Ovulation Symptoms: Experts on the 15 Signs of Ovulation to Watch For

Before having my first child, I had no idea how I responded to ovulation. Symptoms or signs to watch for just weren’t on my radar. But after having baby No. 1, I started paying attention to my body and noticed some very-mild-but-definitely-there clues. Getting more in tune with how I felt physically (and mentally) as ovulation approached helped me feel empowered when it came time to start trying again—and I was able to use these subtle ovulation symptoms to find success in our baby-making pursuit!

Even if you’re not trying to conceive just yet, it’s important to have a good grasp on ovulation signs. Not only can they help you better understand your menstrual cycle, but they can also help you identify abnormal ovulation symptoms down the road. (In fact, some women keep track of their ovulation patterns as part of their contraception method to avoid getting pregnant.)

Want to learn more about exactly what happens during ovulation? We talked to six ob-gyns—and lots of real moms— to get the lowdown on which signs of ovulation to look out for and how those ovulation symptoms might make you feel. Keep reading for all the intel.

Key Takeaways

• The main ovulation symptoms: The most reliable signs of ovulation include changes in cervical mucus (it becomes clear and stretchy) and cervical position, and the sustained rise in your basal body temperature (BBT) after a slight dip.
• Other ovulation symptoms: These are more subjective and vary from woman to woman, but the most commonly reported anecdotal signs of ovulation include mild pelvic twinges, heightened sex drive, breast tenderness, abdominal bloating and shifts in mood or appetite.
• Your fertile window is key: You’re most fertile during a six-day window that includes the five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. Conception is most likely in the two to three days before ovulation.
• Ovulation is short: The egg itself is only viable and ready for fertilization for about 24 hours after it’s released from the ovary.
• Ovulation timing varies: Ovulation doesn’t always happen on day 14; it occurs approximately 14 days before your next period, so the timing will vary based on your personal cycle length.
• No signs of ovulation? While ovulation symptoms like mild pelvic pain (mittelschmerz), breast tenderness and light spotting can occur, many women have no noticeable signs of ovulation—and that’s normal too!

What Is Ovulation?

Ovulation is the phase in your menstrual cycle when a mature egg is released from the ovary, setting the stage for fertilization. Every woman is born with millions of immature eggs that wait to be released, normally one at a time, every month. A surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of an egg during ovulation, which travels down the fallopian tube, where it may meet up with a sperm and become fertilized. For most healthy women, ovulation generally happens once a month, a few weeks after menstruation begins.

Ovulation Symptoms You May Experience

You’re probably wondering, can you feel ovulation happening? It can differ from woman to woman, but there are several common ovulation symptoms to watch for.

Before and during ovulation, hormonal shifts can affect the entire body, prompting these signs of ovulation. These can provide powerful but sometimes low-key clues that let you know when you’re ovulating. Many women will experience those symptoms for up to five days before ovulation as well as the day of, says Dr. Patricia Pollio, MD, an ob-gyn in Monroe, New York. They may even last for a day after ovulation.

But if you don’t notice any signs you’re ovulating, don’t worry—it doesn’t mean it’s not happening. “Most women have no clue,” adds Dr. Donnica L. Moore, MD, a family medicine doctor in Chester, New Jersey. That said, if you can learn to recognize the common signs of ovulation below, it could help you predict when ovulation is likely to occur.

1. Basal body temperature (BBT) changes

Sometimes referred to as BBT, your basal body temperature is the temperature of your body at rest. Ovulation affects this range. This is a universal hormonal response, and nearly everyone who ovulates experiences this biological change, though active tracking is required to notice it.

• What’s the timeline? At the beginning of your cycle, basal body temperature remains fairly consistent and averages between 97 and 98 degrees Fahrenheit. As you get closer to ovulation, you’ll experience a slight dip in basal body temperature followed by a sharp increase just after ovulation.
• What to look for: A subtle dip in resting temperature right before ovulation, followed by a sharp, sustained rise of roughly 0.4 to 1.0 degrees just after the egg is released. Tracking over several months will help reveal a pattern.
• What causes it? After the ovary releases an egg, the remaining follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes progesterone. This hormone acts on the brain’s hypothalamus (your body’s thermostat), causing your resting body temperature to rise.
• Real mom take: “I had a major drop in temp this morning! Yay! Looks like I may ovulate on time!” - linzeeh80, The Bump community forum member

2. Cervical mucus changes

As you near ovulation, your body produces more estrogen, causing cervical mucus (aka discharge) to become stretchy and clear; this helps sperm swim to the egg that’s released during ovulation. Again, this is another nearly universal physiological change. In fact, 73 percent of The Bump social-media users polled report this as their most noticeable ovulation symptom.

