Vaginal discharge is common, yet there is little discussion on this subject. Most women have no idea what it is and why they get this discharge. Since it is important to have a general idea about one’s body, let us know what vaginal discharge is in the first place and then about white creamy discharge.

Vaginal discharge is fluid released by glands in the vagina and cervix. The fluid carries dead cells and bacteria out of the body, and vaginal discharge helps keep the vagina clean and prevent infection. Normal vaginal discharge varies in amount and ranges in color from clear to milky, white discharge. Discharge may have a slight odor as well, although a foul, fishy odor is a sign of an infection.

A Guide for White Creamy Discharge

White creamy discharge before a period

There are times when discharge amounts can change. Immediately after a period, there is almost no discharge. Two to three days after the period ends, there is a thick, white discharge. A few days later, the consistency changes to appear more like mucous. Before ovulation, the discharge becomes clear and sticky, and before the next period, discharge is thick and white in consistency.

Discharge before a period tends to be cloudy or white due to the increased presence of progesterone, a hormone involved in both the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. In other phases of the cycle, when the body has higher levels of estrogen, vaginal discharge tends to be clear and watery. Discharge helps with lubrication and the removal of bacteria from the vagina. It can also be a convenient way for women to track their menstrual cycle.

white creamy discharge during pregnancy

Vaginal discharge during pregnancy is thin, white, milky and mild smelling. The amount of discharge also increases during pregnancy. However, during peri-menopause and menopause, discharge decreases due to low levels of estrogen.

The white creamy discharge increases during pregnancy because your body is producing more estrogen, and more blood is flowing to the area around your vagina. Healthy vaginal discharge is usually clear to milky white, thin to thick or mucus-like and odorless or mild-smelling. You’ll probably also notice more vaginal discharge as you approach labor, although it’s likely to look somewhat different from the flow you’ve become accustomed to.

However, it is also important to know what kind of vaginal discharge is abnormal during pregnancy. Discharge that’s green, smells unpleasant, causes pain, or seems unusual in any other way could be a sign of infection or another problem.

If you think you have an infection, don’t try to treat yourself with over-the-counter medications. It’s important to see your doctor for a diagnosis and the right treatment.

Is white creamy discharge a sign of early pregnancy?

While white creamy discharge can happen during the menstrual cycle due to changes in the hormone estradiol, it is most commonly associated with pregnancy discharge. It can be tempting to examine your cervical mucus for changes in white discharge as early pregnancy signs. But changes in vaginal discharge are not a reliable indicator of pregnancy. The increase in pregnancy-related leukorrhea usually happens later in the first trimester or early second trimester, weeks after you would be able to get a positive pregnancy test. So don’t expect to gain any meaningful insight from your discharge during the two-week wait.

Leaking any vaginal fluid, whether it’s brown discharge, bright red spotting, or white discharge, can understandably cause some worry. But, leukorrhea is usually harmless and common to see during your cycle and when you’re pregnant. However, if you ever observe any of these additional symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor if-

• You have itching or burning in your private parts.
• Change in odor of the white creamy discharge.
• Yellow or green tint in the discharge.
• More discharge than usual from your private parts.
• Pain in the pelvis or legs.

If you’re trying to get pregnant and notice this discharge, talk to your doctor about receiving treatment soon because infections are causes of miscarriage.

If you’re already pregnant, white creamy discharge might be a part of normal pregnancy discharge. Also, if you notice any major changes in consistency or amount, let your doctor know. If the discharge starts to have a foul odor or has the consistency of yeast infection, definitely see your doctor so that you can get the appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

Do not just rely on the white creamy discharge for determining your pregnancy. Make sure you get proper tests done as soon as possible.