It is normal to have a vaginal Discharge during pregnancy. A milky white odorless discharge is secreted by the glands in the cervix to protect the uterus from bacteria and germs. An increase in the level of estrogen hormone leads to an increase in production of mucus during pregnancy.
But what happens when you notice an abnormal discharge like Green or yellow discharge.
Read this article further to find out what greenish discharge in pregnancy means.
What does it Mean to have green discharge while pregnancy?
A green mucus discharge during pregnancy is a sign of an infection. A discharge that is green in color and accompanied by a foul smell, itching or frothy in appearance is a sign of a vagina infection such as Bacteria vaginosis.
Common infections that causes discharge that are green in color are mostly sexual transmitted disease like Trichomoniasis, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
Having an infection during pregnancy, whether in first, second or third trimester can be really dangerous and risky.
A vaginal infection during pregnancy is associated with:
- Preterm Birth
- Preterm Premature Rupture of the membranes
- Low Birth Weight Baby
Untreated vaginal infection in pregnancy can be passed through to the baby during delivery. It is advisable you see your doctor immediately if you notice a greenish or yellowish discharge when pregnant.
"So what are all the possible causes of this green discahrge?"
Causes of Green Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy
1. Bacteria vaginosis
Bacteria Vaginosis (BV) is a vaginal infection caused by an imbalance between the good and bad bacteria in the vagina. Lactobacilli is the normal good bacteria in the vagina. When the number of this good bacteria reduces BV is developed.
Common symptoms of BV is an unplesant, fishy smell, off-white ,yellow or greenish vaginal discharge.
2. foreign body in the vagina
A foreign body, left in the vagina for a long time such as Tampoon can introduce un friendly bacteria into the vagina. Therefore causing vaginal odor, yellow or browinish discharge. this can also lead to vaginal itching, and vulva redness.
3. trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a parasite called Trichomonas.
Trichomoniasis during pregnancy can cause some serious health complications such as premature rupture of the membrane (when labour starts before 37 weeks). Trich can also lead to having babies with low birth weight.
Symptoms of Trichomoniasis are: Yellow-green vaginal discharge, unpleasant odor, vaginal itching and soreness, burning sensation during sex and when peeing.
4. chlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease(STD) that is caused by a bacterium chlamydia trachomatis. It can cause inflammation of the uterus, fallopian tube, and other reproductive organs. Therefore putting your baby at risk.
If left untreated during pregnancy, Chlamydia can be passed to the baby during delivery. It can cause eye infection and pneumonia in babies.
Symptoms of Chlamydia in pregnancy are: unusual vagina discharge, pain or bleeding during sex, after sex bleeding.
5. gonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory diseases, miscarriage of a baby before 20 weeks, premature rupture of membranes.
Symptoms of gonorrhea are: Greenish yellow vaginal discharge, Lower abdominal or pelvic pain, spotting after intercourse, swelling of the vulva,
6. Pelvic Inflammatory disease
PID is a chronic infection of a woman's reproductive system (uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries)
Pelvic Inflammatory disease is a very serious consequence of gonorrhea and chlamydia. It is transmitted when you have sex with someone with gonorrhea or chlamydia.
Pelvic inflammatory disease during pregnancy increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Symptoms of PID are: unusual yellow or green discharge, lower abdominal pain or cramps, abnormal vagina odor, fever, pain during and after intercourse.
Treatment of green mucus discharge during pregnancy?
If you have an abnormal vagina discharge for example a green mucus discharge while pregnant , tell your health care provider. The doctor will examine you to find out the cause of this discharge. These would be done by taking a sample of vaginal fluid to check for the infection. The sample collected is sent to a laboratory for testing.
Trichomoniasis is usually treated with the antibiotics metronidazole or tinidazole. Antibiotics are medicines that destroy infections caused by bacteria. These medicines usually cure the infection or disease. .
Bacteria Vaginosis can be treated with antibiotics in pregnancy
Gonorrhea and Chlamydia can also be treated with antibiotics
The post Green Discharge During Pregnancy: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatments appeared first on Conceive Success.
This post first appeared on Preconception & Postnatal Guidance On Health, Exercise, Baby Care And Sex, please read the originial post: here
