Is Discharge A Sign Of Period

January 5, 2022

Clear Watery Discharge As A Sign Of Pregnancy

Is white discharge a sign of period coming or pregnancy?

A clear watery discharge could also be an early sign of pregnancy. As you carry your baby in your womb, your vagina and cervix secrete a liquid, which will develop into a mucus plug. This mucus plug will be inside your cervix, and it will serve to protect the fetus. It will prevent infection from traveling to your womb, placenta, or baby.

On the other hand, while watery discharge could be an early sign of pregnancy, this is not a completely reliable way of determining whether you are pregnant or not. Remember that there are a lot of other possible causes of a watery discharge. Moreover, there are other more reliable signs of pregnancy.

The following are other common signs of pregnancy listed by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development :

Missing a Period

The most telltale sign of pregnancy among most women is missing a period or two. However, this is not entirely an accurate sign as there are other causes of missing a period, such as hormonal imbalance.

Spottings

Spottings are usually seen days after conception and are believed to be a sign of the implantation of the embryon on the uterine lining. This appears lighter than period blood.

Tender, Swollen Breasts

According to NICHD, hormonal changes cause a pregnant woman to have swollen, tender breasts, which may be noticed in the first couple of weeks of pregnancy.

Fatigue

Headache, Nausea, Vomiting

Food Cravings / Aversions

Mood Swings

Frequent Urination

Similarities Between Pms Vs Pregnancy Symptoms And Signs

For many women, the signs and symptoms of early pregnancy can resemble those of her approaching menstrual period or PMS. In fact, it is not possible to tell from early symptoms alone if a woman is pregnant or having symptoms related to her upcoming menstrual period.

The most similar common signs and symptoms that these conditions share include:

Headaches:Headaches can be a symptom of pregnancy, but many women also experience headaches or migraines prior to the menstrual period or with PMS.

Back pain: This symptom can be if your period is approaching, but it also can be a symptom that you are pregnant.

Mood changes : Mood changes are common in both PMS and early pregnancy. These changes can include depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.

Constipation: The hormone progesterone can lead to digestive disturbances including constipation. Because levels of progesterone rise during the second half of the menstrual cycle, constipation can be present in women with PMS or an approaching menstrual period. Likewise, the hormonal changes of early pregnancy may also cause constipation.

Increased urination: You may have increased urination if you are pregnant or your about to have your period.

Breast pain and tenderness:Breast pain, tenderness, breast swelling, or enlargement, can occur in early pregnancy as well as prior to your period. The breasts may feel heavy, sore, or sensitive in both conditions.

Tips For Vaginal Discharge During Pregnancy

Dont use tampons while pregnancy as this could expose the vagina to germs.

Never douche as it disrupts the normal balance of good bacteria in the vagina.

Avoid doing self-diagnosis and never start treatment on your own unless your doctor conducts a vaginal exam.

Try to use panty liners it can make you feel more comfortable during pregnancy.

Some women experience excess discharge during early pregnancy. However, other women might have less to no discharge. It is completely normal. Every pregnancy is different and the amount of mucus the cervix produces depends on a different range of factors.

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White Discharge Can Be A Sign Of Your Period Coming

White discharge is a common early sign of your period.
You may experience white discharge three to five days before your period because hormonal changes can increase the mucus produced by your vagina.
Be careful that white discharge doesn’t come with any symptoms like itching or burning, as it can also be a sign of a yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, or an STD.

Finding vaginal discharge on your underwear is normal. Discharge is fluid that keeps the vagina lubricated and helps protect it from infections. You’ll often notice changes in color, consistency, and quantity throughout your menstrual cycle.

Right before your period starts, you may notice white or creamy discharge in your underwear. Here’s why it happens and when you should worry about it.

What Are Signs Your Period Is Coming

Common signs that your period is approaching are:

Youre breaking out. Acne is a common problem at this time of the month.
Your breasts are sore or heavy.
Youre tired but you cant sleep.
You have cramps.
Youre constipated or have diarrhea.
Youre bloated and gassy.
You have a headache.
Youre having mood swings.

