Pregnancy Signs & Symptoms, Week by Week Pregnancy Guide

There are several kinds of discharge during early pregnancy that one would do well to know about.

There is of course need to worry sometimes, particularly strange colored or foul smelling discharge; but more often than not, discharge during early pregnancy may be nothing much to worry about.

Implantation Bleeding

This is one kind of early pregnancy discharge. This happens a few days after the fertilization of the egg by the sperm when the fertilized egg or embryo is implanted in the lining of the uterus to connect to the circulatory system of the body. This is not experienced by all women, however, many women may experience this kind of implantation bleeding that is lighter or darker colored than regular blood.

One needs to watch out for any fresh appearing blood or bleeding that is accompanied by cramping or pain. Also, if this bleeding carries on for more than a day then it is cause for worry.

Other than implantation bleeding, any bloody discharge of early pregnancy or even at any later stage of pregnancy could be a cause for worry and would be required to be reported to the healthcare provider.

It is true that in rare cases, some women have their period throughout their pregnancy and then go on to produce perfectly healthy babies in the end.

However, any unusual bleeding at any time during pregnancy which is accompanied by pain and cramping should always be reported to the doctor.

White Discharge or leucorrhoea

Due to increased blood circulation in the pelvic region during pregnancy and also because of increased hormone production, there is a production of white discharge from the vagina during pregnancy which is known as leucorrhoea. This is normal and is nothing to worry about so long as it is somewhat milky in appearance and mild smelling.

Even whitish slimy mucous that has the consistency of egg whites is usually perfectly normal. These varieties of discharge of early pregnancy could continue throughout pregnancy and could also increase as the pregnancy advances; all perfectly normal.

If the pregnancy discharge seems rather more or feels uncomfortably moist, use a panty liner to soak it up. Do not use a tampon for pregnancy discharge; it increases the risk of infection.

Also do not douche. This disturbs the balance of flora that lines the vaginal walls and could be actually detrimental also because it increases the risk of an air bubble entering the bloodstream through the vagina.

Keep the genital area dry and clean, avoid tight clothing and underwear. Also avoid cosmetics such as deodorants, perfumes and bubble baths.

Unhealthy Discharge during pregnancy

A yellowish or greenish discharge during pregnancy, or if it is frothy in nature, particularly that which is foul smelling is cause for worry because it may indicate the presence of an infection.

Also if the discharge is normal looking and smelling but if it is accompanied by itching and inflammation of the vulva these may indicate a yeast infection and is required to consult a doctor.

Watery discharge

This could be an indication of leakage of amniotic fluid and must be reported immediately to the doctor.