The decision to become pregnant is made up of many factors: thinking, worrying, saving, planning – and best of all – practicing! But when this moment comes, when together with your partner you conclude that it is high time that your egg meets the fleet of his tiny swimmers just like Michael Phelps, you probably want to get pregnant quickly, almost immediately. Can you get pregnant any day of the month?
Phases of the menstrual cycle
The average duration of the menstrual cycle is about 28 days, however, it can vary. It is divided into four phases:
- menstruation – this is the first stage of the menstrual cycle and usually lasts from 3 to 5 days. During this time, the level of sex hormones in the body decreases, as a result of which the endometrium exfoliates, which is accompanied by painful cramps in the lower abdomen and breast tenderness,
- follicular phase – it lasts about 9 days, during which the epithelium of the uterus regenerates. The level of estrogen increases, and thanks to the influence of the FSH hormone, the Graafian follicle increases, which in the later phase will burst, releasing the egg. Greater hormonal activity also contributes to the production of characteristic, thick mucus with a white-yellow color, which will become sticky and transparent over time,
- ovulation – this is the stage during which the Graafian follicle bursts and releases the egg into the fallopian tube. This time falls on the 13th – 15th day of the cycle. To facilitate possible fertilization, cervical mucus becomes more rare and alkaline. Body temperature also increases by around 0.5 ° C. Ovulation is the perfect moment for fertilization. The egg is ready to connect to the sperm for about 24 hours,
- luteal phase – this phase lasts until the end of the cycle, usually about 14 days. Graaf’s follicle under the influence of FSH and LH is transformed into a corpus luteum, which produces the progesterone necessary for the endometrium to be ready for implantation of the embryo. If fertilization does not occur, the level of hormones, including progesterone, decreases, which approximately every 28 days of the cycle causes exfoliation of the endometrium and menstruation.
When can you get pregnant?
You are most likely to get pregnant 2 to 3 days before and after ovulation, which usually occurs in the middle of your menstrual cycle. You can determine your most fertile day with the help of an ovulation test or by using the method of checking your basal body temperature.
Each month you have about six days window to get pregnant – your most fertile period begins five days before ovulation and ends the day after it. This is because if you care about fertilization, your partner’s sperm (which can last up to over 100 hours) must be present in the upper part of the fallopian tube when the egg releases from the ovary.
Doctors at infertility clinics recommend a slightly different course of action. They advise you to make love without any protection every 2-5 days. Due to the high frequency of relations, the semen quality will be high. Young sperm have more vitality, and regular sex will free you from thinking about ovulation and the best dates. