loading page

Is vaginal discharge a natural or pathological problem in pregnant women associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes?: A cross-sectional study
  • +1
  • Meharunnissa Khaskheli,
  • Shahla Baloch,
  • Aneela Sheeba Baloch,
  • Syed Ghulam Sarwar Shah
Meharunnissa Khaskheli
Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Shahla Baloch
Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences
Author Profile
Aneela Sheeba Baloch
Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences
Author Profile
Syed Ghulam Sarwar Shah
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Author Profile

Abstract

Objective: To differentiate between normal and pathological vaginal discharge (PVD) in pregnant women and to identify causes of and adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with PVD. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: Outpatient antenatal clinics. Population / Sample: Pregnant women, Convenience sample (N=85). Methods: Data were collected through history, clinical examination and laboratory investigations. Data analysed by frequencies, descriptive statistics and Chi-Squared tests. Main outcome measures: Vaginal discharge (VD), age, gestation, parity and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Results: Women’s mean age was 27.4 (±4.67) years. Majority of women were 26-31 years old (40%), 28-35 weeks pregnant (34%) and primigravida (41%). Of 89% (n=76) women with VD, 32% (n=24) had normal VD and 68% (n=52) PVD. Normal VD was watery (100%) and odourless (96%) while PVD was yellowish curd like (33%) and foul smelling (52%). PVD was significantly associated with bacterial vaginosis (P < 0.0001), candidiasis (P = 0.005) and trichomoniasis (P = 0.018). A higher proportion of women with PVD reported irritation (P < 0.0001), pain (P < 0.0001), uterine contractions (P < 0.0001), premature membrane rupture (P < 0.0001), abortion (P < 0.042), pre-term delivery (P < 0.0001) and post-partum endometritis (P < 0.0001). PVD was also associated with low birth weight (P < 0.0001), low Apgar score at birth (P < 0.0001), respiratory distress syndrome (P < 0.0001), intensive neonatal care hospitalisation (P = 0.001) and early neonatal death (P = 0.002). Conclusions: Vaginal discharge in pregnancy requires early investigation to avoid any adverse fetomaternal outcomes associated with pathological vaginal discharge.