• What’s the timeline? A few days leading up to and the day of ovulation (your peak fertile window).
• What to look for: Discharge becomes clear, wet, slippery and stretchy—resembling raw egg whites. You can test it by stretching a sample between your thumb and index finger.
• What causes it? Rising estrogen levels prior to ovulation change the composition and water content of cervical discharge. Again, this creates fluidity to help sperm swim upward toward the egg.
• Real mom take: “I usually check [my cervical mucus] before I hop in the shower. As for gathering a sample, you can check whatever you wipe onto toilet paper.”- Jags8, The Bump community forum member

3. Cervical position and texture changes

During ovulation, your cervix moves higher, becomes softer and gets more open. This is another physiological change; you can check your cervix, along with your mucus, for ovulation symptoms, but it can take time to learn the differences you’re feeling for and is often more difficult than watching for the other signs of ovulation.

• What’s the timeline? Directly before and during ovulation.
• What to look for: If you’d like to try and get more comfortable checking for cervical changes as a sign of ovulation, try standing in whatever position you do to insert a tampon (for example, next to the toilet with one foot up on the closed seat) and using your finger to feel inside. In many women with a regular cycle, right before ovulation the cervix will be softer, like touching your lips, but after ovulation it will feel harder, more like touching the tip of your nose. An OB can also check for cervical changes using a speculum and help give you more guidance on how to do it at home.
• What causes it? High estrogen concentrations cause the tissue of the cervix to swell with fluid (softening it) and relax the muscle walls (opening and elevating the cervix).
• Real mom take: “Cervix position is a secondary fertility sign and it changes throughout the day. It’s not wholly reliable… For example, my cervix stayed high for a couple of days post-ovulation and was high for a long time pre-ovulation. And the texture hasn’t really firmed up at all!” - [easjer05](https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/2063095/cervical-position-charting-q, The Bump community forum member

4. Mild pelvic or abdominal pain (mittelschmerz)

A lot of women wonder, can you feel ovulation? And for some (20 percent according to our social-media poll), the answer is actually yes—typically as a mild ache or pain in the lower abdomen, usually on one side or the other (not the same side each time). So what are ovulation pains like? Called Mittelschmerz, ovulation pain can feel like a sharp or dull cramp on the side of your abdomen where the ovary is releasing the egg.

• What’s the timeline? During actual ovulation (the pain can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours).
• What to look for? A mild, localized ache or sharp cramp on one side of the lower abdomen (the side releasing the egg that month). It may be accompanied by light, temporary nausea.
• What causes it? In the days leading up to ovulation, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) drives the growth of the ovarian follicle, while a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers its final maturation and rupture. The accompanying pain stems from the rapid expansion stretching the ovary’s surface, as well as follicular fluid or blood spillage that temporarily irritates the abdominal lining.
• When to reach out to your doctor: There’s no need to worry about ovulation pain that goes away with an OTC, anti-inflammatory medication (such as Motrin), Dr. Moore says. But if ovulation pain is persistent or severe, see a doctor to rule out conditions such as endometriosis, an ovarian cyst or an ectopic pregnancy.
• Real mom take: “It feels a little sharp at times, then a dull ache, and if I push the skin near where my ovary is it hurts.” - mchupie, The Bump community forum member

5. Breast soreness or tenderness

Tender breasts or sore nipples can be another sign of ovulation, thanks to the rush of hormones entering your body right before and after ovulation. Of course, breast tenderness can also occur at other times in the menstrual cycle, notes Dr. Jenna Turocy, MD, an ob-gyn and reproductive endocrinologist with Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City. “It’s typically linked to hormonal changes not directly related to ovulation,” she adds.

• What’s the timeline? Immediately before, during or right after ovulation occurs.
• What to look for? Heavy, tender or sensitive breasts and nipples.
• What causes it? The rapid transition from peak estrogen (which stimulates milk duct growth) to surging progesterone (which causes milk glands to swell) creates fluid retention and inflammation in breast tissue.
• Real mom take: “[My boobs] get sore around ovulation. I’m not exactly sure why… but they do!” - [KaylaBug85[(https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/4301030/ovulation-symptom),,) The Bump community forum member

6. Light spotting or bleeding

“Ovulation can sometimes cause a small amount of spotting or brown discharge due to the surge in hormones,” says Dr. Turocy. This ovulation symptom can occur when the follicle that surrounds and protects the developing oocyte (the egg) matures, grows and then ruptures, resulting in a small amount of bleeding.

