How to Predict Ovulation

Determine when you're ovulating to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

For many couples, trying to conceive can be a long and frustrating process. Tracking ovulation can help a woman become more aware of her cycle's fertile period and help increase the chances of getting pregnant. Track or chart your ovulation to help you determine when the most fertile days will occur. Check with your physician for the best guidance.

Things You'll Need

• Ovulation calendar calculator
• Ovulation prediction kit
• Basal body thermometer
• Basal temperature chart
• Cervical mucus chart

Instructions

1. If you have a fairly regular menstrual cycle, use an ovulation calendar to predict a period of possible fertility that spans about 10 days. Go to online pregnancy-related websites and locate an ovulation calendar calculator. Enter the date of your last menstrual period and average length of your menstruation cycle. The calendar will display the period of time you will most likely be fertile.

2. Purchase an ovulation prediction kit at a supermarket, pharmacy or online retailer. A prediction kit will help you determine your most fertile time by tracking hormone surges that occur just prior to ovulation. Be sure to carefully follow the directions that come with your kit, which relies on a urine sample.

3. Purchase a basal thermometer. Your basal body temperature is your temperature when you first wake in the morning. Your temperature tends to be higher when you are ovulating. Track your basal body temperature over the course of a few months to determine a pattern of higher temperatures. Wake up at the same time every morning, take your temperature immediately and record it on a basal temperature chart that you can find online. You are considered to be most fertile during the two or three days before a temperature spike.

4. Throughout your cycle, track and chart changes in cervical mucus, which changes in volume and consistency. Note when it becomes more slippery and clear, a consistency that is often compared to that of raw egg whites. It is at this stage that you are considered to be most fertile. Chart the changes to determine whether there is a pattern during your cycle, then follow it to attempt to conceive.

5. Be patient. Trying to conceive, waiting to test for pregnancy and getting pregnancy test results can be a very emotional experience. Share your feelings with your partner. If you don't achieve pregnancy after some time, discuss other fertility options with your doctor.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to keep a positive attitude. Stress and emotional upheaval can affect the menstrual cycle, which can cause changes in your ovulation.

• Ovulation testing methods, while useful to many, will not be successful for all. Seek the guidance of a qualified physician for more information.

References

• What to Expect: Ovulation: Five Ways to Tell You're Ovulating
• BabyCenter; Ovulation chart: How to predict ovulation by charting your basal body temperature and cervical mucus; November 2009
• Mayo Clinic: Getting Pregnant: Should I look for any particular ovulation signs if I'm hoping to conceive?

Resources

• Ovulation Calendar Calculator