If you notice changes in your vaginal discharge, you may wonder whether your period is coming or if you could be pregnant. Both can alter your discharge, and the differences are subtle. Knowing what your discharge looks and feels like in each case can help you recognise what's happening and give you peace of mind.
What is vaginal discharge, and why does it occur?
Vaginal discharge is a natural fluid produced by the glands of the vagina and cervix. It is a normal body process that helps maintain the health of your reproductive system. This fluid keeps the vaginal tissues moist, prevents dryness, and provides protection against infections.
It also helps flush out dead cells and bacteria, supporting the natural balance of healthy organisms in the vagina.
The amount, colour, and consistency of discharge can change due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, sexual activity, pregnancy, or, in some cases, underlying health conditions.
Healthy vaginal discharge
Healthy discharge usually ranges in colour from clear to milky white and has a mild or no smell at all.
The texture can be different, sometimes thin and watery and sometimes slightly thicker or more mucus-like. These changes are normal and are often related to the stage of the menstrual cycle. For example, around the time of ovulation, discharge often becomes slippery and stretchy, like raw egg white. This helps sperm travel more easily through the cervix for fertilisation.
Sometimes, like after ovulation or before your period, the discharge may be thicker and creamier. As long as the discharge doesn't cause irritation, itching, pain or a strong smell, it is generally considered normal.
Abnormal discharge
Although vaginal discharge is normal, not all discharge is. Certain changes can signal that there is an underlying problem that requires medical attention. For example, if your vaginal discharge is yellow, green, grey, or has a reddish colour when it is not related to your period, this could be a sign of infection or other health problems.
If you notice a strong, unpleasant, or "fishy" smell, this could be a sign of bacterial vaginosis. On the other hand, if you see thick, white, clumpy discharge that looks like cottage cheese, this is often linked to a yeast infection.
If you have a discharge that is not normal, you may also have other symptoms. These could be itching, a burning feeling when you urinate, swelling, or pelvic pain. These symptoms suggest there may be an imbalance in the vagina or an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like trichomoniasis, gonorrhoea, or chlamydia.
Discharge before your period
In the days leading up to menstruation, vaginal discharge often changes in both appearance and texture due to hormonal shifts, particularly the rise in progesterone after ovulation. These premenstrual changes are usually normal and may include:
White or cloudy colour:
It may appear white, off-white, or slightly cloudy, reflecting the lower levels of oestrogen compared to the earlier phase of the cycle.
Thicker consistency:
Discharge often becomes denser, creamier, or more paste-like as progesterone levels increase and cervical mucus thickens.
Reduced volume:
Many women notice less discharge just before their period, as the body prepares for menstrual shedding.
Possible spotting:
Some may experience light brown discharge or spotting, which usually represents old blood from the previous cycle being released.
These changes are typical unless accompanied by unusual odour, irritation, or discomfort, which could suggest an underlying issue.
Early pregnancy discharge
One of the early signs of pregnancy can be an increase in vaginal discharge. This discharge, called leukorrhoea, is usually thin, milky white, and odourless. It occurs due to rising oestrogen levels and increased blood flow to the reproductive organs. This change serves a protective function by creating a barrier against infections and maintaining a healthy environment in the vagina as the body prepares to support pregnancy.
Unlike discharge before a period, which reduces when menstruation begins, pregnancy-related discharge continues and often becomes more noticeable as pregnancy progresses.
The characteristics of early pregnancy discharge:
Increased volume:
The body produces more oestrogen during the early stages of pregnancy than before a period starts. This helps to thicken the uterine lining.
Thinner, watery consistency:
Pregnancy discharge is usually thinner and more watery than the thick discharge that comes before a period.
Clear or slightly white colour:
The discharge during the early stages of pregnancy is usually slightly white or clear.
No odour or irritation:
If you have a normal early pregnancy discharge, it shouldn’t smell strong and should not cause itching or irritation. If you notice any changes in smell or discomfort, it could be a sign of an infection that needs to be checked by a doctor.
Together with other signs of being pregnant:
Feeling tired, sick, having sore breasts and having to pee a lot are all common early pregnancy symptoms.
If you're unsure whether your discharge signals early pregnancy or is part of your natural cycle before your period, schedule an appointment with Thomson Women's Clinic. Our obstetrician and gynaecologist (O&G) specialists can help to assess your symptoms and provide the reassurance you need.
Our O&G specialists in Singapore
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Differences between discharge before period vs early pregnancy
Discharge before menstruation and discharge in early pregnancy may appear similar, but there are some differences. Before a period, discharge tends to be thicker and stickier and may reduce in amount once menstruation begins. In contrast, during early pregnancy, discharge is more likely to remain thin, milky, and persistent.
Pregnancy discharge usually continues beyond the expected date of menstruation and may gradually increase in volume.
| Feature | Discharge before period | Early pregnancy discharge |
|---|---|---|
Timing | Occurs 1-2 days before menstruation and stops when period starts | Begins shortly after conception and continues throughout pregnancy |
Consistency | Thick, creamy, sticky, and sometimes pasty | Thinner, watery, smooth, more fluid-like |
Colour | White, creamy, off-white, or slightly yellowish | Milky white or clear, sometimes with a slightly clearer appearance |
Volume | Usually a lesser or moderate amount | Often more abundant and noticeable |
Odour | Usually odourless or accompanied with a mild musky smell | Generally odourless, sometimes slightly sweet |
Accompanying symptoms | PMS-related symptoms like mood swings, cramps, breast tenderness, or bloating | Early pregnancy signs such as nausea, fatigue, breast soreness, or frequent urination |
Bleeding | Menstrual bleeding starts after discharge phase | Possible implantation spotting (light pink or brown spots) |
When should you consult a doctor about changes in discharge?
