Gelatinous leaks in pregnancy: what do they mean?

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Gelatinous leaks in pregnancy: what do they mean?

The questions during gestation are many, especially those related to the changing body and the well-being of the baby growing in the womb. Among the phenomena most observed by expectant mothers there are definitely the gelatinous discharge in pregnancy. But when are they a normal event linked to the state of the woman and when should we worry?





In this article

  • Losses during pregnancy
  • Gelatinous mucus: what does it mean?
  • Gelatinous discharge and mucous plug
  • When gelatinous leaks have to worry

Losses during pregnancy

Loss of cervical mucus in pregnancy are a very common occurrence, influenced by the hormonal change which concerns the woman from the moment of conception. Already during the menstrual cycle, which lasts an average of 28 days, the woman sees the gradual change losses, which are more full-bodied close ovulation. During the gestation, obviously the mucus represents an increase in vaginal secretions due to other factors. If it comes to transparent or whitish leaks do not worry, even if they are copious: often it is in fact leucorrea gravidica, a normal and frequent state in those who are expecting a baby. 



If, on the other hand, the mucus discharges are colored (green or yellow) or white but with a consistency similar to ricotta cheese, maybe smelly, then you might be faced with a vaginal infection. In this case, it is better to contact the gynecologist who will decide whether or not to undergo a vaginal swab.

Read also: Vaginal candida, symptoms, treatments and everything you need to know

Gelatinous mucus: what does it mean?

He mucus discharge have consistency gelatinous do not immediately be alarmed: many times, in case of leucorrea gravidica, it happens that the losses are of type sticky, similar to those of ovulation. In that case it is something normal that many pregnant women experience due to hormonal changes.



Many of them, however, fear that they will not notice the loss of the mucous plug and therefore endanger the life of their baby.

Gelatinous discharge and mucous plug

The concern of future mothers it is therefore connected to the loss of the mucous plug, but in reality it is a fear that has no reason to exist. The mucous plug is indeed one protection which is created in the first moments of pregnancy, at the height of cervix, to close the cervical canal and prevent bacteria or other elements harmful to the fetus to go back and put it at risk. The mucus condenses and forms a plug, which is then expelled shortly before childbirth thanks to the expansion. It is different from the membrane which protects the baby and for this reason nothing happens if by chance a lot of time is lost before the birth. 

The mucous plug is precisely white and gelatinous, and sometimes it can be ejected little by little, not like a real falling cork! For this reason, if you were in the last weeks of pregnancy and you started to feel some gelatinous discharge, it could be the cork, an absolutely normal phenomenon. Even if it were streaked with blood, you can rest assured: it is the capillaries that break for the beginning of the dilation!

Read also: Mucous plug loss: how to recognize it and what it indicates

When gelatinous leaks have to worry

He losses occur too early (before the 37th week, generally) and you suspect it may be the mucous plug, better talk to the gynecologist, because you could be at risk of premature birth, not so much for the loss of the cork in itself, but because the loss itself indicates the beginning of preparation for labor and therefore of dilation. 

Likewise, be alarmed if the losses they are so abundant that they require the use of a absorbent (not a panty liner!), because they could be linked to the rupture of the membranes. If by chance the mucus were of green color, go immediately to the emergency room to ward off fetal suffering. If it were yellow and / or smelly you might have an infection, and if it contains too much blood it could indicate a detachment of the placenta.

In principle, the cervical mucus discharge, also gelatinous, During the pregnancy they are a frequent symptom. And if you are close to the date of delivery, it is likely that it is a mucous plug, but always check for any changes in mucus and in case report them promptly to your doctor. 

SOURCES

The cervical mucus plug

Cervical Mucus Properties Stratify Risk for Preterm Birth

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