Cervical mucus may feel like a private topic, but it’s one of the most important clues your body gives about fertility. Understanding it can help you recognize when you’re fertile, track your cycle, and even spot when something may be off.

So, what’s cervical mucus and what does it tell you about your fertility?

What Is Cervical Mucus and What Does It Tell You?

Cervical mucus is produced by the glands around your cervix — the small canal that connects your vagina and your uterus. Its main role is to help sperm travel to meet and fertilize an egg, and later, to protect a fertilized embryo.

Because hormone levels influence the consistency and texture of cervical mucus, it’s considered a reliable indicator of ovulation and fertility. For many people, learning to recognize what cervical mucus looks like during each phase of the cycle can make it easier to either conceive or avoid pregnancy.

Cervical Mucus in the Menstrual Phase

The menstrual phase is when your reproductive system hits reset mode (your period). It usually lasts 2–7 days and happens because estrogen drops, signaling that you’re not pregnant.

During your period, you won’t notice much cervical mucus. In the 1–4 days following, you may have “dry days” with little to no discharge, sometimes with light brown spotting (leftover blood).

Is it possible to get pregnant during the menstrual phase? It’s highly unlikely.

Follicular Phase Cervical Mucus: What Discharge Is Like

The follicular phase comes right after menstruation and lasts about 13–16 days. During this time, your uterine lining thickens, estrogen rises, and your body prepares for ovulation.

What is follicular phase discharge like?

Even though this mucus is less fertile, remember that sperm can survive in the vagina for up to 5 days. That means pregnancy is still possible if ovulation happens earlier than expected.

How Follicular Phase Discharge Differs From Ovulation Mucus

During the follicular phase, cervical mucus is thickening and creamy. As ovulation approaches, it becomes more slippery and stretchy, resembling raw egg whites — a clear sign that you’re entering your fertile window.

Is it possible to get pregnant during the follicular phase? It’s unlikely, but not impossible.

Ovulation: What Does Cervical Mucus Look Like?

Ovulation is the shortest phase, lasting only a couple of days — but it’s the most fertile time of your cycle. An egg is released, progesterone rises, and your body produces its most fertile type of cervical mucus.

What does cervical mucus look like during ovulation?

Some people explore osteopathic care, such as cranial or pelvic techniques, to support blood flow and hormone balance during ovulation. Studies show that these methods may improve circulation and lymphatic flow to the reproductive organs, potentially enhancing the body’s ability to conceive (Kramp, 2012; Anderson, 2021).

A clear sign that you are ovulating is if you can stretch the discharge between your thumb and index finger — keep reading to find out more! 

Is it possible to get pregnant during ovulation? Yes — this is your peak fertility window.

Cervical Mucus in the Luteal Phase

The luteal phase lasts about two weeks. If fertilization didn’t happen, estrogen and progesterone gradually drop and your body prepares for menstruation.

Cervical mucus during the luteal phase is usually:

At this stage, mucus acts as a protective barrier, keeping bacteria away from the uterus.

Is it possible to get pregnant during the luteal phase? Only in the first 12–24 hours after ovulation. After that, the fertile window is closed.

Luteal Phase Discharge If Pregnant

If conception occurred, your luteal phase discharge may look different:

• Instead of drying up, it stays creamy, milky white, and sticky.
• It often increases in volume to protect the embryo from infection.
• It’s usually odorless and colorless.

Luteal phase discharge: if pregnant vs not pregnant:

Cervical Mucus in Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, cervical mucus continues to play a protective role. You may notice a thin, sticky, milky white discharge that gradually increases throughout pregnancy. This is completely normal and helps prevent infection.

As long as the discharge is odorless and not discolored, it’s usually no cause for concern.

How to Check Your Cervical Mucus

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Choose a comfortable position (squatting, sitting on the toilet, or standing with one leg up).
3. Insert a clean finger into your vagina and get close to the cervix.
4. Collect some mucus, then rub it between your thumb and finger.
5. Pull your fingers apart to check consistency and stretchiness — this can help you recognize fertile periods.

When to Worry About Unusual Cervical Mucus

Every body is different, but certain signs may suggest infection or imbalance:

• Green, brown, or yellow mucus
• Cottage cheese-like texture
• Strong or foul odor
• Itching or burning sensations

If you notice any of these, or if you’ve had a child before but are struggling to conceive now, it may be worth learning more about secondary infertility. Call your doctor if something doesn’t feel right — they’re there to help.

FAQs About Cervical Mucus and Fertility

Can you get pregnant during the follicular phase?

It’s less likely, but possible if ovulation happens earlier than expected.

How can you tell the difference between follicular and ovulation mucus?

Follicular discharge is thick and creamy, while ovulation mucus is slippery, clear, and stretchy.

Does cervical mucus always change during the luteal phase?

For most people, yes — it typically dries up or becomes sticky. If you’re pregnant, it often stays creamy instead.

Is milky white discharge before a period a pregnancy sign?

It can be. If discharge stays milky and you miss your period, it could indicate early pregnancy — but it’s not a guarantee.