When to try to get pregnant
Trying to get pregnant? No one needs to tell you how to do it (leave the diagrams to the amateurs, please! ), but you may need some assistance determining the optimal moment to have sex to become pregnant.
The best opportunity to become pregnant is around the time of ovulation. This “getting pregnant” window can range from a few days before ovulation, when sperm can fertilise for three to six days, to a day after the release of the egg, which is only viable for 12 to 24 hours.
How we calculate your fertile window
This ovulation calendar estimates your ovulation date based on the date of your last period and the average number of days between your periods. To determine the date you are most likely to ovulate, we first subtract 14 days from the start of your next expected period to determine the date you are most likely to ovulate. Then, we determine your reproductive window, which can extend from a few days prior to ovulation to up to one day after. Menstrual cycles can vary from woman to woman and month to month; this is not an exact science. (typical cycle length is anywhere between 21 and 35 days). Additionally, irregular periods may make it more difficult to pinpoint your reproductive window.
Ovulation symptoms
How do you know when you’re ovulating? Pay close attention to these ovulation indicators:
- Your basal body temperature falls slightly, then rises again when ovulation has taken place.
- Your cervical mucus becomes clearer and thinner with a more slippery consistency similar to that of egg whites.
- Your cervix softens and opens up.
- You may feel a slight twinge of pain or mild cramps in your lower abdomen.
- Your sex drive may increase.
- You may notice some light spotting.
- Your vulva or vagina may appear swollen.
Tips for getting pregnant
Want to increase your chances of becoming expectant sooner? Here are some recommendations:
1. Take your prenatal vitamin
Start taking prenatal vitamins at least one month before you begin attempting to conceive. According to one study, women who took prenatal vitamins while undergoing fertility treatments were twice as likely to become pregnant as those who took only folic acid supplements. Therefore, while it is not a guarantee that you will become pregnant sooner, it is certainly worth a try!
2. Know the signs of ovulation and time sex around it
Familiarize yourself with the typical ovulation symptoms and begin having intercourse a few days before ovulation, which typically occurs in the middle of your cycle. (so on day 14 of a 28-day cycle). It would be ideal to have sexual activity on the day of ovulation, but it can be difficult to determine.
3. Eat well
Eating the correct foods and nutrients while trying to conceive can hasten the realisation of your pregnancy dreams. Ensure that your daily diet is rich in healthful fats such as omega-3s, folate, calcium, protein, iron, and fibre.
4. Exercise
It has been shown that moderate exercise for 30 minutes per day increases fertility, so now is not the time to become a sedentary potato. Try to squeeze in a workout, whether it’s going to the gym, jogging, or lifting weights, while you’re trying to conceive.
5. Don’t worry
It has been shown that stress increases the frequency of uterine contractions, thereby making implantation more difficult. Stress can delay ovulation, which can impede conception. Find methods to unwind, such as taking a yoga class, soaking in a bubble bath, going for a walk, writing in a journal, or getting a massage.
6. Get enough sleep
Aim for seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep when attempting to conceive. A lack of consistent sleep has been linked to irregular menstrual cycles, which can impede fertility. Additionally, sleep is essential for preventing tension, which has been shown to impede pregnancy preparations.