Changes in cervical mucus tell a lot about what’s happening in your reproductive system. It is even helpful in tracking down your fertilize days and assists the sperm to meet the egg.
If you have been planning to get pregnant then noticing the changes in the cervical mucus helps to determine implantation (an early symptom of pregnancy). In this article, let me explain role of cervical mucus in conception and how it changes after implantation in detail…
The Role of Cervical Mucus in Conception
Cervical mucus has an important role in conception without which the sperm may not be able to meet the egg. It is made of water, sugars, proteins and electrolytes which develops a safe environment for sperm transportation.
Apart from that, you can also identify the fertile of ovulation days by looking at your cervical mucus. To know that you have to understand changes of cervical mucus that occur at different stages of menstrual cycle.
The hormone estrogen is responsible for the cervical mucus production. As estrogen production changes in different phases, the cervical mucus also changes its texture and consistency. If you are not producing enough then you will have issues in conceiving. Low level of cervical mucus also indicates dehydration. If you are concerned about less production of cervical mucus then it is better to consult a gynecologist.
Changes of Cervical Mucus at Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle
With the information provided below, you can understand your cycle in a better way using the cervical mucus. If you are trying for a baby then this guides in planning the right way…
- Menstruation Days: First day of your period is considered as start of the menstrual cycle. Because of the bleeding, you will not be able to check the cervical mucus.
- After Menstruation Phase: At this stage, you can insert two fingers into the vagina and check for the mucus. Initially, you may feel it to be dry but if you check it daily then a slow increase of cervical mucus can be observed.
- Few days Before Ovulation: When you are approaching the ovulation period, you will observe a slight increase in the ovulation. Usually, it will be watery and even creamy. If you swipe a tissue from back to forth of the vagina, you can observe it. If you observe your cervix then it will be soft and moving high.
- Right Before Ovulation Phase: In this phase, the cervical mucus increases. It will be stretchy and similar to the consistency of raw egg white. This phase is considered to be the most fertile period of a menstrual cycle.
- If Conception Takes Place: White or clear creamy mucus can be observed after implantation. But some women it can also be mixed with some blood which can give the mucus a hint of brown or pink color. Mucus production during this phase increases, as it has to block up the entrance to the cervix to prevent harmful bacteria from getting in. Some women may not observe this increase but they can still be pregnant.
- After Ovulation Completes: If your egg is not fertilized then the cervical mucus will slowly reduce from being sticky, watery and end up dry until your next menstrual cycle starts.
How Does Cervical Mucus Look Like After Implantation?
After implantation, the cervical mucus can be either pink or brown because it may contain a small amount of blood in it. An increase in the cervical mucus is also observed after the implantation takes place. However, the conditions may differ from one woman to another. In some cases, the color of blood can be so light that it can go unnoticed.
What Changes in Cervical Mucus Occur After Implantation?
Once the egg attaches itself into the endometrial lining which we refer to as implantation, our reproductive hormones undergo a lot of changes. The progesterone starts to regulate endocrine system and lead the pregnancy by swelling the cervix and increasing the blood flow to it. Apart from that, it enlarges the cervical glands and stimulates more cervical fluid.
After a few days of implantation, the pharynx will get clogged by the thick mucus developed to protect the fetus. Due to the hormonal changes in the first trimester, the cervical mucus will be less but thick.
As the mucus will less, you should be concerned about the infections in the vagina. Some of the common symptoms you will notice in the initial weeks of pregnancy are:
- Presence of blood stains in the discharge.
- Yellow, green or dim-grey colored vaginal discharge.
- Discharge accompanied by itching sensation.
- Unpleasant smell from vagina.
If you are experiencing any of these during the first trimester then consult for a medical help immediately as they indicate an infection.
Normal vaginal discharge after implantation will be transparent, normal consistency and not so smelly. It is better to maintain proper hygiene during the initial weeks of pregnancy to avoid infections.
How to Check Cervical Mucus?
Monitoring cervical mucus changes after implantation will help to figure out what’s happening in your reproductive system. If you are interested in checking out the mucus changes then we recommend you to start it from the first day after the bleeding stops (end of menstrual period). As you will be bleeding in these days, you will not be able to check on the cervical mucus.
