Vaginal Discharge as an Early Sign and Symptom of Pregnancy

For some women an increase in the amount of their vaginal mucoid discharge can be the first sign of pregnancy. The quantity of this discharge varies from woman to woman throughout their pregnancy, but a certain amount is considered normal. If the discharge becomes offensive, profuse causes any pain or irritation or soreness it has probably become infected and should certainly be mentioned at an antenatal clinic appointment – or sooner. Normal vaginal discharge is often referred to as leucorrhea, or "white flow." It is typically odourless or has only a mild odour. It is usually milky white in appearance. Discharge that is a sign of pregnancy is comprised of secretions from the vagina and the cervix, as well as cells from the vagina walls and the usual bacteria from the vagina. During pregnancy there can be other reasons for a vaginal discharge, some may be normal, but others may require further diagnostic tests and treatment. However, if the vaginal discharge a woman experiences is foul-smelling, itchy, or is any other colour than clear or milky white, they should see their gynaecologist immediately. It could be that they have a viral or bacterial infection or even a sexually transmitted disease that must be treated. Vaginal discharge as an early sign of pregnancy is caused by the increase in a woman’s oestrogen levels and increased blood flow to the vagina. Some women may find they are spotting a little (especially around the time their normal menstrual cycle would begin). Then the discharge could be a pinkish brown colour as it is combined with a little bit of blood that could be left over from a previous menstrual cycle. This is nothing to be worried about. Some women do not notice any increase in vaginal discharge so they can’t use this an early sign of pregnancy. Some women are simply more in tune with their discharge levels – especially if they have been trying to get pregnant and have been monitoring it as an indicator of their ovulation. If a woman pays attention to how much discharge they usually have throughout the month, they may not have any trouble noticing an increase in vaginal secretions, and this will then be a clear sign of pregnancy. The cervical secretions will most likely increase throughout the pregnancy in order to create a mucus plug - the protective door to the womb, which breaks away when labour starts.