Egg-White Cervical Mucus and Fertility

Cervical mucus: a sperm's best friend

 

The cervix is the entrance to the uterus. It is present at the end of the vagina. Produced by the cervical glands present in the cervix, the cervical mucus’ physical properties are changed during the menstrual cycle. The cervical mucus is very important as it is responsible for regulating fertility. It is also plays a role in accepting, filtering, preparing, and releasing of sperm so that is can be transported inside the uterus successfully and then move on to the fallopian tubes to meet the egg so that fertilization and implantation can take place. Having the right cervical mucus is very important because of the following:

 

• No or thick cervical mucus - unfriendly for sperm
• Little cervical mucus - no or a very small number of sperm will be able to enter the uterus

 

The best and thinnest cervical mucus is available just before and during ovulation. This is the ideal time for transporting uterus because the cervical mucus is stretchy and thin. At this time, cervical mucus is termed as egg white cervical mucus or EWCM.

 

What is cervical mucus?

 

Cervical mucus is responsible for accepting, filtering, preparing, and releasing sperm so that is can be successfully transported inside to the uterus and into the fallopian tubes where it could meet the egg for fertilization. Present at the entrance of the uterus, it is produced by the cervix glands. During the menstrual cycle, the physical properties of the cervical mucus are changed. Based on the hormones associated with ovulation, egg development, and fertility, the production and consistency of the mucus gland are changed consistently throughout the menstrual cycle. Just after the end of the menstrual cycle, the cervical gets dried up, thereby preventing the sperm from entering the cervix. At the time of ovulation, this cervix turns into a thin fluid with egg-white consistency that can be easily penetrated by the sperm. After ovulation is over, it becomes thick and won’t allow any sperm to enter the uterus.

 

How long before I ovulate will my mucus become stretchy?

 

Mucus has the ability to stretch like the egg white. This stretching ability starts a couple of days before ovulation and ends after just 1 to 2 days after ovulation. However, in some cases, it happens shorter or longer, before ovulation. Some women with good and regulate ovulation has reported that they didn't have any egg-white fluid.

 

Does having egg-white cervical mucus (EWCM) mean that I am fertile?

 

Egg white cervical mucus (EWCM) is a cervical fluid produced just before ovulation. During this time, a woman is most fertile. The name of this fluid was given because it resembles raw egg white strongly. It can be clear or stretched, is stretchy and can be watery.

 

EWCM usually indicates fertility and that you are close to ovulation.

Women in their early twenties have more EWCM days than the women in their thirties. However, this might not be true for all women. But, women in twenties have 5 days of EWCM while women in their thirties have just 1 or 2 days of EWCM.

 

This cervical fluid is required for conception. It is possible to increase the amount of EWCM by preventing dehydration. You can also try to use supplements such as primrose oil. FertileCM is one such dietary supplement that is safe and can be used to increase the quality and quantity of EWCM.

 

Cervical mucus throughout the menstrual cycle

Day in cycle (approximate)	Consistency
Days 1-5	Menses; menstrual period; bleeding
Days 6-9	Dry; little or no cervical mucus
Days 10-12	Sticky thick mucus, becoming less thick and whiter
Days 13-15 (most fertile time)	Egg-white or "spinnbarkeit" mucus: thin, elastic, slippery; stretchy, clear
Days 16-21	Sticky thick cervical mucus
Days 22-28	Dry cervical mucus

Can I get pregnant even with little to no cervical mucus?

 

Yes, it is possible to get pregnant even with little to no cervical mucus. If you are ovulating, you can get pregnant. The presence of the typical mucus is not essential. Although, without the stretchy mucus, it will take you longer and difficult to get pregnant. If you are having difficulties in getting pregnant, you should consult your doctor and schedule an appointment.

 

What happens to cervical mucus during pregnancy?

 

Diagnosing the pregnancy by noticing the changes in the cervical mucus is too unreliable. It is not enough to make a correct diagnosis of pregnancy. The estrogen hormone is responsible for the development of the stretchy and fertile cervical mucus. Just before ovulation, there is a rise in the level of estrogen hormones. This level is decreased immediately after ovulation. At this point, cervical mucus gets dried up. About 10 days after ovulation, the estrogen level in the body increases. This can give the appearance of fertile mucus. However, this doesn’t mean that you are fertile. There are not enough reliable changes in the cervical mucus that can indicate if pregnancy has happened or not.

 

How does ejaculate affect cervical mucus?

 

Ejaculation can interfere with the consistency of the cervical mucus. After intercourse, most of the ejaculate gets absorbed from the vagina. Even though there might be sperm present in the cervix, its chances of interfering with the consistency of the cervical mucus are highly unlikely.

 

Do I have enough cervical mucus?

 

Not enough cervical mucus is one of the major concerns faced by women who are trying to get pregnant. However, in extremely rare cases, cervical mucus is a reason for infertility. In 80% of the cases, the problem is either with the sperm, ovulation, or fallopian tubes. In just 5% has there been an issue with the cervical mucus. Not having enough cervical mucus can be because of an underlying issue like anovulation. So, the condition needs to be treated first. If you try to work on the mucous issues before treating the underlying condition, it won’t help you get pregnant.

