You may notice an increase in white creamy discharge early in pregnancy, due to higher levels of estrogen. White vaginal discharge (called leucorrhea) is nothing to worry about: This early pregnancy discharge is normal and can be clear to milky white, thin or thick, and mild-smelling or odorless. Vaginal discharge that's green, smells unpleasant, causes pain or itching, or seems unusual in any other way could be a sign of infection or another problem. Show
What does creamy white discharge mean during pregnancy?It's perfectly normal to have a mild-smelling milky white discharge even before pregnancy. (It's called leukorrhea.) There's just a lot more of it during pregnancy because your body is producing more estrogen, which signals the vagina to produce more discharge. This discharge is made up of secretions from the cervix and vagina, old cells, and normal vaginal bacteria. Healthy vaginal discharge is usually:
You'll probably also notice more vaginal discharge as you approach labor, although it's likely to look somewhat different from the flow you've become accustomed to. When is vaginal discharge in pregnancy a warning sign of a problem?Discharge that's green, smells unpleasant, causes pain or itching, or seems unusual in any other way could be a sign of infection or another problem. Also, call your doctor or midwife right away if:
It can be hard to tell when symptoms signal a problem, and even if you don't have common symptoms like irritation, itching, or burning, you could still have a vaginal or sexually transmitted infection. If you're having discomfort or you think you have an infection, don't try to treat yourself with over-the-counter medications or "feminine hygiene" products. Many of these products are marketed to make you think something's wrong with you when it's really not. And using them can aggravate an already sensitive area. Instead, see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and the right treatment.  Can changes in my discharge be an early sign of pregnancy?Typically, no. While many women notice an increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy, you're not likely to notice this symptom in the week or two just after conception. And it's not one of the early pregnancy symptoms that women commonly report during those first few weeks. If you suspect you might be pregnant, your best bet is to take a pregnancy test around the time you would expect your period. How can I tell if this is vaginal discharge or my mucus plug?The "mucus plug" is a collection of gelatinous secretions from your cervix. These secretions fill the cervical canal in early pregnancy and create a protective barrier for most of pregnancy. As you get closer to delivery and your cervix begins to thin out (efface) and open up (dilate), these mucus-like secretions may come out of your vagina. This can be a sign of early labor. Be assured however, it's not like a cork popping. Labor still progresses on its own timeline, and your baby remains well protected. Not everyone experiences losing their mucus plug. If you do, it might seem like an increased amount of vaginal discharge over the course of a few days, or a glob of thickened mucus that's clear, pinkish, brownish, or tinged with a bit of blood. How can I tell if this is vaginal discharge or amniotic fluid?Regular discharge comes out sporadically in small amounts, but amniotic fluid leaks out continuously once your water breaks. Amniotic fluid is usually clear or slightly yellowish, watery, and odorless or slightly sweet-smelling. When your water breaks, amniotic fluid may come out as a leak or trickle, or in a big, dramatic gush. Either way, it will continue to leak out until you have your baby. If you think it's possible you're leaking amniotic fluid, contact your provider immediately. It's important to find out if you might be going into labor. If you're less than 34 weeks pregnant and you think your water has broken, call your provider right away. You may need medications to delay your labor and speed up the development of your baby's lungs and antibiotics to protect against infection. What can I do about vaginal discharge during pregnancy?There's not much you can do to stop your body's normal vaginal discharge. You can wear panty liners to absorb discharge if you need to but using them frequently may irritate your vulva. Using tampons is not recommended during pregnancy. Here are some other ways to keep your genital area healthy:
Learn more: Vaginal bleeding or spotting during pregnancy Frequent urination during pregnancy Pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore How early in pregnancy does discharge start?Typical vaginal discharge, known as leukorrhea, will begin to change as early as one to two weeks after conception, even before you've missed your period. As your pregnancy progresses, this discharge usually becomes more noticeable, and it's heaviest at the end of your pregnancy.
Does your discharge change as soon as you get pregnant?During the first weeks of pregnancy, your cervical mucus's color and consistency can change. You might notice stickier white or yellow mucus, known as leukorrhea. As your pregnancy progresses, your vaginal discharge might continue to change.
How does the early pregnancy discharge look like?Early pregnancy discharge
But most pregnant women will secrete sticky, white, or pale-yellow mucus early on in the first trimester and throughout their pregnancy. Increased hormones and vaginal blood flow cause the discharge. It increases during pregnancy to prevent infections as your cervix and vaginal walls soften.
How soon after conception does discharge change?After implantation (when a fertilized egg attaches to your uterus), mucus tends to be clear, thick, and gummy. Some people experience implantation bleeding, or spotting, which can occur 6 to 12 days after conception. This bleeding is typically lighter in color than menstrual blood.
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How soon does your discharge change when you become pregnant
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