Planning to conceive? Here is some key information to help you along.
Are you thinking about starting a family? Congratulations! Planning to conceive can be an exciting and joyous time, but it's important to ensure that you are well-informed and prepared for this journey. Whether you are trying to conceive for the first time or looking to expand your family, there are a number of things to keep in mind to help maximize your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
From lifestyle changes to medical considerations, understanding what you need to know before trying to conceive can help set you up for success. Let's explore some of the key factors to consider when planning to conceive, so you can approach this exciting time with confidence and peace of mind.
This is a process whereby the ovary releases a mature egg, it typically occurs once a month and is the key part of the menstrual cycle, you can almost say it’s the mechanism that starts the process of lining the uterus and if not pregnant...your period!
Common signs of ovulation include:
Even though your fertile window can last several days, ovulation itself lasts about 12 to 24 hours.
You’re most likely to fall pregnant within a six day period (your fertile window) a few days before you ovulate, on the day that you ovulate, and for around two days afterwards. So, if you want to fall pregnant, this is the time to engage in baby-making.
Yes, let's debunk this common myth! Sperm can actually survive for up to five days inside your body. While sperm can survive this long, it has a small window period of around 48 hours to fertilise the ovum before the ovum is absorbed back into the body.
Which is why you could become pregnant during the six days leading up to ovulation and the two days after if you have had unprotected sex. Under normal circumstances (where both partners are fertile and there are no underlying health conditions) you’re most likely to conceive on the above-mentioned days if sperm is present in the fallopian tubes when you ovulate.
Emphasis on not impossible. While it isn’t likely that you’ll conceive while menstruating (it’s actually the least likely time you’ll fall pregnant), it can happen if you have a very short menstrual cycle (you ovulate soon after your period) and if sperm survives inside your body after having sex.
If you have been trying to conceive for a year (or six months if you are over 35) without success, it is a good idea to consult a healthcare provider. Additionally, if you have irregular periods or other concerns about your menstrual cycle, seeking medical advice can be helpful as soon as you want to start a family.
Understanding ovulation and its role in fertility can help you plan for conception and address any potential issues early. If you have concerns or questions about your ovulation or fertility, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider.
there are lots of ways to track your fertile phase, some of the most common methods to track ovulation include:
Irregular periods can make predicting ovulation more challenging. Tracking ovulation signs, using ovulation predictor kits, or consulting with a healthcare provider can help.
An anovulatory cycle is a menstrual cycle in which no ovulation occurs. This can be caused by various factors, including stress, hormonal imbalances, or underlying health conditions.
Experiencing pain during ovulation is relatively common and is referred to as mittelschmerz, a German word meaning "middle pain." Here are some ways to manage ovulation pain:
However, if ovulation pain is frequent or particularly bothersome, discussing it with your healthcare provider can help rule out other potential causes and find effective management strategies.
Typically, during a menstrual cycle, only one ovary releases an ovum (egg). This 'normal ovulation' process is often called 'alternating ovaries', with the ovaries taking turns each month. But this is not always the case and one ovary may release an egg multiple times in a row over a number of months.
Occasionally, both ovaries may release an egg during the same cycle, and if both eggs are fertilised, this can result in fraternal (non-identical) twins.
