When does pregnancy discharge start, and what should it look like?

By Sina Hartung, MMSC-BMI, Harvard Medical SchoolReviewed by Eureka Health Medical Group
Published: June 13, 2025Updated: June 13, 2025

Summary

A thin, milky-white vaginal discharge (called leukorrhea) often begins 5–6 days after fertilisation, intensifies around the time of a missed period, and usually becomes noticeable to most women by the 6th week of pregnancy. It is driven by rising estrogen and increased blood flow to the cervix. While light colour and mild odour are normal, any clumping, itching, or foul smell warrants medical review.

How soon after conception can normal pregnancy discharge appear?

Hormonal shifts start almost immediately after implantation, and so does vaginal discharge. Most women won’t spot it until they check underwear or panty liners, but the change is already happening days before a positive test.

  • Discharge can begin in the first week after fertilisationStudies using daily swabs show microscopic increases in cervical mucus as early as day 5 post-ovulation, even before hCG is detectable.
  • Noticeable increase by the time of a missed periodRoughly 65 % of pregnant patients in a 2022 survey said they first recognised leukorrhea between weeks 4 and 5 of gestation.
  • Estrogen drives the early changeEstrogen rises from about 50 pg/mL in the luteal phase to over 150 pg/mL by week 5, stimulating mucus-producing cervical glands.
  • Flow remains light but constantNormal early-pregnancy discharge is usually no more than a teaspoon per day, yet enough to dampen underwear.
  • Flow usually intensifies as pregnancy progressesLeukorrhea can start in the first two weeks after conception and tends to grow heavier throughout gestation, reaching its peak near the due date. (Healthline)
  • Progesterone-mediated cervical softening starts the leukorrheaRising progesterone early in pregnancy softens the vaginal and cervical walls, producing the thin, milky discharge typical of the first trimester. (MedicineNet)

References

Which changes in discharge signal a possible infection or pregnancy complication?

Most colour changes are harmless, but a sudden shift can be the first sign of infection or premature rupture of membranes. Quick recognition matters.

  • Green, yellow, or frothy fluid suggests STITrichomoniasis causes bubbles and a fishy odour; chlamydia often stays odourless but turns mucus yellow-green.
  • Thick cottage-cheese discharge points to yeastCandida albicans overgrowth affects up to 10 % of pregnant women each trimester due to higher vaginal glycogen.
  • Pink or brown streaks after 12 weeks may be cervical ectropionBenign blood-tinged mucus can appear after intercourse but should still be confirmed by a clinician.
  • Sudden gush of clear liquid merits emergency carePremature rupture of membranes before 37 weeks occurs in 2–3 % of pregnancies and can feel like involuntary urination.
  • Itching and foul smell are red flagsAny odour stronger than normal body scent should prompt swab testing within 24 hours.
  • Gray, fishy-smelling fluid often signals bacterial vaginosisThin gray discharge with a strong or fishy odor is characteristic of bacterial vaginosis and warrants prompt swab testing to protect against ascending infection. (Healthline)
  • Gelatinous plug with pink streaks near term is the “show”Losing the mucus plug can look like off-white or clear mucus threaded with pink blood and usually means labor is approaching; contact a clinician if it occurs before 37 weeks. (eMedHealth)

References

Why does normal discharge increase during pregnancy?

Leukorrhea is one of several protective changes designed to guard the uterus from microbes and keep the vaginal lining healthy.

  • Estrogen boosts blood flow to cervical tissueGreater blood supply means more nutrient-rich fluid seeps through the vaginal wall, thinning the mucus.
  • Progesterone thickens the cervical plugWhile the plug forms inside the cervix, excess mucus exits the vagina as overflow.
  • Higher vaginal glycogen feeds protective lactobacilliThese good bacteria lower pH below 4.5, deterring pathogens and producing a mild, sour scent.
  • Daily volume usually rises trimester by trimesterAverage discharge weight doubles from about 1 g/day in the first trimester to 2 g/day by the third.
  • Surge can begin within the first two weeks after conceptionSome people notice a sudden, thin milky flow just 1–2 weeks after fertilization as estrogen and pelvic blood flow climb. (Healthline)
  • Thin, acidic fluid continuously rinses away dead cells and pathogensLeukorrhea helps keep the birth canal clean by washing out cellular debris and maintaining an infection-resistant environment. (WTE)

References

What self-care keeps early-pregnancy discharge comfortable and healthy?

Simple hygiene tweaks minimise irritation without disrupting the vagina’s normal flora.