Also Check: Period Blood Stains On Sheets

Is White Discharge A Sign Of Pregnancy

Thick white discharge at the beginning and late part of your cycle is not a sign of pregnancy. However, if you missed your period and youre experiencing watery discharge then it is likely youre pregnant.

Other pregnancy symptoms like breast tenderness, getting tired easily, nausea and vomiting will give a clue if youre pregnant. Still not sure, then check your pregnancy status by running a test.

How Do I Know If My Discharge Is Normal

While vaginal discharge is undoubtedly a natural occurrence, unfortunately, its not often spoken about – which can leave women with a number of questions. This includes how to know if their discharge is normal.

According to the NHS, you have nothing to worry about once :

It doesnt have a strong or unpleasant smell
Is clear or white
The consistency is slippery and wet

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Is It A Sign Of Pregnancy

White vaginal discharge, cramping and a missed period are all signs of pregnancy, although they can also be symptoms of a late period or other conditions.

Stomach pain and cramping during pregnancy usually feel different to pain and cramps you experience during your period. This is because pregnancy cramping and stomach pain is caused by ligaments in your lower tummy stretching in preparation for your womb growing in size. You may experience discomfort or pain when this happens, particularly on one side of your lower tummy.

Additional signs of pregnancy include back pain, a blocked nose as well as:

Changes in your breast this includes:

Achy, tender breasts

A metallic taste in your mouth
Bloating

Headaches, fatigue and/or mood swings
Urinating more often

In some cases, early pregnancy may feel as if your period is about to start.

Clear Watery Discharge During Pregnancy

Do late periods, white discharge, itchy vagina & leg pain indicate pregnancy? – Dr. Shailaja N

In general, you will have more vaginal discharge during your pregnancy than any other time. The type of discharge you are bound to see most often is the clear watery one which may at times be slightly white in color. It may also have a slight smell and is referred to as leucorrhea.

Leucorrhea should not worry you in any way given that it is a normal and necessary part of your pregnancy.

This fluid clears away any dead cells and excessive bodily fluids that will be in the womb and vaginal region to ensure that your baby develops without interruption from diseases and foreign objects.

It is slightly white color will be a result of the mucus plug shedding off its parts as it constantly renews itself to provide a tight seal into the womb.

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Thick White Sticky Vaginal Discharge

Thick white sticky discharge is because of inflammation. Irritation and burning sensation begin once your vaginal discharge changes sticky lumps.

Any infection of the female private part can cause thick sticky discharge. It is due to the inflammation of the cells present in mucus glands.

It is a defense mechanism of the body to prevent the bacteria from spreading and keep getting washed.

Thick White Discharge Before Period

Thick white discharge before period on the 14th day of the cycle is undoubtedly because of ovulation.

However, if you missed a period and white thick discharge occurs then it can be that you are pregnant.

Thick white discharge right before the period is an early pregnancy symptom.

Problems in vaginal discharge in young girls 3 could be sign of STD.

Reasons for thick white discharge late period but a negative pregnancy test

Low levels of hCG hormone produced by the placenta

Using a dilute sample of urine for taking the pregnancy test

Tubal pregnancy

Birth control pills

Disturbance in the biological clock

All the above are the reason behind white discharge and late period but a negative pregnancy test conditions.

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What You Can Do About Brown Discharge

If youre not pregnant and you experience brown discharge right before or after your period, around ovulation or occasionally after sex, its more than likely totally normal.

While you can check in with your doctor if you’re concerned, your best bet may be to simply take a mental note of when it occurs and use a panty liner until it goes away.

In the majority of cases, brown discharge is no big deal just normal bleeding, from a normal reason , that took a little longer than usual to make its exit.

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

Kinds Of Vaginal Discharge You Should Worry About

Discharge After Ovulation If Pregnant Pictures / Some one ...

