What is Cervical Mucus?
Cervical Mucus is fluid produced and released from the cervix. The consistency of cervical mucus can vary based on the day of your menstrual cycle (based off of a 28 day cycle). As your hormone levels change, so does your cervical mucus consistency.
There are 2 main functions of cervical mucus.
- To help sperm get through the cervix to fertilize an egg during ovulation.
- To prevent sperm and other objects from entering the cervix.
How your Cervical Mucus appears during your 28 day cycle
During your monthly cycle, your cervical mucus will changed based on where you are in ovulation. This can help you indicate when you are most fertile, and when you are not. Keep in mind that this can vary depending on your cycle length.
- Day 1-4: Dry or no cervical fluid.
- Day 4-6: Sticky paste. White or yellow.
- Day 7-9: Creamy (like yogurt), smooth and white.
- Day 10-14: Slippery and stretchy like raw egg whites (most fertile)
Around day 14, ovulation tends to be at its peak. This is the best time to try the Cervical Mucus Method if you are trying to get pregnant.
After Day 14, you can experience implantation spotting (pink or brown) which indicates a successful egg fertilization. Or, day 14-28, it is most common to stay dry until menstruation.
Wet, watery, and clear cervical fluids can also occur during this cycle, and tends to be more common during arousal. Arousal tends to be heightened during the ovulation period. If you are looking to produce more cervical mucus, stay consistent eating your fruits and vegetables!
When Might You Know a Difference in Your Cervical Mucus?
It is important to note that cervical mucus makes up most of vaginal discharge. As estrogen levels increase and decrease, so will the amount of fluid you discharge as well. There are a number of factors that can effect your cervical mucus:
- Breastfeeding
- Birth controls
- Medications
- Stress
- Diet
- Sexual Lubricants
- Cervical Surgery
- STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections)
- Yeast infections, Bacterial Vaginosis, and other infections.
When Should You be Concerned?
Cervical Mucus is a normal part of being a woman. If you are noticing changes, it is likely the changes in your hormones through out your cycle and concerning. Though, there are times you should be concerned. Please contact your doctor if you are experiencing:
- Gray, Green, Yellow, or Brown in color.
- Significant increase in amount, sometimes accompanied by itchiness
- Consistency changes such as thinner or thicker fluid that is more textured or chunky.
- Foul, fishy, metallic smell.
- Redness and Swelling.
Don’t Forget the Mucus Plug!
During pregnancy, your cervical mucus starts to accumulate in the cervix creating a plug. This is to protect the baby from infections and bacteria that try to enter your cervix. This creates a wall between the uterus and vagina. Towards the end of your pregnancy, the mucus plug will start to loosen.
If you notice a quarter sized, boogery-like, thick amount of mucus, it is likely your mucus plug! Not to worry, this does not mean you are about to go into labor. The mucus plug tends to come out around 2 weeks before you are due to give birth. This is just indication that your cervix is loosening up and ready to start dilating – Congratulations!
Make The Appointment
The midwives and doulas at midwife360 are just as excited as you are to not only help you on your pregnancy journey, but in educating you on your general health as a woman as well. Don’t let the stigma around discharge scare you, cervical mucus is 100% normal and healthy. Have any questions? Give us a call!
