Cervical Mucus After Implantation: How To Detect Implantation?

Implantation is not yet well understood by many. Most women only know pregnancy tests as the first step to knowing that they are pregnant. Cervical mucus after implantation is not regarded as a symptom of pregnancy. It is because most women don’t notice the change.

Cervical mucus is the white fluid expelled by the vaginal glands to flush away bacteria and maintain pH. This vaginal discharge keeps changing during a month and tells a lot about your health. 

The color and texture of cervical mucus are enough to predict the stage of the menstrual cycle. 

During infections and disease, the color of white discharge becomes green or yellow. 

But, are cervical mucus and implantation related? 

Yes, there is an influence of implantation on cervical mucus that shows as an early pregnancy sign.

How to find the most fertile days during a month?

Most fertile days or fertility window of a woman lies between 3 days before one day ahead of ovulation

But even ovulation does not have many externally visible symptoms in most women

It is essential that you know when you ovulate so that you have sex during that time. 

Throughout the month the chances are few compared to the ovulation period. 

Only some women have ovulation spotting and pain during follicle rupture. 

Others don’t even come to know and have to take ovulation test kits to detect LH surge. 

During ovulation, there is a shoot in the level of LH which is the basis of OTKs.

There are many ways to find the most fertile days:

  1. Basal body temperature charting: Your basal body temperature rises by a degree during ovulation. One can keep track of basal body temperature throughout the month to find ovulation day. It is simple to do and only requires recording temperature using a thermometer. You have to do this without getting out of your bed every morning.
  2. Ovulation test kits: There are many ovulation test kits available in the market. They detect the LH surge in urine. You need to collect early morning urine and take a test. The kit will show two lines or fertile day with a smiley face.
  3. Online ovulation calculator: There are many online ovulation calculators available on different websites. You can get a test for free to find your fertile days.

Cervical Mucus After Implantation: How To Detect Implantation?
Cervical Mucus After Implantation: How To Detect Implantation?

What is cervical mucus? 

Cervical mucus is the secretion of vaginal glands. The healthy cervical mucus is white and a spoonful.

Any odor or change in color is a sign that there is some infection. It helps in maintaining the pH and bacterial balance in the vagina. 

The levels of estrogen and progesterone are mainly responsible for this. 

During the middle of a menstrual cycle, the estrogen hormone reaches peak levels.

It makes the mucus stringy and white. The stringy thin cervical mucus enables sperms to travel smoothly through the vagina. 

One of the causes of infertility in women is less amount of cervical mucus or thick white discharge that prevents sperms from entering the vagina.

Some contraceptives also prevent the sperms by changing the consistency of cervical mucus.

During fertilization cervical mucus has up to 98% water content. It facilitates the movement of sperms. 

But after fertilization, the mucus becomes thicker as the function changes. 

Now it needs to protect the vagina from infections and any foreign matter entering.

When you are trying to get pregnant, the change of cervical mucus consistency is like a validating symptom. 

You can cross check your pregnancy test results by looking for changes in cervical mucus.

Cervical mucus After implantation

What should cervical mucus be like after implantation? During implantation the levels of progesterone keep rising and this in turn  increases cervical mucus 

It is for the formation of mucus plug to protect the growing embryo. 

Women who check their cervical mucus can look for an increase in amount before a few days from the period. 

If fertilization and implantation don’t occur, the cervical mucus production is not so high.

What does it mean when your cervical mucus is creamy?

Cervical mucus after ovulation is like raw egg white. 

Clear, stringy and abundant discharge is a sign of fertile window. 

Even during implantation, a woman has clear and ample discharge. The quantity of cervical mucus after discharge is such that you will feel wet. 

Creamy mucus is a more favorable sign regarding egg embedment. 

The creamy discharge indicates that the cycle headed to pregnancy instead of the luteal phase.

How does vaginal discharge change during a month?

Starting from the first phase of menses the menstrual cycle has three more. 

The proliferative phase leads to the growth of the vaginal lining. It is essential for pregnancy if it occurs. 

After this, on the 14th day, there is a surge of LH that leads to rupture of the follicle.

The egg stays viable for 24 hours and then degrades and goes for menstruation. 

After this follows the luteal phase in which the cyst produces progesterone.

It is essential for preventing menses before the right time. Later on the levels of estrogen and progesterone decline and menstruation starts.

