It can be difficult to distinguish between the vaginal discharge that occurs before a period and the vaginal discharge that accompanies early pregnancy. However, if you start monitoring how your vaginal discharge changes during your menstrual cycle, you may be able to learn to detect the difference between your cervical mucus before a period, just before ovulation, and that of early pregnancy. These physical signs of ovulation and early pregnancy are generally subtle, and therefore they should not be taken as indicators of fertility or pregnancy in the early weeks after conception. A pregnancy test is a more reliable confirmation of pregnancy. If you are pregnant, however, you can expect to experience vaginal discharge throughout your pregnancy.
Vaginal Discharge and Cervical Mucus
It is normal for your body to discharge fluids throughout the menstrual cycle, and cervical mucus is one component of this vaginal discharge. Despite its name, cervical mucus isn’t actually produced by the cervix, but rather by glands located near the cervix. Cervical mucus plays an important role in your reproductive system. In the non-fertile stages of the menstrual cycle, it becomes thick and sticky to prevent infection. When you’re about to ovulate, 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, and the 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.”
Vaginal Discharge Changes 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 a mild odor (or no odor). Increasing vaginal discharge is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. This discharge is referred to as leukorrhea. The term frequently refers to vaginal discharge during pregnancy, but leukorrhea is also present in non-pregnant people. In your first trimester of pregnancy, vaginal discharge increases in an effort to remove dead cells and bacteria from the uterus and vagina to help prevent infections. The amount of vaginal discharge you 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 the mucus plug. This plug blocks the opening of your cervix to prevent an infection from entering the uterus and harming the baby. While vaginal discharge can be an early indicator of pregnancy, it is usually associated with other first trimester pregnancy symptoms as well, such as:
NauseaVomitingMood swingsTender breastsFatigueFood cravings or aversionsConstipationBloating or gasHeartburn or indigestion
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 your doctor to determine whether or not you are pregnant.
Brown or Pink Vaginal 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. If it seems like very light bleeding, it could be spotting. Usually, this brown-or pink-tinged discharge does not indicate a problem. Here are some of the common causes:
Implantation
Some pregnant people (but not all) 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 of implantation—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. It’s unlikely that implantation itself actually causes spotting or bleeding. The name is based on the timing.
Intercourse or Vaginal Exam
At any time in pregnancy, you may experience brown-or pink-tinged discharge following intercourse or an internal exam. This 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 considered safe for those who are pregnant as long as the pregnancy is healthy and the OB/GYN has given the okay to do so.
Vigorous Exercise
A hard workout can 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. Otherwise, exercise is considered safe as long as you and your pregnancy are healthy. Working out does not increase your risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, or early delivery.
Bloody Show
At the end of pregnancy, as your cervix begins to dilate, the mucus plug slowly breaks down and may come out in small bits, large clumps, or mucousy streaks. This may make vaginal discharge appear brownish or pinkish. Not everyone experiences or notices a “bloody show.” While it means that birth is approaching, it could happen hours, days, or even weeks before true labor begins.
When to Call Your Doctor
Some changes in vaginal discharge during pregnancy can be signs of infection that need to be treated promptly. Check in with your healthcare 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 odorlessConsistency: Frothy or chunky/cottage cheese-like instead of stringy
If the discharge is very watery and seems excessive, it could be amniotic fluid (or even urine). Since leaking amniotic fluid could be a sign of preterm labor, it’s important to call your doctor and have this checked out. 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 infectionsTrichomoniasisAtrophic vaginitis
It is especially important to look out for the symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis (BV), which include a thin white or gray discharge, vaginal pain, itching, or burning, a strong fish-like odor (especially after sex), and burning during urination. For those who are pregnant, bacterial vaginosis increases your chances of premature birth or low birth weight. Yeast infections are also very common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, which in turn 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.
A Word From Verywell
Vaginal discharge is an early pregnancy sign that is typically thin, milky-white, or colorless. You may notice a mild odor or none at all. While it can be uncomfortable or annoying, vaginal discharge during pregnancy serves an important purpose: to prevent infections in the vagina and, ultimately, the womb. As your pregnancy progresses, you may notice even more vaginal discharge. Try wearing breathable underwear, change them often, and/or use unscented panty liners (never tampons) to help manage the increase. If it remains generally colorless and odorless, there is usually no cause for concern. If you have any questions or concerns, or experience bleeding or a change in the amount, consistency, color, or odor of discharge, it’s important to call your doctor.
