Fertile Phase Indicators

Cervical fluid (mucus)

Cervical fluid changes in consistency during your monthly cycle. After your period it acts as a barrier to the entry of your cervix. It gradually changes in texture and quantity as you approach ovulation. Fertile fluid is wet, slippery, stretchy and clear (like raw egg white). This is an important indicator that you are beginning your fertile phase. Fertile cervical fluid usually appears 2-4 days prior to ovulation to help sperm travel to the egg. Record on your chart the days when this fertile fluid is present. After a bowel motion is a good time to check for this on the tissue as it can more visible.

Temperature changes

Your temperature rises by around 0.3 degrees Celsius on the day after you ovulate. Charting your temperature is more useful if it is done over a few cycles to pin point what day you usually ovulate on. The egg needs to be fertilized within 12- 24 hours of ovulation so you can still be fertile for approximately 24 hours following your temperature rise. Your temperature stays elevated for roughly 10-16 days. Then it drops suddenly and the period occurs. If pregnancy is achieved this can be indicated by 18 consecutive high temperatures and confirmed by a pregnancy test.

Ovulation predictor kits

These predict your ovulation by measuring the level of luteinizing hormone in your urine. They can be useful to confirm the timing of your ovulation. They are available from most pharmacies. They tend to expensive with at the most, only 7 days worth of tests, so if your cycle is irregular it is better to chart for one month first so that you have a rough idea of when to start testing.

Secondary signs

Some women experience other indications that they are ovulating. These are worth looking out for and recording on your chart if you notice them.

• Breast tenderness/sensitivity
• Stomach bloating or water retention
• Increased energy levels
• Heightened sense of smell, vision or taste
• Aching or pain over the ovaries
• Swollen vulva

Getting Started:

Recording your temperature

The first day of your period is counted as day 1. Begin recording your basal body temperature (your temperature at it lowest) each day. It is important to take your temperature at the same time each morning before any other activity and after at least three hours of sleep. If some days you don’t manage to do that, record this information on your chart. You can download a fertility chart here (chart sourced from www.acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz). Note also the occurrence of illness, drinking alcohol or later rising times as this can alter your usual temperature pattern. Take your temperature with a mercury or digital thermometer. If you are using a mercury thermometer and the mercury stops between two readings, record the lower one.
In a 28 day cycle ovulation usually occurs on day 14 after your period. Your next period will then occur approximately 14 days following ovulation. If you have irregular cycles it is usually the first part of the cycle that is irregular (from period to ovulation), the ovulation to period part is usually regular. When you chart your temperature a sudden drop usually indicates that your period is coming.

Lifestyle changes

Visit your Doctor. Check your rubella (German measles) status and be vaccinated if necessary. Contraceptive precautions should be taken for 3 months after vaccination.

Check your weight. Being over weight or under weight can influence your fertility. Severe and unbalanced diets should be avoided. Contact a nutritionist if you are unsure what diet will best suit your needs.

Exercise. Gentle exercise such as Yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi and meditation, regulate and strengthen your body’s energy. They reduce stress by calming and relaxing your mind and body. This is especially important when trying to conceive.

Folic acid. Research shows that taking extra folic acid for 12 weeks before conception and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy can help to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Folic acid supplements are available in health food shops and chemists. The recommended dose is 400 micrograms.

NOTE: The information in this page is only offered as a guide and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you have any questions about this information, you can email me: caroline@corkacupunctureclinic.com or use the online form to get in touch with me.