Dr Astha Dayal is a leading obstetrician and gynaecologist with a rich clinical experience of more than 16 years. She is a renowned expert and fellowship-trained laparoscopic surgeon with an experience of more than 70,000 surgeries and deliveries. She is also extensively trained in Water birthing and has the unique distinction of having administered the first waterbirth in Gurgaon. She keenly advocates for preventive wellness for women. Dr Astha has more than 16 years of experience at hospitals of repute including Lok Nayak Hospital, Maulana Azad Medical College (Delhi), Royal College (London), Medanta, Artemis and The Cradle.
She is proficient in laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, robotics, and fertility-enhancing surgery.
White discharge during pregnancy: Should I be worried?
Pregnancy will bring about a rollercoaster of emotions. You will feel happy, teary, excited and anxious, all at once. But emotions are not all that is pregnancy about. Your body will experience tremendous variations of physical changes and as an expectant mother, these changes can be puzzling at times. One such event that can raise suspicion is white discharge during pregnancy – a sign prevalent in nearly 43% of pregnant women.
Most women are familiar with the different types of vaginal discharge but what does discharge during pregnancy mean?
In this article, Dr Astha Dayal – a leading obstetrician in Gurgaon will explore everything there is to know about vaginal discharge during pregnancy and how to deal with it.
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As the name denotes, white discharge during pregnancy is a discharge that women experience during their pregnancy. It is thin, white coloured and milky textured.
With or without pregnancy, vaginal discharge is a common phenomena. Before we move on to discuss milky white discharge during pregnancy, let us understand the concept of normal discharge aka leukorrhea.
Leukorrhea is the medical term for vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is the fluid made by the vagina and cervix that helps to keep your vagina moist and clean. It also helps to protect you from infection.
There are different types of vaginal discharges based on their colour, texture or cause. Some common types include –
The vaginal discharge during pregnancy is known as leukorrhea pregnancy. It is usually odourless or, sometimes, can be smelled mildly.
You may have more vaginal discharge than usual when you become pregnant. But a change in your vaginal discharge could be a sign of something that needs treatment. It’s important to know what’s normal, and when to get medical help.
If you are a newly pregnant woman, leukorrhea pregnancy discharge will not feel any different from what you experienced between periods. Leukorrhea pregnancy is also considered early pregnancy discharge. You are likely to notice a change in your normal discharge one or two weeks before conception.
Most women feel an increase in their present discharge which continues to happen throughout the course of pregnancy. The thick white discharge during pregnancy will become more dense as your pregnancy develops. It is, usually, the thickest as your gestation approaches an end.
Leukorrhea or vaginal discharge is a normal body function indicating good health. Almost all women experience the passage of vaginal discharge during their reproductive years. There are multiple reasons why leukorrhea happens.
Primarily, it is your body’s natural way of cleaning the vagina. Through normal body discharge, your body is paving a way for protecting itself against several types of bacteria. Besides its body function, normal vaginal discharge can be caused by bacterial or yeast infection.
However,the reasons for leukorrhea pregnancy can be slightly varying. There are various reason for white discharge during pregnancy (abnormal) that include:
Vaginal discharge is a highly common occurrence. Likewise, in pregnancy white discharge is normal, however, you should keep a track of any abnormal changes.
As mentioned above, early pregnancy discharge is thin, white and less smelly, if you notice anything atypical or distinct from this description, make it a note to aware your obstetrician about it.
You can maintain a diary to record the colour, texture and odour changes in your vaginal discharge to avoid any pregnancy complications for yourself and your child.
As we discussed above, leukorrhea is a healthy bodily function. However, it is important to address any atypical signs, especially during pregnancy.
Now that you know what a healthy leukorrhea pregnancy is like, you would be able to identify abnormal signs. Some common atypical signs to watch out for are:
A pink or brown coloured discharge may highlight a sign of implantation bleeding. Even light vaginal spotting during pregnancy is not a cause for concern. However, it is ideal to visit your obstetrician for any concerns.
While trying to conceive, it is advised that you and your partner get tested for STIs to avoid undergoing speculating reason for white discharge during pregnancy.
Furthermore, an abnormal discharge can be indicative of possible pregnancy complications. You should not be alarmed if you experience any of the above given symptoms. Your healthcare provider is the right person to identify the exact problem and offer appropriate treatment for it.
Many pregnant women experience a ‘show’ in the last few days of their pregnancy. This is where you notice you have some vaginal discharge. It’s generally creamy white and splashed with a pink jelly-like material.
This happens when the mucus that has been present at the neck of your womb (cervix) comes away. This is a sign that your body is preparing for birth. Some women have several shows before they go into labour.
If you have a show, you should contact your obstetrician immediately if:
Despite the fact that it is almost an everyday occurrence, pregnant women may feel irritable due to the presence of constant discharge. The dampness and associated wetness can make a woman highly irritable. However, there are effective ways on how to get rid of white discharge during pregnancy.
