Pinkish Brown Discharge During Pregnancy: Is This Normal?

Overview

Vaginal discharge, jelly kind substance discharges from vagina, common among some women. Especially for those who suffer from pre-eclampsia, a pinkish brown discharge, a sign of cervical abnormalities during pregnancy. It is commonly called ‘dull discharge’, as it is much less colorful than other types of discharge.

What causes vaginal discharge?

The vaginal lining is more fluid-filled during pregnancy, which results in thinner and watery vaginal discharge. At the start of pregnancy, vaginal discharge is typically thin, white, and watery. As the pregnancy progresses, vaginal discharge becomes more thick and yellow. The yellowish-white vaginal discharge may also have a slight greenish tinge and may have an off-white smell.

A vaginal infection can cause a yellowish-white vaginal discharge and a dull yellow or greenish color.

Women, who were unable to conceive or experienced miscarriage, might have a higher chances of finding this abnormal discharge. The symptoms of dry cervical discharge during pregnancy include an unusual lump or bump on your vulva. You may also notice that you are suffering from pain during sex or discharge that has a reddish tinge to it.

Is Pinkish Brown Discharge a Sign of Pregnancy?

A vaginal discharge that is pinkish in color, normally not a sign of pregnancy, and an indication of a health condition called toxoplasmosis. This condition is caused by a parasite that is present in the saliva of cats and dogs.

This parasite is released into the environment by these urine. The antibodies that the pregnant woman’s body produces to fight against the parasite do not recognize the parasite and instead attack the tissues inside the womb and cause chronic inflammation. You might also experience vaginal discharge that has an unpleasant odor and is a little more dark in color.

When in doubt, consult a gynecologist to find out if you are suffering from any of these symptoms, and to rule out any possible cause of this condition.

Pinkish-brown discharge during pregnancy

While vaginal discharge during pregnancy is normal, many women experience redness, itching and itchy discharge during pregnancy. Sometimes, it occurs during pregnancy for the first time, and you’ll notice the discharge color change to red or brown.

It is normal for vaginal discharge to be thin and watery. However, if you notice thick and foul-smelling discharge, this could be a sign of vaginal infection, such as bacteria. Sometimes the discharge may appear a straw-colored, thick or pus-like.

Some of the discharge may turn brownish-pink, or take on the color of old blood.  Unlike a regular period, when the progesterone levels are low, many other factors can cause the brown discharge, which has been referred to as brown blood.

Brown discharge

Brown discharge is usually due to hormonal changes and pregnancy. The changes occur usually during pregnancy, may also cause the vaginal discharge to be black.

Although the blood does not contain toxins or anything that can cause infection, it is best to go to the doctor for testing if the discharge appears dark brown or pink.

Many women do not realize that the discharge that appears during pregnancy is called endometrial tissue. Women who are already experiencing symptoms of endometriosis can be treated for symptoms with endometrial ablation. This treatment helps the endometrial tissue to regress and therefore stop causing symptoms.

A vaginal discharge that smells like urine may also be a sign of a vaginal infection. Conditions such as bacterial vaginosis and polyps in the vagina can cause a bright red discharge that is known as leukorrhea.

When bacteria in the vagina multiply, they can produce a type of bacteria known as “candidatus phlebophila,” which results in a pinkish-brown discharge.

Candidatus phlebophila is usually harmless, and the color of this discharge will begin to fade once it clears up with the help of a doctor.

How to cure bacterial vaginosis?

Bacterial vaginosis may be diagnosed with a physical examination by a doctor. People can often confuse the following symptoms of bacterial vaginosis such as red, pink, or sometimes yellow discharge ,painful urination.

What if I’ve never had vaginal discharge before pregnancy?

This is the first time you’ve ever had vaginal discharge before pregnancy, which means you’re probably more prone to develop vaginal infections in pregnancy. Therefore, if you have never had vaginal discharge before pregnancy, then it’s very possible you’re more at risk of developing an infection.

It’s very important for pregnant women to look out for signs of vaginal infection and notify their doctor so they can get the treatment required to prevent an infection. Some infections can be life-threatening and result in miscarriage or premature birth. If you notice a change in the appearance of your vaginal discharge, you should contact your doctor immediately to find out more.

Vaginal discharge pH levels

Vaginal discharge that is past the threshold for the vagina’s pH may become slightly foul-smelling or unappealing. Before pregnancy, a person’s vaginal discharge may contain less trace of vaginal flora, which can make the vaginal discharge look less pleasant.

A doctor may prescribe an over-the-counter product to promote bacterial growth to reestablish vaginal pH levels. Over-the-counter vaginal products include:

1. Epsom salts
2. A probiotic supplement
3. Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
4. Phenylbutazone (BPA), in addition to vitamin C and vitamin E, has also been shown to treat bacterial vaginosis.

Additionally, diet and lifestyle can influence the appearance of vaginal discharge.

Simple lifestyle changes that can help to promote healthier vaginal discharge include:

• eating more fruits and vegetables
• avoiding taking antacids or ibuprofen for digestive problems
• avoiding genital area sexual intercourse
• taking a probiotic supplement daily
• proper hygienic practices, such as using a condom, keeping the vulva clean, and keeping underwear clean
• avoid unclogging

Cervical changes during pregnancy

For some pregnant women, cervical changes might be frequent and continuous, like bleeding between periods or spotting of blood during the menstrual cycle. Women who are preparing for a vaginal delivery may experience contractions, although the exact frequency and pain varies from woman to woman.

