When is the Best Time to Get Pregnant? This Will Shock You!

Any woman who is trying to get pregnant (or avoid it) knows that timing is everything.

Finding the best time to get pregnant is not that easy task. So, what is the best time to get pregnant? Is there any way to predict it? I will find out!

Another thing that can have a significant impact on your chances of conceiving is your overall health, as well as a reproductive health of a male partner.

Body Basics: Eggs and Ovulation

As a species, humans are actually not all that fertile. While men are continually producing sperm and do so for most of their lives, women only produce one egg (generally speaking) every month and only for about 25 years.

We therefore tend to have children at rates that are far lower to sustain our society, even if everyone were perfectly fertile. The consequence is that our species is probably one of the most unhealthy on the planet.

The universal rule is that the more mouths to feed, the healthier the society.

Of course, women can still become pregnant after 40, but their chances decrease tremendously and the chance of giving birth to a baby with physical or mental defects increases.

Ovulation is, as the name implies, when the ovaries release an egg. These eggs have a shockingly short shelf life, if you will, often no more than 24 hours.

Most women think that the best time to get pregnant is during ovulation. This is not actually correct and we will show why.

During ovulation, the egg travels from the ovaries through the Fallopian tubes to the uterus. The Fallopian tubes are located in the lower part of the abdomen. They are a pair of hollow tubes used to transfer fertilized eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

What keeps the species going is the strong, healthy sperm! These little swimmers can survive inside the woman for as long as 5 days, if conditions are right.

What are the “Right Conditions”?

Most women wait for ovulation to occur to have sex, but this is why so many couples spend months or even years trying to conceive a child.

On the outside, this strategy appears to make sense. Egg must meet sperm. When ovulation happens, send in the sperm, right?

The logical and necessary conclusion is, of course, that egg and sperm need to meet each other for a brief period of time (one egg and one sperm). Nothing wrong with that, but it assumes that sperm can somehow interact with an egg immediately after intercourse.

This is where the miscalculation occurs.

Sometimes this game plan works out and results in a pregnancy, but more often times it doesn’t.

The right conditions (or the best time) to get pregnant is a few days BEFORE ovulation, as well as the day of ovulation itself.

The Pregnancy Window

Remember that earlier in this article we told you that sperm can survive for as long as 5 days inside the female’s body?

It is far better to have the sperm ready and waiting, rather than have the egg waiting for the sperm patrol to arrive.

To be certain that the swimmers are waiting in the pool, so to speak, you need to know when ovulation occurs so that you can start having sex a few days before then.

In this case, once ovulation happens, an egg may quickly bump into one or a few sperm cells that stay in the woman’s body.

After you ovulate, sperm will try to find their way to an egg, according to Elvira Dahvana Headley, associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the University of Toronto. The sperm can then move and fuse to create the first cell of the Embryo.

When Does Ovulation Happen?

This can be a bit tricky, but it should take you only a few months to figure it out.

Every woman’s body is different, and some women have very different cycle lengths. If you have an average cycle of every 28 days, ovulation should happen 15 days after the first day of your period.

This means that you should start having sex every other day approximately 10 days after the first day of your period.

This isn’t the same for every woman, however.

You can usually find out when you will ovulate by using a urine test kit which detects a hormone in your body that happens when ovulation has occurred.

This hormone is called luteinizing hormone. You can use a urine test kit either daily or every other day.

When a woman notices an increase in the body’s levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), she should be aware of the start of the ovulation period which is the most fertile time of the female cycle.

Another simple test you can use to know your fertile window is the basal body temperature (BBT). This test checks the temperature of your body’s center (also called your body core) – which is the part of the body most commonly referred to as the body. The rise of this temperature may also show a beginning of the ovulation period.

Once you know the date of your cycle, and ovulation, it’s easy to work out when you are most likely to get pregnant.

The Best Time to Get Pregnant

Take note of when ovulation has occurred. Was it 14 days after the first day of your period? Was it 21 days? Write down the length of time between when the test kit says you ovulated and the first day of your period.

