This week, we caught up with the team at My Expert Midwife to talk about the signs of ovulation to look out for if you’re trying to conceive.
During a woman’s menstrual cycle, ovulation is when a mature egg is released from the ovary, usually 10-16 days before a period starts. If you are trying to get pregnant, it can be helpful to know when you are most fertile: this is when you are ovulating. However, it’s also important to consider ways to improve your natural fertility.
Read on to find out more about the most common signs that ovulation is coming or has just occurred.
Signs of ovulation
Cervical mucus
One of the first signs of ovulation can be increased cervical mucus. You might notice an increase in vaginal discharge that appears similar to an egg-white consistency.
Basal body temperature
Your basal body temperature (BBT) is your resting temperature. Your normal body temperature can vary depending on factors such as hormones, activity levels and general health. After ovulation, a rise in progesterone levels causes your temperature to go up. Tracking your BBT can indicate your best fertility window.
Increased sex drive
Your body knows exactly how to get you to have sex at the best time for conception. On your most fertile days, when ovulation occurs, you might notice you experience an increase in sexual desire.
Hormone changes
During ovulation, your body experiences changes in hormone levels that you can track with ovulation predictor kits. These measure hormone levels in your urine. Some women also experience bloating and mild tummy pain when ovulating.
Breast tenderness
The hormones produced after ovulation can cause breast tenderness, so this change might indicate that you have just ovulated. Some women also experience breast tenderness when they are on their period or in early pregnancy, so it’s helpful to look out for other ovulation symptoms as well.
