As one of the least discussed, very early signs of pregnancy, discharge can be an indicator that conception has taken place. For many women, the waiting period between the point of conception to the moment they learn they are pregnant is uncomfortably long. Many women are looking to their bodies and even vaginal discharges to help them determine their chances of being pregnant. While breast tenderness,fatigue, and food cravings are good indicators that hormonal changes are taking place, discharge is another sign to consider.

There are two type of discharge that can be considered typical and normal during pregnancy. Implantation bleeding and leukorrhea. While both terms may sound intimidating, they are well within the normal range of early pregnancy symptoms. Understanding these symptoms and changes are helpful for women looking for very early signs of pregnancy.

Implantation bleeding is exactly what the words imply.

As an egg is fertilized it travels down to the uterus. Once it has arrived, it implants itself along the lining. This implantation typically occurs within 10 to 14 days after the egg has been fertilized. There are instances where a small amount of the blood lining is disturbed and is shed through the vagina. This would be a small insignificant amount of blood that would be called spotting. Spotting in the very early stages of pregnancy is commonly mistaken for the beginning of a menstrual period. Abdominal cramping can be present in early pregnancy as well, and is more common in women who have had multiple pregnancies. If pregnancy is known or suspected, the sight of blood can cause alarm. However, this type of discharge is perfectly normal.

Leukorrhea

This is the official word to medically describe the white or yellowish discharge that can come from the vagina. As one of the very early signs of pregnancy, discharge can vary from woman to woman and even pregnancy to pregnancy. With the increase in hormones, particularly estrogen, being produced in the pregnant body, the vagina responds by increasing the blood flow within the vagina. The body will usually create an excess of the coating that is normally present in the vagina. This can produce a slightly noticeable increase in the discharge coming form the vagina.
Normal discharge is white, or slightly yellow. There should no more than a mild odor. If the discharge is slightly red or even brown, that would indicate that some spotting has occurred.

There are many signs of early pregnancy. Fatigue, swollen and tender breasts, a missed period, and even increased or changing discharge. When ever there is a concern or question about pregnancy, it is always best to check with you OB/GYN. If you are trying to determine whether you are expecting or not a pregnancy test and a missed period are the best indicators. If it is still early and you are looking for very early signs of pregnancy, discharge, along with other symptoms like tenderness and fatigue can be very useful measuring indicators pointing toward identifying a potential pregnancy.