• What’s the timeline? During or immediately following the release of the egg.
• What to look for? Very light, short-lived spotting that ranges from light pink to dark brown.
• What causes it? “As the dominant follicle grows and then ruptures to release the egg, a small amount of fluid—and occasionally a tiny amount of blood—is released into the pelvis,” explains Dr. Ashleigh Bouchelion, MD, PhD, a board certified ob-gyn within Aeroflow Breastpumps’ expert network. Additionally, a brief drop in estrogen right after the LH surge (before progesterone steps up to take over) can cause temporary, minor shedding of the uterine lining.
• When to reach out to your doctor: It’s not a cause for concern unless the spotting persists, in which case you should see a physician to check for signs of infection and the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy.
• Real mom take: “Today is my ‘estimated’ ovulation day. And I’ve had some brown spotting and sticky discharge.” - [CRamsey721]https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/5520051/ovulation-spotting),,)
  The Bump community forum member

7. Boost in Libido

A change in libido is another common ovulation symptom. Some women notice that their sex drive increases during ovulation, which might be Mother Nature’s way of encouraging conception. Interestingly, research suggests that women in relationships are more likely to experience a boost in libido during ovulation compared to single women. But, as Dr. Moore says, “sex drive can be influenced by just about anything, including whether you had a glass of wine or are just in the mood.”

• What’s the timeline? Leading up to and during your peak fertile window.
• What to look for: A natural increase in sex drive, sexual thoughts or energy.
• What causes it? Peaks in both estrogen and testosterone right before ovulation prime the brain and body for reproduction, possibly enhancing sexual arousal and sensitivity.
• Real mom take: “I didn’t notice an increase in libido. But [my partner] says I must be ovulating because I apparently won’t leave him alone!” - holly321, The Bump community forum member

8. Abdominal bloating and fluid retention

Bloating around ovulation is common for some women due to hormonal shifts, particularly the rise in estrogen, which can cause fluid retention or affect digestion. It’s usually short-lived, resolving within a day or two, but can be uncomfortable for those sensitive to these changes.

• What’s the timeline? Shortly before and during ovulation.
• What to look for: A feeling of tightness or mild fullness in the lower stomach
• What causes it? Estrogen causes the body to retain salt and water while temporarily slowing down digestion, leading to mild gas and fluid buildup.
• Real mom take: “Just yesterday I was freaking out because my jeans hardly fit. Then I remembered I was three days past ovulation. I got on the scale this morning and my weight hasn’t changed so it was definitely all bloat!” - KatieintheCity, The Bump community forum member

9. Heightened sense of smell and taste

For some women, a more sensitive sense of smell can be a sign of ovulation. This may be because, in this fertile phase, your body is primed to be more attracted to the male pheromone androstenone. That said, research suggests that ovulation can affect a woman’s overall olfactory perception. Additionally, many women report experiencing a heightened sense of taste.

• What’s the timeline? The latter half of the fertile window around ovulation.
• What to look for: A sharper sense of smell and occasional shifts in taste preferences.
• What causes it? High estrogen influences smell and taste processing in the brain.
• Real mom take: “Does this happen to anyone? I noticed it last cycle (actually, my mom pointed it out to me!). I am finding people and things more fragrant the day or so before ovulation.” - MiniMir, The Bump community forum member

10. Headaches and nausea

Many women ask: Can ovulation make you feel sick? The answer is yes. Nausea and headaches are two possible ovulation side effects due to the change in your estrogen and progesterone levels. That said, these aren’t generally considered common or severe symptoms, says Dr. Turocy. “If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, it’s important to consult a provider to rule out other underlying issues,” she adds. You may be more likely to experience headaches during ovulation if you’re prone to them: A study found that about half of women of childbearing age with recurring migraines experience them during ovulation.