Certain vaginal changes during pregnancy may signal the beginning of labor. For example, in some women, changes in the consistency of the vaginal discharge might suggest that the cervix is preparing for the beginning of labor.

These changes usually begin soon after conception and become more noticeable once your baby has fully developed in the womb.

Postpartum bleeding

Any woman who has recently given birth is prone to bleeding from the vaginal area. When there is no visible sign of pregnancy, this might be described as postpartum vaginal discharge. This means that you should talk to your doctor if you experience bleeding after the birth of your baby.

How to manage a vaginal discharge after pregnancy?

Some changes during pregnancy might be normal, but you should always discuss any unusual changes with your doctor.

During your pregnancy, your vagina may become stretched, thickened, or loose. It may also change color, smell, or feel different.

Each time your vagina stretches, it is important to stay hydrated and moisturized, and to gently stretch it back into shape if it starts to thin or lose sensation.

When you bleed after giving birth, your body produces extra blood, or if it hasn’t been used for nine months, it may become thin and slippery. In any case, it is important to take care of your vagina.

You should make an effort to use a vaginal moisturizer that will not dry your vaginal area, instead lubricating it to reduce the chance of blood clots. If you have a catheter, make sure it does not irritate your vaginal area.

It is also important to always take care of your body after giving birth. If you do not, a vaginal infection may develop.

When to see a doctor

When there is a change in menstrual cycle, or no change at all, and vaginal discharge begins to appear brownish-pink, this is a good time to see a doctor.

Try to eat foods that are stimulating, like eggs or string cheese You’re probably not having contractions yet, but it’s possible they could start up if you’re doing a lot of things.
The next step is to put the rest of your labor day in check! Get moving, but also be sure to take it easy and relax. This is where things can get a little tricky and where you can get overwhelmed easily.

There are many other reasons why a brown discharge may be seen, includes

• discharge due to birth control pills
• indigestion
• stress
• other health problems
• endometriosis

Tips for maintaining vaginal health

If you are taking birth control pills, you might also want to follow these tips- Use a vaginal moisturizer that will not dry out your vaginal area. Avoid rubbing the vaginal area, as this can cause skin irritation.Look for moisturizers that are specifically for sensitive skin.

Make sure to wash and dry the area gently to avoid skin irritation.

Consult a doctor before using any cream on your vagina.

Your doctor may recommend the following vitamins to help maintain vaginal health:

• Vitamin E (collagen)
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin E and vitamin D may also help you protect your vaginal lining.

Take these steps

Although there is no need to be embarrassed about any medical problem or vaginal sore, it is best to see a doctor in such cases, as you might need additional tests and treatments. If you have vaginal dryness, you may also need to take medication to alleviate it. Your doctor will know what this might be if you have a previous vaginal problem.

You can also reduce vaginal dryness by reducing your alcohol consumption and avoiding certain foods and beverages, such as:

• Dairy
• Salmon
• Other fish
• Peaches
• Kale
• Iceberg lettuce
• Other leafy greens
• Sesame seeds

The people with the highest risks for recurrent bacterial vaginosis include women who:

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• Are not in a monogamous relationship
• Have sexual intercourse or use sex toys
• Also, having sexual intercourse while their skin is healing from an injury or other injury
• Have an episiotomy or tear in the skin
• Hormone-disrupting medications, such as birth control pills
• Treatment for sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea
• Surgical procedures to remove vaginal ulcers also increase a woman’s risk of developing vaginal inflammation.

Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness is usually a result of an underlying vaginal condition. Dryness can occur due to: diseases that affect the mucous membranes lining the vagina, treating these conditions, such as hormonal imbalances and endometriosis, switching from birth control pills to an IUD or getting pregnant, not changing the type of birth control method that has been prescribed

Risk factors

The following conditions and behaviors increase the risk of vaginal dryness and/or a bacterial vaginosis:

Over-the-counter and prescription medications. Some medications, such as the contraceptive pill , antibiotics, and various types of painkillers can dry out the vaginal environment and reduce the amount of moisture in the vagina.

Medication

• Blood-thinning medications, such as heparin
• Antihistamines
• Antihistamines that treat conditions such as hay fever, allergy, and asthma.
• Antibiotics to treat bladder infections and viral infections, others are Antacids, Antidepressants, Anti psychotics,Cholesterol lowering drugs,Drugs for anxiety or depression, Blood thinners, Anti-nausea medication.
• Diuretics
• Adrenergic blockers
• Medication for gastric ulcers
• Medication for high blood pressure
• Proton pump inhibitors
• Medication to treat bipolar disorder
• Dihydromyricetin, an active ingredient in papaya
• Nausea medications
• Diuretics

Bottom Line

Doctors are warning that this kind of discharge may be a sign of an issue with the placenta. There is a lot of uncertainty among pregnant women regarding what this discharge might be, according to a report published by the a Clinic. Women usually don’t know what this discharge is until they start to feel a lot of pain. The discharge can be normal and healthy, but it can also be potentially harmful.