  1. During the period you hardly notice your cervical mucus. There is the mixing of blood and cervical mucus, and it looks like clots of blood. The vaginal wall keeps breaking and coming along as period. Some of the clots may also be thick vaginal discharge and blood.
  2. After menses, you have dry days which last for three days. The cervical mucus is almost negligible, and you feel dry. It is because the glands are preparing for the next cycle.
  3. As the amount of estrogen picks up, the cervical mucus glands start functioning. The discharge is still not enough and is water like.
  4. Thick white discharge during proliferation is because the entire shift is towards maturation of follicle. The lining of the uterus again starts forming.

During ovulation, the cervical mucus is stretchy, stringy and clear. 

It allows the sperms to move in your vagina easily. 

The sperms need to travel up to tubes for fertilization. After sex, the mucus you see may be ejaculate of you or your partner. 

There is no need to treat the smell as the vaginal discharge will wash it away. Later on, if conception happens, then the discharge will become thicker.

After conception, the cervical mucus is semi-transparent and less in amount.

Only when implantation occurs, the amount and consistency increase. 

There is no need to worry about changes in vaginal discharge after sex unless they have an abnormal color or smell.

At early stages of pregnancy during the 1st week, the amount of cervical mucus increases a lot. 

It is for sealing the cervix to prevent anything entering inside as the placenta is yet to form. 

The mucus plug stays until the later stages of pregnancy.

1) Egg white cervical mucus

It occurs during ovulation days. It is a sign of most fertile days. EWCM is an ovulating symptom that most women use to detect fertile days. 

You can use a tissue paper or insert a clean finger and stretch the discharge between fingers. If it forms strings and is clear then it is the EWCM.

2) Watery cervical mucus

During the proliferation phase of the menstrual cycle, the vaginal discharge is watery. 

The discharge will not form strings between your fingers. But it doesn’t nullify the possibility of being fertile.

3) Cream like cervical mucus

When you rub, the mucus feels like the cream and doesn’t stretch during the luteal phase. It is because of increased progesterone. 

The cream like cervical mucus is not fertile.

4) Cheesy or gooey discharge

It is a sign of infections and can have a bad odor. If you see this discharge, you may be having a yeast infection.

How to detect Implantation (egg embedment) using cervical mucus?

Monitoring vaginal discharge and early pregnancy signs are preparation for analyzing HPT results.

 During the first two weeks of pregnancy cervical mucus changes in terms of color & consistency. 

The consistency will keep fluctuating, and you’ll notice it. The constant changes are signs of implantation.

Implantation bleeding is another symptom that you look for to detect implantation. 

Cramping along spotting is a sign that you are pregnant. Other symptoms include nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, and pregnancy toxicosis. You might also have implantation pains.   

61 COMMENTS

    • Vaginal discharge during ovulation is a sign that you are in your most fertile phase. The clear stringy egg white cervical mucus is sign of fertility.

  1. Is egg white discharge a sign that ovulation is happening? Since yesterday I can see cm which looks like egg white ?Me and my husband are trying to conceive. I suppose this is the best time to get busy?

    • Yes, Ellie. It’s the best time to do the deed for conceiving. When you see egg white stringy cervical mucus it means that you are near ovulation. You can have sex before the day or after it within 24 hours for successful conception. Luck.

  2. I think I am having implantation discharge. It’s thick and quite a lot. How can I be for sure? I feel mild cramps also..is that a confirmation?

    • Implantation thick discharge which can have some blood and brown color mucus is a sign of conception. Unlike period your cramps will be mild.

  3. I cannot detect cervical mucus after implantation. I am confused. Can someone help me? I do not have insurance and don’t want to go to a doctor yet.

    • Relax Lexy, you don’t need to see doctor after implantation. Your first prenatal visit will be after you get a positive pregnancy test. It is posiible in some cases that a woman does not have implantation discharge and spotting, don’t panic. Wait for your missed period and take a home pregnancy test.

  4. I am having cervical mucus in early pregnancy. Is it same as cervical mucus after implantation? Please guide me as soon as possible.

    • Cervical mucus after implantation is the onset of changes which will continue during early pregnancy. The changes are needed for formation of mucus plug.

  5. I took pregnancy test at home twice and both times it was positive. My CM is same as cervical mucus in early pregnancy should be. So is it confirmed that I am pregnant?

    • Thick white discharge which doesn’t feel wet is not sign of implantation. Implantation discharge or spotting is sign of egg embedment.

  6. Every woman has a 33% chance of getting pregnant every month and it is the fertility window in which you can conceive most likely. Creamy thick white discharge indicates that you have crossed the stage. But it is still possible that you get pregnant. Why? It could be because the discharge consistency changed due to other reasons.

