Vaginal Discharge in Pregnancy: The Relationship of Uterine Contractions in the Case of Preterm Birth

Vaginal discharge caused by infection and inflammation could lead to premature rupture of the membranes, which increases the risk of premature labor. If not handled properly, preterm delivery elevates the neonatal mortality risk and morbidity rate. This study aims to know the relationship between uterine contractions with preterm.

Observational research and cross-sectional design on pregnant women with vaginal discharge and without vaginal discharge based on criteria inclusion was gestational age 16–37 weeks, and exclusion criteria were pregnant women with a history of sexually transmitted diseases.

The results showed that there were 130 pregnant women, of whom 77 (59.23%) have vaginal discharge complaints, and 53 (40.77%) do not have vaginal discharge complaints. Most pregnant women were in their first pregnancy (primigravida) and with 29–36 weeks gestational age. Uterine contractions (his) occurred in 68.8% (P=0.000) of pregnant women with vaginal discharge complaints but did not occur in pregnant women without vaginal discharge complaints.

Vaginal discharge in pregnancy carries the risk of uterine contractions, which may increase the incidence of preterm birth. To conclude, vaginal discharge in pregnancy has a relationship with preterm birth.