How Does Vaginal Discharge Change During Pregnancy?

The consistency of vaginal discharge changes throughout the menstrual cycle—and it also changes during pregnancy. If you've been monitoring your discharge during your cycle to pinpoint the occurrence of ovulation while trying to conceive, you may be wondering if the appearance of your cervical mucus can also help indicate when you're pregnant.

It's important to know that physical signs of very early pregnancy are generally subtle, and therefore the best way to know if you are truly pregnant is by taking a pregnancy test. That said, there are some factors to look out for when it comes to vaginal discharge. Ahead, we'll break down how vaginal discharge changes during early pregnancy and beyond, what to pay attention to, and when it's important to contact a health care provider.

What to Know About Vaginal Discharge

It is normal for your body to discharge fluids throughout the menstrual cycle, and cervical mucus is one component of this vaginal discharge. 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."

What Happens to Vaginal Discharge 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:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Mood swings
• Tender breasts
• Fatigue
• Food cravings or aversions
• Constipation
• Bloating or gas
• Heartburn 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.

What If I Notice Brown or Pink 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 Bleeding

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.

Sexual Intercourse or a 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 generally considered safe for those who are pregnant, but if you have concerns, it's important to speak to an OB-GYN or health care provider.

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. That said, it's a good idea to discuss any spotting after exercise with a health care provider. Exercise is also generally considered safe (and important!) during pregnancy unless, directed otherwise by a health care professional. Working out does not increase your risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, or early delivery.

When to Contact a Health Care Provider

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 odorless
• Consistency: 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 contact a health care provider 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 infections
• Trichomoniasis
• Atrophic 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 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.

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 your discharge 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 contact a health care provider.