Clinicopathological vaginal discharge among pregnant women: Pattern of occurrence and associated complications

Abstract

Vaginal discharge is a common gynaecological condition among women of childbearing age that requires care. Pathological vaginal discharge can cause serious harm to pregnant women and the newborn.To determine the prevalence, pattern and risk factors associated with clinicopathological discharge and its complications.A prospective study was done from January 2019 to August 2019 in Department of OBG at Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical sciences, Bellur, Karnataka. The study included all cases of pregnant women with vaginal discharge.A total of 100 women attending antenatal clinic with white discharge were studied. Out of which 30 (30%) women were symptomatic and 70 (70%) asymptomatic. Out of 30 (30%) symptomatic patients there were 23 (76.6%) Vaginal Candidiasis, 6 (20%) Bacterial Vaginosis and 1 (3.3%) Trichomoniasis. Out of 30 (30%) symptomatic patients there were 8 (26.6%) developed threatened preterm, 6 (20%) PROM, 2 (6.6%) Preterm delivery. Out of 100 vaginal discharge patients there were 58 (58%) primigravida and 42 (42%) multigravida.Pathological vaginal discharge in pregnant women is found to be most common in younger age group and in primigravida. Strong association has been found between pathological vaginal discharge and threatened preterm, PROM and prematurity. Our study concludes the need for timely detection and advise on good hygiene habits and intervention in the form of medical management and prevention of complications.