You have to check the consistency, color and appearance of cervical mucus at least 2 times in a day because they change according to the hormones produced. Here’s how you have to do it…
- Wash your hands thoroughly and let them completely dry.
- Insert the fingers carefully into the vagina and pull out.
- Observe the mucus on the finger for thickness and color.
If you don’t like inserting fingers into your vagina then you can use a tissue paper. Just swipe the tissue paper from back to front in order to collect the sample. The disadvantage of this method is that you can only observe the mucus color but not its consistency.
You can also use kegel exercises to force out the cervical mucus and collect it for observation. You can follow any method based on your convenience.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
1. I had an unprotected sex recently. How will my cervical mucus look like after ovulation if I am pregnant?
During the implantation, you may observe pink or brown discharge. However, for some women they may experience milky white and thin discharge. As pregnancy progresses, you will be observing an increase in the amount of white discharge.
2. What does thick white cervical mucus mean after ovulation?
The thick cervical mucus after ovulation states that your fertile days are completed. If the discharge is excessive and white in color then it can indicate a conception. If the discharge is itchy, smelly, yellow or green in color then it indicates an infection. It is better to consult a doctor of you are observing any unusual changes in the cervical mucus.
3. How does cervical mucus look like in early weeks of pregnancy?
Most of the women get confused between PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) discharge and early pregnancy discharge. Usually, during early pregnancy the discharge will be milky white in color. During PMS, the discharge can also be in white color. So, it is better not to depend on the cervical mucus alone. Rule out other early pregnancy symptoms as well.
4. I have a watery discharge after ovulation. What does that mean?
A watery discharge before and after ovulation is pretty common. This type of discharge helps to flush out the dead cells in the vagina. If the discharge is itchy or has a foul smell then visit a doctor immediately.
5. How does cervical mucus before period look like?
White discharge before period is pretty normal and it can either state pregnancy or commencement of period. If you are seeing a cottage discharge then it can indicate a yeast infection. So, better consult a doctor to know the treatment.
Conclusion
If you are trying to conceive then cervical mucus can be helpful in understanding whether implantation has taken place or what your fertile days are. It can be helpful to know if there is something abnormal or a hormonal imbalance. So, every woman should closely watch their cervical changes during the menstrual cycles.
If you have any questions regarding implantation or cervical mucus changes then write to us in the comment section below. We will reply to them as soon as possible.
Can lining shed during or after implantation? Also, what causes a semi-thick stringy looking discharge?
Nope, the lining will not shed during or after the implantation. We recommend to consult a gynecologist if you have experienced strange stringy discharge.
I didn’t track my mucus to see the changes but because I am tracking my ovulation using Flo App, I know that 10 to 13 December, are fertile days, then 14 (ovulation day). I had sex frequently from 10th to 14th early morning. .
Washing my Vagina after sex, I notice slimy fluid like white part of the egg but thought it is the Sperm. By 15th morning, I dip my finger into my V and felt my Vagina a little dry, my cervix very soft. I also saw cream mucus mixed with small blood.
Please, has implantation happened; could I be pregnant?
I didn’t feel ovulation pain like I normally do so couldn’t tell if I ovulated. I also didn’t see the thick mucus on the days before 15th when I saw it.
Does implantation happen so fast to change the mucus from slimy to thick cream in 24hrs after implantation?
I really need a baby. I will be 40yrs in 17 days. I had my first child in 2006 and he’s now 11yrs.
Nope, implantation doesn’t happen within 24 hours of having unprotected sex. A missed period and pregnancy test are the only ways to find out if you are pregnant or not. So, we recommend to wait until you miss the period.
Hello…I’ve been having tender breast for like 2 weeks now my cervix seem soft with white discharge on it I spotted for a few hours 10dpo 4 days before cycle is do and am still having the white discharge.. could I be pregnant?Also cramps when I check my cervix
It is difficult to provide accurate answer without knowing much about your menstrual cycle and other information. We recommend getting an ultrasound scan or blood pregnancy test for accurate result.