What’s the timeline? Right before or during ovulation What to look for: Mild, temporary nausea or hormonal headaches What causes it?: Sharp, rapid shifts in estrogen levels affect neurotransmitters like serotonin in the brain, which can trigger blood vessel dilation (headaches) or stomach distress (nausea). Real mom take: “I just noticed that during the last four to six cycles where I was charting temps and symptoms, I got wicked bouts of nausea the day before my first positive ovulation predictor kit. Today I had some bad nausea again. I wonder if it’s an ovulation symptom for me? I have no idea why it would be but it’s interesting how it’s been a common thing around ovulation.” - juliane2004, The Bump community forum member

11. Appetite shifts and food cravings

Appetite changes during ovulation can happen in response to hormonal fluctuations. “Some women feel hungrier or crave specific foods, possibly due to a slight increase in metabolism or estrogen’s influence on mood and energy,” explains Dr. Greg Marchand, MD, ob-gyn and program director for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Steward Health in Arizona. Others might have a decline in appetite, though this is less common. Either way, these changes are subtle and vary from person to person. What’s the timeline? Around the day of ovulation. What to look for: Subtle shifts in hunger levels
What causes it? Fluctuations in estrogen affect blood sugar regulation, metabolic rate and appetite-regulating hormones. Real mom take: “Do you find that your appetite increases or changes around the time you ovulate? I’ve been starving for the past two days. I eat and then I’m hungry in no time and everything I’m craving isn’t the most healthy.” - laura_j, The Bump community forum member

12. Skin breakouts

We know hormones drive breakouts during pregnancy and PMS, so it’s not surprising that ovulation can also cause skin flares. What’s the timeline? A few days leading up to or around ovulation. What to look for: New pimples are most likely to crop up around the jawline, chin or lower face. What causes it? “Hormonal changes around ovulation can increase oil production in the skin, making breakouts more likely in people who are already acne-prone,” says Dr. Bouchelion. Real mom take: I always start breaking out right around ovulation… I find that avoiding things that trigger breakouts for me (pop, junk food, etc.) at this time, as well as taking good care of my skin helps minimize the breakout. This also helps because I tend to get bloated after ovulation as well, so those dietary changes help with that too. - curlylocks3, The Bump community forum member

13. Mood swings

Hormonal changes around ovulation can affect your mood, although the experience varies from woman to woman. What’s the timeline? Usually around ovulation and lasting a few days. What to look for: You may feel more emotional, irritable or sensitive. What causes it? “Rapid changes in estrogen followed by rising progesterone can influence brain chemicals involved in mood regulation,” says Dr. Bouchelion. Real mom take: I just recently started charting, so I’m not exactly sure when I’m ovulating but lately I have noticed that there is more than one ‘time of the month’ for me as far as my foul moods are concerned. I’ll have to keep an eye out for that! - bndc0226, The Bump community forum member

14. Vulvar or labial swelling

Believe it or not, subtle swelling in the vulva and labia can be a sign that you’re ovulating, although it’s certainly not a universal or common experience

What’s the timeline? “It typically occurs around the day of ovulation and, if it happens, usually resolves within a day or two,” says Dr. Bouchelion. What to look for: Mild swelling or a feeling of fullness down there. It shouldn’t be accompanied by significant pain, redness or abnormal discharge. What causes it? “Estrogen increases blood flow to the pelvic tissues around ovulation,” explains Dr. Bouchelion. “In some people, that extra blood flow can lead to temporary swelling of the vulva or labia.” Real mom take: “The swelling occurs in my inner labia and starts a few days after the end of my period (around day 9 or 10 of my cycle) and lasts for about five days. After noticing the pattern and testing my hormones throughout my cycle, I’ve come to realize that the swelling is caused by an increase in estrogen, which spikes around ovulation time and drastically decreases while on my period.” extraterrestrialyew, Reddit poster

15. Saliva changes

During ovulation, your saliva may actually change, says Dr. Marchand. Of course, you’d probably have to look at it under a special microscope to really distinguish any significant difference. “It forms a fern-like pattern due to increased estrogen levels affecting electrolyte balance in bodily fluids. This ferning pattern, visible with specialized ovulation microscopes, is a lesser-known sign because it’s not widely discussed or easily observed without specific tools, unlike more obvious symptoms like cervical mucus changes,” Dr. Marchand notes.

What’s the timeline? 24 to 72 hours before ovulation. What to look for: A microscopic pattern in dried saliva that resembles fern leaves or frost on a window (only observable with a specialized microscope). What causes it? Rising estrogen increases the concentration of salt in saliva. As the saliva dries, the crystallized salt forms a distinct geometric “ferning” pattern. Real mom take: “I work in a lab and I went ahead and scoped my saliva, and did see some ferning(!) but I wasn’t sure how accurate that really is.” - buckeyemom, The Bump community forum member

What Does Ovulation Feel Like?

