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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Brown Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy?

I'm 36 weeks & 4 days pregnant for the past 2 days I've been losing brown mucus discharge, it's more dark brown/ black today,
I went hospital last night & they checked baby & sent me home again, shall I go again as it's a lot darker today

Would be grateful for your answer
Mon, 29 Feb 2016
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OBGYN 's  Response
Hallow Dear,

Brown vaginal bleeding is old bleeding which remains inside for few days and then comes out. When it is of substantial amount, we suspect risk to the life of the baby. However, the bleeding was trivial and after such bleeding, you have been examined in the hospital and sent home with assurance. So no need to worry about the baby.

It is likely that the mouth of the uterus (cervix) has started preparing for the delivery by getting gradually merged into the uterine walls. This process known as effacement of the cervix causes dislodgement of the mucous plug in the cervical canal with some bleeding. When such blood stained mucous come out immediately, it is red in colour, however if it remains inside the vagina (due to very little amount or position) or cervix, the blood and thus the discharge becomes brown.

However, 36 weeks is too early for starting labour process. So I would advise you to have complete rest in the house in a view to postpone the starting of labour pains as far as possible, at least for one week more.

It would be good practice to monitor the well being of the baby by listening to heart sounds (if you can do that) and/or counting the movements of the baby by clock. In left side position lying, in two hours, 10 movements are perceivable. If you note foetal movements getting affected, please report to the Obstetrician ASAP.

I hope this helps you.

Dr. Nishikant Shrotri
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What Causes Brown Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy?

Hallow Dear, Brown vaginal bleeding is old bleeding which remains inside for few days and then comes out. When it is of substantial amount, we suspect risk to the life of the baby. However, the bleeding was trivial and after such bleeding, you have been examined in the hospital and sent home with assurance. So no need to worry about the baby. It is likely that the mouth of the uterus (cervix) has started preparing for the delivery by getting gradually merged into the uterine walls. This process known as effacement of the cervix causes dislodgement of the mucous plug in the cervical canal with some bleeding. When such blood stained mucous come out immediately, it is red in colour, however if it remains inside the vagina (due to very little amount or position) or cervix, the blood and thus the discharge becomes brown. However, 36 weeks is too early for starting labour process. So I would advise you to have complete rest in the house in a view to postpone the starting of labour pains as far as possible, at least for one week more. It would be good practice to monitor the well being of the baby by listening to heart sounds (if you can do that) and/or counting the movements of the baby by clock. In left side position lying, in two hours, 10 movements are perceivable. If you note foetal movements getting affected, please report to the Obstetrician ASAP. I hope this helps you. Dr. Nishikant Shrotri