1. Cervical Mucus
This is an important sign and put first because it actually tells you a lot of information. Our cervical mucus changes in the lead up to your Big ‘O’ (ovulation) and tends to go whiter, thicker, creamier, stickier and form an egg white type consistency.
Now, this doesn’t look the same for everyone, but if it is happening a few days before you are due for ovulation (~day 14), then it is a really good sign! The most important thing is to look at the pattern for your normal. It is also important to note down when this happens, as you can get a second wave of this mucus, but it isn’t a second ovulation. Which is why we need step two if you want to track properly!
2. Basal Body Temperature
This is a great indicator for whether you have ovulated or not… if you are using this for contraceptive purposes, then just relying on your body temp alone is not going to help, because your temperature rises AFTER ovulation.
If there is no rise, then you most likely didn’t ovulate. However, we are not looking for a massive spike in ovulation, it can be as little as 2/10ths of an increase, for example going from 97.4°F/36.4°C and 97.6°F/36.6°C and it should stay elevated for the remainder of that cycle.
Key thing here is to track at the same time every morning for the most accurate reading, with an oral thermometer.
3. Cervical Position
Now this final one can vary depending whether or not you have had children. If not then your cervix will be closed after ovulation, however if you have had children it will never fully close.
When you are ovulating, your cervix will be softer, open and higher… your body is trying to make it as easy to conceive as possible, so it makes sense right!
And if you aren’t quite comfortable with checking your cervix position, here are a few other signs you might be ovulating: increased sex drive, confidence, strength, energy and motivation. Glowing skin and fuller lips can also happen around ovulation…
Remember your body’s goal every month is to conceive whether you want it to or not so it is doing all it can to make you more attractive to a mate!