Pregnancy comes with substantial changes to your body. One of the detectable changes is increased vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge during any stage of pregnancy is quite normal. However, the normality depends on the colour and appearance of the discharge. Once an expectant woman notices a brown discharge during pregnancy, no wonder she gets confused and frightened. This is mostly because the brown discharge resembles blood. Brown discharge is “brown” as it is tinted with old blood.
Although many pregnant women experience brown discharge throughout the pregnancy without any serious reason, sometimes, the brown discharge during pregnancy could be a sign of some serious conditions. We have already discussed the common causes of brown discharge during pregnancy. Continue reading to know more about the causes and measures that will help deal with the brown discharge during pregnancy.
What is a Brown Discharge?
As brown discharge is discharge tinged with old blood. Many women will guess about brown discharge.
When blood builds up in the uterus, it can change color as time goes by, often turning a brownish shade. (1) . This is a normal occurrence and may result in brown spotting or a brownish discharge. Understanding this process can help you feel more informed about your body’s changes.
Is Brown Discharge Quite Normal During Pregnancy?
The brown discharge during pregnancy is usually normal and very common; it does not mean something is wrong with you or your baby. In many cases, it is completely harmless.
Top 8 Causes of Brownish Discharge During Pregnancy
More often than not, brown discharge during pregnancy is quite normal and has a simple explanation, like
- The brown discharge during the first weeks of pregnancy can be due to implantation bleeding.
- The brown discharge during the last weeks of pregnancy can be a sign of upcoming labour.
Nevertheless, sometimes it might not be as simple as it seems. Let us see what will lead to a brown discharge during pregnancy.
1. Sexual Intercourse
During pregnancy, as the cervix becomes extra soft and sensitive, it is more prone to irritation. Sexual intercourse during this period can lead to brown discharge with or without slight pain.
2. Miscarriage
Brown discharge after the first few weeks of pregnancy can be an indication of a miscarriage. (2). As the discharge is brown (indicating the old blood), instead of bright red, we could assume that the bleeding started quite some time before and, for some reason, takes a while to come out. Again, your doctor could only confirm this.
3. Missed Abortion
Unlike a miscarriage or spontaneous abortion, in a missed abortion, the fetus stops developing, the heartbeat ceases, and the baby dies inside the uterus. Missed abortion can lead to brown discharge.
4. Molar Pregnancy
In this type of pregnancy, instead of the fetus, an abnormal growth of tissue that resembles a fetus grows inside the uterus. It is sometimes mistaken for pregnancy, hence the name. Brown discharge can be due to this phenomenon. (3). Immediate medical attention is needed as this growth can easily turn out to be cancerous and life-threatening.
[Read : Everything About Molar Pregnancy]
5. Ectopic Pregnancy
Pregnancy that happens in the fallopian tube (though very rare), instead of the uterus, is called an ectopic pregnancy. This can give rise to brown discharge as a result of internal haemorrhage.
6. Cervical Polyp
A small, elongated tumour that grows on the surface of the cervical canal is known as a cervical polyp. Brown discharge is one of its symptoms.
7. Abnormalities of the Placenta
Placenta previa, where the placenta is covering the opening of the cervix, can cause brown discharge without pain.
8. Placental Abruption
When the placenta gets separated from the uterus, brown discharge with pain will follow.
[Read: Placental Abruption]
When Should I Seek Medical Attention If I Experience Brown Discharge At Pregnancy Time?
Even though the brown discharge can be harmless, there is an equal chance that it could be a sign of some serious issues. Therefore, it is important to evaluate its quantity, appearance, and odour, and seek medical attention if something seems not normal. Look out for the following signs and if any of them is relevant for you, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
- Though it is quite normal to have a brown discharge due to implantation bleeding, it ought to be evaluated. Mild release, which can be managed by a pantry lining, is fine. All the same, if the discharge is in moderate levels, you should consult your physician right away.
- An occasional brown discharge during pregnancy, again, which can be managed by a panty liner, is no cause to worry. However, brown discharge that lasts longer than a week after having sex, or if the discharge is itchy or has a bad odour, consult your doctor immediately, as this could be a sign of some infections.
