It is a novel experience in a woman’s life to be able to create another life and nurture the baby for 9 whole months before it sees the light of day. But unless one understands the know-how of conception, baby planning can be a long drawn process often fraught with stress, worries, and anxiety.
Pregnancy is technically possible during the ‘fertile window’ in a woman’s cycle. The term “fertile window” refers to the time during which a woman is able to conceive successfully. This includes the day you ovulate and the five days preceding ovulation. This is the perfect period to have intercourse if you and you partner are planning to have a baby together. Read further to know more about the best ovulation period for pregnancy.
Video on Ovulation Simplified
What is Ovulation?
Ovulation is the time when a mature egg in the ovary moves down the fallopian tube after it is released from your ovary. It remains in the tube to be fertilised. Generally, an egg lives for 12-24 hours after leaving the ovary.
What is Ovulation Period?
The time of ovulation is different for every woman. Usually, most women ovulate 15 days before their next period. So, for example, if your average menstrual cycle is 28 days, chances are you may ovulate around day 14.
Signs and Symptoms of Ovulation
The signs and symptoms of ovulation may vary from one woman to the other. It is possible that some women will not experience ovulation symptoms at all. Here is a list of the top 8 ovulation symptoms:
- Light spotting
- Slight cramping or pelvic pain
- Breast tenderness
- Abdominal bloating
- Increased libido
- Heightened sense of smell and taste
- Change in basal body temperature
- Cervical mucus changes
[Read : 10 Ovulation Symptoms To Get Pregnant]
How to Track Ovulation?
You can track your ovulation by closely following your monthly menstrual cycle. Generally, a woman’s monthly cycle is measured from the first day of her menstrual period until the first day of her next cycle. A woman’s cycle is generally between 28-32 days, but then, some may have shorter or much longer cycles.
Ovulation can be calculated by starting with the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) or by calculating 12-16 days from the next expected period. Many women ovulate anywhere between Day 12 – Day 21 of their cycle, counting from the first day of the LMP. This is the “fertile time” of a woman’s cycle and having sex during this time only increases the chance of pregnancy.
It is important to track your monthly cycle and just in case your forget, you can still track your ovulation with the help of some free fertility charting tools available to help you identify your most fertile days, so that you can plan to start a family accordingly.
[Read : BBT (Basal Body Temperature) Chart- Everything You Need To Know]
What is the Best Ovulation Period For Pregnancy?
Simply put, your menstrual cycle is the key determining factor to decide the best ovulation time for pregnancy. As mentioned earlier, ovulation is calculated by starting with the first day of the LMP or by calculating 12-16 days from the next expected period. Many women ovulate between Day 12 – Day 21 of their cycle, counting from the first day of the LMP. This is the “fertile time” of a woman’s cycle and the apt time to have sex as it enhances the chance of pregnancy. This is also the time your ovaries contain more mature follicles, which release eggs. The eggs then navigate towards the fallopian tube and achieve fertilization.
For example, if your menstrual cycle is 28 days, your ovulation days will be approximately on your 14th day. Whereas, if your menstrual cycle is around 21 days, then you can expect ovulation approximately on the 7th day.
Estrogen is an important hormone that is necessary for ovulation to occur. In the beginning of your monthly cycle, estrogen levels are low. They slowly rise throughout the first part of your cycle, then reaches a threshold where they cause the release of luteinizing hormone, which helps the ovaries to release eggs.
How Long Does it Take to Ovulate?
Experts opine that an ovulation lasts for about 12 to 48 hours, but you remain fertile for up to a week or 10 days. This is because the sperm can survive up to five days in the female reproductive tract. If you have sex soon after your ovulation, the fastest sperm races to reach the egg within an hour.
Sometimes, your body may have troubles conceiving despite your knowledge in the technicalities of pregnancy. This is the time when you should not give in to distress and frustration but find out about assisted pregnancy. You will be surprised to know that 2 out of 5 couples having difficulty in conceiving give up even without exploring all the options that medical science has gifted to mankind.
With the thumb rule of living a healthy lifestyle, working out,m eating nutritious food and making this journey a pleasurable one, don’t forget to be in harmony with yourself and with your partner. And you will soon be on your way to motherhood.
#happyTryingToConceive
Read Also: Ovulation Predictor Kits