So far, we have discussed what normal clear watery discharge should look, feel, and smell like. We have also looked into various causes of these watery discharges.

On the other hand, you should also be aware of other forms of discharge that may be a sign of hormonal imbalance or infection. There are over-the-counter remedies for many of these infections, but if the symptoms are persistent, you should consult your healthcare provider.

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Recognizing Normal And Abnormal Discharge

Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or milky and may have a subtle scent that is not unpleasant or foul smelling. Changes that may signal a problem include an increase in the amount of discharge, a change in the color, smell or texture of the discharge. You may also experience other symptoms with a change in discharge, such as irritation, itchiness or burning in or around your vagina. The combination of these factors can help reveal what may be going on in your body.

Why Is Safe Sex Important During Pregnancy

It is exceptionally important to practice safe sex during pregnancy. Vaginal discharge during pregnancy can be a symptom of an STD. While not all STDs are passed on to a baby, some quite severe diseases can be passed on to the baby, including HIV.

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is common and all women will have to deal with the effects of it at some point during the pregnancy. After birth, the 4 to 6 weeks of menstruation will clean out the uterus and all vaginal discharge should return to normal.

What Is Vaginal Discharge

The menstrual cycle refers to the monthly changes a womans body goes through to prepare for the possibility of pregnancy. Once a month, the ovaries release an egg in a process known as ovulation. While this is happening, hormonal changes get the uterus ready for hosting a fertilized egg.

If the egg is not fertilized by sperm, the uterine lining is shed through the vagina. This is the part of the cycle referred to as the period, or menstruation. However, this is not the only part of the cycle that involves vaginal discharge.

The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long, though it can last anywhere from 21 to 35 days. The cycle is considered to begin on the first day of the period, rather than the last.

There are four phases of the menstrual cycle:

Thick White Discharge Causes

Does delayed period, brownish discharge & headache signify pregnancy? – Dr. Shailaja N

The reasons for the discharge can be many from ovulation to STD. Only an expert can make a precise diagnosis of the cause of thick white discharge.

If white thick discharge with itching is something you are going through, then you need to consult a doctor.

Similarly, white thick discharge with cramps is a sign of ovulation. Itching and pus along with thick white vaginal discharge is a sign of vaginal infection.

Thick white discharge is a mix of mucus and cells.

17 Major Causes of thick white discharge

Pregnancy: Ectopic pregnancy and normal pregnancy cause white & thick discharge. White thick discharge is common during early pregnancy.

Ovulation: Ovulation, as discussed above, is the primary cause of thick whitish discharge.

Atrophic Vaginitis: An Atrophic vaginitis is a post-menopausal event. The walls of the vagina become extremely thin and shed. It is because of declining estrogen levels. Estrogen is essential for the formation of vaginal walls. After menopause, all female hormones reduce in amount. The thinning of vaginal walls causes white thick discharge.

Cervicitis: Inflammation of cervix due to bacterial or viral infection causes cervicitis. During cervicitis, the healthy cells start producing a lot of thick white discharge. It is primarily to reduce the inflammation.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Any inflammatory disease can cause excessive white discharge production because your body is trying to ward off the harmful pathogens by washing them away.

What Changes May Be A Sign Of A Problem

Changes that may signal a problem include an increase in the amount of discharge, a change in the color or smell of the discharge, and irritation, itchiness, or burning in or around your vagina. This is called vaginitis. A discharge thats stained with blood when youre not having your period could also be a sign of a problem. If you have any of these signs, you should talk to your doctor.

You should also be on the lookout for symptoms of yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. These are 3 different infections that can cause changes in your vaginal discharge.

Signs of yeast infections

Swelling and pain around the vulva
Intense itching

A white, gray, or yellowish vaginal discharge
A fishy odor that is strongest after sex or after washing with soap
Itching or burning
Slight redness and swelling of the vagina or vulva

Signs of trichomoniasis

A watery, yellowish, or greenish bubbly discharge
An unpleasant odor
Pain and itching when urinating
Most apparent after your period

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