Post-ovulation (days 14–22): After ovulation, the body releases the hormone progesterone, which dries up cervical fluid. The discharge may look cloudy at first, then become thicker. Pre-period (days 22–28): As a period approaches, the discharge may have a glue-like consistency again.
Early signs and symptoms include implantation bleeding or cramps, which can occur 5–6 days after the sperm fertilizes the egg. Other early symptoms include breast tenderness and mood changes.
Normal vaginal discharge, known as leukorrhea, is thin, clear, or milky white, and mild smelling. In the last weeks of pregnancy, you may also notice that your discharge contains streaks of thick mucus with streaks of blood, called “show.” This is an early sign of labor and should not be cause for alarm.
A dry vagina during early pregnancy is quite common, as oestrogen levels drop sharply in the first trimester. The oestrogen imbalance reduces mucus production in the vaginal epithelium and the cervix, resulting in a dry, itchy vagina.
How do I check my cervical mucus?
- Wipe the opening of your vagina (BEFORE you pee) with white toilet paper or tissue.
- Look at the color and texture of the discharge on your underwear.
- Put clean fingers into your vagina, and then check the color and texture color of the mucus on your fingers.
Immediately after a period, women may notice reduced discharge or mild vaginal dryness. A few days after this but well before ovulation, discharge becomes sticky and may appear white or yellow. After ovulation, cervical mucus will begin to dry up and thicken if the woman is not pregnant.
Lack of Discharge
Not every woman will have egg white cervical mucus. That doesn't necessarily mean you have a fertility problem, but it could signal one. It is possible to get pregnant and never get the so-called "ideal" egg white cervical mucus.Understanding the typical cervical mucus changes throughout the menstrual cycle can help women identify early pregnancy: Immediately after a period, women may notice reduced discharge or mild vaginal dryness. After ovulation, cervical mucus will begin to dry up and thicken if the woman is not pregnant.
During the first weeks of a pregnancy, cervical mucus may change in color and consistency. You may notice stickier, white, or yellow mucus, known as leucorrhea. As your pregnancy progresses, your vaginal discharge may continue to change.
Thin, stretchy mucus is considered fertile, as it happens around the time when your egg may be released. White, thick discharge is considered infertile cervical mucus. So long as this discharge isn't accompanied by symptoms like pain, itching, or redness, it's considered normal.
This discharge, in the days after conception, appears either creamy or clear and sticky. However, it isn't a fool-proof sign of pregnancy. The production of cervical mucus increases during pregnancy due to increased estrogen and blood flow to the vaginal area; however, it is not noticeable until the eighth week.
This estrogen mucus is stretchy and fluid, often even 'spinnable,' very similar to raw egg white or even more watery. This mucus protects, filters, nourishes and transports the sperm, and the sugar contained in it, luring them into the cervix. The sperm can survive here for 3 to a maximum of 5 days.
Usually, you should get fertile egg white discharge for one or two days before you ovulate. Some women get fertile looking cervical mucus again just before their period comes. It may become watery or even egg-white like. This isn't a sign of ovulation and having sex during this time will not help you get pregnant.
17 Natural Ways to Boost Fertility
- Eat Foods That Are Rich in Antioxidants. Antioxidants like folate and zinc may improve fertility for both men and women ( 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ).
- Eat a Bigger Breakfast.
- Avoid Trans Fats.
- Cut Down on Carbs.
- Eat Less Refined Carbs.
- Eat More Fiber.
- Swap Protein Sources.
- Choose High-Fat Diary.
Higher levels of vitamin E in the body has been shown to increase cervical mucus, which makes it easier for sperm to stay alive longer. Since vitamin C isn't naturally stored in the body, it's recommended to get a daily dose of it, as it regulates the menstruation cycle and normal ovulation.
Some of the supplements that have been associated with increased cervical mucus are evening primrose oil, borage seed oil, L-arginine, as well as the shatavari, dandelion, licorice, and marshmallow roots, Moragianni says.
17 Natural Ways to Boost Fertility
- Eat Foods That Are Rich in Antioxidants. Antioxidants like folate and zinc may improve fertility for both men and women ( 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ).
- Eat a Bigger Breakfast.
- Avoid Trans Fats.
- Cut Down on Carbs.
- Eat Less Refined Carbs.
- Eat More Fiber.
- Swap Protein Sources.
- Choose High-Fat Diary.
If your menstrual cycle lasts 28 days and your period arrives like clockwork, it's likely that you'll ovulate on day 14. That's halfway through your cycle. Your fertile window begins on day 10. You're more likely to get pregnant if you have sex at least every other day between days 10 and 14 of a 28-day cycle.