If, for example, the test kit says that you ovulated 16 days from the first day of your menstrual cycle, then the following month, begin having sex every other day from day 12 of your cycle through day 17.

Keep in mind that this will only work if your periods are regular. Those who have irregular cycles will have a difficult time tracking ovulation, but over time, you should see a pattern.

You may use different ovulation calendars and applications that will help you calculate your ovulation schedule and find out the best time to get pregnant!

How To Calculate The Best Time To Get Pregnant With Irregular Periods?

What are irregular periods?

Irregular periods, also known as menstrual irregularities, refer to changes in the regularity, frequency, duration, or flow of menstrual cycles. While variations in menstrual cycles are common, irregular periods typically involve noticeable differences from a woman’s typical menstrual pattern. Here are some characteristics of irregular periods:

1. Variations in Cycle Length: A regular menstrual cycle typically lasts between 21 to 35 days, with most women having cycles around 28 days. Irregular periods may involve cycles that are consistently shorter than 21 days or longer than 35 days, or cycles that vary significantly in length from one month to the next.
2. Inconsistent Menstrual Flow: Irregular periods may involve changes in the amount or duration of menstrual bleeding. This can include periods that are unusually light, heavy, or unpredictable in flow. Some women may experience spotting between periods or have periods that last longer or shorter than usual.
3. Missed or Infrequent Periods: Irregular periods can also involve missed periods or infrequent menstruation. Women with irregular periods may have fewer than nine menstrual cycles per year or experience unpredictable gaps between periods.
4. Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, such as those associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or perimenopause, can cause irregular periods. These imbalances may disrupt the normal hormonal fluctuations that regulate the menstrual cycle.
5. Stress or Lifestyle Factors: Stress, changes in weight, excessive exercise, travel, and other lifestyle factors can affect hormone levels and contribute to irregular periods. Stress, in particular, can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which regulates the menstrual cycle.
6. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), uterine fibroids, or reproductive organ abnormalities, can cause irregular periods by affecting the structure or function of the reproductive organs.
7. Medications or Birth Control: Certain medications, including hormonal contraceptives, anticoagulants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics, can affect menstrual regularity. Discontinuing or changing birth control methods may also temporarily disrupt the menstrual cycle.
8. Perimenopause: As women approach menopause, typically in their late 40s to early 50s, hormonal fluctuations can cause irregular periods. During perimenopause, menstrual cycles may become shorter or longer, with irregular ovulation leading to unpredictable bleeding patterns.

It’s important to note that occasional variations in menstrual cycles are normal, especially during adolescence, after childbirth, or during times of significant life changes. However, persistent or significant irregularities in periods may warrant evaluation by a healthcare provider to identify any underlying causes and determine appropriate management strategies.

Calculating the best time

Calculating the best time to get pregnant with irregular periods can be challenging, but it’s still possible by monitoring your body’s signs of ovulation. Here are some methods to help you determine your fertile window:

1. Track Basal Body Temperature (BBT): Take your basal body temperature every morning before getting out of bed using a basal body thermometer. Your BBT typically rises slightly after ovulation. By tracking changes in your BBT over several cycles, you may be able to identify patterns and predict when ovulation is likely to occur.
2. Use Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs): Ovulation predictor kits detect the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs just before ovulation. By testing your urine with an OPK daily, you can pinpoint the LH surge and anticipate ovulation within the next 24 to 36 hours.
3. Monitor Cervical Mucus Changes: Pay attention to changes in your cervical mucus throughout your cycle. Around ovulation, cervical mucus typically becomes clear, slippery, and stretchy, resembling raw egg whites. This fertile cervical mucus facilitates sperm survival and movement, indicating that ovulation is near.
4. Track Menstrual Cycle Patterns: Keep a record of your menstrual cycle lengths and any changes in cycle regularity. While your cycles may be irregular, you may notice a pattern or consistent range of cycle lengths over time. This can help you estimate when ovulation might occur.
5. Consider Ovulation Apps or Fertility Monitors: There are various smartphone apps and fertility monitors available that can help you track your menstrual cycle, record fertility signs, and predict ovulation based on your data. These tools may use algorithms or fertility awareness methods to estimate your fertile window.
6. Seek Medical Advice: If you’re struggling to conceive due to irregular periods, consider consulting a healthcare provider specializing in reproductive health. They can conduct tests to identify any underlying causes of irregular menstruation and provide personalized guidance and treatment options to help you conceive.

