Is discharge a sign of pregnancy

Many women have asked themselves in the past 'is discharge a sign of pregnancy?'. The answer is yes it is, but what kind of discharge you are experiencing can tell you more about your own health and when the uncomfortable reality of discharge will disappear.

Also known as leukorrhea, discharge occurs in early pregnancy because of the increased levels of estrogen in the blood and the increased blood flow to the vagina. Discharge is designed to keep the pH balance in the environment and without it we are far more prone to infections such as thrush. As a result it's usually nothing to worry about and when white, thicker than usual and with no smell doctors consider discharge a sign of early pregnancy that is normal. The specific discharge that most women do experience in early pregnancy has a different texture to that experienced during a yeast infection. It is smooth and thick, without lumps and may almost seem stretchy. Of course, there are other sings of pregnancy such as missed periods, nausea and vomiting, lethargy, sore breasts, dizziness, frequent urination and an improved sense of smell. As with most early signs of pregnancy discharge usually goes away but may come back in the last trimester. Discharge at the end of pregnancy that contains a little blood is usually a harmless sign that the body is ready to give birth.

So we've established that white, odor-free, non-itchy discharge is a sign of early pregnancy. If you notice that your discharge is yellowy, green, brown or has blood in it and you are not on your period, however, then it could be indicative of a problem. Similarly, if it has a strong smell and causes itching too, it's best to visit your doctor or gynecologist. Usually you will be diagnosed with thrush, a simply yeast imbalance which can be put right with a course of oral antibiotics, vaginal tablet or antibiotic cream.

You may, on the other hand, decide to visit your doctor with discharge if you are experiencing other symptoms of early pregnancy. This is a very good idea as your doctor will carry out a definitive pregnancy test and if positive will help you to prepare for pregnancy or take action otherwise in the best way possible. White discharge on its own however, without other symptoms is nothing to be concerned about and could simply be your vagina warding off a potential yeast infection.

So if you were wondering 'is discharge a sign of early pregnancy?' then you now know that yes, it can be one sign. If you do find that you are pregnant then this discharge can continue until the baby is born (and even for a short while afterwards too) so it is a good idea to wear disposable panty-liners so that you are more comfortable. Investing in breathable panty-liners is the best idea as you are more susceptible to yeast infections during pregnancy and you will need to stop this area from becoming too hot or not getting enough fresh air.

Source: http://www.healthguidance.org