white mucus in stool

I am 18 weeks pregnant, age 35.  Since the beginning of my pregnancy ( possibly just before) I've noticed small amounts of white mucus in some of my bowel movements, maybe 30 to 50% of them.  Occassionaly the mucus is clear or yellow instead of white.  I've been to a gastroenterologist about 10 weeks ago, as well as my general practicioner.  Because I have no blood, pain or diarehha both doctors said it was nothing to worry about.  But as a mother of 2 soon to be 3 children I do worry that I will be around to raise them.  I guess my biggest concern is that this could be colon cancer.  Is this a symptom of colon cancer? (It does not run in my family as of yet.)  Can or should I have a colonoscopy during pregnancy?  What could this be and what should I do besides ignore it.  Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

You note mucous in your stool.  Diseases associated with this include malabsorption syndromes or inflammatory bowel disease - however you would expect diarrhea to be present.  Colorectal cancer can also present with any change in bowel habits, including mucous in the stool.  

In general, elective colonoscopies are not performed on pregnant patients.  However, a flexible sigmoidoscopy does not require conscious sedation and can be performed during pregnancy.  I would discuss this test with your personal physician.  A flex sig can evaluate for polyps, cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease.  A fecal fat test for malabsorption may also be considered.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.