Cervical Mucous, Cervical Position, and Ovulation

charting ovulation and fertility

Charting basal body temperature is the best way to determine ovulation, but a woman's body also gives off signals when she is ovulating. The position of your cervix and the cervical mucous you produce changes throughout your menstrual cycle. Therefore, charting the amount and texture of your cervical mucous as well as the position of your cervix can help you pinpoint ovulation.

Types of Cervical Mucous




At the beginning of your cycle, prior to ovulation, you will likely produce little to no cervical mucous. Also, right before your period should start, your cervical mucous may become dry again. If you don't notice cervical mucous, you will want to record this on your chart as dry.









Cervical Position and Ovulation

basal thermometer fertility chart

You may want to check the position of your cervix to help you tell when you are ovulating. Not all women are comfortable with this, and some women have a difficult time feeling their cervix.


Find a comfortable position to check your cervix, and use the same position each time you check. If you use a different position, you won't be able to compare the position of your cervix accurately. It may take you a cycle or two to determine when your cervix is softest, firmest, highest, or lowest.

Right after menstruation, your cervix will be low and easier for you to reach. It will feel firmer and closed. During ovulation, your cervix will be higher and more difficult to reach. It will also feel soft and wet, and you may notice it feeling more open. If you have given birth before, your cervix may feel more open than someone who has not. After ovulation, your cervix normally returns to a more firm, lower position.