: complexes with tocopherol and folic acid.

Patients with threatened miscarriage and placental abruption need to stay in bed. In some cases, a special ring (pessary) is placed on the cervix, which prevents spontaneous abortion.

Preventive measures

The appearance of orange discharge during pregnancy requires a comprehensive examination and treatment. At home, you must adhere to the following recommendations of doctors:

1. Careful personal hygiene. With abundant discharge, you need to perform hygiene procedures more often. To wash the genitals, you should use hypoallergenic products, best of all - baby soap. The use of scented intimate hygiene gels should be avoided.
2. Use hypoallergenic panty liners. It is better to purchase hygiene products without fragrances. During pregnancy, perfumed fragrances can provoke inflammation and an allergic reaction. Even with heavy discharge, tampons should not be used, such productsincrease the risk of infection in the genital tract.
3. Wear underwear made from natural fabrics. Synthetic products do not allow the skin to "breathe", which creates conditions for the reproduction of bacteria.
4. Limit spicy food and sweets. It is advisable to exclude mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauces, chocolate, sweets, pastries from the menu. Such food contributes to the reproduction of the causative agent of thrush.

These preventive measures complement therapy and prevent infections.