Reading the situation of the cervical mucus can be difficult and nearly impossible. It is because some prescription and over-the-counter medications can also alter its consistency. Fertility drugs can also change the consistency of the cervical mucus.

 

Chloasma, The Pregnancy Mask

 

In some cases, the increased body fat and growing bellies can cause discolouration mask on the mask. Named as Chloasma, the pregnancy mask, this is a natural part of the pregnancy.

 

Causes of Chloasma – The Pregnancy Mask

 

As in the case of almost all of the pregnancy-related changes, this condition is caused by hormones. Even though it is more noticeable on mothers with darker skin, lighten skinned mother can also see changes in the face like a mole or a change in the freckle colour.

 

Important Facts About Chloasma

 

Most of this discolouration is gone soon after the birth of the baby. However, some of this can be permanent. The areolas, vulva, mole or some freckles can get even darker after the baby is born. The mask stays for a couple of months after the birth of the baby and then it fades back to a natural colour.

 

Treatments for Chloasma

 

It is a very common condition. But in the case of some women, this condition is far worse. Research has shown that folic acid intake is linked to increased discolouration. The prenatal vitamins are enough for getting the required amount of folic acid. However, consuming more from natural resources will only benefit. Natural folic acid sources include whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and wheat bread. Use sunscreen while going out so that the sun has less effect on the skin’s discoloured patches.

Clumsiness And Pregnancy

 

Most pregnant women have trouble maintaining their balance. Tripping, slipping, and having trouble just walking is a very inconvenient side effect of pregnancy. Almost every pregnant woman has to deal with this.

 

Causes of Clumsiness

 

While the baby is growing safely inside the uterus, the mother is going through several physical changes. One of these changes includes the release of hormones that allows the uterus, tummy and skin to grow large. To aid in childbirth, joints start to get loose. This results in the change of the centre of gravity. As the tummy is protruding away from the mid-section, it can cause clumsiness. However, once the baby is born, your natural balance will return.

Important Facts About Clumsiness

 

Even though clumsiness might just seem annoying at first, it makes women more prone to slipping and falling. This can harm them and the baby. Even a minor fall of a pregnant woman can seriously injure the uterus. If a pregnant woman, she should be taken to a physician immediately.

 

Treatments for Clumsiness

 

There is no treatment for clumsiness. However, there are some aids that might make the woman more stable when she is moving. You can use a cane as it will provide safety to you and your baby. When walking long distances, motorized carts can be used.

 

Alleviating Cold And Flu Symptoms in Pregnancy

 

When a woman is pregnant, she has a good chance of getting a cold. The only difference is that when you are coughing or weathering a cold, it becomes more than just seeking relief from symptoms.

 

Symptoms

 

Cough and cold during pregnancy are not dangerous conditions. They might make you feel awful and annoyed, but they don’t pose a real threat to your or your baby’s health. However, if it lasts for more than a few days and you get a sore throat and fever, you might have the flu, a sinus infection or strep throat. In this case, you should consult your doctor immediately. Get flu vaccination early on for protecting yourself against the flu.

 

Increased nasal congestion can lead to sinus infections and you might have to use antibiotics for fighting off the symptoms. If you have asthma, you need to take care of your breathing. Remember that no matter how severe your cough is, your fetus will stay protected inside the uterus.

 

Non Medical Treatments

 

Colds and coughs are caused by viruses. This makes antibiotics ineffective. Medical treatment can help you feel better but won’t aid in improving your health. Here are some tips that can help in alleviating some discomfort that accompanies a cold:

 

• Drink lots of water. It will help in thinning secretions. Good sources of fluids include water, juices, warm tea, and chicken soup.
• Keep a humidifier close to the face while sleeping.
• Rub a methylated product like Vicks Vaporub on your chest.
• Use saline drops for nasal stiffness. Dissolve ¼ tsp salt in 8-ounces of water and place a few drops in each nostril. Wait for 5 to 10 minutes and then blow your nose gently.
• For easy breathing, sleep in a recline or use a lot of pillows for propping up your head. Make sure that you are in a semi-upright position.
• Warm shower will help in clearing the mucus and nasal stiffness.
• Take plenty of rest.

Medications

 

It is best to not let a fetus get exposed to medications, especially in the first trimester. It is during this time when organs are formed. So medications can lead to birth defects. But sometimes, drugs are necessary for relief or for some medical reasons.

 

• Decongestants: These medications are used for treating cold or allergies. Pseudoephedrine or Sudafed is an FDA-approved category C drug that can be bought over the counter. It is also present in cold remedies as well as antihistamines. Any person with high blood pressure, pregnant or not, should not take this medication. You should also avoid this medication in the first trimester.

 

• Cough suppressants and expectorants: Dextromethorphan is a common ingredient found in cold and cough medications. It is safe to use in pregnancy.