Vaginal discharge is typically a normal part of reproductive health and reflects hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. However, certain changes may indicate an underlying health issue and warrant a medical consultation. It is advisable to see a healthcare provider if your discharge is:
Yellow, green, or have a strong, unpleasant odour, as these may be signs of infection.
Thick, white, and clumpy, resembling cottage cheese, which could indicate a yeast infection (thrush).
Pink or bloody outside of your menstrual period or after sexual intercourse.
Accompanied by symptoms such as itching, burning, pain, swelling, or irritation.
However, if you suspect you may be pregnant and notice changes in your vaginal discharge, it is important to consult a doctor for antenatal care. Early medical support can confirm pregnancy, promote healthy foetal development, and manage any potential risks.
Antenatal care at Thomson Medical
At Thomson Medical, we provide first-trimester support tailored to your individual needs from the moment you think you might be pregnant until your 12th week of pregnancy. Our early pregnancy care includes:
Early pregnancy assessment:
Detailed ultrasound scans to confirm pregnancy
Blood tests to measure hCG levels and assess early pregnancy health
Dating scans to establish your due date
First Trimester Pre-Eclampsia Screening:
An early assessment to estimate the risk of developing pre-eclampsia later in pregnancy.
OSCAR (One-stop Clinic for Assessment of Risk of Foetal Anomalies):
Combines ultrasound and maternal blood tests to evaluate the likelihood of certain chromosomal conditions.
NT scan with NIPT:
A nuchal translucency (NT) ultrasound combined with a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) that screens for chromosomal differences with high accuracy.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS):
An early diagnostic test that can detect specific chromosomal or genetic conditions when further information is required.
Starting your antenatal care early allows us to monitor both your health and your baby's development closely, providing timely interventions if needed and giving you the support you need during these important first weeks.
For more personalised information about the period or early pregnancy discharge and to discuss your individual circumstances, consider consulting an O&G specialist. You can contact Thomson Women’s Clinic to schedule an appointment and receive guidance tailored to your needs.
FAQ
How do I know if my discharge is a period or pregnancy?
It can be difficult to tell the difference just by looking at vaginal discharge, because both premenstrual changes and early pregnancy can cause an increase in discharge. Before a period, discharge usually becomes thicker and creamier and may look white or slightly yellow. It often decreases once bleeding begins.
In early pregnancy, discharge is usually thin, milky white, and more persistent. Unlike premenstrual discharge, which stops when your period starts, pregnancy discharge continues beyond the expected period. However, discharge alone cannot confirm pregnancy. The most reliable way to know is by taking a pregnancy test after a missed period.
What does pregnancy discharge before the period look like?
Pregnancy discharge before a missed period is typically thin, watery, or milky white in colour, and it does not have a strong odour. Many women describe it as more noticeable or continuous than their usual premenstrual discharge.
This happens because higher levels of oestrogen and increased blood flow to the vaginal area stimulate the glands in the cervix to produce more protective mucus. The discharge is usually not itchy, painful, or foul-smelling.
How do I know if my period is coming or if I’m pregnant?
It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between early pregnancy symptoms and the signs that your period is about to start, because they can be very similar. Before a period, many women experience mood changes, bloating, mild cramps, breast tenderness, and fatigue. These symptoms are caused by hormonal changes in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
In early pregnancy, similar symptoms may occur, such as breast soreness, tiredness, and mild cramping. However, pregnancy often comes with additional signs like nausea, food cravings or aversions, and a missed period. The most reliable way to know the difference is by taking a home pregnancy test once your period is late, as symptoms alone are not specific enough to give a definite answer.
What is the difference between premenstruation discharge and early pregnancy discharge?
Premenstrual discharge usually becomes thicker, creamier, and slightly yellow or white in the days before menstruation, and it often reduces in amount once bleeding starts. This discharge is caused by higher levels of progesterone. In contrast, early pregnancy discharge, known as leukorrhoea, is usually thin, milky white, and odourless.
It tends to persist and even increase as pregnancy progresses, rather than stopping when a period would normally begin. The key difference is that premenstrual discharge is temporary and associated with an upcoming period, while pregnancy-related discharge continues and is accompanied by other early pregnancy signs.
Can my discharge tell me if I'm pregnant?
Discharge alone cannot confirm pregnancy. While early pregnancy often produces a noticeable increase in thin, white discharge due to hormonal changes, many women also experience similar discharge changes before a period. Therefore, discharge can give a clue, but it is not a reliable diagnostic sign on its own. To know for certain, a urine pregnancy test or a blood test for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is necessary.
How can I tell I'm pregnant before my period?
Some women may notice early pregnancy symptoms even before their period is due. These can include increased fatigue, breast tenderness, nausea or queasiness, more frequent urination, heightened sense of smell, or mild abdominal cramping. An increase in thin, milky discharge may also occur.
However, these signs are not unique to pregnancy and can overlap with premenstrual symptoms. The earliest reliable indication is a positive pregnancy test, which can sometimes detect pregnancy a few days before a missed period, depending on the sensitivity of the test. For the most accurate result, it is best to test after the first day of a missed period.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations based on your medical conditions, request an appointment with Thomson Medical.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson Fertility Centre
- Paragon: 6252 7766
Thomson Specialists (Women's Health)
Thomson Women's Clinic
- Novena:
6592 6686 (Call), 8611 8986 (WA) - Bukit Batok:
6569 0668 (Call), 8686 3525 (WA) - Choa Chu Kang:
6893 1227 (Call), 8282 1796 (WA) Jurong:
6262 8588 (Call), 6262 8588 (WA)- Katong (female doctor):
6970 2272 (Call), 8611 9020 (WA) - Punggol:
6243 6843 (Call), 8811 0328 (WA) - Sembawang: 6753 5228
- Sengkang: 6388 8125
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