Life

9 Things A Body Does To Says It's Baby-Making Time

by Lindsay E. Mack

Trying to track your fertility can be an interesting and sometimes weird endeavor. But it's safe to say your body goes through some notable changes around the time of ovulation. With that in mind, knowing the things a body does when it's fertile can direct your baby-making efforts accordingly.

Sure, you probably know the way fertility changes your body temperature, or the ways in which ovulation can make your body feel achey. But this (other) time of the month can also change the presence of hormones in your body. What's more, ovulation can even change the appearance of your saliva, at least on a microscopic. The body is truly a marvel, and the changes that ovulation enacts are remarkable.

Additionally, it's just smart to keep up with your body's cycles. Whether you're actively trying to get pregnant or not, gathering data about your general ovulation trends can only help. And hey, it'll help explain some things about your body that you've always found perplexing (but never had the nerve to ask about). Read on to learn why you might run hot, feel crampy, and even experience a different kind of mucus when you're ovulating. Nature is beautiful, and sometimes kind of weird.

1

It Produces EWCM Mucus

Gauging your fertility can sometimes involve getting pretty up close and personal with your body. As noted in Parenting, you're most likely to be fertile when your cervical mucus is stretchy and clear. There's even a name for this particular phenomenon: egg white cervical mucus (EWCM). As you might have guessed, it strongly resembles an egg white at this time.

2

It's In Pain

Unfortunately, it can feel like pain is the communication method of choice for your reproductive parts. This holds true for ovulation, too. According to What To Expect, you may feel some cramping in your midsection when ovulating. It may be caused by the egg getting released from an ovary.

3

It Changes Temperature

Feeling hot today (in a literal sense)? Your basal body temperature will rise about 0.4 to 1.0 degree the day you start ovulating, as noted by Baby Center. In fact, monitoring your basal body temperature is a good way to track your fertility.

4

It Produces Luteinizing Hormone

OK, so this sign may not be quite so easy to observe. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the presence of the luteinizing hormone (LH) increases a day or two before you ovulate. This is what you're testing for with an ovulation kit.

5

It Creates Ferning Saliva

Wait, what? This is a fun change. As explained by Fertility Instructor, your saliva will produce patterns that resemble fern leaves during the time of your peak fertility. Unfortunately, you can't just spit in a cup and check out the results; microscopes are needed to fully examine the crystallization patterns of your saliva.

6

It Experiences Cervical Changes

Your cervix goes through quite the transformation during ovulation. As noted by Fertility Friend, fertility will cause your cervix to appear high, soft, and open. (Also, would someone please claim Cervical Changes as the name of an all-female speed metal band?)

7

It Experiences Spotting

Do you get rando spots when it isn't even close to period time? As noted by What To Expect, spotting during ovulation is common for many women. It's basically a sign that you're ready to create a baby.

8

It's Horny As Hell

Well, this makes total sense from an evolutionary perspective. As noted by Very Well, a boosted libido during ovulation is definitely a real thing. Sometimes all you need to do is follow your instincts.

9

It's Breast Feel Tender

Even your boobs can get in on the fun. According to the American Pregnancy Association, breast tenderness is another potential sign of ovulation. Listen to your body and you'll know when you're at peak fertility.