Choosing to have a baby is one of the most exciting decisions you’ll ever make. For some women, getting pregnant happens quickly and without a lot of planning. However, it’s also common for conception to take longer and require more strategy.
If you are trying to determine the best days to conceive, an ovulation predictor can be useful.
One type of predictor is an ovulation calculator, which bases the results on the timing of your last menstrual period. The calculator is particularly effective for women who have regular menstrual cycles.
Women who have irregular menstrual cycles may want to consider an ovulation prediction kit, which can be purchased at most drug stores and may give a more accurate picture of the best time to conceive.
Planning for pregnancy
When trying to conceive a baby, many couples plan intercourse around days 11 - 14 of the woman’s 28-day cycle. However, it is often difficult to know exactly when ovulation is going to occur. Doctors recommend that couples who are trying to have a baby have intercourse between days 7 and 20 of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Studies have shown that having intercourse every other day or every third day works just as well as every day in order to become pregnant.
Remember, sperm can live inside a woman’s body for 3-5 days. However, a released egg only lives for 4 to 12 hours. The highest pregnancy rates have been reported when fertilization occurs within 4 to 6 hours of ovulation. So don’t wait until you think ovulation has occurred to have intercourse.
If you have questions about preparing for pregnancy, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our providers.