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What Happens to Cervical Mucus in Early Pregnancy?

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers

The cervical mucus in early pregnancy may look similar to what is secreted just before ovulation. It is typically white, creamy, and odorless, and it is often present in large amounts. In fact, pregnant women can expect their cervical mucus levels to rise gradually during the first trimester, resulting in a constant feeling of wetness in their underwear throughout the pregnancy. Of course, this symptom is not usually present until after a test has already detected the pregnancy, so women are not advised to look for increased cervical mucus as a sign. Instead, they may see a bit of pink or brown blood very early in the pregnancy, which will eventually be replaced by white cervical mucus, starting at about six weeks along.

Early pregnancy cervical mucus is typically called leukorrhea, and it is considered quite normal. In fact, most women get it before they are ever pregnant, but it is in small amounts so that it is not always noticeable. It is usually comprised of cells from the vaginal walls, cervical secretions, and bacteria, all of which are present in most women on a constant basis. This type of cervical mucus tends to increase due to the sudden rise of blood flow to the vagina, as well as a higher amount of estrogen. Additionally, early pregnancy causes the production of a protective wall of mucus, called the mucus plug, and bits of this may be discharged from the vagina as the pregnancy continues.

Cervical mucus in early pregnancy is typically creamy, odorless, and white.
Cervical mucus in early pregnancy is typically creamy, odorless, and white.

In most cases, the normal cervical mucus in early pregnancy has no odor, and comes with no vaginal irritation. Women who notice a fishy or otherwise foul smell may in fact have an infection, and should contact their doctor. If the white mucus does not smell, but is accompanied by vaginal itching and irritation, it may signal a yeast infection instead. In fact, pregnancy often results in increased yeast infections due to sudden changes in the vaginal area, but a doctor should usually be consulted since untreated infections may be harmful for both mother and baby.

Early pregnancy cervical mucus is called leukorrhea, and is considered normal.
Early pregnancy cervical mucus is called leukorrhea, and is considered normal.

White, odorless cervical mucus in early pregnancy should not typically show up until about six weeks along, by which point most women already know they are pregnant. Women who are trying to become pregnant should keep an eye out for light pink or brown spotting around the time their period is due, as this may be a sign of implantation. Most pregnancy tests are accurate within days of the spotting, so women who notice unusual light bleeding in place of a period are advised to take a test.

Discussion Comments

candyquilt

I just saw my gynecologist today about excessive cervical mucus and what appears to be bits of my mucus plug. I was freaking out because I never had so much mucus with my first two pregnancies and I thought that it was a sign that something was going wrong.

But my doctor told me that it's absolutely normal and that cervical mucus during pregnancy usually increases with each new pregnancy. Apparently, it's even normal to see mucus plug in the first trimester since it's something that's constantly being produced. I'm glad I went in though, I feel so much better.

literally45

@SarahGen-- I'm not a doctor or expert and I urge you to ask your doctor about this. But I'm guessing that it's just implantation bleeding finding its way out through cervical mucus.

When the fetus attaches to the uterus, something called implantation bleeding occurs. It's actually one of the very early signs of pregnancy. It's mild bleeding but can last for a while for some women. In others, it may show up as spotting or simply pink or red mucus. If mucus is dark red, that means old blood is finding its way out.

If this continues though or if you start having actual bleeding, please rush to the hospital. Bleeding in the first trimester can be a sign of miscarriage so it should not be taken lightly. But a few instances of pink or red mucus is probably nothing to worry about.

SarahGen

What causes pink or dark red cervical mucus in early pregnancy?

I'm only a few weeks pregnant and I've noticed this. Is it normal?

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    • Cervical mucus in early pregnancy is typically creamy, odorless, and white.
      By: DNF-Style
      Cervical mucus in early pregnancy is typically creamy, odorless, and white.
    • Early pregnancy cervical mucus is called leukorrhea, and is considered normal.
      By: javiindy
      Early pregnancy cervical mucus is called leukorrhea, and is considered normal.
    • The consistency of cervical mucus can help a woman determine when she is the most fertile.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      The consistency of cervical mucus can help a woman determine when she is the most fertile.
    • Spotting around the time a woman's period is due may be a sign of implantation.
      By: Monkey Business
      Spotting around the time a woman's period is due may be a sign of implantation.
    • Normal cervical mucus in early pregnancy typically does not cause vaginal irritation.
      By: victosha
      Normal cervical mucus in early pregnancy typically does not cause vaginal irritation.
    • A pregnant woman should consult her physician immediately if she suspects that she has an infection of any type.
      By: Gajus
      A pregnant woman should consult her physician immediately if she suspects that she has an infection of any type.