Am trying to conceive, I had unprotected sex before and after my ovulation . Implantation start on the 17th, I had sex on the 18th during the sex I and my husband was stained with blood from my virginal am really confused. Seriously a fresh blood. Waiting for your response thanks
It is difficult to tell the reason for the discharge without an examination or ultrasound. So, we recommend consulting a doctor for the same.
thank you admin. I have been waiting for conceive for months now but its nt been forth coming…. i have always been finding it difficult to calculate my ovulation period because my cycles days are always changes e. g 28 this month, 25next month, 24 the fff month, 26 another month…. so it has been difficult for me to actually know what days my ovulation falls or if i even ovulated.Pls can you help me out.
Again I don’t usually see this clear egg white mucus, atimes I see the stretchy light discharge but it will be brown in colour, in
summary I don’t see these discharge of a thing in large quantity, does that mean am not ovulating or what?
And lastly, after I had sex all through the periods I believed to be my fertile period, after much time when ovulation would be presumed to have come and gone, i felt dry, then after some days I noticed some egg white particles in my vagina, pls what does this particles means? is it possible for me to get pregnant even when I feel dry after ovulation and am not see plenty mucus. Pls I anticipate your response. thank you
If calculating your fertile days based on cervical mucus is a bit hard then we recommend following any FAM methods mentioned in this article – https://womens-health-naturally.com/safe-period-to-avoid-pregnancy/. Or else get ovulation strips and take the test on 12 – 14 days of your menstrual cycle. If the result is positive then have sex within 12 – 24 hours as it is an indication of ovulation. For more information and proper guidance, consult a fertility doctor.
Hello, I have a question about the discharge after ovulation. This may be too much information but my fiancée stated during intercourse he noticed the inside of my vagina felt warm. He stated it was like this for a couple days. I’ve also noticed lots of white thick discharge even before intercourse. At times I had to wear a pantyliner. I’m also more “wet” in general. I do have other symptoms like fatigue, feeling achy, and sometimes get “twinges” almost like electric shocks to my lower abdomen area. Sometimes it’s follwed by the white discharge. I keep track of my ovulation with an app and know and can feel when I ovulate and this discharge is definitely not the same. As a matter of fact 3 days after I ovulated I felt a vibrating flutter sensation in my lower abdominal area. Any suggestions? I’m suppose to get my period in 2 days. May be I should just be patient? Any advice will help.
As per your description, the abnormal discharge cannot be caused due to ovulation. We recommend consulting a gynecologist for proper diagnosis.
Hi I’m currently ttc and I have a 25 day cycle, I ovulated on the 12th / 13th day and since then I’ve had stomach cramping , on 8dpo I started having lower back ache and my legs ached too , yesterday my right boob hurt around the side and up towards the armpit and today they both hurt , I’m 4 days away from AF so confused about the symptoms, I done a cervical check and it feels medium / high not low , after removing my finger it was covered in white blotchy CM , sorry but it also felt wet and squidgy up there 🤦🏼♀️.. I’m new to the cervix check so not really able to tell if it was open or closed.. any advice would be very greatful
We recommend to wait for another 4 days until you miss your period and then take a urine pregnancy test. If you are eager to know the result immediately then take a blood pregnancy test or consult a gynecologist
Am on my 10th day of ovulation. I have brown or blood mixed discharge since 2 days along with mild cramps. Breast soreness accompanied too. Feel like its my periode but not exactly. What it is?? Should i meet a gynaecologist ? Or pregnancy test?
Wait until you miss your period and take a pregnancy test. If the result is negative then conception didn’t take place and if your period doesn’t start then consult a gynecologist.
Good evening! I ovulated on Jan 31st and my fiancé and I had sex 27th, 28th, 29th, and the 30th. A couple days later I started having this white discharge through out the the day. On 5dpo I really had a lot of white discharge without the day and it’s still the same to where I have where panty liners (sorry for the TMI) I was just wondering if this was a early sign of a possible pregnancy or I’m starting my period.
If Jan 31st is really your ovulation day then you may be pregnant. However, we cannot confirm it until you miss your period. We recommend taking a pregnancy test once you miss the period.
