What Happens to Cervical Mucus After Conceiving?

The changes that occur in cervical mucus after conceiving vary from woman to woman. Some women notice that their cervical mucus tends to dry up after conception while others may notice that it seems thick and sticky. Still others may notice that their cervical mucus changes to creamy white soon after conception. In most cases, these changes are considered normal, but they may not last. The vaginal discharge a woman has may change at various times throughout her pregnancy.

When a woman is ovulating, her cervical mucus is often clear and stretchy. In many cases, people describe it as having an egg white consistency. After ovulation, this usually changes to a thicker, less-fluid type of mucus, though some women note that they seem to have much less cervical mucus after ovulation. If a woman has conceived, her cervical mucus may be similar to what she would expect after ovulation in a non-pregnant cycle. This may vary from woman to woman, however.

In the early days and weeks after conception, a woman may notice any number of changes in her cervical mucus. Those who do not notice it drying up altogether may notice that it become less slick and stretchy. In fact, many women describe their cervical mucus after conceiving as thick and sticky. Its appearance may change as well. The once-clear cervical mucus may become opaque once ovulation is over and conception has occurred.

A more obvious change in cervical mucus after conceiving may occur when a mucus plug forms in the woman’s cervix. This plug has the job of keeping bacteria and other harmful substances out of the cervix and uterus while the pregnancy progresses. When this occurs, a woman may notice less cervical secretion and have a general feeling of being drier in the vaginal area. This may not last for the entire term of the pregnancy, however. In many cases, a pregnant woman notices a whitish discharge that has a lotion-like texture as her pregnancy progresses; some women notice their discharge once again begins to resemble egg whites at this time.

It is important to note that while many women notice that their cervical mucus dries up somewhat after conception, others notice the exact opposite. Some women experience a great increase in the amount of cervical mucus after conceiving. In fact, women who normally experience a drying out of cervical mucus after ovulation may see an increase of cervical mucus as an early sign of pregnancy.