Discharge Before Period vs Early Pregnancy: How to Tell the Difference

Updated May 19, 2023

If you’ve been hard at work trying to conceive, you might spend a lot of time leading up to your period wondering if you’re pregnant. You may even find yourself analyzing every aspect of your life to determine whether it’s potential pregnancy symptoms.

From questioning your suddenly radiant complexion to noticing that slight change in your vaginal discharge, nothing is too big or too small to call into question. Case in point: how do you tell the difference between discharge before period vs early pregnancy discharge?

Truthfully, the two fluids are very similar in appearance—so while you can monitor your monthly discharge and keep an eye out for any recent changes, if you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s helpful to look for and recognize other early pregnancy signs too.

A Beginner’s Guide to Decoding Monthly Discharge Cycles

Each month, your cervix creates cervical mucus to assist sperm during their heroic endeavor to fertilize your egg. Cervical mucus helps sperm by:

• Admitting them into the, at times, “hostile” environment of the vagina
• Acting as a mode of transport to the fallopian tubes
• Filtering out abnormal sperm
• Storing them for later release to coincide with the release of an ovum (egg) during ovulation

Your hormones play an instrumental role in the production of cervical mucus (aka vaginal discharge). As your hormones ebb and flow during your menstrual cycle, your vaginal discharge also changes, consistently altering its composition. This leads to changes in:

• Its consistency
• Amount of discharge
• Color of discharge

Your menstrual cycle lasts from the first day of your period to the first day of the next period. On average, a woman’s cycle is approximately 28 days, but everyone’s cycle length is different. During that time, your cervical mucus goes through several changes as your body prepares for ovulation:

• Days 1 to 7 – Outside of pregnancy, the first few days of every woman’s cycle are characterized by bleeding (a.k.a., your period). This means you have an extremely low chance of conceiving and will likely experience little to no discharge (save for your period blood).
  However, if you do notice excessive vaginal discharge or discharge that carries an odor that’s accompanied by burning or itching sensations, it may be a sign to check in with your healthcare provider. These symptoms can be caused by a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis, which can occur at any time during your menstrual cycle, not just the first 1 to 7 days.If you are pregnant, stay vigilant about monitoring this type of discharge, as both conditions are common in pregnant women due to fluctuating hormones and changes in vaginal pH.
• Days 7 to 9 – During this phase, you’ll likely notice a discharge that’s thick or creamy in consistency with a white or yellowish hue and little to no smell. When you touch it, it’ll feel sticky but not elastic. This consistency protects your vagina from various bacteria and infections.
• Days 10 to 14 – As the hormone, estrogen, prepares your body for ovulation, cervical mucus begins to increase. It also becomes thin, transparent, and very stretchy when spread between your fingers. This slippery consistency helps sperm travel up the fallopian tube to your egg.
• Days 14 to 28 – After ovulation, your discharge decreases significantly. Leading up to your period, you may not notice much discharge at all. If you do, it often returns to a creamy white or yellowish color.

Is there a distinction between discharge before period vs early pregnancy discharge?

In short? Not really.

It all comes down to how well you know your monthly cycle and whether you’ve been tracking your cervical mucus changes—and then confirming your suspicions with a pregnancy test. Having a better understanding of discharge during the final phase of your menstrual cycle may help you decode the type of discharge you’re looking at.

Whether you’re experiencing normal discharge before your period or early pregnancy discharge, both would occur during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle. This phase begins after ovulation and continues until the start of your next period.

During the luteal phase, the corpus luteum, a collection of cells in your ovary, produces progesterone and estrogen. These hormones are responsible for:

• Increasing blood flow to your uterus
• Thickening the uterine lining to create a hospitable home for a future baby
• Maintaining a healthy pregnancy if a sperm successfully fertilizes an egg

If a fertilized egg does implant in your uterus after ovulation, the corpus luteum continues to increase your progesterone and estrogen levels. In the case of some women, this can be accompanied by an increased amount of leukorrhea—a vaginal discharge that can be caused by heightened blood flow and an influx of pregnancy hormones.

Up close, leukorrhea has:

• A white or milky color
• A slightly stretchy consistency

So, do some women see a spike in vaginal discharge even if they’re not a pregnant patient? Yes—but not all. Since progesterone levels rise until your period, you may experience a sudden uptick in discharge before your periods begin.

If you’ve been tracking your cycle using the cervical mucus method, you’re probably familiar with your body’s monthly discharge cycles. If you notice a sudden rise in discharge right before your period that you haven’t experienced before, that could be an indicator of early pregnancy.

However, it’s not an exact science, and the best way to know for sure is to take a pregnancy test.

Other Early Pregnancy Signs to Look For

In some cases, increased vaginal discharge is an early pregnancy symptom.

But besides the tried-and-true method of taking a pregnancy test, there are other early pregnancy signs you can monitor in the days leading up to your missed period, including:

