Introduction
Pregnancy is a phase where many mothers experience many new things including unique symptoms, body changes and roller coaster of emotions. Brown discharge during pregnancy is one of the common symptoms that pregnant mothers experience. It could be due to various reasons including implantation bleeding and vaginal infections.
What is brown discharge during pregnancy?
Brown discharge in pregnancy is nothing but a vaginal discharge that looks brown in color, typically caused by implantation in early pregnancy. Brown discharge is usually vaginal discharge mixed with old blood.
What are the causes of brown discharge during pregnancy?
Brown vaginal discharge during pregnancy can be caused due to various reasons including:
- Implantation bleeding: Implantation bleeding is one of the common causes of brown discharge while pregnant. Implantation is when the egg attaches itself to the uterine wall. This occurs a few days after your ovulation. Implantation bleeding is usually harmless and is nothing to worry about.
- Intercourse: For some mothers, having intercourse during pregnancy can cause light brown discharge or brown spotting. This is because, during pregnancy, the vaginal region tends to become sensitive, leading to mild spotting or bleeding.
- Pelvic exam: Pelvic examination is another common cause for brown discharge during pregnancy. Healthcare experts perform routine pelvic examinations on pregnant mothers to monitor the health of the mother and the baby. A small amount of bleeding or spotting is common after a pelvic examination and it is usually nothing to worry about.
- Cervical changes: Pregnancy is a time where a lot of changes occur in a pregnant mother’s body and changes in the cervical region is very common. Due to factors such as hormonal changes, the cervix becomes sensitive leading to mild brown spotting during pregnancy.
- Vaginal infections: Vaginal infections including bacterial vaginosis and gonorrhea can cause brown vaginal discharge during pregnancy. It is important to consult with your gynecologist and take the prescribed medications and treatment to prevent further complications.
- Ectopic pregnancy: Ectopic pregnancy is yet another reason that can cause reddish brown discharge. An ectopic pregnancy is when the fertilised egg attaches outside the uterus, typically in one of the fallopian tubes. Ectopic pregnancy requires immediate medical attention and treatment.
- Mucus plug: Mucus plug is a thick layer of vaginal mucus that gets accumulated near the cervix protecting the uterus from infections. In most cases, the mucus plug is excreted as a big glob covered with blood stains called bloody show, indicating labor. For others, it may be colorless too.
- Subchorionic hemorrhage: Chronic membrane is the outermost layer of the amniotic sac. In some rare cases, blood can be formed in between the chorionic membrane and the wall of the uterus leading to spotting or bleeding. This is a concern that requires medical attention.
- Placenta Previa: Placenta previa a serious pregnancy complication where the placenta grows in the lower part of the uterus covering the cervix. Brown vaginal discharge is a common symptom of placenta previa and it requires medical attention.
- Miscarriage: In some cases, miscarriage could also be a cause of brown discharge. If the bleeding is heavy, it is important to contact your doctor immediately.
When to contact a Doctor?
Apart from mild spotting during early pregnancy and mild spotting after intercourse or pelvic examination, it is important to visit your doctor if you experience bleeding or spotting, as it could be a sign of any underlying health condition.
Conclusion
Brown discharge during early pregnancy is quite common and is usually not something to worry about. But bleeding or spotting after that could signal potential health conditions and it requires immediate medical attention.
Consult with your doctor immediately and take the required treatments and medications.
For consultations with the best gynecologist in Chennai, Dr.Deepthi Jammi, contact Jammi Scans at 07338771733. Jammi Scans is one of the best gynecology clinics and scanning centers located in T Nagar, Chennai.
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FAQ
1. Is brownish discharge normal in pregnancy?
Yes, brown discharge during pregnancy is common if it happens in early pregnancy. Brown discharge in early pregnancy can be caused due to implantation bleeding, hormonal changes and cervical changes and it is usually nothing to worry about.
2. Is brown discharge the start of a miscarriage?
No, brown discharge might not always mean miscarriage. For some pregnant mothers, brown discharge can occur during implication, after sexual intercourse or after a pelvic examination. But it is still recommended to consult with your gynecologist to ensure the health of the baby.
3. What is the reason for brown discharge?
Brown discharge during pregnancy can be caused due to factors including:
- Implantation
- Sexual intercourse
- Pelvic examination
- Infections
- Hormonal changes
- Miscarriage
- Placenta previa
- Mucus slug
4. What are 5 warning signs of a possible problem during pregnancy?
The top 5 warning signs during pregnancy are:
- No baby movements after 7th month of pregnancy
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting after first trimester
- UTI
- Severe fever with chills and rogers
- Shortness of breath
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
5. How to stop brown discharge during pregnancy?
It is important to visit your gynecologist to stop or control brown discharge during pregnancy, as the cause of the discharge needs to be treated first.
6. 15 weeks pregnant brown discharge when I wipe. Is it normal?
Mild brown discharge in the first trimester is usually nothing to worry about. It could be due to cervical and hormonal changes. But if you have other symptoms including extreme abdominal cramps, fever or exercise bleeding, contact your doctor immediately.