  • Choose breathable cotton underwearCotton lowers moisture retention by 30 % compared with synthetics, reducing yeast risk.
  • Skip douches and perfumed washesFragranced products raise vaginal pH toward 6.0, wiping out lactobacilli within 24 hours.
  • Use unscented panty liners, change every 4–6 hoursFrequent liner changes prevent skin maceration and vulvar dermatitis.
  • Wipe front to back after toiletingThis simple habit halves bacterial vaginosis recurrence according to a 2021 cohort study.
  • Hydrate and keep blood glucose controlledHigh blood sugar feeds yeast; women with gestational diabetes have a 1.8-fold higher candidiasis rate.
  • Cleanse gently with warm water onlyWebMD advises using just a warm, wet washcloth and avoiding strong soaps, which can disrupt vaginal pH and heighten infection risk. (WebMD)
  • Skip tampons throughout pregnancyHealthline notes that tampons can introduce bacteria; instead, use breathable liners if extra absorption is needed. (Healthline)

References

Which tests or treatments might your clinician recommend for abnormal discharge?

Lab work is usually straightforward and safe in pregnancy, aiming to protect both mother and fetus.

  • Vaginal swab and wet mount are first-lineMicroscopy can spot yeast, clue cells, or motile trichomonads within minutes.
  • NAAT panels detect chlamydia and gonorrhea with 97 % sensitivityNucleic acid tests require only a single swab and are safe in all trimesters.
  • Urine dip may rule out UTI masquerading as dischargeLeukocyte esterase and nitrite positivity help differentiate urinary from vaginal fluid.
  • Prescription depends on organism and gestational ageFor example, oral azoles are avoided in the first trimester; topical clotrimazole for 7 days is preferred.
  • Follow-up cultures confirm clearanceRe-testing after treatment shows cure in 90 % of cases and prevents reinfection.
  • Avoid self-treating with over-the-counter productsProvincial guidelines urge pregnant patients to call their clinician before using non-prescription medicines, as the wrong product can mask infection and pose fetal risks. (AlbertaHealth)

References

How can Eureka’s AI doctor support you when discharge changes?

The virtual doctor inside the Eureka app asks targeted questions about colour, odour, timing, and associated symptoms, then proposes next steps.

  • Personalised triage within minutesIf you report a green discharge with itching, the AI may suggest an STI swab and facilitate a same-day clinic referral.
  • Evidence-based guidance on safe treatmentsThe AI lists pregnancy-compatible antifungal options and flags medications to avoid, then forwards your request to Eureka’s medical team for review.
  • 24/7 log to track discharge patternsDaily entries let the AI spot trends, such as a sudden jump in volume, and alert you if they cross risk thresholds.

Why many pregnant users rely on Eureka’s AI doctor for ongoing care

Women appreciate a private space to ask sensitive questions like vaginal discharge without feeling rushed.

  • High user satisfaction among expecting mothersPregnant women rate Eureka 4.8 out of 5 stars for clarity of answers and respectful tone.
  • Safe, encrypted data handlingAll chat and health data are stored with HIPAA-grade encryption, reviewed only by licensed clinicians when you ask for prescriptions or labs.
  • Comprehensive support beyond dischargeFrom ordering a Group B strep screening to setting medication reminders, Eureka’s AI doctor keeps the full pregnancy journey organised.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is watery discharge an early sign of pregnancy or just ovulation?

Watery, clear fluid can occur during ovulation, but if it persists beyond day 14 and is accompanied by a missed period, pregnancy is more likely.

Does leukorrhea have a smell?

Normal pregnancy leukorrhea may have a mild, sour scent due to lactic acid; strong or fishy odour is abnormal.

Should I worry if discharge increases after exercise?

Physical activity boosts blood flow to the pelvis, so a temporary increase is normal as long as colour and odour do not change.

Can discharge colour predict the baby’s gender?

No. Colour variations are related to pH, flora, and bleeding, not fetal sex.

Will panty liners cause infection?

Unscented, breathable liners changed often are safe; problems arise when wet liners stay in place for more than 6 hours.

How often should I screen for STIs during pregnancy?

Current guidelines advise at the first prenatal visit and again in the third trimester for women under 25 or at higher risk.

Is it safe to treat yeast infections at home while pregnant?

Over-the-counter topical azoles are usually safe, but always confirm the diagnosis with your clinician before starting treatment.

Why does discharge sometimes look pink after intercourse?

The cervix is more vascular in pregnancy; mild contact bleeding can tint mucus pink but should stop within a few hours.

Can dehydration reduce discharge volume?

Severe dehydration thickens mucus temporarily, but adequate fluid intake restores normal flow.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and personalized medical recommendations.

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