Vaginal discharge is a common condition in women. It can be a sign that someone is approaching menstruation, but vaginal discharge can also be a sign of pregnancy without realizing it. Although they look the same, there are differences between the two conditions. In pregnancy, vaginal discharge usually has a thicker texture, is milky white, and is odorless. While vaginal discharge before menstruation tends to be more liquid and can be yellowish.
Vaginal discharge is a fluid that comes out of the vagina that functions to clean and protect the vagina from infection. Vaginal discharge can vary, from clear to milky white, depending on the menstrual cycle or body condition. To learn more about the differences in vaginal discharge, see the following explanation.
Characteristics of Vaginal Discharge as a Sign of Menstruation
Vaginal discharge is normal for women when approaching their menstrual period. This condition has a volume that is not too much, which is approximately 4 ml per day. Vaginal discharge before menstruation usually has several distinctive characteristics, such as the following:
- Ovulation period : The vaginal discharge is white and looks clean, elastic, watery, and the amount is not as much as before ovulation.
- Post ovulation : Usually occurs during the fertile period or 14 days. The amount of vaginal discharge is small but has a thicker texture.
- Before menstruation: White discharge with a slight yellowish tinge, can occur for several days and the volume is not too much.
- Post-menstruation : Vaginal discharge is brownish in color and similar to the spotting that usually occurs after menstruation.
Characteristics of Vaginal Discharge as a Sign of Pregnancy
Signs of pregnancy are not only shown through late menstruation, but vaginal discharge is also a sign of pregnancy that occurs early in the week. Unfortunately, many people are still unaware of this and assume that vaginal discharge is normal or because of menstruation. Here are the characteristics of vaginal discharge as a sign of pregnancy that you need to know:
1. Thicker texture and milky color
Compared to normal vaginal discharge, vaginal discharge that is a sign of pregnancy has a thicker texture. However, it is important to ensure that there are no other symptoms such as an unpleasant odor, itching or burning sensation.
Another difference is that the color tends to be milky white or slightly cloudy, unlike normal vaginal discharge which is clear.
2. Increased amount of vaginal discharge
One of the signs of pregnancy is the occurrence of vaginal discharge in large amounts. This is because in early pregnancy hormones can increase and cause vaginal discharge to be more than usual.
3. Odorless
Under normal conditions, vaginal discharge as a sign of pregnancy is not accompanied by an unpleasant or pungent odor. If the vaginal discharge has a pungent odor, then it is a sign of an infection that requires treatment.
4. Not accompanied by itching or pain
Normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy does not cause itching or pain in the genital area. If you feel pain and itching, you should immediately see a doctor so that it can be treated immediately.
What Causes Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy?
The purpose of the appearance of this vaginal discharge is to protect the uterus from bacteria and remove inactive vaginal wall cells. However, vaginal discharge can be triggered by several factors:
1. Increase in Estrogen Hormones
During pregnancy, the hormone estrogen increases significantly. This estrogen stimulates the production of fluid in the vaginal area which functions to maintain moisture and cleanliness. The main function of this vaginal discharge is as a natural protector of the body so that bacteria and germs from outside do not enter the uterus.
In the first and third trimester of pregnancy, vaginal discharge usually occurs due to the hormone estrogen. Although vaginal discharge increases during pregnancy, this hormone plays a role in supporting the growth and development of the fetus, the baby's reproductive organs, and maintaining the balance of hormones that support a healthy pregnancy.
2. Fungal Infection
Candida is a fungus that causes vaginal discharge that is common during pregnancy. This fungus grows faster due to hormonal changes and increased sugar levels in the body. Signs of vaginal discharge caused by a yeast infection are thick white fluid, itching, redness and irritation. Yeast infections are quite common during pregnancy, but need to be treated so as not to cause excessive discomfort.
3. Bacterial Vaginosis Infection
Bacterial vaginosis is an infection caused by an imbalance of natural bacteria in the vagina. Typically, the good bacteria that protect the vagina are reduced and the bad bacteria thrive. Symptoms of vaginal discharge due to bacterial vaginosis include gray or yellow vaginal discharge with a strong fishy odor. This is different from normal vaginal discharge during pregnancy which is odorless.
How to Deal with Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy
The following are a number of ways that can be done to overcome vaginal discharge during pregnancy:
1. Clean the skin around the vagina
To maintain cleanliness, wash the vagina with water gently. Also, use a clean towel to dry it so that the feminine area remains dry and free from infection.
2. Cold Water Compress on the Vaginal Area
If you feel uncomfortable, applying a cold compress around the vagina can help relieve irritation or itching.
3. Avoid Using Feminine Cleaning Products
Do not use soap, perfume, or feminine hygiene products that can cause irritation, infection, and disrupt the natural balance of good bacteria in the vagina.
4. Determine whether this is a physiological or pathological process
Now we can determine whether the vaginal discharge is physiological or more pathological by examining the vaginal discharge secretion in the laboratory, to see the ratio of germs, or what is known as the NUGENT SCORE. The results of this assessment are in the form of numbers/values that have normal, intermediate and pathological categories. So from these results we can better understand our clinical symptoms at what stage
Those are some of the characteristics of vaginal discharge that are signs of pregnancy or approaching menstruation. In general, vaginal discharge that is a sign of pregnancy and menstruation has differences that can be recognized from the texture, color, and amount. Although it is normal, it is important for you to recognize the characteristics of vaginal discharge in order to know the condition of your body. Don't forget to maintain the cleanliness of the feminine area to prevent infection. If the vaginal discharge changes color, smells, or is accompanied by itching and pain, see a doctor immediately to get the right treatment. Come on, take care of your reproductive health starting now!
Article written by dr. Probo Mangastomo, Sp.OG (Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist, EMC Pekayon Hospital).