Is creamy discharge a sign of pregnancy

Types, Causes, When to Be Concerned

Thick, white discharge is typical during the menstrual cycle and usually indicate ovulation. However, occasionally it could indicate an uncerlying health issue.

Vaginal discharge is a healthy part of vaginal health. The type of vaginal discharge you experience changes during your menstrual cycle, but in almost all cases, it’s a sign that everything is working well. In fact, the discharge can mean your vagina is healthy.

Vaginal discharge is used to help keep your vaginal tissues moist and lubricated. It’s influenced by your reproductive hormones, which is why it changes throughout the menstrual cycle and in pregnancy.

Vaginal discharge is also your body’s way of maintaining the pH balance of your vagina. The fluids act as natural lubrication to move bacteria, dirt, and germs out of your vaginal cavity.

However, from time to time, white discharge may be a sign of an underlying problem. Read on to learn when white discharge means you need to seek a doctor’s guidance.

Thick, white discharge can occur throughout your menstrual cycle. This discharge is known as leukorrhea, and it’s completely normal.

The discharge may start out thinner in the days leading up to ovulation, or when an egg is released. During ovulation, the discharge or mucus may become very thick and mucus-like.

This is a sign that you’re ovulating, and some people who ovulate use this as a natural indication of fertility. If you were trying to get pregnant, seeing this thick white discharge may indicate it’s time to have sexual intercourse.

As long as the discharge does not have a bad odor and you’re not experiencing any other symptoms, this type of discharge is healthy.

This extra fluid might require you to wear a panty liner, but it shouldn’t require you to visit a doctor.

In the first days of your menstrual cycle, you may experience thin, milky white vaginal discharge. Some people describe this discharge as an “egg white” consistency.

This thinner discharge is a sign that you’re preparing for ovulation. It’s completely typical. As you get closer to your period, the discharge may become thicker and more opaque.

This milky white discharge may also be a sign that you’re pregnant. In the early stages of pregnancy, some people produce a thin, milky white discharge. This discharge results from hormonal changes, which are the beginning stages of pregnancy.

The discharge can help clear away bacteria, germs, and dirt. It also helps form a mucus plug in the cervix. This keeps the cervix healthy and prevents the spread of bacteria into the uterus during pregnancy.

As long as the milky white discharge does not have an odor and there are no other symptoms, it’s most likely a sign of typical vaginal health.

However, if the color of the discharge develops a white-gray shade and a strong fishy odor, the discharge may be a sign of an infection.

Common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include milky white and gray discharge with a strong, unpleasant odor.

When you’re not ovulating, your body will produce vaginal fluid that’s thick and sticky. This vaginal discharge will act as a barrier to prevent sperm from getting through your cervix and into your uterus.

While it’s not foolproof, the body’s natural defenses can also help prevent germs and bacteria from making their way into the cervix.

This can help you avoid an infection in the days just after your period, when your vagina produces less fluid than it does during the other points of your cycle.

The increased fluid helps wash out any bacteria or germs that could pose a risk to your vagina’s overall health and balance.

If you’re experiencing a thick, white discharge that can be described as clumpy or clotted, you may be experiencing discharge from a yeast infection.

The vagina does a wonderful job of maintaining the pH balance of an entire spectrum of bacteria and fungi that live in it. From time to time, this balance is upset, and certain bad bacteria or fungi are allowed to thrive.

That’s the case with a yeast infection. A fungus called Candida albicans can quickly blossom and develop into an infection.

People with yeast infections may experience:

thick discharge with a cottage cheese consistency
white discharge that may turn yellow or green
an unpleasant odor coming from the vagina
itching on the vulva or vagina
swelling or redness around the vulva
a burning sensation or pain during urination
pain during intercourse

If you believe you have a yeast infection, over-the-counter treatment options are available. Prescription medications are used in more moderate or severe cases.

It’s a good idea to abstain from intercourse while you’re being treated for the infection. Partner treatment is not required for vaginal yeast infections, since it’s not considered an STI. However, in some people with recurrent infections, their partner may be treated.

If you’ve experienced more than 4 yeast infections in a 1-year window, make an appointment to see your doctor.

There may be underlying issues leading to your frequent vaginal infections, including the possibility of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), a common condition in vagina owners with immune system conditions or who are living with diabetes.

If you experience excessive vaginal discharge, it could be a sign of an underlying condition, and you might need to seek medical care to stop it.

Excessive vaginal discharge can be a symptom of:

an STI
a bacterial infection
a yeast infection

In almost every case, thick, white vaginal discharge is a sign of the health of your reproductive organs. However, from time to time, the discharge could be an indication of an underlying health issue.