Still wondering if you can feel when you ovulate? The answer is a resounding maybe. Ovulation symptoms can be different from person to person—or they may not be noticeable at all. “Some women experience mild discomfort or a twinge in their lower abdomen around the time of ovulation. However, not all women feel ovulation—and the sensation, if present, is typically subtle,” says Dr. Turocy.

Of course, tracking any physical changes you feel throughout your monthly cycle may eventually help you better identify recurring signs of ovulation versus otherwise occurring aches, pains and discomforts. Here, some women of The Bump community share what ovulation feels like to them:

• “Since I started paying attention, I have also noticed that I get kind of achy cramps before ovulation. They feel a bit different than period cramps and are usually on one side or the other" - [ShadyKull]https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/8010460/symptoms-when-ovulating))
• “I’ve noticed some slight cramping, barely noticeable ‘hot flashes’ and irritability during the same time during each cycle.” - NeonEyeliner77
• “I get really bloated and crampy a few days before ovulation, and then a couple days afterward. I also have the problem of my cervix getting sensitive to the point that sex can be uncomfortable, which is really terrible timing!" - Eoub
• “Every month, I can tell, physically, when I’m ovulating and I feel all the symptoms this month as well: tender breasts, pain in lower abdomen, etc. - [LLShultz]https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/1273694/ovulation-tests-vs-physical-symptoms))
• “I am noticing that I feel a little stabbing twinge on one side of my body where my ovaries are on my left hand side when I should technically be ovulating.” - Nooniesgal
• “Mine is more of a dull, nagging ache, sort of like I pulled a muscle just on that side, that can last anywhere from several hours to two days”. - WYEngTeacher

When Do You Ovulate?

Now that we’ve reviewed ovulation symptoms, you may still be wondering exactly when ovulation occurs. You may have heard that ovulation typically happens on day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle, but it’s not the same for everyone.

If you’re like most women of childbearing age, your menstrual cycle lasts between 25 and 35 days, and ovulation usually hits between days 10 and 19 of that cycle—about 12 to 16 days before your next period. “In healthy women, ovulation occurs 14 days before the onset of your period,” says Dr. Moore. So if your cycle is 35 days, ovulation will happen on day 21 of that cycle—but if your cycle is 21 days, ovulation will happen on day seven.

The timing of ovulation can vary from cycle to cycle and from person to person, adds Dr. Shannon M. Clark, MD, associate professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in Texas. This is why it’s a good idea to get familiar with your body’s menstrual calendar for at least three months or so, to help you better estimate your own ovulation cycle.

For some women, ovulation doesn’t always take place, or it can be irregular. In general, if you’re pregnant, have gone through menopause or you take birth control pills consistently and on time, you won’t ovulate. Certain diseases or disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome or premature ovarian failure, among other conditions, can also cause anovulation (a lack of ovulatory function), according to the Cleveland Clinic. Medications, including some antidepressants, anti-nausea medications and chemotherapy, may also cause a woman to stop ovulating for periods of time. Other lifestyle factors—such as chronic stress or being significantly underweight or overweight (measured by body fat percentage)—may affect female fertility and ovulatory function as well.

If you’re dealing with irregular menstrual cycles or ones that are particularly short (fewer than 21 days) or long (more than 35 days), consider getting evaluated by a physician to rule out any medical conditions. “It’s essential to identify the underlying cause of irregular ovulation and work with a fertility expert to address it if you’re looking to [conceive] a baby,” advises Dr. Turocy.

It’s true that ovulation is harder to predict with irregular cycles, since it may come earlier or later each month, but you can still ovulate and get pregnant.

If you’re planning to breastfeed exclusively (meaning baby won’t get any other source of nutrition), be aware that you likely won’t ovulate during that time. But there are always exceptions, so you can’t depend on breastfeeding as a method of birth control, as ovulation can precede your first postpartum period, according to a report in Clinics in Perinatology. Of course, once baby is introduced to other foods or the occasional bottle, ovulation is likely to resume. Plan your birth control accordingly, unless you want to give baby the possible surprise of a new brother or sister!

How long does ovulation last?

