What is an Egg White Discharge?

In general, egg white discharge before pregnancy is a common occurrence of vaginal discharge. It is otherwise known as egg white cervical mucus (EWCM) or fertile-quality cervical mucus. Many women utilize the cervical mucus discharge to track their approaching ovulation either to prevent or achieve conception. The natural purpose of the cervical mucus is to allow the sperm to swim towards the uterus effortlessly.

However, a woman may also experience egg white discharge in their early maternal stage. This happens due to the vast physiological changes that take place after the successful implantation.

Even though cervical mucus discharge is strongly related to ovulation, it can also be a significant indicating factor of early pregnancy. Increased discharge is widely known for creating a sterile environment for the growing embryo. This cervical mucus generally appears to be thin in consistency, milky-white or clear in colour and may seem to be slippery or sticky in texture.

While the cervical mucus can also be an indicator of ovulation, the chances of being pregnant are still possible if you have missed the menstrual cycle along with other pregnancy symptoms.

Through this blog, let’s explore what causes early pregnancy egg white discharge, how to differentiate them from usual egg white discharge, and more.

What Causes Egg White Discharge During Early Pregnancy?

It is quite normal to notice egg white-like discharge during early pregnancy. The significant changes in the discharge may happen due to various reasons. Some of them may include:

Hormonal Changes

After the successful implantation, the woman’s body starts to produce increased levels of reproductive hormones, which may include estrogen and progesterone. The sudden rise of these hormones may stimulate the cervix to secrete more mucus. This may primarily lead to the production of increasing levels of cervical mucus, similar to egg whites. In addition, these hormones play an essential role in supporting the growth of developing embryos in the uterus.

Blood Flow

Along with the hormonal shifts, the increased blood flow to the pelvic region after implantation is an essential contributor of secreting increased cervical mucus. The egg white discharge in the conception period is often referred to as leukorrhea. Leukorrhea is a healthy and natural part of the woman’s body.

Mucus Plug

As pregnancy progresses, cervical mucus is converted into a thick layer around the embryo within the cervix. The layer is commonly known as a mucus plug, which acts as a naturally developed sterile shield to ensure the health of the developing baby.

Protective Function

The mucus plug serves its purpose of preventing the growing embryo by acting as a barrier. This helps prevent the embryo from harmful infections or other substances from entering the uterus.

Note: Even though egg white discharge is a key sign of early pregnancy, looking out for other definitive pregnancy symptoms is recommended.

What are the Features of Early Pregnancy Egg White Discharge?

• Thin and watery:
  Before conception, cervical mucus is usually sticky and thick. In early pregnancy, however, vaginal discharge tends to become thinner and more watery in consistency.
• Milky white or clear:
  Healthy discharge often appears clear or white, resembling the consistency of raw egg whites or milk—hence the term “egg white discharge.”
• Increased volume:
  Compared to regular vaginal discharge, a noticeable increase in volume is common during early pregnancy.
• Mild or no odour:
  Egg white discharge during early pregnancy typically has little to no odour, indicating it's healthy.
• Slippery or sticky texture:
  The discharge may feel slippery, stretchy, or sticky—closely resembling the texture of raw egg white.

Difference Between Egg White Discharge and Early Pregnancy Discharge

While egg white discharge and early pregnancy discharge seem to be most often similar, the timing and other accompanying symptoms may help with the clear differentiation. Listed below is the detailed breakdown of these two.

What are the Other Signs of Early Pregnancy?

The other accompanying signs of early pregnancy may include:

1. Missed period
   A missed period is a significant and well-known indicating factor of early pregnancy. If you have a missed period along with the egg white discharge, there are certain possibilities that you are pregnant. As soon as the implantation takes place, your body begins to produce the hormone called hCG. The hormone is a primary contributor to preventing the shredding of the uterine lining, which results in menstruation bleeding.
2. Breast changes
   Changes in the breast is the earliest and the most common physiological signs of early pregnancy. The changes may include breast tenderness, swelling, or an increased visibility of the veins. All these breast changes may be caused by sudden hormonal shifts that trigger the woman’s body to prepare for lactation.
3. Fatigue
   Fatigue is another commonly found early sign of pregnancy. Fatigue is nothing but when a woman feels extremely tired even after having adequate sleep at night. The symptom is often correlated with hormonal surge, especially progesterone. It is a physiological indicator of the maternal body to rest and slow down things.
4. Nausea and vomiting
   Nausea and vomiting are another significant symptoms indicating early pregnancy. It is often known as morning sickness. The symptom can usually happen at any time of the day, even before or after the meal. It is mostly associated with the surge of hCG hormone that is secreted by the placenta.
5. Frequent urination
   If you are suddenly visiting the bathroom more often, it could be that you are pregnant. Maternal mothers may usually tend to urinate frequently even at a good night’s sleep. The symptom usually starts at the fourth week of conception in many women. Frequent urination may happen because of hormonal shifts and an increased blood supply to the uterus.
6. Mood swings
   Mood swings in pregnant women may happen due to hormonal fluctuations, especially estrogen and progesterone. These fluctuations may trigger an emotional response, leading to feelings of sadness, happiness, anxiety, or irritability – all at once.
7. Changes in appetite
   Changes in appetite, which include both food aversions and increased hunger are the primary signs of early pregnancy. Some women may experience the symptom of hating the food, which was previously enjoyed and crave certain foods at the same time. They may also have them in an increased amount. This happens due to the significant shift in the hormone production during the early pregnancy.
8. Implantation bleeding
   Even though not common, implantation bleeding plays a crucial role in indicating early pregnancy. This happens when a fertilized egg finds its way to attach to the uterine lining, which is otherwise known as endometrium. A woman may notice a light spotting as the process disrupts the tiny blood vessels in the uterus. They may also mistake the implantation bleeding for the menstrual bleeding since it would primarily happen around the expected time of periods.
9. Bloating and constipation
   Bloating and constipation may be experienced by many pregnant women. Again, hormonal fluctuations are the essential contributors to the symptoms, especially progesterone. This hormone makes the intestine muscles relax, leading to slow down digestion, gas buildup in the stomach as well as constipation.

