What causes increased vaginal discharge at 34 weeks of pregnancy?
Increased vaginal discharge at 34 weeks of pregnancy is usually caused by normal physiological changes, cervicitis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, or premature rupture of membranes. Pregnant women should promptly visit a hospital for examination and treatment. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Normal phenomenon: During pregnancy, elevated levels of hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can stimulate increased vaginal discharge. This is typically not accompanied by other discomforts and does not require special treatment.
2. Cervicitis: Pregnant women have reduced immunity, making them susceptible to pathogens that may invade the cervix and cause cervicitis, leading to increased discharge, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and vulvar itching. It is recommended that pregnant women follow medical advice to use medications such as Fuke Qianjin tablets, cefixime granules, or roxithromycin dispersible tablets for treatment.
3. Vulvovaginal candidiasis: If a pregnant woman is infected with Candida, it may lead to vulvovaginal candidiasis, causing symptoms such as increased discharge, vulvar itching, and burning sensation. Treatment should be conducted under medical guidance using medications like nifuratel-nystatin vaginal suppositories, miconazole nitrate suppositories, or clotrimazole vaginal tablets.
4. Bacterial vaginosis: Dysbiosis of the normal vaginal flora may lead to mixed infections and result in bacterial vaginosis. Symptoms include increased thin, watery discharge with a fishy odor, often accompanied by vulvar itching and burning. Treatment under medical supervision may include clindamycin hydrochloride vaginal effervescent tablets, nifuratel-nystatin vaginal soft capsules, or nifuratel vaginal tablets.
5. Premature rupture of membranes (PROM): PROM refers to spontaneous rupture of the amniotic sac before labor begins, resulting in leakage of amniotic fluid through the vagina and causing increased discharge. It typically does not cause abdominal pain. Medical treatment may involve administration of dexamethasone acetate injection, compound betamethasone injection, or enteric-coated erythromycin capsules as prescribed.
Pregnant women should ensure adequate rest, attend regular prenatal checkups, maintain a positive mood, and avoid excessive tension or anxiety to prevent adverse effects on fetal development.