At 39+4 weeks pregnant, with increased vaginal discharge, how long until delivery?

Jan 22, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Introduction
In general, increased vaginal discharge at 39+4 weeks of pregnancy cannot be used to determine the exact time of delivery. If the specific timing of labor is uncertain, it is recommended to promptly consult a doctor at a正规 hospital. To ensure a smooth delivery, pregnant women approaching the onset of labor should maintain a calm and relaxed mindset, avoid excessive tension and anxiety, and preserve their physical strength.

In general, increased vaginal discharge at 39+4 weeks of pregnancy cannot be used to determine the exact time of delivery. If the specific timing of labor is uncertain, it is recommended to promptly consult a doctor at a正规 hospital. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Clinically, increased discharge at 39+4 weeks of pregnancy may be a normal physiological phenomenon, as this stage falls within the third trimester, during which pregnant women commonly experience increased vaginal secretions. To estimate the timing of delivery, doctors at hospitals can assess clear signs of impending labor, including whether the fetal head has descended into the pelvis, the presence of uterine contractions, and vaginal bleeding. Generally, 1–2 weeks before labor begins, pregnant women may feel a sense of relief in the upper abdomen along with pressure in the lower abdomen, due to the descent of the presenting part of the fetus into the pelvic cavity. Additionally, irregular uterine contractions frequently occur. Furthermore, in the 24–48 hours preceding delivery, many women experience vaginal bleeding (commonly known as "show"). The presence of these symptoms typically indicates that labor is imminent.

To ensure a smooth delivery, pregnant women should maintain a calm and relaxed mindset as they approach the delivery period, avoiding excessive tension and anxiety, while also preserving their physical strength.