A woman’s body is quite intriguing. It is amazing how the body alters at different stages of a woman’s life. After menarche, every woman is ready to bear a child.  Every month, the mature egg is released from the ovary. It travels down the fallopian tube and it is available for fertilization. This is what happens during ovulation.

Predicting your ovulation is very important when you are trying to get pregnant. A woman is most fertile around ovulation. The duration is generally four or five days. Timing your intercourse accordingly can increase your chances of conception.

The Common Physical Signs of Ovulation

Most women consider the fourteenth day of their cycle as ovulation period. While this can be right in most cases, it varies in each individual. Women ovulate at different times of the month. By paying close attention to certain signs in your body, you will know the exact days of ovulation. The following fertility signs are commonly noticed by many women.

Increase in Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

The temperature of your body in a reposed stage is called the basal body temperature. The best time to measure this temperature is early in the morning, when you have not indulged in any kind of physical activity. At this time your body is in a resting phase. A slight increase in temperature, around 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit is noticeable when you are ovulating.

Basal body temperature increases due to the rush of hormones. Keep a track of your basal body temperature soon after your menstrual periods. A rise indicates your most fertile days.

Changes in Cervical Mucous

The cervix is a cylindrical shaped structure connecting the uterus and vagina. The cervix secretes mucous throughout a woman’s cycle. This secretion is nil soon after the period and appears moist, cloudy and sticky as ovulation approaches. During ovulation, the secretion is in abundance and the mucous is clear, thin and slippery. It is also stretchy in nature, resembling an egg white. The change in the consistency of the mucous is due to fluctuations in the hormones.

Mittelschmerz

Few women experience sharp pain or cramps or discomfort in the lower abdomen during ovulation. This pain is called mittelschmerz. In some women, a mild pain occurs suddenly and subsides quickly, within hours. But, for some women the pain can last for two or three days.

Cramps or pain is generally noticed on the right side of the lower abdomen. This ache is not very common; but if you notice it along with other signs, it signifies ovulation.

Tender Breasts

Breast tenderness is a common sign of ovulation which most women experience. This is due to increase in the level of hormones, preparing your body for a possible pregnancy. Some women also experience enlargement of breast and nodularity during ovulation.

Increased Sex Drive

Increase in sexual desire is a very common sign of ovulation. You may also be aroused easily during this time. An increased libido indicates your most fertile days. If you are planning for a pregnancy, this is the right time for regular intercourse.

Swelling in Vagina and Labia

Labia are the flaps of skin on either side of the vaginal opening. A light swelling in the labia and vagina are signs of ovulation apparent in some women. The labia may become fuller with increased sensitivity during ovulation.

Bloating

Some women may feel bloated during ovulation. This is because water is retained in the body during ovulation. However, when compared to menstrual bloating, the duration is very much shorter and the intensity is lesser.

Increased Energy

Some women may notice their energy levels peak around ovulation. A general sense of well being also prevails along with boost in energy. The degree of change in energy levels varies among women.

Light spotting and mild headaches are also other common signs. By learning to recognize the physical signs of ovulation, women can control fertility and conception.