  7. Hi,

    I am now 11 days past doing the deed and I believe ovulation if my Callander is right. The last two days I have had mild cramps and some brown discharge accompanied with twinges in each side and my lower back. My breasts are sensitive to touch and I am breaking out in quite a lot of spots across my face and chest. Today, I have had some very mild cramps on and off (I’m due my period tomorrow) and a white cm which is lotion like. I never have this before a period and I have endometriosis, when I have a period I am in extreme pain from 3/4 days beforehand and I pour of blood. I took a test yesterday and got bfn.

    Any ideas whether I’m testing too early or not?

  8. I thought I had ovulated 4 days ago, just went to wipe myself after urination and suddenly saw a huge blob of cervical mucus that’s clear, thick, and sort of sticky.
    Could this be a good sign that implantation is happening?

    • Sticky cervical mucus isn’t sign of implantation. After ovulation cervical mucus does little good in detecting implantation or pregnancy. There are texts that say it will change so and so. In reality egg white cervical mucus is only an indicator of ovulation. After that you must consider other signs.

  9. When I wiped my private part after urinating, i noticed clear mucus with few blood streaks on toilet paper. After a few mins, I wiped again and the bleeding was gone. On the third time, there was again clear mucus with scant amount of blood. Bleeding isn’t visible in my underwear/liner. However, my period is already due this week. I also have slight cramping. My husband and had intercourse during fertile window. I’m wondering if this is a sign of implantation or only period is coming.

    • Late implantation bleeding is possible. Period cramps and heavy bleeding with clots indicate an oncoming aunt’s flow.

  10. Hi, I’ve noticed that I have a good amount of white cervical mucus. How can you tell the difference between implantation cm & regular creamy cm?

    • There is nothing as regular cm because even that keeps changing. Once past ovulation look for other signs. During implantation you may see pink or brown spotting along cervical mucus.

  11. I am currently experiencing brown discharge but not enough to affect my undies! I am about 6 dpo but this was also my first period after coming off one dose of the depo shot!

  12. I’ve been TTC for a LONG time now. Got pregnant once and miscarried last year. So it’s been quite a rough and emotional journey… Anywho, I am HOPING this month is it! But help is needed…. I am PRETTY SURE I got a positive OPK on 6/3/18. I am not sure if it was a false positive but praying it wasn’t. 6/3 was CD11 for me. Then about 3 days later on 6/6 I had a little bit of EWCM after a bowel movement (CD14). Then a few days later on 6/11 (CD19) I noticed some VERY LIGHT pinkish blood when I wiped mixed in CM. Throughout the day I checked my CM and it was basically a light brown/pink color. I am trying to figure out if this could have been IMPLANTATION? I am currently on CD26 and still no positive pregnancy test (only used one cheapy brand so far). Just want to hear some thoughts…. Side note, my first pregnancy I didn’t get my positive until about 5 weeks pregnant! PLEASE HELP!!!

    • See you have had an experience with pregnancy tests. Not getting a positive pregnancy test isn’t a problem. At times body takes longer. If you’re not able to deal with the anxiety and its affecting you, get a blood test done, it’s early enough.

  13. I had very light brown to dark red bleeding 11 days after my actual period. I had sex 5 days before my period but im still a bit worried that the sperm lived through the shedding of my uterus. To make the story short, the light bleeding stopped after 5 days and I have white stringy discharge now with very tiny streaks of blood. Im gonna have my period in 9 day. Should I be worried that this light bleeding is implantation or midcycle bleeding or ovulation bleeding. Ive done a lot of research tbh but Im still anxieties.

    • Sperm living during shedding of uterine wall will not cause pregnancy in normal cases. Only when the sperm is present in your uterus while you ovulate, conception chances exists.

  14. I had a lotion like discharge for about a week (which is normal for me before getting my period) and now I have a dry one, for 3 consecutive days after the lotion like discharge. Is that a pregnancy symptom?

    • It can be brown discharge or even thick white discharge. There is no particular type of discharge after implantation.

  15. This morning l did a fertility check. When l pulled my fingers out l noticed thick clear/white jelly like mucus. Am l pregnant or just ovulating. First day of last period is June 6,2018. Trying to conceive

    • Thick white discharge isn’t a reliable sign or indication of pregnancy. your period is due for a month now, because you said first day of last period was in June. And half of July is up. So you should take a pregnancy test instead of checking cervical mucus.

  16. I had intercourse one day before my ovulation day and on my ovulation day 07/17/2018. I notice I had some brown spotting possible implantation and today 07/18/18 no spotting just white discharge. Can I possibly be pregnant?

