Health Tip: Signs of Ovulation

For those trying to get pregnant, it helps to know

Related Encyclopedia • AIDS and HIV Infection • Amenorrhea • Amniocentesis • Amniocentesis and CVS More... Related Healthscout Videos Optimistic Healing Early Babies: How Soon is Too Soon? Aqua Lipo Cancer Detection More... Related Animations • Breast Reduction • Breast Self-Exam Video • Erectile Dysfunction • Facelift More... Related Drug Information • Actonel • Cialis • Detrol LA • Diflucan More... Related News Articles • Focusing on School Could Prevent Teen Pregnancies • Low Vitamin D Tied to Estrogen Decline • Caring Through Sharing -- Life Changing Stories • Breast Cancer Pain Continues Years After Treatment More...

(HealthDay News) -- If you're trying to get pregnant, it's important to know when you're ovulating.

Text Continues Below

---

Here are common signs that may indicate ovulation, courtesy of the American Pregnancy Association:

• A change in cervical fluid appearance. During or just before ovulation, cervical fluid usually takes on the appearance of egg whites. But cervical fluid appearance varies from woman to woman.
• A spike in your basal body temperature -- your temperature at rest measured when you first get up in the morning -- can indicate that you have just ovulated. In most women, basal temperature goes down slightly just before ovulation. This is followed by a sharp rise in temperature, a sign that ovulation has just occurred.
• Cervical changes -- a woman may find that her cervix feels softer than usual, and may be in a higher position.
• Other symptoms -- deemed secondary because they may not happen as consistently or in as many women -- may include spotting, tenderness of the breasts, cramping, bloating, greater awareness of the senses, and a stronger sex drive.

-- Diana Kohnle