Brown Discharge during pregnancy can be a cause of worry to the mother and her family. Brown discharge while pregnant is often mistaken for a light period. The brown discharge is actually stale or coagulated blood that is expelled from the birth canal. Brown discharge in pregnancy is sometimes a sign of an impending miscarriage. But more often than not, the brown discharge is completely normal, and not a cause for worry. However, it is best to consult a doctor at the earliest to rule out any the risk of any birth complications and breathe easy.
Is Brown Discharge in Pregnancy Normal?
During the first trimester, while pregnant, brown discharge in the form of a few spots is harmless and completely normal in most cases. It usually ends within two to three days without any medicinal aid. The discharge is odourless and is not associated with any uncomfortable feelings like burning, or cramps. Some women do not have a brown coloured discharge, but a red or slightly pinkish discharge. This is also normal. If there is no excessive vaginal bleeding, the mother should just take plenty of fluids and rest very well. However, I reiterate, it is best to consult a doctor at the earliest to rule out any possibilities whatsoever of a birth complication later on.
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Why Does Brown Discharge in Early Pregnancy Happen?
Brown discharge can happen due to a variety of reasons. Implantation bleeding is one of the reasons. Implantation bleeding occurs when the fertilized egg is being attached to the lining of the uterus. One out every four women have implantation bleeding as the cause for brown discharge. If the bleeding is not light, but even moderate-not to speak of heavy-a doctor should be consulted.
Brown discharge can also occur due to the extra sensitivity of the vaginal birth canal, and cervix in this period. An increase in hormones and blood flow in the vagina and cervix cause this sensitivity. Irritation and internal chaffing can lead to brown discharge. This problem usually takes care of itself shortly as the body begins to adjust to the changes caused due to implantation of the fertilised egg. If the irritation and brown discharge persists, consult a doctor.
Other Reasons:
Other reasons include harmless cervical polyps on the cervix, growth of fibroids in the lining of the uterus and blood-related disorders like Von Willebrand disease that interfere with the natural clotting of blood.
Except for implantation bleeding, for every other cause of brown discharge, it is a must to get into immediate consultation with a doctor. If there is heavy brown discharge, the mother can experience fatigue, dizziness, nausea, fainting spells, abdominal cramps and fever, which is highly unhealthy for both mother and baby. Depending on the cause of the discharge there can be various treatments.
Ectopic pregnancy:
If the brown discharge continues for a long period of time, it is generally indicative of a miscarriage. To prevent at the first signs of unhealthy brown discharge, take a doctor’s advice. Heavy and often life-threatening bleeding occurs during a condition called Ectopic pregnancy when the fertilised egg begins to develop not in the uterus, but in the fallopian tube itself. This can be life-threatening due to excessive bleeding and a corresponding drop in blood pressure. If there are heavy vaginal discharge and abdominal pain and cramps, do not wait but visit a doctor immediately.
Molar Pregnancy:
Brown discharge can also happen due to an extremely rare case of Molar pregnancy where the development of the embryo is not proper, but the placental cells grow and multiply anyway. A Molar pregnancy is extremely serious and must be treated immediately to prevent dire consequences. Brown discharge, though it may start out seemingly normal, can have very some serious cause behind it. It is not to be taken lightly.
Brown discharge can also take place due to placental abnormalities when the placenta covers the mouth of the cervix, or the placenta is prematurely separated from the uterus. There is heavy bleeding along with severe pain in the case of the latter placental abnormality. Placental abnormalities are very serious and require immediate medical attention for the safety of both mother and baby.
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Infections in the vagina and cervix can also lead to brown discharge. These are usually accompanied by an uncomfortable feeling in the vagina. Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent the infection from spreading and worsening and causing any serious birth complication.
Brown discharge can also occur due to a sudden physically stressful activity, or perhaps a fall. In either case, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.
How do I Solve This Issue of Brown Discharge?
For starters, do not panic. A calm mental atmosphere is necessary for the health of both mother and baby. Take a stock of your condition objectively, with a calm mind. Is the discharge heavy or just a few spots? What is the colour of the discharge? Am I experiencing any discomfort? Am I experiencing any fatigue, nausea or abdominal cramps? If so, then how often are the cramps occurring? After taking some time to take a stock of your condition and answer the above questions, consult with your doctor immediately so that he may determine the cause of the brown discharge.
After the visit to the doctor, if the verdict is implantation bleeding, then breathe easy. Implantation bleeding can lead to mood swings and headaches. There are many natural ways to counter the symptoms of implantation bleeding. Drink plenty of water and other fluids like fruit juices and green tea to strengthen, freshen and detoxify your body. Take ample rest to rejuvenate yourself. Go for leisurely strolls for exercise, after consulting with your doctor.
You could try breathing exercises to calm your mind. Make sure that you do not feel any mental tension at all. Read comforting books and listen to gentle music. The key to a healthy body is happy and healthy mental health. However, I shall reiterate once more. Do not take brown discharge while pregnant lightly. Consult with your doctor immediately so that there is no undue complication later on. Stay healthy, stay happy!
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