What is the microscopic finding of cervical mucus during post-ovulatory period?
Dried cervical mucus examined microscopically has characteristic patterns dependent on the stage of the ovarian cycle. Mucus crystallization necessary for the production of the fern pattern is dependent on an increased sodium chloride concentration. Cervical mucus is relatively rich in sodium chloride when estrogen, but not progesterone, is being produced. Thus, during post-ovulatory cycle from approximately the 7th to the 18th day of the cycle, a fernlike pattern is seen. Ref: Cunningham F.G., Leveno K.J., Bloom S.L., Hauth J.C., Rouse D.J., Spong C.Y. (2010). Chapter 8. Prenatal Care. In F.G. Cunningham, K.J. Leveno, S.L. Bloom, J.C. Hauth, D.J. Rouse, C.Y. Spong (Eds), Williams Obstetrics, 23e.
Shows pattern on drying
Is thick
Is thin and cellular
Is thin and alkaline