It’s important to see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms along with unusual vaginal discharge:

pain
itching
discomfort
bleeding
skipped period
rashes or sores along with vaginal discomfort
a burning sensation when you urinate or have intercourse
a strong and persistent odor coming from the vagina

As long as the discharge you’re experiencing does not also meet those criteria, the excess fluid coming out of your vagina is a sign of overall health. In other words, it’s a good thing.

Avoid upsetting the pH balance in your vagina by skipping soaps, scented washes, douches, or any other products that strip the vagina of its natural moisture and built-in defenses.

The vagina is designed to care for itself and prevent future infections. Healthy vaginal discharge plays an important role in this.

Vaginal discharge is completely common — and it’s healthy for it to change color and texture as you go through different parts of the ovulation cycle.

However, if you’re dealing with pH imbalance, a yeast infection, STI, or another issue, your vaginal discharge could be one of the main signs something is up.

If your discharge has an odor, is white-gray, or is clumpier than usual, it could be time to consult your doctor.

Thick white discharge (leukorrhea) in early pregnancy

Pregnancy
Your Body

By Karisa Ding

May 27, 2020

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.

Photo credit: Jianing Pan for BabyCenter

What does creamy white discharge mean during pregnancy?
When is vaginal discharge in pregnancy a warning sign of a problem?
Can changes in my discharge be an early sign of pregnancy?
How can I tell if this is vaginal discharge or my mucus plug?
How can I tell if this is vaginal discharge or amniotic fluid?
What can I do about vaginal discharge during pregnancy?

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:

Clear to milky white.
Thin to thick or mucus-like.
Mild-smelling or odorless.

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:

You're not yet 37 weeks along and notice an increase in the amount of discharge or a change in the type of discharge. For example, if you're continuously leaking clear and watery fluid, these can be signs that your water has broken or you're in preterm labor.
Your vulva looks inflamed, or you have an odorless, whitish discharge that's causing pain with urination or intercourse, soreness, itching, or burning. This means you could have a yeast infection.
You have thin white or gray discharge with a strong fishy smell which may be more noticeable after sex (when the discharge mixes with semen). This might be a condition called bacterial vaginosis.
Your discharge is yellow or green and frothy with an unpleasant odor. This may be a sign of trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted infection. Other possible symptoms of trichomoniasis (or trich) include a red, irritated, or itchy vulva or vagina and discomfort while urinating or during intercourse.
Your discharge has a strong and noticeable odor or has changed in color, amount, or consistency from your normal discharge.

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:

Always wipe from front to back.
Change out of sweaty work-out clothes or wet swimsuits promptly.
If your vulva is irritated, consider limiting tight pants, leggings, or underwear made with synthetic materials.
Don't use bubble bath, scented pads, scented toilet paper, feminine hygiene sprays, and scented or deodorant soaps. These scents can be irritating to your sensitive vulvar skin.
And don't douche. Douching can upset the normal balance of bacteria in your vagina and increase the likelihood of infection. Doctors and midwives also discourage douching during pregnancy because in rare cases it can introduce air into your circulatory system through the vagina, which can cause serious complications.

Learn more:

Vaginal bleeding or spotting during pregnancy

Frequent urination during pregnancy

Pregnancy symptoms you should never ignore

Sources

BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.

ACOG. 2015. Vulvovaginal health. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/womens-health/vulvovaginal-health [Accessed May 2020]

ACOG. 2016. Practice bulletin 172: Premature rupture of membranes. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27661655/ [Accessed May 2020]

OWH. 2017. Labor and birth. U.S. Office on Women's Health. https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-and-beyond/labor-and-birth [Accessed May 2020]

UpToDate. Undated. Patient education: Vaginal discharge in adults (The basics). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/vaginal-discharge-in-adults-the-basics [Accessed May 2020]

UpToDate. 2019. Patient education: Vaginal discharge in adult women (Beyond the basics). https://www.uptodate.com/contents/vaginal-discharge-in-adult-women-beyond-the-basics [Accessed May 2020]

UpToDate. 2017. Management of normal labor and delivery. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/management-of-normal-labor-and-delivery [Accessed May 2020]

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Signs of pregnancy - Clinic Zdorovye 365 Yekaterinburg

Symptoms of pregnancy - what is it?

Pregnancy symptoms or signs of pregnancy are, as a rule, a combination of certain physiological changes in the body that a woman notices already in the early stages of pregnancy.

Sometimes one hears that it is wrong to say “pregnancy symptoms”, because if there are symptoms, then there is an illness, and pregnancy is not an illness. But if we dig into dictionaries, we find that the word “symptom” comes from the Greek sýmptoma, i.e. "sign", "case", "coincidence". Thus, "pregnancy symptoms" is just a synonym for the phrase "signs of pregnancy", which is absolutely true. The symptoms of early pregnancy or the first symptoms of pregnancy are different from the symptoms that occur in the later stages.

