The difference between menstruation and pregnancy leucorrhea

There is a big difference between menstruation and leucorrhea during pregnancy. First of all, leucorrhea refers to the most important secretion in the female reproductive system, but leucorrhea during pregnancy is different from ordinary leucorrhea. Generally, most leucorrhea is normal, with a relatively white or transparent texture. Some may have a slight odor or bleeding. In addition, menstruation mainly has red blood stains, may be accompanied by blood clots, have a bloody smell, and is darker in color.

Changes in vaginal discharge during pregnancy

Leucorrhea is an important manifestation of female genital reproductive health. What changes will occur in leucorrhea after pregnancy? Usually, excessive vaginal discharge will occur three to four weeks after pregnancy. The vaginal discharge has no odor, is clear and free of impurities. Routine vaginal discharge testing shows no bacteria, the pH value is between 4.2 and 4.7, and the granulococcal test generally shows a plus sign.

In addition, one week before delivery, that is, during the 39th week, the amount of vaginal discharge will increase sharply. Generally speaking, a 39-week pregnant woman will give birth within a week after her vaginal discharge increases. There may be blood in the leucorrhea 24 hours before delivery. Therefore, if there is excessive leucorrhea in the early stages of pregnancy, there is no need to worry if the color and smell of the leucorrhea are normal. This is a normal physiological phenomenon. However, if there is excessive vaginal discharge or abnormal color or texture, such as bad odor or yellow color. At this time, you should be alert to whether there is gynecological inflammation and go to the hospital for an examination for effective symptomatic treatment.

Menstruation is coming

In order to explain this issue, we must first understand the structure and physiological functions of female reproductive organs.

The female internal reproductive organs consist of the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. The main function of the ovaries is to produce eggs and synthesize ovarian hormones, while the uterus and fallopian tubes are reproductive organs. The ovaries contain tens of thousands of follicles, each of which contains one egg.

Before puberty, the follicles are essentially non-functional. During puberty, under the action of gonadotropin from the anterior pituitary gland, immature follicles gradually develop and synthesize estrogen. When the follicle matures and ovulates, the follicle wall collapses, the cells become larger and yellower, and are called the corpus luteum. It synthesizes estrogen and produces progesterone.

As the ovaries change, the endometrium is also affected and undergoes corresponding cyclical changes. Estrogen causes the endometrium to thicken, the endometrial cells to increase in number and size, and the arterioles in the interstitium to become more tortuous and spiral, which is called the proliferative endometrium. After ovulation, due to the combined effects of estrogen and progesterone, the endometrium becomes edematous, the glands produce a large amount of mucus and glycogen, and the thickness of the endometrium increases from 1 mm to 6 mm, which is called the secretory endometrium.