Cervical mucus (CM) is a substance produced by your cervix and is a great indicator of how fertile you are at any given time during your cycle. Knowing how to identify your most fertile days will be key for timing intercourse. Like everything, cervical mucus is subject to variables like hormone levels, the length of each individual's cycle, and the use of certain medications (especially fertility drugs). Still, having an understanding of what to look for and how to identify what you find can set you up for a successful journey to pregnancy.

As usual, starting with data helps us paint a better picture for you but in case you don’t geek out over charts and graphs like we do, here’s the breakdown: the graph above represents the relative frequency of cervical mucus logged by Glow users, and during Cycle Days 1-5, mucus reporting was very low. This makes sense because instead of the normal discharge you might see, you’re dealing with Aunt Flo aka, your period. Around Cycle Day 8 (during the follicular phase), women using Glow trying to conceive, also known as Glow TTC’ers excitedly begin to log more cervical mucus. Between the end of menstruation and Cycle Day 14 when users were likely starting the ovulation phase, the percentage of users who logged cervical mucus grew drastically.

This also makes sense. You need to be pretty diligent about charting your cervical mucus to understand how it plays a role in your fertility. You especially have to keep tabs on it daily until ovulation, when you encounter that magical cervical mucus that is optimal for fertilization: Egg-white cervical mucus. Knowing and identifying this type of cervical mucus can greatly help your chances of conception. In one new study, the women who checked their cervical mucus consistently were 2.3 times more likely to get pregnant over a six-month period.

During your period

Most women elect to not monitor their CM during their periods.

Days 4 to 7 (of a typical 28 day cycle)

Right after menstruation, you may find that your cervical mucus is basically nonexistent. This dryness will end after a few days and will be replaced with secretions of sticky mucus, white in color with a chunky consistency.

Days 8 to 12 (of a typical 28 day cycle)

Sticky gives way to creamy as women find what looks and feels like lotion. This cervical mucus is a sign of increased fertility and may leave your vagina feeling wet. This sticky CM can be cloudy, opaque, or yellow in color and is usually of a medium thickness.

Days 13 to 16 (of a typical 28 day cycle)

Right towards ovulation, you cervix starts to produce the most fertile type of mucus. This virtually clear, runny mucus is referred to as egg-white cervical mucus (EWCM) because it is similar in color and consistency to an uncooked egg-white. Once you detect EWCM, you’re in the middle of the most fertile days of your cycle, and it is time to hop on the baby making train!

Days 17 to 28 (of a typical 28 day cycle)

Once ovulation has occurred, CM gets back to being white, clumpy and lotion-like.

Got more questions about how CM works? The Glow Fertility Program is here to help you find all the information you need. Call 1-866-GLOW-NOW (1-866-456-9669) and talk to one of our experienced fertility coaches today.

Can I still go swimming if my mucus plug is coming out?