Discharge as a Sign of Early Pregnancy

Pregnancy Signs

Think you might be pregnant? There are lots of signs to watch for, but not all of them are positive indicators for a pregnancy. Signs and symptoms of pregnancy can vary widely from one woman to the next. While you may experience several signs, another woman may not notice any. Both of these situations are normal, and this is why taking a pregnancy test is the best way to solve the mystery of whether you are pregnant or not. While pregnancy tests are becoming more accurate, they still aren't fail-proof, especially in those two weeks before you period is due. Until you can get to your doctor's office to confirm your suspicions, what signs can you look for?

• Missed period
• Sore and/or swollen breasts
• Nausea/vomiting
• Increased urination
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Vaginal discharge

These, of course, are just some of the signs you may notice. If your pregnancy is farther along and you haven't had a pregnancy test yet because you haven't noticed any of these signs, the first indicator that something is going on may be weight gain and even fetal movement. Keep in mind, however, that you would be several months along before you notice any movement.

Discharge as a Sign of Early Pregnancy

For some women, discharge as a sign of early pregnancy is the first symptom they notice. If you pay attention to your monthly cycle and the changes in your discharge throughout each month, you may notice an increase in vaginal discharge, especially if it is possible that you are pregnant. This discharge, referred to as leucorrhea, is quite normal. It is typically odorless or has only a mild odor. It is generally milky white in appearance.

Causes

What causes the increased vaginal secretions in your body? Your estrogen levels will increase once you become pregnant, and greater blood flow will occur in the vagina as well. All of these changes produce discharge as a sign of early pregnancy. While some women watch their vaginal discharge as an indicator of ovulation, others notice it when they are trying to determine if they might be pregnant. This discharge as a sign of pregnancy is comprised of secretions from the vagina and the cervix, as well as cells from the vagina walls and typical bacterial from the vagina. If you pay attention to how much discharge you usually have throughout the month, you may not have any trouble noticing an increase in vaginal secretions, and this could be your first indicator that you might be pregnant. The cervical secretions actually increase in order to create a mucus plug. This plug creates a protective door to your womb, and it will stay there until shortly before your labor begins.

What to Know

If you do notice an increase in discharge and there is a possibility that you might be pregnant, go ahead and get a pregnancy test. Keep in mind, however, that over-the-counter tests will not work in the first several days after conception has occurred. If you simply can't wait, make an appointment with your doctor. His staff may want to take a urine sample or do a blood test to determine if you are pregnant. In the meantime, try not to worry. Unless you notice an unpleasant odor or excessive discharge that is gray, green, or yellow in color, there is probably nothing to worry about. However, if you notice a foul odor or a color other than clear or milky white, and/or you have itching and burning, you may actually have a vaginal infection or a sexually transmitted disease. You should contact your doctor as soon possible if this is the case. .