Getting pregnant isn't as easy as high school health teachers made us all think. There are actually many factors that influence conception, including the length and pattern of a woman's menstrual cycle. Of particular importance when trying to conceive is the luteal phase, the second half a menstrual cycle. If the luteal phase isn't long enough, conception cannot happen successfully. According to the Baby Hopes website, vitamin B-6 can help lengthen the luteal phase.
Cycle
An average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days. The menstrual cycle consists of two phases, the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase starts with the onset of menses and continues until ovulation. Ovulation is when the ovary releases an egg. The luteal phase is the time from ovulation to the start of the next menstrual cycle.
Luteal Phase
According to the American Pregnancy Association, a typical luteal phase lasts 12 to 16 days. A luteal phase shorter than 10 days is a luteal phase defect. Even if fertilization occurs, a woman with a luteal phase that is too short cannot sustain a pregnancy. A short luteal phase signals menses to start. As menstruation approaches, the lining of the uterus begins to thin and the fertilized egg cannot remain implanted in the uterine wall. This results in miscarriage.
Vitamin B-6 and Luteal Phase
Women with a short luteal phase may have trouble conceiving. In order to sustain a pregnancy, the luteal phase must be long enough to allow for sufficient time for implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterine lining. According to Baby Hopes, vitamin B-6 can help lengthen the luteal phase. If you have a luteal phase defect, taking vitamin B-6 daily can improve your chances of conceiving.
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 is a water-soluble vitamin that aids in metabolism of amino acids. Vitamin B-6 can also ease nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness. Good sources of vitamin B-6 include fortified cereals and organ meats. Vitamin B-6 is also available in supplement form. Most prenatal vitamins already contain vitamin B-6, so read the label. Speak with your doctor before taking supplements.
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