When Is the Best Time to Get Pregnant?

When Is the Best Time to Get Pregnant?

The best time to get pregnant lies at the center of a woman's menstrual cycle, during a period of time that is referred to as ovulation. In women with a normal four-week menstrual cycle, ovulation tends to happen around the fourteenth day of the cycle. Ovulation is the process in which an egg is released from the woman's ovaries and begins to travel down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. The absolute best time for a woman to get pregnant is during this period of ovulation or a few days before it begins.

Why Is Ovulation Important to Getting Pregnant?

Ovulation is important because it is necessary for a woman's egg to be fertilized by the male's sperm. Sperm can remain active and alive within a woman for up to 72 hours following vaginal intercourse. A woman's egg only remains viable for between 12 to 24 hours after being released from its ovary. This means that the only time when a woman is truly fertile is during that brief window following her ovulation. Luckily, for those who are trying to become pregnant, the longer life of the sperm can help speed the process along.

How Can I Know When I'm Ovulating?

There are many different methods by which a woman can attempt to determine when she's ovulating. A visit to one's gynecologist is an important first step and will help a woman to create a strategy for getting pregnant. The most basic way of determining your ovulation schedule is what is called the rhythm method. Essentially, you simply use a calendar to get a feel for your exact menstrual cycle and mark of the days in the middle of the cycle as your prime ovulating days. There are other, more precise methods as well. These include basal temperature readings, saliva tests, cervical examinations and cervical mucous testing.

Resources

• More Information About Pregnancy