What Does Early Pregnancy Discharge Look Like?

It can be difficult for women to recognize early signs of pregnancy. Many women don’t even know they are pregnant until four weeks after the start of their last menstrual period. However, one of the earliest signs of pregnancy is a change in vaginal discharge. It is important for women to be familiar with their normal discharge so that changes can be recognized. To help women better understand what early pregnancy discharge looks like, we have outlined the main changes below.

Types of Normal Vaginal Discharge

Before discussing what early pregnancy discharge looks like, it is important to understand the types of discharge that are considered normal. Normal vaginal discharge can be clear to slightly milky and vary in consistency from runny to stringy. There may also be a small amount of vaginal wetness during sexual arousal. The amount and consistency of normal vaginal discharge fluctuates throughout the menstrual cycle and is usually influenced by hormones.

Early Pregnancy Discharge

One of the earliest signs of pregnancy is the change in vaginal discharge. During the first trimester of pregnancy, the main change in discharge is an increase in volume and consistency. Early pregnancy discharge is generally slimy, clear or slightly milky, and odorless. The excessive amount of discharge is caused by an increase in the amount of estrogen and blood flow to the vagina. It is important to note that some women have excessive discharge quite early on in their pregnancies, while others do not.

When to Be Concerned

It is important to be aware of changes in vaginal discharge and alert your doctor if these changes are concerning. If the discharge is green, yellow, or has a strong odor, or if it is accompanied by itching, burning, or abdominal pain, it is best to contact a healthcare provider to ensure that the pregnancy is healthy.

Overall, it is normal for vaginal discharge to increase during early pregnancy. However, if a woman is concerned about any changes, it is important to contact her healthcare provider. Knowing what to expect from one’s discharge can help a woman recognize changes that may be a sign of a pregnancy complication.