What Causes Brown Vaginal Discharge During 20 Weeks Of Pregnancy?

Posted on Mon, 27 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 Answered on

Thu, 20 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, I am currently 20 weeks pregnant on bedrest due to placenta previa...(had two bleeds at 16 weeks). Since then have brown discharge...first dark brown now a little lighter. I have had three previous sections. Not sure of grade of PP, know it is posterior. In your opinion is my brown discharge a cause for concern? Should I see my Ob, or only if it is bright red. In your experience, what is the outcome for baby and mother? What should I ask my OB?

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
see detailed description

Detailed Answer:
Hello, I understand your health concerns.
This brown discharge is due to the old clotted blood present in cervix coming out bit by bit along with vaginal secretions.
There is no need to rush to your gynecologist, just keep taking full bed rest and all medicine given.
Placenta previa is a very tricky disease and may not bleed at all till full term but at times can bleed while on full bed rest.
Posterior low lying placenta bleeds more often and might need cesarean section for delivery of baby.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar