A “How-to” guide for monitoring cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle. Show
Cervical mucus monitoring is not a requirement for Time to Conceive. However, we thought you might find the following information helpful. For those who choose to monitor cervical mucus, it is important to be consistent with making the observations on a daily basis. If multiple types of mucus are noted throughout the day, the most fertile type of cervical mucus should be recorded. Contents
Observing Cervical Mucus
Categories of Cervical MucusType 1 – lowest fertility
Type 2 – low fertility
Type 3 – intermediate fertility
 Type 4 – high fertility
Other Types of FluidThere are other fluids, from both the man and woman, which are important to know about when monitoring cervical mucus. Arousal FluidArousal fluid is produced in response to sexual stimulation, by glands in and around the vagina in order to lubricate the vagina for the possibility of intercourse. The characteristics of arousal fluid are clear, wet, moist, and slippery. Unlike cervical mucus, however, arousal fluid dissipates quickly (usually within 1 hour). Seminal FluidSeminal fluid is released from the man at the time of intercourse and contains sperm and other fluids. Approximately 20-30 minutes after intercourse, the seminal fluid becomes very watery. Seminal fluid lasts longer in the vagina than arousal fluid; however, most of the seminal fluid should have left the vagina within 12-14 hours after intercourse. If you are uncertain whether you are experiencing cervical mucus or other fluids you can do one of two things:
Menstrual BloodDuring the presence of menstrual bleeding, it is difficult to observe cervical mucus sensation and appearance. During the menstrual cycle you should not record a cervical mucus type. Instead, record the bleeding.
Photo: gpointstudio/Shutterstock Tracking Your Cervical Mucusgpointstudio/ShutterstockHormone fluctuations cause your cervix to secrete a discharge called cervical mucus during your cycle. It changes in appearance, texture, and amount throughout the month based on your estrogen levels. There are four types of cervical mucus, ranging from type 1 (least fertile) to type 4 (most fertile). If you're trying to get pregnant, finger testing—observing the feel and consistency of the discharge by rubbing or pulling it between your index finger and thumb—is the best way to check the cervical mucus changes we outline here. But don't get discouraged if you can't tell differences right away. "It may take up to four months to get familiar with your body and be able to detect mucus changes," says Cindy M.P. Duke, MD, Ph.D, medical director of the Nevada Fertility Institute in Las Vegas. Cervical Mucus Before PeriodKunlanan Yarist/ShutterstockIt's normal to have some dry days leading up to your period. And during your period? Blood flow makes it difficult (and a bit icky) to check for cervical discharge. Skip the finger test, but remember it's still possible to get pregnant even when you're menstruating. Use birth control if you aren't trying to conceive. Cervical Mucus Day After PeriodPeter ArditoCervical Mucus Type 1: Least fertile Many people produce the least amount of cervical mucus immediately after their period. In fact, you might feel rather dry and not have any discharge at all. "Your chances of getting pregnant are lowest when you're in the type 1 mucus phase of your cycle," says Dr. Duke. Cervical Mucus Week After Periodkryzhov/ShutterstockCervical Mucus Type 2: Low fertility About a week after the end of your period, you'll start to notice thin discharge with a light white color. "Your underwear may feel a little damp as you produce type 2 cervical discharge," says Dr. Duke. Your odds of getting pregnant are still pretty low. Cervical Mucus As Egg RipensUNC School of MedicineCervical Mucus Type 3: High fertility As your egg starts to ripen, your body produces type 3 cervical mucus. "This thicker discharge has a creamy appearance and feels sticky or tacky between your fingers," says obstetrician and gynecologist Sheryl A. Ross, M.D., author of She-ology: The Definitive Guide to Women's Health. Period. "This discharge is a sign that you're going into your most fertile period." Cervical Mucus Before OvulationUNC School of MedicineCervical Mucus Type 4: Most fertile Your body produces the most cervical mucus as it prepares for ovulation. "Type 4 discharge is clear and has a stretchy consistency similar to raw egg whites," says Dr. Duke. "Your odds of getting pregnant are two to three times higher now."
Cervical Mucus After OvulationBlaine MoatsYou'll start to produce less cervical mucus after ovulation in the days leading up to the start of your period. This discharge may be cloudy and sticky. Cervical Mucus After ImplantationRawpixel.com/ShutterstockEarly in pregnancy, the body ramps up production of estrogen and progesterone. As a result, you may notice a heavier flow of discharge after implantation. Cervical Mucus During Pregnancymarima/ShutterstockYou might see increased discharge during your third trimester as well. If you notice a slight odor—the result of hormonal changes—you can apply a gentle soap to the vulva (never douche); if the discharge is foul-smelling, see your doctor. As your delivery date nears, your cervix begins dilating and releases thick (clear or blood-streaked) discharge known as the mucus plug. Some people go into labor hours after the plug descends, while others wait several days for their water to break.
When to See Your DoctorS_L/ShutterstockCertain factors can affect cervical mucus, including:
"If your discharge has a strong odor, seems overly thick, or is greenish or yellowish in color, see your doctor," says Dr. Ross. "You may have a bacterial, yeast or sexually transmitted infection that requires treatment." How soon after implantation does cervical mucus change?Changes in cervical mucus vary, however, and may be barely visible or subtle for some women. Moreover, a slight increase in cervical discharge may be noted. Some women may experience implantation bleeding or spotting, where the mucus appears tinged with brown or pink. This typically occurs 6-12 days after conception.
What does cervical mucus look like after ovulation if you are pregnant?It is one of the main components of vaginal discharge, it is typically clear or white, and it may have a faint odor. In early pregnancy, there may be noticeably more of this mucus than usual. It may also have a runny, watery consistency.
What kind of cervical mucus indicates pregnancy?Type 4 cervical mucus is indicative of the most fertile time of the cycle. Intercourse during this period will likely increase your chances of pregnancy. Multiple studies have suggested that the best chance of pregnancy is when intercourse occurs on a day which is near ovulation and Type 4 cervical mucus is present.
What does early pregnancy cervical mucus look like?Here's what you need to know about cervical mucus in early pregnancy. During the first weeks of 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.
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What does cervical mucus look like after implantation
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