All the above-mentioned signs are the vital signs of early pregnancy, especially if they are accompanied by egg white discharge. However, visiting your healthcare specialist is the most optimal way to confirm the pregnancy.

When to Seek the Medical Help?

While the changes in discharge are generally normal after the successful implantation, the consistency and odour play a key role in differentiating whether it signals any potential infection or a usual healthy one. It’s highly suggested to seek medical help if you notice any abnormal discharge. Here’s how you can differentiate them.

Yeast infection in women is one of the commonly found contributing factors to abnormal discharge. This infection is often characterized by clumpy, thick and cottage cheese-like discharge, instead of raw egg whites’ resemblance. In addition, the symptom is accompanied by redness, itching and irritation around the pelvic region.

Bacterial vaginosis is another contributing factor to abnormal discharge. The discharge from the vagina could be grey or yellow in colour along with the foul smell.

Certain sexually transmitted infections like trichomoniasis and chlamydia can cause abnormal discharge. These infections are characterised by yellow or green in colour. The infection is most often associated with severe discomfort and pelvic pain.

Apart from infections, the excessive discharge of watery fluids from the vagina may also require medical help. This is because the discharge may be sometimes associated with amniotic fluid leakage. Even though it is not common, consulting with the healthcare provider can be beneficial.

Monitoring the consistency and other symptoms of the discharge, specifically during pregnancy, can significantly help with addressing the issue promptly. If you have any concerns regarding the discharge, having a consultation with the healthcare provider is highly recommended.

Summary

Egg white cervical mucus (EWCM) is usually harmless. It is a natural and healthy part of new adjustments to the maternal body. Even though the sudden increasing levels of discharge may make you feel uncomfortable, it is essential to protect the developing baby from harmful substances. The discharge also plays a key role in maintaining the health of the vagina.

Understanding how to differentiate healthy egg white discharge from abnormal discharge can help maternal women make the most informed decisions at the right time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the recommended ways to manage the excessive egg white discharge during pregnancy?
When it comes to managing the excessive egg white discharge during pregnancy, maintaining good hygiene is a significant factor. It also involves wearing cotton clothes and avoiding scented vaginal products. Avoiding tight inners and tampons may also help with reducing the risk of infections. Using panty liners, staying hydrated and including probiotic foods in the diet can be the game changer.

2. How does vaginal discharge look like during 4 weeks of pregnancy?
During the 4 weeks of pregnancy, the vaginal discharge may typically look thin in consistency, white or clear in colour and most often odourless. Even though the vaginal discharge is normal, pregnancy can slightly surge its amount. This is because of the increasing hormone levels and blood flow that happens after the implantation.

3. When does the pregnancy discharge begin?
The egg white discharge during pregnancy may generally begin as early as the first week of conception. As it progresses, a woman may notice the evident increasing levels of the discharge. It may become even higher at the end of pregnancy. The increasing levels of egg white-like vaginal discharge are usually not a sign of concern.

4. Can I notice egg white vaginal discharge without being pregnant?
The answer to the question is yes. You can certainly notice the egg-white vaginal discharge even without being pregnant. If you notice the discharge before pregnancy, it is generally a sign of approaching ovulation. The discharge is often referred to as egg-white cervical mucus (EWCM).

5. Is too much egg white discharge during pregnancy an issue?
Experiencing an excessive amount of egg white discharge during pregnancy is usually not a sign of concern. As the pregnancy progresses, a woman may notice the evident increasing levels of the discharge. It may become even higher at the end of pregnancy.