White secretions during pregnancy are common and are considered normal because they occur because of changes that occur during this period. However, when the secretion is accompanied by pain or burning when urinating, itching or odor, it may be a sign of infection or inflammation of the genital area, so it is important to consult the gynecologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
It is important that the cause of white discharge be identified and treated, if necessary, to avoid life-threatening complications during pregnancy, or infections of the baby during childbirth, which may also interfere with her development, in some cases. .
The main causes of white discharge during pregnancy are
White discharge during pregnancy usually occurs due to hormonal changes typical of this period, this is not a concern for women. In addition, it is normal that as the uterus is pressed as pregnancy develops, the woman notices a greater volume of flow.
What to do: As a light and odorless discharge during pregnancy is normal during pregnancy, no treatment is necessary. However, it is important for a woman to check for other signs or symptoms and, if so, consult her doctor so that the diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment is applied.
Thrush is an infection caused by fungi, mostly Candida albicans, which causes, in addition to white discharge, severe itching, redness and swelling of the genital area, as well as causing burns and pain when urinating.
Thrush during pregnancy is a common occurrence, as hormonal changes during pregnancy promote the proliferation of this microorganism, which is part of the normal microbiota of the vagina.
What to do: It is important that thrush during pregnancy is treated according to the doctor’s advice to prevent infection of the baby at the time of delivery. For example, the use of vaginal creams or ointments such as miconazole, clotrimazole or nistatin may be indicated.
Learn how to identify and treat thrush during pregnancy
Colpite is also a condition that leads to the appearance of white milk-like secretions, which can be blisters and a very strong odor, and which corresponds to an inflammation of the vagina and cervix that can be caused by fungi, bacteria or protozoa, mainly Tricomonas vaginalis.
What to do: It is important for a woman to see the gynecologist for a assessment of the vagina and cervix and to be given appropriate treatment and thus to prevent the baby from becoming infected or complications during pregnancy, the doctor may indicate the use of metronidazole or clindamycin. See how colpite is treated.