
Cervical mucus may appear thick, gummy, and clear after conception. Changes in cervical mucus vary, however, and may be barely visible or subtle for some women. Moreover, a slight increase in cervical discharge may be noted.
Some women may experience implantation bleeding or spotting, where the mucus appears tinged with brown or pink. This typically occurs 6-12 days after conception.
What is cervical mucus?
Cervical mucus is fluid secreted and released by the cervix. Functions of cervical mucus include the following:
- Helps sperm move through the cervix to fertilize the egg during ovulation
- Prevents sperm or other substances from getting into the cervix
The thickness and consistency of cervical mucus is affected by hormones. For example, hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can lead to changes in the color and thickness of the mucus. During early pregnancy, cervical mucus may appear sticky, white, or pale yellow and continue to change throughout different stages of pregnancy.
How does cervical mucus help with conception?
Cervical mucus has a vital role in conception. Because the hormone estrogen drops and peaks during the menstrual cycle, the thickness of the cervical mucus varies accordingly.
During the ovulation period, the cervical mucus becomes clear and slippery, making it easy for sperm to travel through the vagina to the uterus and fertilize the egg. When the cervical mucus becomes thick and cloudy, it becomes difficult for the sperm to swim and fertilize the egg.
What causes cervical mucus changes?
Reasons why pregnancy causes changes in the cervical mucus include the following:
- Hormone levels increase dramatically to help prepare your body to grow and provide nourishment to a baby.
- Hormonal changes can cause increased vaginal discharge, which is secreted to prevent vaginal infections, especially during later stages of pregnancy.
What should my cervical mucus feel like?
- During menstrual period:
- Because the blood flow covers your mucus, you may not notice any mucus.
- After menstrual period:
- You may notice less cervical mucus during this time, but other symptoms such as dryness and itchiness may be present.
- These days are the safest for sexual intercourse if you are not planning for a baby.
- Before ovulation:
- Cervical mucus may appear yellow, white, cloudy, stretchy, watery, or slippery
- Mucus can be seen at the opening of your vagina for 3-5 days.
- Eggs start to ripen during this time, and you are more fertile.
- During ovulation:
- Mucus secretion is increased, may appear clear and slippery like a raw egg white, and can be stretched between your fingers.
- This period of time is when you are most fertile and likely to become pregnant, lasting for about 4 days including your ovulation days.
- After ovulation:
- Mucus production gradually declines and gets cloudy and sticky again until it disappears, and you have more dry days.
- This stage lasts for about 11-14 days.

SLIDESHOW
16 Early Signs & Symptoms of Pregnancy: Could You Be Pregnant? See Slideshowhttps://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21957-cervical-mucus
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/fertility-awareness/whats-cervical-mucus-method-fams
https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/cervical-mucus/
Top What Cervical Mucus Looks Like After Conception Related Articles
Conception Slideshow
Learn about conception and the beginning stages of fetal development. See microscope images of human egg and sperm, as well as cell division and embryos.16 Early Signs & Symptoms of Pregnancy: Could You Be Pregnant?
What are the early signs and symptoms of pregnancy? Can you know before your missed period? Read about nausea and vomiting (morning sickness), bloating, tender breasts, and more. Explore first trimester symptoms of pregnancy and learn what week pregnancy symptoms start.Am I Pregnant Quiz
What are early pregnancy symptoms? In some women, symptoms range from a missed period to feeling lightheaded. Others may experience typical "morning sickness" and food cravings. Could you be pregnant? Take the quiz!Is My Vaginal Discharge Normal?
Vaginal discharge varies from woman to woman in color, smell, consistency and amount. It also may vary during the menstrual cycle. Some conditions such as pregnancy, ovulation, breastfeeding, sexual arousal, and more could also cause discharge.Pregnancy Myths and Facts Quiz
Being pregnant is a delicate time for both mother and baby. Take this pregnancy myths and facts quiz to separate the myths and facts about being pregnant, and learn the truth behind healthy pregnancies!Bleeding During Pregnancy (First Trimester)
Bleeding during pregnancy is never normal. Causes of bleeding during the first trimester of a pregnancy may be caused by implantation bleeding, ectopic or tubal pregnancy, subchorionic hemorrhaging, infections, and miscarriage. Bleeding during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy can be caused by a variety of factors.Stages of Pregnancy: Week by Week
See pictures on the various stages of pregnancy. See and learn what changes a woman's body goes through and view fetal images of how her baby grows during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters.Pregnancy: 7 Common Third Trimester Tests
Testing is often recommended during the third trimester of pregnancy. These tests are designed to ensure the health and safety of both the child and mother. Common tests during the third trimester of a woman's pregnancy include:- group B streptococcus screening,
- electronic fetal heart monitoring,
- nonstress test,
- contraction stress test, and
- a biophysical profile.
What Does Cervical Mucus Look Like After Ovulation?
The consistency of cervical mucus fluctuates throughout the month. Learn what cervical mucus should look like during and after ovulation and when you should see a doctor.What Does Cervical Mucus Mean?
Cervical mucus is a fluid secreted by the cervix (mouth of the womb) during different stages of the menstrual cycle. Its production is influenced by the hormone, estrogen. Cervical mucus is one of the factors that pave the way for successful conception.What To Know About Vaginal Discharge?
Any fluid that comes from the vagina is called a vaginal discharge. Generally, some discharge from the vagina is a part of body secretions. A normal vaginal discharge is without foul smell and not accompanied with itching.