Hi, I think I was ovulating between February 4-9 and had unprotected sex the 3&4. I had a egg white discharge on the 5, my breast have been tender ever since and I’ve been getting cramps on the left ovary side, today I noticed a whitish discharge… Could pregnancy be a possibility?
We recommend taking a pregnancy test for accurate result. Because the above discomforts you have mentioned can also be caused due to other reasons like hormonal imbalance.
Hi, for 5 days now I have been getting a creamy white discharge every time I wipe, one day before that there was blood when I wiped but it stopped, I have been feeling achy in both side of hips, backache and tired, do you think I could be pregnant as I have never had so much milky discharge ever!! not due on for another 5 days. Thanks
There could be a chance of pregnancy. However, we cannot confirm it until you miss your period. So, wait for another 6 days. If menstruation doesn’t start then take a pregnancy test. If you get a negative result then the discomforts you are facing can also be caused due to ovulation or hormonal imbalance.
I’m 29 and for the first time I experienced blood in my ewcm, according to my period calendar my ovulation day was 02-12. I spotted on Valentine’s Day, 02/14, first thing in the morning. I’m very accurate on my calendar usually, every 28 days. 2 nights after, 02/16, it felt the same as were period cramps but also ovulation pain towards the right side. Pain felt stronger than usual too. I’m on my 9th day before my period so it is still to early to take a test but I’m wondering if anyone else has ever felt this and what was the end result??
Pls I did not have sex, but my boyfriend inserted,his finger in my vagina, and later there was a clear discharge from his penis which he touched when putting his penis in his trousers after in inserted his finger again,can I get pregnant?
And I have also been feeling left sided cramps, lower abdominal pain,tender breast and milky discharge but it is not that much
As per your description, pregnancy is unlikely. However get an ultrasound scan to confirm it. The discomforts you are experiencing can be caused due to stress or hormonal imbalance.
my period is 5 days late with milky white discharge
but planning to use h.p.t today
As we don’t have any idea about your menstrual cycle behavior, it is difficult to tell us a confirmed result. So, it is better to take a HPT or ultrasound scan.
Hello I’m 23 years old and I’m crossing fingers that I am pregnant and sorry in advanced for TMI. On the 5th of February I got my period and stop on the 8th. Then I had unprotected sex on the 11 (so 3 days later). Then on the 14 (3 days later) i felt wet from my underwear and I noticed I had blood stains and I wipe my self and there was light pink blood. Pretty much filled the whole toilet paper of blood. After that it was very little blood. Here and their I would see spots of bright red but other than that it was light pink it lasted for 1 whole day and the next morning. At the end of the 2nd day i had some yellowish/greenish discharge but just once. I also had light cramps and lower back pain and i would also get sharp pain on my right hip. I took a pregnancy test and came out negative but I’m thinking it’s to early. But could this mean I had implantation bleeding? I just want someone with knowledge of this to tell me if it is possible for me to be pregnant or not? So I can stop overthinking and not get to excited. And just to put it out their I’m 23 and I got my period at the age of 11 so about 12 years with my period and this has never happen to me before.
Wait for another 3 – 4 days and take the test again. If the test is still negative then this can be caused due to low estrogen or progesterone levels. If this repeats next month as well then consult a medical professional.
Hi admin,
I need ur help, I had my periods on 14-18 February, 2018. I had unprotected sex on 20-02-18 but on 21 I had to feel my vaginal discharge was mixed with sperm and on 22-23 I had to see some slippery milky white vaginal discharge in alot amount on my pant then on 24 I had to experience some thick sticky white vaginal fluid then on 25-02-18 I went dry with no fluids……. the problem at hand is since on the 22 till now I have been experiencing my boobs are feeling fuller and nipples are sensitive to touch, lower abdominal pain, bloated, slight headaches, waist pain, so gassy, extreme hunger and over thirsty what could be wrong with me…….. and he released in me
As per your comment, you weren’t ovulating so pregnancy is not possible. This can be caused due to stress or hormonal imbalance. The symptoms you are facing can due to the same or PMS. If menstruation doesn’t start even after another few weeks then consult a gynecologist.