- Pain in the abdomen and clots or tissue in the brown discharge should be brought to the attention of your doctor immediately, as it indicates missed abortion, which needs an immediate uterine evacuation.
- Whenever the discharge is followed by abdominal cramps (even mild), foul smell, or has a watery-like appearance, call your doctor.
- Fever and chills accompanying the brown discharge can be an indication of serious infections of the kidney or uterus, which should immediately be brought to the attention of the doctor.
- Brown discharge accompanied by lightheadedness, severe pain, and cramps can be a sign of ectopic gestation. It is a medical emergency as far as the life of the mother is considered, and the pregnancy should be terminated as soon as possible.
[Read : Cramps During Pregnancy]
What Should I Do If I Experience Brown Discharge?
Now you know the reasons and risks of brown discharge during the pregnancy. You also know when you should seek medical attention. The doctor will treat you according to the cause. Brown discharge is due to either significant issues or harmless causes; here are some measures that ensure the safety of both the mother and child.
1. Take Care of Yourself
Go to medical checkups regularly and complete all the checkups on time, so that any problems can diagnose and take treatment in the initial stage itself.
2. Reduce the Physical Activities
Avoid as many physical activities as you can, once you notice the brown discharge. Stay at it until you visit your doctor. Never lift weights even it seems like you could do it easily.
3. Take Plenty of Rest
Taking rest is the best thing you can do during pregnancy. Increase the time of your rest. Lie down as much as you can and relax your body.
4. Don’t Lift Heavy Objects
Don’t lift heavy objects during pregnancy because it makes more strain to your body and gets tired.
5. Reduce Stress and Workload
This refers to both the physical and mental health of pregnant women. Take help from family members or from some other to reduce your workload. Maintain peace of mind without taking more stress on you.
6. Elevate Your Feet
When sitting or lying down, prop your feet upward. This will aid with good blood circulation, cutting down the quantity of brown discharge.
7. Take Medication
The medication depends on the nature of the problem during pregnancy. Some women don’t require any medication also.
8. Stay Clean
Take extra care of your private parts. Always keep them clean and dry. This will prevent further chances of infection. Remember to use non-scented soaps. Never attempt to cleanse inside the vagina.
Brown discharge during pregnancy is often harmless and caused by normal bodily changes, such as implantation bleeding or cervical sensitivity. However, it can sometimes signal more serious conditions like miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or placenta-related issues. It’s essential for expectant mothers to closely monitor the nature, timing, and associated symptoms of the discharge. When in doubt, consulting a healthcare professional ensures timely diagnosis and peace of mind. Listening to your body, staying informed, and maintaining regular prenatal care are key to ensuring both maternal and fetal well-being.
FAQs
1. Is Brown Discharge In Early Pregnancy Always a Sign of Miscarriage?
Not necessarily. Brown discharge in early pregnancy is often due to implantation bleeding or cervical irritation. However, if it’s accompanied by cramping, tissue, or heavy bleeding, it may indicate a miscarriage and should be evaluated by a doctor.
2. Can Sexual Intercourse Cause Brown Discharge During Pregnancy?
Yes. During pregnancy, the cervix becomes more sensitive and rich in blood vessels. Mild brown spotting after intercourse can result from cervical irritation and is usually harmless unless accompanied by pain or other unusual symptoms.
3. When Should I Worry About Brown Discharge During Pregnancy?
Seek medical attention if the discharge is heavy, persistent, foul-smelling, or accompanied by cramping, fever, chills, or dizziness. These could indicate infections, ectopic pregnancy, or other complications that need prompt medical care.
Read Also: Yellow Discharge During Pregnancy: What’s Normal And When To Seek Help?
Reference
- Written by Lana Burgess: Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321929
- NHS, Miscarriage Symptoms – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/miscarriage/symptoms
- Cancer Research UK – https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/gestational-trophoblastic-disease-gtd/molar-pregnancy/symptoms
