Are you wondering how to get pregnant? There are some steps that you can follow to dramatically increase your chances of conceiving. Conception is based on an intricate series of events, and if you are able to understand them better you will better be able to pinpoint the most fertile time of your cycle and become pregnant. There are a few steps you can use to help pinpoint when your body ovulates. They include calculating your most fertile days through your menstrual cycle, watching for changes in cervical mucous, and charting your body's temperature.
Step 1
Learn how to figure out the most fertile period of your menstrual cycle by counting the days of your cycle. The menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your menstrual period, the day you begin bleeding. The average cycle is around 28 days, however some women have cycles that range from around 24 days to 34 days. Around the middle of your cycle ovulation takes place. This is when the ovary releases an egg for fertilization. Once this egg is released it lives for approximately 24 hours. If the egg is not fertilized by sperm it disintegrates. If you have a 28-day cycle, count 14 days from the first day of your last period. This would be your approximate ovulation day. To increase your chances of conception, most professionals recommend having intercourse daily on the three to four days leading up to ovulation through the three days following ovulation. With a 28 day cycle, you would want to have intercourse on days 10 through 17. If your cycle is shorter, longer or irregular you may want to consider using an on-line ovulation calendar to help you detect your fertile days (see Resources).
Step 2
Watch for changes in your cervical mucous. Just before you ovulate, you should notice an increase in vaginal secretions. These secretions are typically clear and slippery and resemble raw egg white. When you detect this increase in vaginal secretions, it usually means that your body is getting ready for ovulation. It is recommended to have sex as soon as you notice these changes, until you notice the secretions change and become cloudy and sticky, or disappear completely.
Step 3
Track your body's temperature. You should take your temperature daily, using an oral thermometer prior to getting out of bed in the morning. Ovulation usually causes a slight increase in temperature (less than one degree). Women are most fertile the two to three days prior to their temperatures rising. Record your information and track your monthly temperatures to try to detect your pattern.
Step 4
Use an ovulation predictor kit. They detect the surge in your hormones that naturally takes place prior to ovulation. Test your urine at the same time each day during your suspected fertile days. Most of them show two lines instead of one when the hormone level surges. Some tests may give you a digital reading. Follow the package directions to maximize efficacy. Once you determine your hormone surge, it usually means ovulation will take place during the next 24 hours.
Tips and Warnings
- If it does not happen right away, try to relax. Most couples trying to conceive usually do so within the first year. Once you have made the decision to begin trying, you should begin taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 mcg of folic acid a day. You also want to limit caffeine intake to one cup daily, and refrain from alcohol or tobacco use. If you are currently taking any prescription medication, you will need to speak to your physician to make sure these medications are safe in the event that you become pregnant. If one year passes with no success you may want to consult your doctor for further testing. If you are over the age of 35 you may want to wait only six months. They will do some testing and help guide you in the right direction.
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