It’s important to note that with irregular periods, ovulation may not occur regularly or predictably each cycle. Therefore, it may take longer to identify your fertile window and time intercourse optimally for conception. Patience, consistency in tracking fertility signs, and seeking professional guidance when needed can increase your chances of getting pregnant with irregular periods.

How to Improve the Chances of Pregnancy?

Improving the chances of pregnancy involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits and implementing strategies to optimize reproductive health. Here are some tips to increase the likelihood of conception:

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Both underweight and overweight individuals may experience difficulties conceiving. Aim for a healthy body weight by eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity. Consult with a healthcare provider or nutritionist if you need guidance on weight management.
2. Promote Healthy Sperm: For couples trying to conceive, it’s essential for men to focus on maintaining healthy sperm. Men can support sperm health by avoiding excessive heat exposure to the genital area (such as hot tubs or tight underwear), minimizing alcohol consumption and smoking, and eating a nutritious diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
3. Track Ovulation: Identify your fertile window by tracking ovulation using methods such as basal body temperature charting, ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), monitoring cervical mucus changes, or using fertility tracking apps. Having intercourse during the fertile window, typically around ovulation, maximizes the chances of conception.
4. Practice Regular Intercourse: Aim to have intercourse regularly, ideally every 2 to 3 days throughout your menstrual cycle, to increase the likelihood of sperm being present when ovulation occurs. However, avoid placing undue stress on the timing of intercourse, as this can affect intimacy and enjoyment.
5. Maintain Healthy Habits: Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and recreational drug use, as these habits can negatively impact fertility in both men and women. Limit caffeine intake and aim for adequate sleep to support overall reproductive health.
6. Eat a Balanced Diet: Consume a nutrient-rich diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Certain nutrients, such as folate, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, are particularly important for reproductive health. Consider consulting with a registered dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations.
7. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can interfere with hormone levels and reproductive function, potentially impacting fertility. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies and activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
8. Address Underlying Health Conditions: If you have any underlying medical conditions that may affect fertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or endometriosis, work with your healthcare provider to manage these conditions effectively.
9. Seek Regular Healthcare: Attend regular check-ups with your healthcare provider for preventive care and to address any reproductive health concerns. For couples experiencing difficulty conceiving, consider seeking evaluation and guidance from a fertility specialist.
10. Limit Exposure to Environmental Toxins: Minimize exposure to environmental toxins, pollutants, and chemicals that may negatively impact fertility. This includes avoiding exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, radiation, and other harmful substances whenever possible.
11. Consider Preconception Counseling: If you’re planning to conceive, consider scheduling a preconception counseling appointment with your healthcare provider. This allows you to discuss any concerns, review your medical history, and receive personalized guidance on optimizing fertility and preparing for pregnancy.

By implementing these strategies and prioritizing your reproductive health, you can increase your chances of achieving pregnancy and starting or expanding your family. Remember that conception may take time, so be patient and persistent while pursuing your goal of becoming pregnant.

References

Low Semen Volume Treatment https://no-sperm.com/
Getting the timing right https://www.yourfertility.org.au/everyone/timing
Ovulation Calendar and Calculator https://www.webmd.com/healthtool-ovulation-calculator
How to Get Pregnant With Irregular Periods? https://www.verywellfamily.com/

LoraM

Lora M. is the director of Fertility Health Services in San Diego, California and is the author of the different books  and audio CD series. Lora’s work is marked by a ready warmth and deep empathy for all those she serves. People from all walks of life have benefited from her keen ability to help them connect with their deepest selves — and experience their fullest potential for health, happiness and wholeness.