Hand on heart, do you know which days of the month you can get pregnant? Maybe it's only when you're planning to have a baby that you start to take an interest in female fertility, ovulation and the menstrual cycle. In that case: better late than never! In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know about getting pregnant.
When can you get pregnant?
To understand your fertility and when you can get pregnant, you also need to understand your menstrual cycle and ovulation. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days and consists of different phases. The first phase is from the first day of your period to the last day. The second phase is from the last day of your period until ovulation and the third phase is from ovulation until you have your period again. It is at ovulation that an egg can be fertilised by a sperm and lead to a pregnancy.
If you are planning to become pregnant or if you want to avoid pregnancy, it is therefore a good idea to map out your menstrual cycle to find out when ovulation occurs. The easiest way to track your menstrual cycle is to use a menstrual cycle app, or to make notes in your calendar.
What does ovulation mean?
Ovulation usually happens around day 14 of the menstrual cycle and you may feel it as a period-like pain, but it's also possible that you won't feel anything at all.
During ovulation, an egg detaches from the ovary and enters the fallopian tube. There, the egg can be fertilised by sperm through sexual intercourse.
As sperm can survive for up to 5 days, you can get pregnant even in the days before you ovulate. You can also get pregnant the day after ovulation, when the egg is 'ripe' for a day from detachment. Biologically, these are also the days when women may have the most sex drive.
As sperm can survive for up to 5 days, you can get pregnant even in the days before you ovulate. You can also get pregnant the day after ovulation, when the egg is 'ripe' for a day from detachment. Biologically, these are also the days when women may have the most sex drive.
What does an irregular menstrual cycle mean?
Sometimes the menstrual cycle is irregular, meaning that it can be 25 days one month and 35 the next. If you want to get pregnant, it can be difficult to know when you will ovulate. You can take an ovulation test to be extra sure, these are available at the pharmacy.
Can I increase my chances of getting pregnant?
You can increase your chances of getting pregnant by understanding your menstrual cycle and ovulation, but also by making good, informed lifestyle choices. This means eating a nutritious and balanced diet, incorporating movement and exercise into your daily routine and generally adopting healthy habits such as avoiding alcohol, tobacco and too much caffeine.How long does it take to get pregnant?
There is no set time for how long it takes to get pregnant. For some it is relatively straightforward, for others it takes longer. Just because it doesn't happen as quickly as you'd hoped doesn't mean there's anything wrong.
If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, it is possible to start an investigation to find out why you have not got pregnant. Even after a possible investigation, it is quite possible that there is no "fault" and that the conditions for having a child are good.
There are studies that show a link between different types of stress and infertility, although no precise research has been done. Worrying about not being able to conceive is a kind of stress and strain on the body, so if you are feeling anxious, it might be good to talk to someone to vent your feelings. Setting aside more time for recovery and activities that make you feel calm are also suggestions for things that can help reduce anxiety.
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