There are a few methods that you may use to help determine your most fertile time period and the easiest days to become pregnant. Begin taking a prenatal vitamin before trying to conceive. Conceiving a baby may take some time, but the good news is that most couples trying to conceive will do so within a year. Although not every women has a perfect 28 day cycle, learning how to decipher your menstrual cycle and recognize the signs and symptoms of ovulation may make it easier to become pregnant.
Understanding Your Cycle
The average menstrual cycle is 28 to 32 days long, however there are two parts of your cycle: before ovulation and after ovulation, states the American Pregnancy Association. Day 1 of your menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period. Your approximate date of ovulation (based on a 28-day cycle) may occur around day 14 of your cycle. Have intercourse often during your most fertile period (the five days leading up to ovulation). Having sex at least every 48 hours will ensure that there's a new shipment of sperm waiting in the fallopian tube at any given time to fertilize your egg when it is released from the ovary.
Cervical Mucous Monitoring
Prior to ovulation, you may notice an increase in clear, slippery vaginal discharge that may resemble raw egg white. This is fertile cervical mucous and you should have intercourse frequently during this time. After ovulation, when the odds of becoming pregnant are slim, the discharge will become cloudy and sticky or disappear entirely, states the Mayo Clinic.
Basal Body Temperature
According to the American Pregnancy Association, your basal body temperature measures a change in temperature that occurs after ovulation and remains elevated until your next period. Take your temperature every morning prior to getting out of bed. As ovulation nears, you should note a slight decrease, followed by a sharp increase after ovulation. Once you note the sharp increase ovulation has already occurred. Start having frequent intercourse when you notice the slight decrease in your temperature until you note the sharp increase. You may want to begin recording your basal body temperature a few months prior to when you want to conceive. This will help you understand your body's natural cycle so that you may better pinpoint your most fertile days.
Ovulation Predictor Kits
You can buy an ovulation predictor kit over the counter at your pharmacy. These tests detect the hormone surge that occurs prior to ovulation. Once you have a positive surge, it means ovulation is likely to occur within 24 to 48 hours. Begin having sex daily for the next three days. This method should ensure that you are having intercourse during your most fertile days.
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