Are you hoping to hold your own little bundle of joy soon? Trying to get pregnant can be a lot of fun, but for many couples it can be frustrating too! Understanding the basics about ovulation can help you to take some steps that could increase your chances of conceiving.
A woman's menstrual cycle (starting from the first day of the period to the first day of the next period) is usually between 23 and 35 days long. Although ovulation can be irregular, it typically occurs 12-16 days before the start of your next menstrual period. In a 28-day cycle, ovulation often occurs on the 14th day. During ovulation, an egg is released into the fallopian tube, where it waits to be fertilized—something that must occur within 24 to 48 hours for pregnancy to take place. If the egg is not fertilized, menstruation will usually occur in about two weeks.
Aside from estimating ovulation using the calendar of your cycle, the following methods can help you determine when you are fertile:
Right after ovulation, many women have an increase in basal (early morning) body temperature (approximately 0.5°-1.6°). By taking and recording your temperature every morning before rising, you should note a pattern over the next few cycles. Plan to have intercourse during the two or three days before your temperature normally rises. The downside of this method is that you must be vigilant in taking and recording your temperature every day for several months.
You may be able to determine ovulation by observing changes in your body. One change is that your cervical mucus becomes clear, slippery, stretchy, and similar to raw egg whites. This mucus helps to increase the movement of the sperm through your uterus to the fallopian tubes where it meets the egg. Some women also experience discomfort, achiness, or twinges of pain in the lower abdomen during ovulation. Known as mittelschmerz , the discomfort may last for a few minutes or several hours.
Easy-to-use kits for determining ovulation are available in many stores. They involve urinating on test strips which change color when you are ovulating. They have an accuracy rate of up to 98%.
RESOURCES:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/
Childbirth.org
http://www.childbirth.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/index.cfm/
Last reviewed January 2009 by Jeff Andrews, MD, FRCSC, FACOG
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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