Cervical mucus in early pregnancy can be similar to what is secreted just before ovulation. It is typically white, creamy, and odorless, and is often present in large quantities. In fact, pregnant women can expect their cervical mucus levels to gradually increase during the first trimester, resulting in a constant clammy feeling in their underwear throughout their pregnancy. Of course, this symptom usually isn't present until after a test has already detected pregnancy, so it's not recommended for women to look for increased cervical mucus as a sign. Instead, they may see some pink or brown blood very early in the pregnancy, which will eventually be replaced by white cervical mucus, beginning at about six weeks.
Cervical mucus early in pregnancy is usually called leukorrhea, and it's considered quite normal. In fact, most women get it before they get pregnant, but it's in small amounts so it's not always noticeable. It is usually made up of cells from the vaginal walls, cervical secretions, and bacteria, all of which are constantly present in most women. This type of cervical mucus in early pregnancy tends to increase due to the sudden increase in blood flow to the vagina, as well as an increased amount of estrogen. Also, early pregnancy causes the production of a protective wall of mucus, called a mucus plug, and bits of mucus can be discharged from the vagina as the pregnancy continues.
In most cases, normal cervical mucus in early pregnancy has no odor and no vaginal irritation. Women who notice a fishy or foul odor may have an infection and should contact their doctor. If white cervical mucus in early pregnancy does not smell, but is accompanied by vaginal itching and irritation, it may indicate a yeast infection. In fact, pregnancy often results in an increase in yeast infections due to sudden changes in the vaginal area, but a doctor should usually be consulted as untreated infections can be harmful to both mother and baby .
White, odorless cervical mucus in early pregnancy usually shouldn't appear until about six weeks, by which time most women know they're pregnant. Therefore, it is usually not a good idea to look for this type of mucus as a sign of pregnancy. Instead, women who are trying to get pregnant should be on the lookout for light pink or brown spots around the time their period is due, as this can be a sign of implantation. Most pregnancy tests are accurate within days of detection, so women who notice unusual light bleeding instead of a period are advised to get tested.