Get Pregnant With Irregular Periods

Overview: Trying to get pregnant can be difficult enough, but trying to get pregnant when you have irregular periods can be frustrating and disappointing. Without a predictable monthly period, it can be hard to guess when you're fertile. Having irregular periods doesn't necessarily mean you aren't as fertile as a woman who has predictable periods, but it may mean you are ovulating less often, allowing fewer chances for pregnancy per year. Irregular periods don't have to mean decreased fertility--you just might have to work a little harder at it. Follow these steps to increase your chances of seeing that plus sign on your next pregnancy test stick.

Step 1: Fertility depends on ovulation, which is the release of a healthy egg from your ovary. Since your irregular cycle makes it impossible for you to guess when you're ovulating, you'll have to try something else. Women can predict when they are ovulating by using ovulation predictor kits (OPK). These are sold at drug stores and pharmacies readily.

Step 2: You'll also want to take your basal body temperature daily and learn how to predict ovulation by examining your cervical mucus. Your cervical mucus will be discharged from your body through your vagina--when you're ovulating it will be thin and sticky and resemble an egg white. Your basal body temperature will typically spike during ovulation--but don't wait! A study done by the National Institute of Environmental Sciences found that a woman's chance to conceive ends on ovulation day. Knowing when you ovulate will help you time sexual intercourse at the optimum time for your body.

Step 3: Talk with your provider about factors that may be affecting your ovulation. Women who work out for several hours a day, or are training for endurance events like marathons and triathlons, may find that cutting back on exercise has positive benefits for their ovulation cycle. Women need a certain level of body fat to ovulate regularly. Women who are obese, though, will want to start a weight loss plan because obesity can affect your body's ability to facilitate ovulation regularly.

Step 4: Stop stressing out. It can be nearly impossible to be patient and "Zen" about wanting a baby, but give it a shot. Try yoga, meditation and relaxation exercises--anything to decrease your stress level. Stress is counterproductive when you're trying to conceive, let alone trying to conceive with irregular periods!

Warning
Talk with your health care provider if you have significant health care concerns or have tried to conceive for 1 year with no results.