Abstract

Background: Vaginal discharge is a common gynecological condition among women of childbearing age that frequently requires care. It affects about one-third of all women and half of pregnant women. This study is designed to investigate the prevalence of increased vaginal discharge during pregnancy, its associated symptoms and the doctor diagnosed causes among pregnant women in different areas of Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out on pregnant women in different regions of Saudi Arabia, during the period from 1 May to 31 July 2019. Data were collected by using a pre-designed online disseminated questionnaire which includes questions designed to fulfill the study objectives. Risk factors were determined using the X2 test. A p-value of less than 0.05 w as considered as statistically significant.
Results: The incidence of increased vaginal discharge among the studied pregnant women was 72.2%. The most common associated symptom reported in our study was itching in 49.2% of cases followed by redness in 48.4%, dysuria in 36%, and swilling in 4.5%. The discharge was colorless in 39.1% of cases, whitish in 32.1%, and yellowish in 28.7%. As regards treatment, 66.3% had medical treatment and improvement occurred in
56%cases, recurrence after treatment occurred in 43.4%. The most common causes were fungal infection in 23.3% of cases, a bacterial infection in 22.6%.
Conclusion: The incidence of increased vaginal discharge among the studied pregnant women was 72.2%. The most common causes were fungal infection in 23.3% of cases, a bacterial infection in 22.6%. Therefore, we recommend health education for pregnant women about the importance of treatment of the cases and following the preventive measures to prevent the recurrence.

Key words: Increased vaginal discharge, pregnant women, Saudi Arabia