• Frequent trips to the bathroom – During early pregnancy, you may make more frequent trips to the bathroom. This increased urination results from elevated blood flow and hormonal changes in your body. While it can be mistaken for a urinary tract infection (UTI), it’s often one of the early signs of pregnancy.
• Fatigue – Rising levels of the hormone progesterone can lead to increased tiredness. You may notice that your usual energy levels have decreased, and you find yourself wanting to rest or even take a quick nap during the day.
• Dizziness – If you feel lightheaded or dizzy, it could be because your hormones are relaxing your blood vessels. This can cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure. Dizziness may also be due to low blood sugar or iron.
• Headaches – If you’re pregnant, you might be able to attribute any sudden unexplainable headaches (once again) to the influx of hormones and increased blood volume.
• Constipation – You’ve always been regular until suddenly—you weren’t. Digestion slows down during pregnancy so your body can absorb more nutrients. Consuming extra fiber, completing daily exercise (check out these exercise programs for pregnancy), and drinking plenty of fluids can help loosen things back up.
• Implantation bleeding – If you notice any light vaginal bleeding when you aren’t on your cycle, you might think you’ve started your period. However, it could be proof that your fertilized egg has nestled its way into your uterine lining, leaving a light dusting of blood in your undies to prove it.
• Metallic taste – Another unpleasant side effect of surging pregnancy hormones is a change in taste that results in a metallic flavor in your mouth. Known formally as dysgeusia, you can limit the disagreeable taste by drinking citrus juices, chewing minty gum, and switching up your prenatal vitamin treatment. To clue you in early, the benefits of prenatal vitamins are life-changing.
• Frequent changes in emotions – Early pregnancy can bring about a rollercoaster of emotions. These emotional swings are entirely normal as your body adapts to the influx of hormonal changes.
• Heartburn – A sudden onset of heartburn or acid reflux can be another indicator to consider taking a pregnancy test. Hormonal shifts during pregnancy may relax the valve between your stomach and esophagus, making it easier for acidic stomach juices to flow back up and cause that burning sensation in your chest.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience unusual or concerning symptoms related to vaginal discharge or believe you might be pregnant, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider. Here are some situations in which you should consider seeking medical advice:

• Persistent or Unusual Discharge: If your vaginal discharge is persistently abnormal, has a foul odor, is green or yellow, or is accompanied by itching, burning, or irritation, consult a healthcare professional.
• Positive Pregnancy Test: If you’ve taken a home pregnancy test and the result is positive, it’s advisable to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for confirmation and to initiate prenatal care.
• Missed Period: If you have missed your period and are sexually active, it’s a good idea to take a pregnancy test and see a doctor to confirm your pregnancy and discuss your next steps.
• Bleeding During Pregnancy: If you experience any bleeding during pregnancy, including light spotting, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. While some spotting can be normal, it’s essential to rule out potential complications, such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
• Pelvic Pain: If you have severe pelvic pain, especially when accompanied by heavy bleeding, consult a healthcare provider.

Takeaway

Understanding the differences between discharge before your period and early pregnancy discharge can help you navigate your reproductive health. Vaginal discharge is a natural part of the menstrual cycle, with its consistency, amount, and color changing throughout. Early pregnancy can bring about similar-looking discharge, but it may have unique characteristics. Keep an eye out for other pregnancy symptoms, such as breast changes, fatigue, and frequent urination. If you suspect you might be pregnant or experience unusual symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for guidance. It’s crucial to confirm pregnancy test results and initiate prenatal care if you are indeed pregnant.

When You Want to Be Sure, Choose SneakPeek

If you notice any abnormal discharge you think could be due to early pregnancy or you begin questioning other potential pregnancy symptoms, the only surefire way to know is by taking a pregnancy test. And after going through the sheer excitement of experiencing your first positive pregnancy test, you can prepare for the next big surprise: discovering whether you’re having a baby girl or boy with the SneakPeek At-Home Early Gender Blood Test.

Like at-home pregnancy tests (which are 99% accurate), our gender prediction kit is clinically proven to tell you the gender of your little one with over 99% accuracy¹—as early as just six weeks into your pregnancy. Why wait until your 20-week gender reveal ultrasound when you could find out three months sooner?

Join over 1 million moms who’ve entrusted us with this monumental moment, and check out SneakPeek Test today.

This post has been reviewed for accuracy by the following medical professional:

Katie Smith, MSN, APRN, CNM

Katie Smith is a seasoned Certified Nurse Midwife and a nurturing mother to six children, offering a unique blend of professional expertise and personal experience. She is the founder of Birth Your Way Midwifery and Women’s Wellness Center in Bay County, Florida. Katie's comprehensive approach to care is informed by her hands-on experience in motherhood and her passion for empowering women through their birthing journey. Her dedication extends beyond her center as she actively engages in community wellness and family health education.

Sources:

1. NIH. Human Cervical Mucus: Research Update. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1755453/
2. NHS. Periods and Fertility In the Menstrual Cycle. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/fertility-in-the-menstrual-cycle/#
3. UNC School of Medicine. Cervical Mucous Monitoring. https://www.med.unc.edu/timetoconceive/study-participant-resources/cervical-mucus-testing-information/
4. Cleveland Clinic. How Vaginal Discharge Changes During Pregnancy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/4719-vaginal-discharge
5. NIH. Use of Progesterone During Early Pregnancy. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3987350/
6. Very Well Family. How Vaginal Discharge Changes During Pregnancy.
   https://www.verywellfamily.com/pregnancy-discharge-3861797
7. Mayo Clinic. Cervical Mucus Method for Natural Family Planning. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cervical-mucus-method/about/pac-20393452
8. Better Health. Menstrual Cycle. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menstrual-cycle
9. Nationwide Children’s. How to Handle Dizziness During Pregnancy.
   https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/family-resources-library/how-to-handle-dizziness-during-pregnancy#
10. Stanford Children’s. Headaches in Early Pregnancy. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=headaches-in-early-pregnancy-134-3
11. Healthline. Weird Early Pregnancy Symptoms No One Tells You About.
    https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/weird-early-symptoms#constipation
12. UT Southwestern Medical. 5 Weird Pregnancy Symptoms You Might Not Know About. https://utswmed.org/medblog/weird-pregnancy-symptoms/
13. Cleveland Clinic. Heartburn. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9617-heartburn-overview#symptoms-and-causes
14. NIH. Strips of Hope: Accuracy of Home Pregnancy Tests and New Developments.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4119102/
15. Cleveland Clinic. Cervical Mucus. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21957-cervical-mucus
16. Cleveland Clinic. Am I Pregnant? https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9709-pregnancy-am-i-pregnant