Ovulation and getting pregnant

Predicting ovulation can be a daunting monthly task for those trying to conceive a baby. Time constraints, work and family obligations may negate the opportunity and desire for sexual intercourse on a daily basis.

There are however, numerous ways to predict ovulation beginning with using a calendar. Ovulation predictor calendars or calculators are a great tool to use for conception guidance.An example would be if a period begins on February 14, the most fertile time to conceive would be February 24 – March 1. The most fertile day may be February 28. This is based on an average menstrual period with a duration lasting five days. The general rule of thumb is 10-17 days from the first day of the last period.

In addition to the ovulation calendar, fertility experts recommend becoming familiar with the cervix. During a woman’s fertile time the cervix is often high up, difficult to reach, soft and sensitive to the touch and open to the uterus. It also feels wet with cervical mucus.

If a woman becomes familiar with this region on a regular basis, she may find that on the most fertile day, she will not even be able to reach it. Prior to ovulation feel for a firm, easy to reach dry cervix. The opening to the uterus will feel closed at this time. Take notice of breast tenderness as well.

When the brain signals the ovary to release a mature egg each month, a luteinizing hormone known as LH begins to work its magic. Watch for slight cramping near the site. These cramps are generally mild and sometimes referred to as Mittelschmerz cramping. A woman may notice how the cramps change from side to side each month indicating which ovary is about to release the egg. Once an egg is released from the ovary and sent into the fallopian tube, it is ready for fertilization by sperm.

The window of fertilization opportunity is short-lived however; numerous studies cite from 12 to approximately 48hours.

With all the latest medical advancements relating to conception and pregnancy, one of the newest and best ways to predict ovulation is by using a digital ovulation predictor kit available at many retail drug stores across the country and on-line. For about thirty bucks, this digital device pinpoints the exact time a woman’s egg is being released by testing the urine daily for the elevated LH level. The digital stick comes with five replacement heads for each morning’s urine sample. There are less expensive kits available that are not digital and not as sensitive, but offer really good results.

Women can also chart their temperature using a basal body thermometer each morning. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), immediately following ovulation, a woman can detect a slight rise in her normal temp. This indicates ovulation has occurred and again the egg is ready for fertilization for up to 48 hours.

With all the helpful ovulation aids available on the market today, women can now take a pro-active approach to pregnancy without spending a fortune.

GetPregnant.org