So you’re probably wondering, for how many days do women ovulate? “Ovulation itself (the actual releasing of the egg from the ovary) is a relatively short event,” says Dr. Turocy. Once the mature egg is released from the surface of the ovary, it can potentially be fertilized for about 24 hours, adds Dr. Pollio.

That said, you don’t have to have sex on the exact day of ovulation in order to get pregnant. In reality, there’s a six-day “fertile window” in your cycle—the five days leading up to ovulation and the day you ovulate, Dr. Moore says. Of those six days, you’re most fertile during the two to three days prior to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.

Beyond 24 hours after ovulation, the egg is no longer viable and you typically can’t get pregnant until your next menstrual cycle, notes the National Library of Medicine. (If you’re not trying to conceive, though, you should still use birth control at all times as a precaution.)

How to Predict Ovulation

Whether you’re trying to conceive or merely want to get to know your body’s signs of ovulation, these indicators, including at-home and over-the-counter (OTC) tests, can help you learn how to tell if you’re ovulating (or are about to).

Basal body temperature monitoring

One way to know if you’re ovulating is to track your basal body temperature over a series of months. Take your temperature with a digital thermometer designed for basal body as soon as you wake up—even before you get out of bed—and jot down the reading every morning. Keep in mind that from day to day, your BBT can fluctuate by half a degree or more, so don’t be fooled by a little blip—look for a sustained rise to confirm that you’ve ovulated. After several months, the info will give you a good sense of when you usually ovulate so you can plan babymaking accordingly.

Menstrual charting

Another simple and inexpensive way to track ovulation is to record the days your period begins and ends for several months. If you have normal menstrual cycles—between 25 and 35 days—you’re likely to be ovulating regularly, with ovulation occurring about 14 days before menstruation. Make sure to write down whenever you experience potential signs of ovulation: Remember, typical ovulation symptoms may include cramps, an increase in cervical mucus, breast tenderness, fluid retention and appetite or mood changes.

Ovulation kit

Ovulation predictor kits (OPKs) measure your levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), which can be detected in your urine. These kits work because ovulation typically hits about 10 to 12 hours after LH peaks—on day 14 to 15 of the menstrual cycle if your cycle is 28 days long. Your LH concentration should stay elevated for 14 to 27 hours to allow for full maturation of the egg.

Here’s how the ovulation kit works:

• Pee on the stick and wait for a line to appear.
• If the color of the line matches the shade shown on the instructions, ovulation is imminent—within 24 to 48 hours.
• If it’s too close to call, retest within the next 12 hours.

Most kits come with a five-day supply of sticks, to be used in as many days, but check their expiration date: Most of them have a shelf life of only two years. While the majority of ovulation predictor tests can be used any time of day, many of them suggest testing first thing in the morning. For best results, test around the same time each day, and cut back your liquid intake for four hours beforehand, so your pee will be more concentrated and your LH easier to detect.

The real trick to finding success with an ovulation predictor kit is knowing when to start using it. If your cycle is regular, the charting you’ve been doing can help you identify that optimum window. If your cycles are irregular, your best bet is to pay attention to ovulation symptoms.

Fertility monitor

While an ovulation predictor kit can identify when ovulation is expected to occur (giving you 24 hours for possible conception), a fertility monitor can identify your five most fertile days. The monitor measures LH and estrogen levels to identify your two peak fertile days, plus the one to five fertile days leading up to them. Some versions of the monitor store information from your previous six cycles to customize your fertility reading. Be aware, though, that because monitors give you more advanced information, they’re pricier than ovulation kits.

To Sum It Up

Understanding when you ovulate is key to getting pregnant, but it can also give you clues about why you’re suddenly experiencing certain symptoms. When you know the signs of ovulation, you can be better prepared, regardless of whether or not you’re trying to conceive. The more in tune you are with your body, the better you’ll be able to predict when ovulation will occur.

How We Developed This Article

Understanding ovulation can be overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to conceive. That’s why we want to help women understand the subtle signs of ovulation that can help them during their TTC journey. To help clarify these symptoms, we spoke to six ob-gyns, and found 18 real moms in The Bump community to explain what ovulation feels like for them. We also scoured our community forums and social media for different opinions, experiences and perspectives. After editing, this article was vetted through fact-check and reviewed by our obstetrician medical reviewer. Learn more about how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.

About the author: Lauren Barth is the associate content director of The Bump and a mom of three. As a writer, editor and human being she is passionate about helping women understand their bodies and demystifying the many symptoms that accompany the TTC, pregnancy and postpartum journeys.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.