Brown discharge during pregnancy is fairly common, especially in the first trimester, and is usually caused by hormonal changes or minor irritation. In many cases, it is not a reason to worry and can happen naturally as the body adjusts to pregnancy.
However, brown discharge can sometimes be an early sign of a more serious condition, such as an infection, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or problems with the placenta. Knowing when it is normal and when it could signal a complication is essential for keeping both you and your baby healthy.
If the discharge is light and short-lived, it is often harmless. But if you notice heavy bleeding, cramping, fever, or other symptoms, you should seek medical care immediately.
Normal vs. when to seek help
Check-out the instances of when brown discharge during pregnancy is normal and when to seek medical care:
Understanding what causes brown discharge during pregnancy and when to seek medical help can help you protect your health and ensure a safe pregnancy.
Common causes
Spotting or brown discharge in pregnancy can be caused by:
1. Normal pregnancy-related changes
Brown discharge typically occurs when small amounts of blood take longer to exit the body, causing the blood to oxidize and turn brown in color. This is particularly common during hormonal changes in early pregnancy.
It is also possible to notice changes after physical activity, like going to the gym, climbing stairs, or carrying heavy groceries.
What to do: Brown discharge in small amounts is considered to be normal and no treatment is required. However, if discharge is heavy, lasts for longer than 3 days, or if you notice other symptoms like vaginal itching, abdominal pain or cramping, you should see an OB/GYN for assessment and to initiate treatment as necessary.
Also recommended: Yellow Discharge During Pregnancy: 7 Causes & What It Means tuasaude.com/en/yellow-discharge-during-pregnancy2. STI
Some sexually transmitted infections, like gonorrhea or chlamydia, can cause brown discharge. It is typically noted following unprotected sex, and can occur with other symptoms like discharge with foul odor, pain or burning with urination, pelvic pain and bleeding during sex. Learn more about the most common STIs and how symptoms can vary.
What to do: In this case, you should see an OB/GYN for treatment, which will depend on the infection diagnosed. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics like ceftriaxone, doxycycline or azithromycin. You should disclose your diagnosis to your sexual partner, so that they can be tested, even if they do not present with any symptoms.
3. Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy is a situation in which the embryo implants and develops outside of the uterus. This can occur in the fallopian tubes, varies, abdominal cavity or cervix, leading to symptoms like intense abdominal pain, vaginal heaviness, pain during uterine palpation or pelvic exams, brown discharge or breakthrough bleeding.
Learn more about what causes an ectopic pregnancy and the symptoms that may occur.
What to do: Is it essential to consult an OB/GYN, who will likely order an ultrasound to investigate where the implantation occurred and evaluate whether continuing pregnancy will pose a risk for the mother or baby.
4. Miscarriage
Brown discharge during pregnancy can also be a sign of miscarriage. ;ost miscarriages occur in the first trimester (before 12-14 weeks), with over 80% occurring before 10 weeks of gestation.
A miscarriage can cause symptoms like fever and chills, intense abdominal pain, vagina fluid loss that is odorless and colorless, and vaginal clots . Read more about miscarriage symptoms that you shouldn’t ignore.
What to do: If you notice any symptoms of a miscarriage, you should seek medical assistance immediately. The doctor will order testing to confirm whether you are experiencing a miscarriage and initiate treatment. Treatment usually involves medication and rest to help with expulsion of fetal tissue. Tissue and remnants that are confirmed to remain within the uterus will usually be removed with a D&C procedure.
5. Mild cervical trauma
During pregnancy, cervical tissue and surrounding tissue becomes more vascular, which increases your risk for bleeding. A very mild cervical trauma, from sex or pelvic exam, can cause a very minor cervical injury that can lead to brown discharge. This is not a clinical significant finding that requires urgent assessment.
What to do: Generally, treatment is not necessary. However if discharge persists or increases, you should consult your doctor for assessment and treatment as indicated.
6. Placental issues (abruption, previa, vasa previa)
In the later stages of pregnancy (usually after 20 weeks), brown discharge can be a sign of serious problems with the placenta. The most common conditions include:
- Placental abruption: This occurs when the placenta separates from the wall of the uterus before delivery, often causing painful bleeding and requiring urgent medical care.
- Placenta previa: This happens when the placenta covers the cervix, leading to painless bleeding and often requiring a planned C-section.
- Vasa previa: This rare condition involves fetal blood vessels crossing the cervix, which can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding if not diagnosed before labor.
What to do: If you notice any bleeding during the second or third trimester, you should contact your OB/GYN right away. Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound to check the position of the placenta or look for signs of bleeding.
Depending on the condition, treatment may include avoiding sex or pelvic exams (also called pelvic rest), staying in the hospital for monitoring, getting steroid injections to help the baby’s lungs develop, or planning an early delivery by C-section.
7. Subchorionic hematoma
A subchorionic hematoma happens when blood collects between the uterus and the sac that holds the baby. This can lead to brown discharge or light bleeding during the first trimester. In many cases, the bleeding is light and may stop on its own.
Even though it can be scary, a subchorionic hematoma often goes away without harming the pregnancy. However, depending on its size and location, your doctor may recommend rest or follow-up ultrasounds to monitor it.
What to do: You should see your OB/GYN if you have any bleeding or brown discharge. An ultrasound may be needed to confirm if there is a hematoma and to check your baby’s health. It’s important to follow your doctor’s advice closely.
How to stop it & treatment
If an infection is confirmed, treatment can be started using medication like antifungals (for treatment of a yeast infection) or antibiotics (for treatment of a sexually transmitted infection). However, if an infection has been ruled out, your doctor may just recommend rest and avoidance of any strenuous activity.
Regardless of the cause, you can help to stop brown discharge during pregnancy by:
- Using mild, fragrance-free soap for external genital cleaning.
- Avoiding antibacterial soaps containing triclosan or triclocarban, as these chemicals can cross the placental barrier and may pose risks to fetal development."
- Avoiding vaginal douching throughout pregnancy
- Ensuring underwear fabric is light, loose and made of cotton
- Avoiding use of softeners or bleach on underwear
- Washing underwear with a mild soap and water
- Using breathable, cotton panty liners if needed to maintain comfort and hygiene, changing them regularly throughout the day. Avoid using scented panty liners, as they can cause irritation.
- Ensuring you do not wash the genital area more than twice a day, as this can decrease the natural-occurring bacteria that helps to protect you from infection