How to get pregnant?

Let's first see how the pregnancy proceeds

To get pregnant, ovulation must occur. This occurs when a mature egg is released from the ovary, pushed through the fallopian tube and made available for fertilization by sperm. The lining of the uterus thickens to prepare for a fertilized egg. If conception does not occur, the lining of the uterus is removed. This loss of the unfertilized egg and uterine wall is called menstruation.

Key facts about ovulation:

An egg lives 12-24 hours after leaving the ovary.
Normally only one egg is released each time of ovulation.
Ovulation can be affected by stress, illness, hormonal imbalances, travel, or significant changes in weight, exercise, or sleeping patterns.
Some women may experience light spotting around ovulation.
Implantation of a fertilized egg normally takes place 6-12 days after ovulation.
Each woman is born with millions of immature eggs that are waiting to be released during ovulation.
A menstrual period can occur even if a woman has not ovulated.
Ovulation can occur even if a woman has not had her menstrual period.
Some women feel a bit of pain or aching near the ovaries during ovulation called mittelschmerz, which means “middle pain” in German.
If an egg is not fertilized, it disintegrates and is absorbed into the uterine lining.

How to get pregnant faster

Knowing when you ovulate and having sex during your fertile window will increase your chances of conceiving. Use our free ovulation calendar to determine your most fertile periods.

Ovulation tracker

A woman's monthly cycle is measured from the first day of her period to the first day of her next period. On average, a woman's cycle lasts 28 to 32 days, although some women can have cycles that are much shorter or longer.

For most women, ovulation occurs somewhere between days 11 and 21 of the cycle, counting from the first day of the last period. This is what many refer to as the "fertile period" of a woman's cycle because intercourse during this time increases the chances of pregnancy. Ovulation can occur at any time during this window and may occur on different days of each month.

Signs that you are ovulating

Change in vaginal discharge. Just before ovulation, you may notice an increase in clear, moist, stretchy vaginal discharge. Immediately after ovulation, cervical mucus decreases and becomes thicker, cloudier, and less visible.

Change in basal body temperature. Your basal body temperature (body temperature at rest) rises slightly during ovulation. Using a thermometer specifically designed to measure your basal body temperature, take it every morning before you get up. Save the results and look for a pattern. You will be most fertile two to three days before the temperature rises. This is the best time for making love.

Ovulation is one of the most important processes a woman needs to know about her body as it is a determining factor in both getting pregnant and preventing pregnancy. However, it can be a little tricky to understand. Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about ovulation.

How to increase the chances of getting pregnant?

Have sex shortly before ovulation. Have sex every two to three days a week, starting shortly after your period ends. This may help you have sex when you are most fertile.
Maintain normal weight. Women who are overweight or underweight are at an increased risk of ovulation disorders.
Fertility-friendly lubricants. Use lubricants that are compatible with sperm and eggs.
Do not smoke. Tobacco has multiple negative effects on fertility, not to mention overall health and fetal health. If you smoke, ask your healthcare provider to help you quit before conception.
Don't drink alcohol. Alcohol abuse can reduce fertility. Avoid alcohol if you are hoping to conceive.
Cut down on caffeine. Studies show that caffeine intake below 200 milligrams per day does not affect fertility. That's about one to two cups of coffee a day.
Don't do too much exercise. Intense, strenuous exercise for more than five hours a week has been linked to decreased ovulation.

How long does it take to get pregnant?

With frequent unprotected sex, most healthy couples conceive within a year. Of all couples trying to conceive:

30% get pregnant during the first cycle (approximately one month).
60% get pregnant within three cycles (about three months).
80% get pregnant within six cycles (about six months).
85% get pregnant within 12 cycles (about a year).
92% get pregnant within 48 cycles (about four years).

The best chance to conceive a child naturally is in your 20s. Your fertility starts to decline as you age. A healthy 30 year old woman has about a 20% chance of getting pregnant each month, but at 40 you only have about a 5% chance. At age 45, very few women get pregnant naturally.

How long should we try before getting help?

If you and your partner are unable to conceive, one of you may have a problem. Often a woman is immediately considered infertile, but infertility affects both men and women.

If you're under 35 and haven't gotten pregnant after a year of trying, or you're over 35 and trying to conceive for six months, it might be time to see a fertility specialist.