Your cervix changes throughout your menstrual cycle, in particular the position of the cervix differs.
- Outside of pregnancy your menstrual cycle has a direct correlation with your cervix. For example, during your period, the cervix is positioned lower, feel quite firm (like the tip of your nose), and is slightly open to allow the menstrual blood to leave the body.
- Your cervix moves towards the uppermost border of the vagina as you approach the ovulation stage of your menstrual cycle. It also becomes softer (like your lips) and moister as the consistency and volume of the cervical mucous changes. Following ovulation, the cervix drops again, firms up, and closes as it gets ready for menstruation again.
Your cervix acts like a barrier
Your cervix is your own personal barrier protecting you from potentially harmful things such as bacteria from the outside getting inside; how incredible that we have our very own protector looking out for us! Your cervix can close and open and although it starts off about 2-4cms long it shortens during labour until it is paper thin at birth. At the end of the cervix is a tiny opening called the Os and it is this gap that your Midwife is assessing when she completes a vaginal examination to assess if you are dilating and making progress during labour.
Track Your Cervix
Cervical changes happen for a very real reason and if you are trying to conceive then becoming familiar with your cervical cycle could be extremely helpful. These changes can be indications of your fertility and if you learn to track your cervix, you’ll know you’re the most fertile when your cervix feels higher (sometimes it’s even out of reach) and softer. You might also notice that it feels slightly open (you might feel a slight “dimple”. If you’re trying to get pregnant, this would be the best time for conception!
Magical Mucous!
Cervical mucus is a fluid produced by and released from the cervix. Hormones cause cervical mucus to change in texture, volume and colour throughout your menstrual cycle. It can be helpful in identifying when you are most fertile.
- The cervical mucous can change to prevent or help the entry of sperm. Your mucus is thick, white, and dry before ovulation (when your ovary releases an egg).
- Just before ovulation, cervical mucus turns clear and slippery like snot, this makes it easy for sperm to swim up to reach and fertilise an egg.
Sometimes, you might notice an increase in white or yellow discharge but, there’s no need to worry; it’s part of the self-clean process and means bacteria is being fought off. Cleaning the vulva with water alone is enough, you’ll feel and smell clean without disturbing the incredible natural vaginal flora. Avoid harsh chemical-based and perfumed cleansing products and never be tempted to douche as this can force bad bacteria internally and cause infection.
Your Cervix the Gatekeeper
The cervix acts as a barrier between the vagina and the uterus to protect your growing baby, helping to keep them safe and secure in your uterus.
- During pregnancy, the cervix rises up and softens but remains tightly closed while baby grows inside the uterus. Thanks to a self-created mucus plug that blocks the cervical canal (think wine cork), your cervix protects itself and baby from unwanted visitors.
- In labour your cervix undergoes dramatic changes during labour in a process known as ‘effacement’ or ‘ripening’. During labour your cervix dilates (opens) so that your baby can be born.
