Discharge in Early Pregnancy

Early detection of pregnancy is a major concern for most women who are trying to conceive. Hence, many women approach the prospect of pregnancy with great anticipation and look out for various signs to confirm that they are pregnant. Due to certain hormonal changes, a woman may experience various early pregnancy symptoms, but not all them are positive indicators of pregnancy. However, vaginal discharge, which most women start getting a year or two before puberty and continue having it till their menopause, is an early pregnancy symptom.

Unlike other prominent early pregnancy symptoms like missed periods, vomiting, nausea, breast tenderness, etc., which are noticed after a couple of weeks of pregnancy, discharge in early pregnancy is one of the first symptoms that most women notice. Hence, vaginal discharge before missed period is one of the earliest pregnancy symptoms which is quite normal and happens for a couple reasons, which are explained in the coming section.

Causes

Vaginal discharge is quite normal during pregnancy and for some women as the pregnancy progresses, the volume and the concentration of this discharge also increases. Basically during the initial pregnancy stages, there is an increase in the production of estrogen hormone as well as greater blood flow to the vaginal area, resulting in a variety of secretions from both the cervix and the vagina. Moreover, since the cervix (neck of the womb) and the vaginal walls become extremely soft and tender during pregnancy, there is an increase in the vaginal discharge which helps in keeping the infections from traveling up from the vagina to the womb. The discharge during pregnancy is usually milky, odorless or might have a mild smell. Medically termed as leukorrhea, vaginal discharge during pregnancy is very common and not a cause to worry.

Things to do

As said before, discharge during early pregnancy is very normal and does not require any special care or attention. However, there are certain things that one can do or avoid with respect to vaginal discharge in order to be comfortable and relaxed. Like, keeping your genital area clean and hygienic, wearing cotton underwear, avoiding fancy deodorants, scented pads or toilet paper in the area, etc. are some measures that can be taken under consideration while dealing with vaginal discharge during pregnancy.

Also in case one experiences heavy and frequent discharge, avoid using tampons, rather use pantyliners. Similarly do not douche during pregnancy, as this will rub the delicate, healthy balance of vaginal bacteria and can even result in some kind of vaginal infection. Likewise, if there is any bleeding from your vagina, do not attempt to treat it by yourself and contact your midwife or doctor. If needed, the doctor may conduct an internal or pelvic exam and ascertain the causes of discharge or bleeding. In most of the cases, he will send you home, and only if there are some complications, he will refer you for treatment.

Though normal discharge in early pregnancy is not something to be tensed about, if your discharge is green to yellow in color, and accompanied with severe itching or redness, or a strong odor, don't take it lightly as it can be a symptom of some infection that can be harmful to you as well as your baby. Remember it is always better to err on the side of caution, hence, if you experience any kind of uneasiness or pain along with excessive vaginal discharge, make a quick call or visit to your doctor. This will somehow put your mind at rest, as less worked up or stressed you are during those initial pregnancy months, less complications you will have.