Timing is important when trying to become pregnant. While there is a common process involved, it can vary from one woman to the next. That’s why it is essential to understand what’s happening and when it occurs in order to time reproduction. How do you know when you are most fertile while trying to get pregnant?

Are You Ovulating Yet?

Peak fertility is based on when you ovulate. This is when the egg leaves the ovaries and moves through the fallopian tubes, where it is ready to be impregnated by sperm. Ovulation usually happens around halfway through your cycle. If your cycle lasts for 28 days, then ovulation will occur around the 14^th day. It usually lasts between 12 and 24 hours.

When Should I Try to Become Pregnant?

Your most fertile days are going to be those right before, during, or right after ovulation. You may still get pregnant outside of this time frame, but it is your best opportunity. You can also look for signs and indications that ovulation is occurring.

• Track Your Cycle with a Calendar – Start tracking your cycle with a calendar. This will allow you to identify your typical cycle length and show any patterns that might help. You can also record this information and share it with your doctor.
• Monitor Changes in Your Body – Your body changes as you go through your menstrual cycle. The ovaries produce estrogen which leads to the release of the egg. Your body temperature will rise during this time. You will also notice an increase in a sticky fluid called cervical mucus.
• Ovulation Pain – Some women describe a twinge of pain that is felt in their side when ovulation happens. It’s important to note that if you notice this pain, it means you are nearing the end of your peak fertility window for that cycle.

Whether you have been trying to become pregnant or are only thinking about it, you should schedule an appointment with your obstetrician. We can help you learn more about the process and what to do to increase your chances of fertilization. Contact Women’s Health West Bloomfield offices today to schedule your consultation.

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It is helpful to know when you ovulate if you plan to become pregnant. Ovulation occurs when the ovum, or egg, is released during menstruation. It travels through the fallopian tube where it can come in contact with sperm for fertilization.

Ovulation with a Regular Period

Women with regular period cycles will have an easier time knowing when ovulation occurs. First, you should determine the length of your cycle. The first day you notice regular bleeding is day one. This is counted until the day before you started bleeding again (when your next period begins). There may be some variation, but this will give you a good idea about what’s happening in your body.

Ovulation occurs around 14 days before your next period. So if you have a 28-day cycle, then ovulation will happen around the 14^th day. Your most fertile period is a couple of days before ovulation. A woman with a 28-day cycle should try to conceive on days 12 through 14.

Ovulation with an Irregular Period

Having an irregular period doesn’t mean you can’t get pregnant. It does mean that the process may be more challenging. You should begin by talking to an OB/GYN to determine the cause of your irregular periods. There may be an underlying cause that needs to be addressed before you attempt to get pregnant.

If you are healthy and have irregular periods, then there are some methods you can use to conceive. You can chart your cycle to look for patterns. This data may also be helpful if you have to go to a fertility specialist later.

You can also take your basal body temperature. A spike in temperature can indicate that ovulation is occurring. Another option is to look for cervical mucus changes. Cervical mucus is dryer early in your cycle but increases as you near ovulation. This material is clear and very slippery in texture. Some women compare it to the consistency of an egg white.

Contact Women’s Health in West Bloomfield today for a prenatal visit.

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