Discharge at 38 weeks pregnant: possible causes. Doctor's advice and recommendations

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

Every pregnant woman is interested in the topic of childbirth. Future mothers are worried about how this process will go. That is why they try to listen to themselves and pay attention to even the smallest changes before childbirth. Discharges can tell a lot during this period. At the 38th week of pregnancy, they may increase somewhat. Also, at the end of the term, the consistency and color of the vaginal mucus often changes. The presented article will tell you about what the discharge at 38 weeks of gestation means. You will also get the opinion of doctors, gynecologists and obstetricians on this matter.

A bit of theory

Discharge usually gets worse at 38 weeks pregnant. However, the amount of cervical fluid generally becomes larger even at the very beginning of the term. Why is this happening?

When the female and male cells meet in the body of the fairer sex, conception occurs. During this period, the corpus luteum, located in the ovary, actively producesprogesterone. Under the influence of this hormone, the tone of the uterus is normalized, the endometrium becomes thicker, and the muscular organs also relax. During this period, a mucous plug begins to form. The amount of mucus increases, and some of it remains in the cervix. This formation will accumulate its volume until the last weeks of pregnancy. This cork allows you to protect the baby's developing body from the penetration of pathogens. It is worth noting that not all women experience this lump. Many have no idea that there was some kind of plug in their body.

What is normal?

Is it always normal discharge at 38 weeks pregnant? Certainly not. Every expectant mother needs to know what is the norm, and when it comes to the pathological process. Be sure to visit the doctor and find out more about your discharge. What should they be like?

During the entire term, a woman may notice a thin or creamy discharge. They are light in color and look like milk. Also, the smell of this mucus is practically absent. Sometimes a representative of the weaker sex can say that they smell of slightly sour milk. The consistency of such mucus is always homogeneous. It does not contain lumps, blood and other impurities. This situation is normal. With any deviation from the described picture, we can talk about pathology. However, if you are already 37-38 weeks pregnant, then there may be other discharge. Consider the possible causes of the appearance of a particular mucus separated from the vagina.

Fungal infection: thrush

White discharge at 38 weeks may indicate that the woman's vagina is affected by a fungal infection. About half of expectant mothers face thrush. At the same time, many representatives of the weaker sex have been unsuccessfully trying to cure the disease for a long time. During thrush, the discharge from the vagina acquires an intense white color. Outwardly, they resemble curd masses. These substances strongly irritate the mucous membranes of the genital organs. That is why itching, redness, and discomfort join the symptoms. What recommendations does the doctor give in this case?

If such discharge is found at the end of pregnancy, treatment should be carried out as soon as possible. Often, drugs such as Pimafucin, Terzhinan, Diflucan, and so on are prescribed for this. Doctors also recommend using soda and saline solutions for washing. Douching, which is carried out by many future mothers, is strictly prohibited during this period. Otherwise, the fungus and pathogenic microflora can enter the vagina and infect the baby.

Inflammatory process: infection

If you are 38 weeks old, yellow discharge can be a sign of a serious pathology. Such purulent discharge often takes on a thick consistency. In addition, expectant mothers notice an unpleasant smell, itching. Sometimes pain in the pelvic area joins. The inflammatory process may be the result of a recently acquired infection. Often shetransmitted during the next sexual contact. That is why it is so important to use condoms during pregnancy. When the pathology was acquired before conception, we are talking about a chronic form. This is more dangerous for the woman and her baby. Chronic inflammation is almost impossible to cure.

What do doctors recommend doing in this case? Gynecologists prescribe treatment for a woman. In this case, antibacterial drugs are most often used: "Metronidazole", "Amoxicillin", "Naxogen" and many others. It is worth noting that in more severe cases, a caesarean section is prescribed for a woman. This is necessary so that the baby can avoid infection while overcoming the genital tract. That is why it is so important to undergo examinations before conception and cure all infections.

Detachment or presentation of a child's place is a dangerous pathology

If there is spotting at the end of pregnancy, it can be very dangerous. The first thing doctors think about when a woman treats such complaints is placental abruption. Such a pathology is diagnosed with the help of ultrasound and gynecological examination. There can be many reasons for this complication: physical activity, sexual contact, stress, preeclampsia, and so on. What do doctors recommend in these cases?

When the placenta is detached, a woman needs emergency help. A caesarean section is usually performed. In especially difficult situations, it becomes necessary to remove the reproductive organ. It should be noted that in case of delay, there ishigh risk of intrauterine death. That is why it is so important to see a doctor immediately if you have stomach pain and bleeding.

With placenta previa, bleeding is considered less dangerous than in the above case. However, it requires hospitalization. Often, such women are scheduled for a planned caesarean section, which helps to avoid such complications as premature detachment of the placenta.

Plug release

If you have a discharge after your 38 week checkup, it is most likely a mucus plug. As you already know, it is formed at the very beginning of pregnancy. During the examination at this time, the doctor evaluates the opening of the cervix, its softness and readiness for childbirth. In this case, the doctor needs to insert fingers into the cervix to obtain accurate data. As a result, the mucous plug is somewhat damaged. After a few days, it can gradually exit the genital tract. What recommendations do doctors give?

