Brown discharge during pregnancy: causes & warning signs

Brown Discharge in Pregnancy: What It Means and When to Act

During pregnancy, every change in the body can lead to doubts or concerns, especially when it comes to vaginal secretions. One of the most frequent reasons for consultation is the appearance of brown discharge. Is it normal? Can it be a sign of something serious? In this article we answer your questions with clear information based on scientific evidence.

Brown discharge can be a concern, but it's not always a cause for alarm.

What is brown discharge and why does it occur?

Brown discharge in pregnancy is usually due to the presence of old blood mixed with normal vaginal discharge. Its color can vary between light and dark brown, and its texture can be liquid or thick. It usually appears in small amounts and is not usually accompanied by pain.

The most common causes include:

• Implantation of the embryo, in the first weeks.
• Hormonal changes, which affect the cervical mucus.
• Irritation of the cervix, from sexual intercourse or vaginal examinations.
• Subchorionic hematomas, visible on some ultrasounds.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), 15 to 25% of women experience some bleeding in the first trimester, and it is not always associated with serious complications.

When is it normal and when is it not?

In most cases, brown discharge is normal and transient, especially in the first trimester. However, there are situations in which an urgent medical evaluation is required:

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain.
• Heavy or bright red discharge.
• Presence of clots.
• Fever, malaise, or foul discharge odor.
• Brown discharge in late stages of pregnancy, especially if accompanied by contractions or pelvic pressure.

These symptoms may be related to threats of miscarriage, infections, preterm labor, or placental abruption, and require immediate attention. It is essential not to self-medicate and to consult a midwife or gynecologist if you have any doubts.

"Isolated brown discharge, without pain or other symptoms, is common and usually has a benign cause. But it should always be assessed in the context of each pregnancy."

What to do if brown discharge appears?

If you notice brown discharge, the first thing to do is to observe if there are other accompanying symptoms. In the absence of pain, fever, or active bleeding, you can follow these steps:

• Avoid sex and douching for a few days.
• Rest and avoid intense physical exertion.
• Wear cotton underwear and avoid scented products in the intimate area.
• Write down when it appeared, its quantity, color and if it repeats itself.

If the discharge persists for more than 2 or 3 days, see your health care provider, even if there are no other symptoms. A follow-up with ultrasound or physical examination can clarify the origin.

Brown discharge in the third trimester: special attention

In the final stages of pregnancy, brown discharge may be related to:

• The mucus plug, which sometimes comes off days before delivery and may have brown or reddish streaks.
• Cervical changes, such as effacement and dilation.
• Risk of preterm birth or placental abruption, in more severe cases.

Therefore, in the third trimester no bleeding should be minimized. Go to the hospital if you're close to 37 weeks and notice brown discharge accompanied by contractions or fluid loss.