Why does my leucorrhea turn yellow when I am pregnant?

Yellow vaginal discharge during pregnancy may be caused by hormonal changes, vaginitis, cervicitis, bacterial vaginosis, trichomonas vaginitis, etc. It can be improved by keeping clean, taking medication, and regular prenatal check-ups.

1. Hormone changes

Increased estrogen levels after pregnancy will stimulate increased secretion of cervical mucus, which may lead to an increase in the amount of leucorrhea and a yellowish color. This is a physiological change and usually does not require special treatment. It is recommended to wash the vulva with warm water every day, choose cotton breathable underwear, and avoid using irritating lotions. If it is accompanied by itching or odor, you need to seek medical treatment to rule out pathological factors.

2. Vaginitis

Decreased immunity during pregnancy can easily lead to candida vaginitis, and the leucorrhea can be yellow tofu-like, accompanied by burning pain in the vulva. It may be related to changes in vaginal pH and abnormal glucose metabolism during pregnancy. Clotrimazole vaginal tablets or miconazole nitrate suppositories must be used as directed by your doctor, and vaginal washing by yourself is prohibited. Avoid sexual intercourse during treatment, and review leucorrhea routine regularly.

3. Cervicitis

Chronic inflammation of the cervix may worsen during pregnancy, leading to yellow purulent leucorrhea and occasional contact bleeding. Common pathogens are Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which need to be confirmed through cervical secretion testing. Your doctor may recommend using azithromycin tablets or cefixime capsules and monitoring fetal heart rate changes during treatment. Bed rest is required in the acute phase to reduce uterine cavity stimulation.

4. Bacterial vaginosis

When the vaginal flora is imbalanced, excessive proliferation of Gardnerella bacteria can lead to grayish-yellow thin leucorrhea with a fishy odor. It may be related to frequent douching and multiple sexual partners. Metronidazole vaginal gel or clindamycin phosphate vaginal suppository is commonly used in clinical practice. It is forbidden to drink alcohol during the medication. Unstandardized treatment in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth.

5. Trichomonal vaginitis

Trichomonas infection can cause yellow-green foamy leucorrhea and severe itching of the vulva, and is spread through sexual contact. The diagnosis requires detection of trichomonas under a microscope, and the partner needs to be treated simultaneously. Pregnant women can safely use nifurtel and nystatin vaginal soft capsules, but should avoid using tinidazole oral preparations. During treatment, boil and disinfect underwear every day and avoid bathing in public baths.

Abnormal leucorrhea during pregnancy requires timely medical attention to determine the cause to avoid blind use of medications that may affect fetal development. You should keep your vulva dry and breathable every day, wipe it from front to back after going to the toilet, and avoid wearing tight-fitting chemical fiber underwear. Add probiotic-containing foods such as yogurt to your diet and reduce your intake of high-sugar foods. Take a moderate walk to boost your immunity, but avoid overexertion. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience abdominal pain, fever or bloody discharge.