Hello my name is shatory N I am very concerned about my period I gotten my period March the 1st I spotted for a couple of days but it was light pink and this month I am 3 days late then I went to the hospital I wipe my self good I seen white milky discharge with a little blood mixed with it can I be pregnant I gotten a ultrasound they told me they couldn’t tell me and the doctors said it was a cyst and my husband seen and heard a heartbeat. I gotten a transvaginal ultrasound as well too but I gotten my tubes tied 4 years ago about to be five years now. I need help please..
As the tubes are tied, there is no possibility of pregnancy. The discomforts and missed periods you are experiencing can be caused due to cyst.
Im suppose to start my period in 2 days and im pretty dry down there..no discharge. Does this mean my period is approaching?
Yes, it indicates the period will start.
Hi,
I am 10 weeks pp and have not had my pp period yet. A few weeks ago I had brown and pink spotting for about 3 days but that stopped. Since then there has been an increase in cm from creamy white to snot like yellow tinged. No itching or odors. Took 2 hpt but negative. Thoughts?
It may be caused due to any infections. However, a physical examination is required for telling the accurate reason. So, it is better to speak to your medical professional for the same.
Hi, I was on clomid 16 days afterror last pill so today is Saturday and on Monday till Friday I have jelly watery descharge but today is changed very thick white descharge not smelly or itching so I’m I concieve or ,,,,,,yesterday I buy pregnant test says negative
It is difficult to say depending on the cervical symptoms because they are completely same for hormonal imbalance issues. We waiting for 5 days more and take a pregnancy test. If the test is still negative then consult a gynecologist to get properly diagnosed.
Hi, me and my boyfriend had sex 4 and 3 days before my ovulation, he didn’t cum in me but there was precum on his penis when he pulled out, could I get pregnant?
If he didn’t discharge the sperms inside deeply then there is no chance of getting pregnant.
I feel weird asking this but I know my body really well and for 3 years now ive been watching my CM. Im 10 days past ovulation cycle day 27 and this new CM is kind of scaring me. Im having a lot more than usual evey so often it will all come out and ill have to change underwear. Its clear thin not stretchy mostly looks and feels like water. Ive been having some light cramping. I thought maybe ovulation was late but I got a positive opk 10 days ago. Plus I had spotting for 7 days the spotting ended 4 days wgo now this .I have a doctors apointmen in a week but over worring about it. I doubt the 3 are related but ive been having headackes and dizzines for 3 days now. The CM has no smell, no itching, no burning. Just way more than usual. Today I had barley any cramping. Around this time in my cycle it would be white and barley any before my period. Any answers would help?
Sometimes, stress and hormonal changes can also lead to excess mucus production. If you had an intercourse at the time of ovulation then you may be pregnant. However, accurate information can be provided by either doctor or blood pregnancy test.
Hello,
I had cp last month on 20feb. I wanted to do ovulation can take place early. I am trying to get pregnant. I felt slight cramping for two days on 3 and 4 march which I thought can be implantation cramping but no discharge what so ever. From 15-16 March I noticed very slight milky white discharge. This discharge is due to implantation or its bcoz I am approaching my periods which will come around 18 March?
This is very hard to tell because we cannot assume it with symptoms. For accurate results, it is better to get an ultrasound.
About 7days late on my period (PS:my period is not usually so regularly but not this late)….I and my husband just played a little but he ddnt cum inside me just around my vulva area and that was on the 26th of February…on the 18th of March I did 3 home pregnancy test and one blood test all big Fat negatives
About 3days ago my vagina has gotten dry ,what does this mean please?
Dry vagina indicates that your period may start in couple of days. So, relax as stress worsens the situation. Eat sesame seeds, papaya or vitamin C rich foods to induce periods.
Hii, i am 31 years old and i have my period late 6days and i have tried for baby my last period was on 19th feb but on jan it had been on 22 jan , i have tested 3 times but it was negative result. I have cramps on my left side, pain in stomach, some time in belly button i felt stretching my nipple gets pinching pain but not everytime.. there is no discharge but when i have noticing some pinkish mucus in very little amount and yes too much gas is occuring what does it mean. Should i consult to doctor.