Knowing the signs of pregnancy allows a woman in the early stages to show increased attention to her health, and, consequently, to the health of the unborn baby, a pregnant woman will be able to determine pregnancy in the earliest possible time and, accordingly, resolve the issue for herself in time about its prolongation (preservation, continuation).

Every woman is remarkably different, so the symptoms a woman may experience during pregnancy may vary. Some women feel pregnant even before the test is positive. Below are nine symptoms of pregnancy.

The first symptom of pregnancy is implantation bleeding.

This is one of the earliest symptoms. On the sixth - twelfth day after conception, the embryo is introduced (attached, implanted) into the wall of the uterus. Some women notice a small amount of red discharge (spots), which may be pink or reddish brown. If you have pain along with spotting or bleeding, contact your doctor immediately as this may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

The second symptom of pregnancy, also the main one, is the delay in menstruation

This symptom must be present during a normal pregnancy. You should be aware that sometimes bleeding occurs during pregnancy. The main thing is not to confuse them with menstruation, especially on those days when you should have started your period, that is, at 4, 8, 12 weeks of pregnancy. Bleeding during pregnancy is a sign of a threatened abortion. Therefore, if you notice this symptom in yourself, then immediately contact a specialized medical institution. With timely treatment, there is every chance to save the desired pregnancy. Menstruation does not occur throughout pregnancy and, as a rule, during breastfeeding.

The third symptom of pregnancy is increased basal body temperature.

Basal body temperature rises above 37 degrees during pregnancy. If you notice some symptoms of pregnancy in yourself or even confirmed it with a doctor and at the same time observe a decrease in basal temperature, consult a doctor. A decrease in basal temperature may be due to the threat of miscarriage. For the result to be reliable, measure the temperature correctly. It should be measured in the rectum, immediately after waking up, in the morning.

The fourth symptom of pregnancy is profuse discharge.

In this case, we mean non-bleeding. Women know that normal vaginal discharge is odorless and almost colorless. Their number increases during ovulation and, as you now know, during pregnancy. On 9/10, you are pregnant if you have a missed period, heavy discharge, and an elevated basal body temperature.

The fifth symptom of pregnancy is swelling and (or) increased sensitivity of the mammary glands.

Many women say that the sensitivity of the mammary glands changes. This symptom may appear 1 to 2 weeks after conception. Swelling and increased sensitivity of the breast may appear not only as a result of pregnancy. Other causes are: premenstrual syndrome (PMS), birth control pills, or hormonal imbalances.

The sixth symptom of pregnancy is toxicosis.

Nausea or vomiting in the morning usually does not occur early in pregnancy, but some women experience nausea as early as the third week. Many women believe that toxicosis is morning sickness and vomiting. But it is not so. In addition to nausea and vomiting, signs of toxicosis include a heightened sense of smell and aversion to certain foods. Many pregnant women cannot tolerate certain smells during early pregnancy. A heightened sense of smell is a side effect of a rapidly rising level of estrogen in your blood. Aversion to certain foods is even more common than cravings for certain foods during pregnancy. You may suddenly find that certain foods, even your favorites, disgust you.

The feeling of fatigue, which will be discussed below, is also referred to by some obstetricians as manifestations of toxicosis. Toxicosis, most often, goes away on its own by 12-14 weeks of pregnancy.

The seventh symptom of pregnancy is feeling tired.

Fatigue can be as pronounced as if you had run a marathon. Fatigue is caused by increased levels of progesterone and other hormones necessary for the development of the child.

The eighth symptom of pregnancy is frequent urination and constipation.

You may suddenly become aware that you are going to the bathroom with alarming frequency.

The ninth symptom of pregnancy is headache and migraine.

Usually headaches are caused by hormonal changes in the body. If headaches occur, you should not self-medicate, since most known painkillers are contraindicated during pregnancy, especially in the early stages.

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Pregnancy discharge | What are the discharge during pregnancy? | Blog

In the absence of menstruation, girls usually suspect that conception has occurred. However, during pregnancy, the female body may continue to secrete a secret of a different color and character. We recommend that you keep a close eye on everything that happens so as not to miss the development of adverse events. We will talk about how to recognize problem situations during pregnancy in the article.

What secretions can occur during conception

Many women note that immediately after the delay and in the later stages, the nature of the secretion changes. It can be:

With or without scent.
Depending on the color - transparent, white, cream, yellow, greenish, bloody.
By consistency - thick, liquid, cheesy.
As a symptom for assessing the state of health - threatening, safe.

During ovulation, the egg is released from the ovary, its membrane is blown away, a small amount of fluid is released - so it becomes ready for fertilization. At this time, the thick mucus that fills the cervical canal of the cervix becomes less viscous. This makes it easier for the spermatozoa to penetrate and move further into the tubes for fertilization. At this time, you may notice an abundance of clear mucous secretions.

