The consistency of vaginal discharge changes throughout the menstrual cycle, so it should be no surprise that it also changes during pregnancy. If you've been monitoring your discharge during your cycle to pinpoint ovulation while trying to conceive, you may be wondering if the appearance of your cervical mucus can also help identify when you're pregnant.
While vaginal discharge does begin to change as soon as you get pregnant, like other signs of very early pregnancy, the changes are generally subtle and can also be attributed to other factors, so the best way to know if you are pregnant is by taking a pregnancy test. Ahead, we'll break down early pregnancy discharge, what to pay attention to, and when it's important to contact a health care provider.
What To Know About Vaginal Discharge
It is normal for your body to discharge fluids throughout the menstrual cycle, and cervical mucus is one component of this vaginal discharge.
Cervical mucus plays an important role in yourreproductive system. In the non-fertile stages of the menstrual cycle, it becomes thick and sticky to prevent infection. When you're about toovulate, it becomes more watery, thin, slippery, stretchy, and abundant, which allows sperm to more easily swim and survive.
You may notice an increase in vaginal discharge right before your period. This change is caused by increased blood flow, changing estrogen levels, andthe cervix preparing for menstruation. Monitoring your vaginal discharge (in particular, your cervical mucus) can also help you identify your most fertile time or "fertile window."
What Happens To Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy
Just as vaginal discharge changes throughout the menstrual cycle, it also changes during pregnancy. It is usually thin, milky-white, or colorless, and with little to no odor. Increasing vaginal discharge is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. This discharge is referred to asleukorrhea. The term frequently refers to vaginal discharge during pregnancy, but leukorrhea is also present in non-pregnant people.
In yourfirst trimesterof pregnancy, vaginal discharge increases in an effort to remove dead cells and bacteria from the uterus and vagina to help prevent infections. Theamount of vaginal dischargeyou experience will increase gradually as your pregnancy progresses. As long as it remains generally colorless and odorless, it is normal and not cause for concern.
Over time, this discharge also helps form themucus plug. This plug blocks the opening of yourcervixto prevent an infection from entering the uterus and harming the baby.
Early Signs of Pregnancy
While vaginal discharge can be an early indicator of pregnancy, other early signs of pregnancy include:
- Bloating or gas
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Food cravings or aversions
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Mood swings
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Tender breasts
If you are noticing an increase in vaginal discharge and believe it's associated with pregnancy, it is best to take a pregnancy test or plan a visit with a health care provider to determine whether or not you are pregnant.
What If I Notice Brown or Pink Discharge During Pregnancy?
Brown or pinkish vaginal discharge may also occur during pregnancy. This could appear as light streaks or spots of color on your underwear or the toilet paper when you wipe after using the toilet. If it seems like very light bleeding, it could bespotting. Usually, this brown-or pink-tinged discharge doesn't indicate a problem. Here are some of the common causes.
Implantation bleeding
Some pregnant people see a small amount of brown or pink discharge or spotting at the very beginning of pregnancy, around the time their period is due. This may be a sign ofimplantation, which is when an embryo implants in the uterine lining about 10 days after fertilization. This type of bleeding should never be enough to fill a pad or tampon, and most people only notice it when they wipe.
Sexual intercourse or a vaginal exam
Intercourse and internal vaginal exams are common causes of brown-or pink-tinged discharge at any time in pregnancy. The spotting happens because the cervix and vagina are easily irritated during pregnancy, thanks to increased blood flow in the area.
During intercourse, penetration is the most common cause of spotting. Along these lines, orgasms have the potential to cause cramping. That said, sex is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but if you have concerns, it's important to speak to a health care provider.
Vigorous exercise
A hardworkoutcan cause spotting or tinged discharge at any point in pregnancy. As long as it does not progress to bleeding, it is usually just a sign that you should ease up on exercise. That said, it's a good idea to discuss any spotting after exercise with a health care provider.
Exercise is also generally considered safe and healthy during pregnancy unless your health care provider says otherwise. Working out does not increase your risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, or early delivery.
When To Contact a Health Care Provider
Some changes in vaginal discharge during pregnancy can be signs of infection that need to be treated promptly. Check in with a health care provider if you notice redness, itching, or swelling in the vulva, or changes in discharge including:
- Color: Yellow, green, or gray rather than colorless or white; bright red (indicating bleeding)
- Odor: Strong or foul smell rather than mild or odorless
- Consistency: Frothy or chunky/cottage cheese-like instead of stringy
If the discharge is very watery and seems excessive, it could beamniotic fluidor even urine. Since leaking amniotic fluid could be asign of preterm labor, it's important to contact a health care provider and have this checked out.
What If You See Blood?
Vaginal bleeding(as opposed to light spotting or pink-tinged discharge) during pregnancy always warrants a call to a medical professional. Be sure to contact a health care provider right away if you have any vaginal bleeding.
Changes in vaginal discharge can also signal vaginitis, or inflammation of the vagina. Some of the main causes of vaginitis include antibiotic use, sexual intercourse, and change in hormone levels during pregnancy. Common types of vaginitis include:
- Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- Yeast infections
- Trichomoniasis
- Atrophic vaginitis
It is especially important to look out for the symptoms of BV, which include a thin white or gray discharge, a strong fish-like odor (especially after sex), burning sensation during urination, and vaginal pain, itching, or burning. For those who are pregnant,bacterial vaginosis increases the chances of premature birth or low birth weight.
Yeast infections are also common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, which can cause an imbalance of yeast and bacteria in the vagina. Symptoms specific to a yeast infection include itching and burning of the vagina and/or a thick, white discharge.
As your pregnancy progresses, you may notice even more vaginal discharge. Try wearing breathable underwear, changing them often, and using unscented panty liners (never tampons) to help manage it. If your discharge remains generally colorless and odorless, there is usually no cause for concern.