Wait for another 3 days and take a test again. If the results is negative then conception is unlikely. Delay in periods can be caused due to low blood levels, hormonal imbalance or any other internal situation. So, we recommend consulting a gynecologist to rule out the appropriate reason.
I don’t usually track my cm or even my ovulation day I had my period last feb27-04 and had unprotected sex last 12th march once,but march 16-17 I noticed this white cm like egg white been so stressed since March 11 and I lost 3kg of weight could I be pregnant?
As per your description, pregnancy seems unlikely. However, we recommend taking a pregnancy test just to be sure. Delay in the periods could be due to stress levels as it can imbalance the hormones.
I had a period but it was lighter than it should have been. Two days later I started spotting and the discharge went from light red to brown. I would only discharge one time throughout the whole day. There was a day when my nipples had a tingling sensation. About a week later after spotting I started to have an excessive amount of vaginal discharge that was creamy. Is it possible implantation bleeding occurred ?
As you haven’t mentioned much about your period length, period date and other information, it is hard for us to determine the accurate reason. Wait until your period date. If it is missed then take a pregnancy test to know if implantation took place or not.
Good day. I have observed egg white discharge where I had sex in that period then the discharge became creamy for a about a day or two after which discharge became very watery and clear wetting my panties. Could I be pregnant?
It is difficult to confirm based on your symptoms. We recommend taking a pregnancy test or consult a doctor.
hi.. I’m ttc for 1yr now.. my period was long due.. did hpt last week but came out bfn.. past few weeks my cm keep changing. from clear, milky, stretchy.
Now my nipple feels very sensitive, boobs still fine and having lower abdomen cramps from time to time throughout the day.. i can feel my cervix but it’s high. I’m at cd54. am i pregnant or my af is coming? please advise as i’m confuse
Wait for another 2 – 3 days and take the test again. If it is still negative then the discomforts you are facing can be due to PMS. If your periods don’t start within another 2 – 3 weeks then consult a gynecologist.
my last period started on march 19, and i had uprotected sex on 2 april but my boyfrnd didnt cum inside me, but there was precum sperm on his penis, i av been aving normal cv, but i havin left & right cramp, a week b4 my period i av been aving vaginal cramp n 4 three days now have been aving wet vagina wit no mucus. i have 28 days cycle, my period shld start today but no show. pls i am pregnant
It is difficult to determine whether you are pregnant or not based on the symptoms. We recommend taking a pregnancy test for accurate information.
hi i have tracked my ovulation this month of april at 5 -6 i can say and now am at cycle day 27. i experience like right at ovulation day mild cramping until now at cycle day 27, i have a little change in my boob like tender and dark areola , some nauseous with fatigue also lately some excessive white milky lotion feel like cervical mucus with some hot flashes. havent test for pregnancy but will like to know if i might be pregnant ? your advise plz.. thank you
It is difficult to determine the conception based on the discomforts you are facing. We recommend taking a test or consulting a doctor.
Hello!
My last period finish 21.04.2018 and all though my period having sex once everyday till Ovulation up till today, can it be possible for me to get pregnant. Because since 5days now am having breast pain not so strong and this morning after sex still see some white thick things which I don’t understand, the least time when I was pregnant with 12 week before I have miscarriage earlier this year ever since then I have been trying to get pregnant know way, all doctors told me all is good with me and my man
I hope it work now that am positive pregnant, please I need your help, I really need this baby.
We cannot confirm pregnancy based on just the symptoms. We recommend waiting till you miss your periods and take the test. If you are unable to get pregnancy, get medical help.
Abit confused period was late by 11 days got my period on the 29/4/18 heavy two days then was easing off finished on 4/5/18 then on the 6/5/18 once light pink spotting after wiping then nothing now thick milky discharge for two days
We recommend getting physical examination by a gynecologist to know the proper reason.
I had my period on the 4th of this month of may today is the 17th had lil cramping .. when I went to the restroom I whip my self I had a clear mucuse like egg while stretchy with a lil brown in it but that morning I was having lil pink discharge or when I whip my self this morning… what it’s going on ????
As we don’t have much idea about your menstrual cycle behavior and sexual life, we recommend to consult a doctor.