After the fusion of the egg with the spermatozoon, movement into the uterus begins, which should end with implantation in the inner layer. During penetration, its slight detachment may occur - this causes damage to the blood vessels that abundantly penetrate the muscular layer of the uterus. You may see light brown discharge, which is common during pregnancy. The color is due to the fact that the blood has time to clot.

Sometimes the discharge is brightly colored and some women mistake it for early menstruation. But in this case, a short duration is characteristic, a different shade (dark or scarlet), a slight mark on the linen.

With some features of the structure of the female genital organs (for example, with a bicornuate uterus), after implantation of the embryo in one part, rejection of the endometrium may begin in the other, as is usually the case with menstruation. This rarely happens.

Characteristics of discharge in case of threatened miscarriage

Spontaneous abortion is the rejection of an embryo in the early stages after conception. If at the first signs of pregnancy, you notice spotting, there is a high probability that a miscarriage begins.

Also, miscarriage symptoms include:

pulling or pressing on the lower abdomen, sacrum, lower back;
the muscles of the uterus are tense.

A woman may experience cramps. This continues all the time or intermittently. From the vagina there are scarlet or brown discharge during pregnancy, which was previously confirmed. Sometimes the period may be still small, and the first signs did not have time to appear.

After 22 weeks, this phenomenon is called preterm labor. The child in this case is still weak, the organs are not sufficiently developed, and there is little chance of survival.

The following factors increase the risk of miscarriage:

various diseases;
progesterone deficiency;
nervous and physical overexertion;
pathologies in the genital organs;
fetal developmental defects.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound scan. If it shows that the fetal heart rate is disturbed, the tone of the uterus is increased, its size differs from normal for this period, hospitalization will be recommended to maintain pregnancy.

What discharge during pregnancy is considered normal

This secretion does not pose a threat to health:

transparent;
whitish;
yellowish;
odor free;
mucous;
without itching, burning, redness of the genitals.

Clear fluid on underwear is a symptom of ovulation. During pregnancy, the activity of ongoing processes in the body increases, so the amount of secretion secreted may increase. However, a violation of the norm is the leakage of amniotic fluid. You can determine the problem with the help of special diagnostic tests that the doctor will prescribe if he has suspicions.

White color, small amount, homogeneous structure should also not cause concern. The increased volume of fluid in this case is associated with increased hormonal activity.

One of the variants of the norm is mucous discharge, which smells of slight sourness. If there is no pain, discomfort, there is nothing to worry about.

Yellow discharge, there are signs of pregnancy, there is no unpleasant odor - everything is in order. Some women had this color before conception, only they did not pay attention. Now there are more of them, therefore more noticeable.

Sometimes a woman observes that the laundry gets wet and there is a smell of urine. This may indicate incontinence due to the constant pressure of the growing uterus. In this case, it is recommended to go to the toilet more often, change underpants twice a day.

What discharge during pregnancy is considered a sign of infection?

White discharge during pregnancy with a cheesy texture is a symptom of thrush (candidiasis). In pregnant women, it is diagnosed quite often - the reason is a change in hormonal levels. The disease is accompanied by itching, redness of the vulva, a strong sour smell. Sometimes external manifestations are not detected, then treatment is not carried out.

Infection is indicated by pain, pain, skin irritation, ulcers, smell of rot or fish, gray or green color, frothy discharge, increased nervousness, large inguinal lymph nodes. The reason may lie in sexually transmitted infections. This includes syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia and others. They are dangerous because they cause premature birth and fetal developmental defects.

What kind of discharge during pregnancy should I pay special attention to and should I consult a doctor?

The following indicates that pregnancy is at risk:

Severe pain in the perineum, bleeding, difficulty defecation, convulsions - these can be injuries to the vaginal mucosa.
Nausea, profuse vomiting, swelling, headaches, cough, hypertension, bright red secretion are symptoms of hydatidiform mole (abnormal development of the embryo).
A drop in blood pressure, pallor, weakness, sweating, pulling sensations, bleeding during pregnancy against the background of a lack of growth of hCG in the blood - this is how ectopic attachment manifests itself.
Discharge of clots, sharp pain, vomiting, diarrhea may indicate a frozen fetus.

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

It is also necessary to contact the clinic if you have been physically abused, had rough sex, had an accident, fell, hit. The likelihood that the situation will be resolved successfully is much higher if you do not delay the visit, listen to the symptoms and take good care of your health.

Remember that although pregnancy is a normal state of health for a woman's body, diagnosis and treatment are different due to the many restrictions on manipulations and medications during pregnancy. That is why diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy should take place only under the supervision of a doctor. By ignoring the symptoms or self-medicating, a pregnant woman risks not only her health, but also the health of her child.

Doctors of the Leleka maternity hospital manage pregnancies of any complexity, including those aggravated by infections, pathologies, and the threat of miscarriage.