    • Brown spotting is implantation bleeding symptom. But white discharge is not in the list of very early pregnancy symptoms.

  17. Hi, my last period was on June 11, and I ovulated late this cycle between CD 28 & CD 30 not sure. It’s been 13 or 14 DPO and yesterday I had a ting of blood with cervical mucus. Still no sign of neither pregnancy nor periods. Now I’m on CD 43. I tested at very early days around 10DPO and 11DPO is BFN. Help me get some insight.

  18. A couple days ago I was wiping after peeing and saw a string like discharge. Earlier today I had played around with myself and when I looked at my fingers, there was a bit of the stringy discharge. And it’s white and sticky like glue but no odor. Also had seen a light brown color on my TP when wiping the other day and I’m positive it was from my vagina. I’m on day 32 of a period cycle, meaning I’ve been late for about 5 days. Had light crampy sort of feeling today but not like cramps if that makes sense. Just wondering if I could be pregnant from those signs? Am waiting to take a test til the 1st of August. Thanks.

  19. A couple days ago I noticed a very light brown in my discharge after wiping when peeing. A day after that I had discharge that actually seemed to be white and string- like. I noticed a bigger clump of the white stringiness of discharge but there is no odor and I’m on day 32 of my cycle since my last period, meaning it being that long since I had “Aunt Flow” visit. I’m late on my period by about 4 or 5 days now I’d say. I had unprotected sex before on and after ovulation day so is there a chance I should take a test??

    • It’s too early to take a test. If you have a limitation of number of times you can test then wait for a week more.

  20. I had intercourse on the 22nd and not sure if I was ovulating or not. Today is the 2nd and my period isn’t due until the 10th. Today I am having creamy slight yellowish in color lotion texture CM.. is this a sign of early pregnancy? I am not testing until after the 10th if I don’t start.

    • Creamy mucus isn’t a sign of pregnancy. You have the mucus all the time. Profuse amount of mucus near period or after due date is a little hint that things are going different.

  21. I’m currently on cycle 48 and still no AF. I’ve been charting my cycle for a couple of months now since my partner and I are ttc. Here’s the summary of my cycle for the past months.
    1. 41 days
    2. 29 days
    3. 37 days
    4. 28 days
    5. 36 days
    6. 35 days
    7. 32 days

    Tonight, when I wiped after peeing, I noticed a sticky brown discharge. (Scant amount only) But when I wiped again, there’s nothing anymore. I’ve also had on and off cramps for 23 days that only last for a few hours.

    Why is my period late? What’s the brown discharge all about?

    • We appreciate your tracking of reproductive health so carefully, that’s how it should be done. Brown discharge can be because of many reasons like old menstrual blood or early shedding of lining. You must seek medical advice for personalised information.

  22. Thanks.. so maybe it was just a sign of AF. AF just arrived today. But It was not usual for me to get my period that very late. 48 days before I got my period today. With the cycle I listed above for the past months up to this point, do you think it’s normal? Am I having irregular cycles? Or should I already seek medical attention? Thanks

  23. Hi! I already had my check up and I just found out that I have PCOS. My ob-gyn prescribed me to take clomid, metformin and folic acid on certain days and have my transv utz between the 10th to 12th day of my cycle for follicle monitoring. I just hope these medications would help me to conceive. My husband and I are longing for it. Hoping for the best..

  24. Hi. I’m releaseng a lot of brown cm that I have to change my underwear 3x a day and it’s very bad odor. I had unprotected sex 8 days before. What does it mean?

    • Get a medical examination. There could be an infection. Try recalling any unpleasantness during sexual intercourse such as burning or unusual discharge.

  25. Hi I ovulated on the 6th of December, and started cramping 5 days after ovulation. Also feeling very tired and sleepy, my face broke out too, along with feeling sentimental… today I’m 10dpo with a steonger pain in my abdomen.. tested negative today, I think it was too soon. Could I be pregnant?? I usually get all those symptoms a couple of days before my period. Period is due in 5 days..

    • PMS often resembles pregnancy signs. Don’t rely on these so early. Instead wait for taking a test after your missed period date. Feeling sentimental for sure is the most deceptive thing you can rely on for detecting anything. A woman has her blues due to hormones twice in her entire month.

  26. I am having large amounts of egg white cervical mucus, more than I have ever experienced before, and I am 9 days passed ovulation. I have also had some cramping for the last few days and acne breakouts, very bloated. Could I be pregnant?

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