You notice changes in your discharge and wonder what’s going on with your body. Is it just the usual sign your period is coming, or could it be something more – like early pregnancy? The truth is both can cause changes in discharge, and the differences can be subtle.
If you’ve ever found yourself paying extra attention to every detail, hoping to find answers, you’re not alone. Many women are in the same boat of curiosity, hope and confusion. Knowing what discharge looks and feels like in each case can bring clarity and peace of mind during this uncertain time.
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 should not smell strongly 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.
Key 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, sometimes pasty, and maybe dry | 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, 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) |
For more personalised information about the period or early pregnancy discharge and to discuss your individual circumstances, consider consulting a fertility specialist. You can contact Thomson Medical to arrange a consultation and receive guidance tailored to your needs.
Our fertility specialists
Loading...
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.
Additionally, 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.
Seeking timely medical advice ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, safeguarding reproductive health and your well-being.
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
- Jurong: 6262 8588
- Katong (female doctor):
6970 2272 (Call), 8611 9020 (WA) - Punggol: 6243 6843
- Sembawang: 6753 5228
- Sengkang: 6388 8125
- Serangoon (female doctor): 6382 3313
- Tampines: 6857 6266
- Tiong Bahru: 6276 1525