Here are some top home remedies to help you offer relief:
Sometimes, the above given homes remedies are not effective. If your symptoms are severe and likely to interfere with your health, it is advised that you consult a verified practioner and take an appropriate treatment of white discharge during pregnancy.
The treatment for leukorrhea pregnancy is unique for each patient. Ideally, it depends upon the reason for white discharge during pregnancy.
If you have developed a bacterial infection induced by pregnancy, your obesterician will prescribe you relevant antibiotics. On the other hand, if your discharge is caused by sexually transmitted infections, your healthcare provider will aim to treat it in order to alleviate symptoms.
Your healthcare provider will, first, assess your condition and determine the cause before indicating any treatment.
Experiencing white discharge during pregnancy is not alarming. Nevertheless, since you will feel various new symptoms and changes during this time, it is in your best interest to be informed about what they mean.
To learn more about pregnancy or basic gynaecological health, book an appointment with Dr Astha Dayal – best obstetrician & gynaecologist at the CK Birla Hospital today.
Ques: When should I be worried about discharge during pregnancy?
Ans: White discharge during pregnancy is a normal occurrence. You should, however, seek clinical help if the discharge is yellow, brown, pink or green-coloured, foul smelling, accompanied by fever, abdominal pain and itching.
Ques: Can white discharge mean miscarriage?
Ans: Milky white discharge during pregnancy is healthy. However, if your vaginal discharge is tinged with blood, you should meet your obsterician immediately.
Ques: How much white discharge is normal in pregnancy?
Ans: You will experience that the white discharge during pregnancy will increase gradually throughout pregnancy. Increased discharge is normal if it not associated with atypical signs.
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Watch out for these warning signs of Pregnancy
Congratulations on your pregnancy! You can now prepare to go through a rollercoaster of emotional and physical changes during the next 9 months. While pregnancy is mostly a joyous life event, it is also a time that calls for caution. You need to stay informed and practice watchfulness at every step. It is, therefore, important to learn about the warning signs of pregnancy.
In this article, Dr Astha Dayal, one of the best obstetricians in Gurgaon explains the most common warning signs during pregnancy.
You can expect to feel the effects of pregnancy as growing a baby inside your belly is no easy task. However, sometimes, a woman may experience bad pregnancy symptoms. These symptoms should not be mistaken for ordinary body changes.
You should proactively monitor your health and stay alert of the following warning signs during pregnancy:
There are diverse reasons that cause bleeding during pregnancy. During the first trimester, vaginal bleeding could be a sign of ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is when the embryo is implanted outside the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies can lead to complications for the mother and child.
Bleeding during pregnancy, in the second trimester, may indicate a loss of pregnancy or miscarriage.
While bleeding during the final trimester is a sign of placental abruption. At any stage of gestation, bleeding should be considered a warning sign. You should consult your gynaecologist even if you experience spotting and not heavy blood flow.
Severe back pain should not be taken lightly at any stage during pregnancy. The several changes in your body can lead to some level of discomfort. Nonetheless, persistent back pain during pregnancy requires clinical care.
Unlike popular opinion, fainting during pregnancy is not common. You can expect to feel a certain amount of light-headedness. However, fainting or feeling extremely dizzy in pregnancy is not a healthy sign.
It is highly common to feel nauseated and vomit during the first trimester of pregnancy. These symptoms are popularly called ‘morning sickness’.
However, if these symptoms persist for a longer time, it could be a cause of concern. This warning of pregnancy can also lead to a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum. Excessive nausea and vomiting could dehydrate your body and harm fetal health.
Your hormones may be a reason for frequent headaches and abdominal pain during pregnancy. However, if your aches are persistent and unbearable, you may need to see your gynaecologist.
Consistent pain is among the bad pregnancy symptoms. It may indicate high blood pressure and lead to the development of preeclampsia (a fatal pregnancy complication).
A sudden change in vision or blurry vision is one of the top pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore. This warning sign is an indicator of preeclampsia or gestational hypertension.
If you feel a sense of pain or burning during urination, you might have contracted a urinary tract infection (UTI). If not treated, this warning sign can lead to other serious infections or even preterm labour.
One of the most serious pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore is itching all over the body. It could be a sign of cholestasis during pregnancy.
Cholestasis is a liver condition. In this illness, the production of bile juice from your gall bladder is either stopped or disrupted. Cholestasis does not form any kind of rash.
Skin dryness and itching are not unusual for pregnant women. Your skin stretches to accommodate your baby and can become dry over time. Nonetheless, if the itching is extreme and beyond control, you should immediately consult your healthcare provider.
Early contractions in the uterus could be a sign of preterm labour. Preterm labour is the one that starts before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Preterm labour can cause multiple birth complications.