Mucous brown discharge at 38 weeks is not something dangerous. If there are no additional disturbing symptoms, then you should not rush to the maternity hospital. However, the release of the cork is a signal that the long-awaited meeting will happen very soon. All items must be packaged. Childbirth after the discharge of the cork can begin in a few hours. Also, the expectant mother can carry her child under her heart for another two weeks. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the organism. Remember that from the moment the cork leaves, it is necessarystop sexual intercourse, treatment with vaginal tablets, and should also refuse to bathe in the bath.

Outflow of amniotic fluid

If you have copious discharge (like water) at the end of your pregnancy, you should immediately go to the maternity ward. The outflow of amniotic fluid occurs absolutely painlessly and unexpectedly. No expectant mother can accurately calculate the moment when this will happen. When the fetal bladder ruptures, abundant discharge (like water) is observed. However, they can be transparent or greenish. In the latter case, we are talking about hypoxia, and the woman needs to go to the doctor as soon as possible.

Doctors recommend not to panic at this moment. Most likely, after the discharge of water, the woman will begin contractions. Remember that from now on, the birth process is running. You will no longer be able to postpone the birth of the baby. Therefore, do not hesitate. The less time the baby spends in a waterless space, the better for him.

Cervical opening

Pink discharge at 38 weeks may indicate that the cervix has begun to open. This happens under the action of prostaglandins. At the same time, it is not at all necessary that the mucous plug should be discharged and the amniotic fluid should be poured out. Often such discharge is preceded by a gynecological examination. At the very end of pregnancy, the cervix begins to soften. In this case, the cervical canal is expanded. Tissues become more sensitive and loose. The slightest manipulation canto minor injury. What do doctors say about this?

If you are 37-38 weeks old and have pinkish discharge, then you need to listen to yourself. In most cases, they do not pose any danger and are a short-term process. Try to calm down and relax. Lie down and get some rest. If the symptom does not go away, and the discharge intensifies, then you need to take documents, things and go to the maternity ward.

Discharge after intercourse

If you notice unusual vaginal discharge, recent sexual contact may be the cause. When ejaculating, semen is released, which has a rather thick consistency. After a few minutes, the substance liquefies and begins to flow out. Women often confuse it with amniotic fluid leakage.

Doctors recommend having sex with a condom to avoid these symptoms. If, in addition to the discharge of fluid, a woman feels discomfort and pain, then she should contact the maternity ward.

Advice for expectant mothers from a doctor

At 38 weeks, liquid discharge is usually normal. However, if you are concerned about this symptom, then you should consult a doctor. The gynecologist will be able to competently assess your situation, and, if necessary, prescribe treatment. In the last stages of pregnancy, the doctor gives expectant mothers the following advice.

• Move more. Try not to sit in one place. During movement, the pelvic bones will begin to gradually diverge. This will make it easier for yougive birth. Also, while walking, the baby gradually sinks down. This helps to bring the time of delivery closer and not to endure the pregnancy.
• Remediate. Doctors recommend that before giving birth, it is necessary to carry out sanitation. For this, drugs such as Hexicon, Miramistin, Chlorhexidine and so on are prescribed. They are administered in the form of suppositories, tampons, and are used to irrigate the vagina. This helps to disinfect the birth canal. This manipulation will protect the newborn from many bacteria.
• Don't swim in water. At the end of pregnancy, the cervix begins to gradually open. The baby is no longer as protected as in the first and second trimester of pregnancy. That is why you should refrain from swimming in lakes, rivers and pools.
• Perform "husband therapy". Doctors say that prostaglandins are contained in male semen. These substances help soften the cervix. If your plug hasn't broken yet, you can have unprotected sex as early as 38 weeks pregnant. However, you must be sure of the absolute he alth of your partner.
• Drink linseed oil. This substance helps to strengthen tissues and increase their elasticity. If you do not want to get ruptures during childbirth, then it is worth carrying out their prevention. Use flaxseed oil three times a day, one teaspoon. This drug will also be a good prevention of constipation.
• Refrain from physical activity. At the very end of pregnancy, strong physical exertion can lead to placental abruption. That is why you need to take care of yourself. You alreadycovered most of the way. There is very little left before the long-awaited meeting with the baby.
• Pass the final examination. At the very end of pregnancy, doctors recommend making a final diagnosis. It includes ultrasound, cardiotocography and doplerometry. These parameters will allow you to assess the condition of the expectant mother and her baby. If any deviations are found, the doctor will be able to prevent complications and avoid irreparable consequences.
• Tune in for a good result. Many doctors say that in the process of childbirth, almost everything depends on the woman. Do not be afraid of natural manipulation. Very soon you will be able to take your baby in your arms. Let this thought inspire you. Trust your doctor and follow all the recommendations of the obstetrician.

Summarizing or a small conclusion

You now know what discharge occurs at 37-38 weeks of pregnancy. Remember that at this time your baby is already considered full-term. The long-awaited meeting can happen absolutely at any moment. Listen to yourself and watch your secretions. Sometimes they can change consistency, color, smell and intensity. If you experience unusual symptoms, be sure to consult a doctor. Do not ignore the appearance of pain or other discomfort in the abdomen and lower back. The doctor will examine you and give you the necessary advice and recommendations. Stick to them, trust a specialist. He alth to you and easy childbirth!