Sometimes, a pregnant woman may confuse these contractions as false labour. You should ask your OB-GYN to explain the difference between true and false labour.
Through the 9 months of gestation, you will become accustomed to the different types of movements made by your baby. You can begin to feel these movements between 18 and 25 weeks of pregnancy.
Your baby will turn, kick and flutter. If you feel a decline in this activity, you should meet your healthcare provider. It is essential to keep a track of these movements over time.
You can lie down and notice how long it takes for your baby to kick, roll or flutter 10 times. You can eat a light snack and lie down again if you do not notice any movement for over an hour.
If you feel a rush of fluid flowing down your vagina before 37 weeks, you should consider it a warning sign during pregnancy. This phenomenon indicates an early rupture of membranes.
Undoubtedly, you will gain weight during pregnancy, However, the weight gain is associated with swelling in legs and hands could be a sign of preeclampsia.
Some of the above-given symptoms are misinterpreted for normal events during pregnancy. This is why it is significant to educate yourself and your partner about the bad pregnancy symptoms.
You should not panic if you experience any of these atypical symptoms. Simply contact your OB-GYN and seek clinical intervention. Your healthcare provider will assess your situation and offer the relevant treatment.
An expecting mother should actively monitor her health. You can maintain a notebook to highlight any warning signs of pregnancy. You should also have a detailed discussion with your gynaecologist on what are the warning signs of pregnancy.
If you wish to learn more about maternal health during pregnancy, you can book an appointment with Dr Astha Dayal, obstetrician and gynaecologist at the CK Birla Hospital.
Also, read: Tips to ensure a healthy pregnancy
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Common Causes and Symptoms of Endometriosis | CK Birla Hospital
According to the Endometriosis Society of India, an estimated 25 million Indian women suffer from endometriosis. However, in spite of its rising prevalence around the world including India, there is insufficient awareness about this painful condition.
Even today, thousands of women are unaware about the warning signs of endometriosis, silently suffering from painful periods without getting the necessary treatment. If left unchecked, endometriosis can also result in infertility. In fact, many women are diagnosed with this condition when they seek medical advice for difficulties in conceiving.
In this article, Dr Astha Dayal (Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the CK Birla Hospital) explores endometriosis in further detail by answering a few common questions about endometriosis. For more information about this condition and to screen yourself, you can book an appointment with Dr Astha Dayal here.
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Your uterus is lined with a layer of tissue called the endometrium. During your menstrual cycle, this tissue builds up in preparation for pregnancy. If you don’t become pregnant, this layer is shed and is passed out during your period.
In the case of endometriosis, tissue similar to the endometrial tissue is formed outside the uterus. This generally occurs in other parts of your reproductive system or inside the abdominal cavity. Every month, this tissue also grows and sheds along with your menstrual cycle, causing swelling and scarring of the normal tissue in the affected regions.
While the exact causes of endometriosis are still unclear, some familiar causes of this condition are as follows:
While women with endometriosis can sometimes be infertile, but researchers do not know exactly why this is the consequence. A recent study declared that endometriosis could make natural conception tougher but it does not equal infertility. Endometriosis causes adhesions and scar tissue, which result in the internal organs to get stuck to each other. This may cause blockage of tubes or ovaries. With timely medical intervention and treatment, women may even be able to conceive naturally without requiring any assisted reproductive techniques.
Also, read: What to do when you suspect infertility
Some of the common symptoms of endometriosis include
Pain: Pain is the most significant and common symptom associated with endometriosis. Pain caused by endometriosis can be of different types such as
Bleeding or spotting: Light bleeding between your periods can indicate endometriosis
Infertility: Difficulties in becoming pregnant or infertility can be a result of endometriosis
Gastric problems: Diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, nausea etc during your periods can indicate endometriosis in some cases.
Painful periods are not the only unpleasant outcome of endometriosis. The abnormal growth of tissue can cause complications such as:
Endometriosis is generally treated by medication or surgery. Treatment protocols depends on the severity of the condition in that individual. In some cases, over the counter medications are enough to manage the symptoms. This is also combined with hormone therapy in case the patient is not aiming for a pregnancy.
In more severe manifestations of endometriosis, surgery might be required. If you are trying to become pregnant, the surgeon might perform a conservative surgery to remove the abnormal tissue. This surgery is usually done laparoscopically.
Unfortunately, there are no steps you can take to completely eliminate the risk of developing endometriosis. Following a healthy diet and lifestyle can go a long way in managing symptoms. Getting regular gynaecological check-ups can also go a long way in monitoring the health of your reproductive system.
If you are experiencing extreme menstrual pain, you should consider getting screened for endometriosis. Book your visit to meet Dr Astha Dayal and other top gynaecologists in Gurgaon.
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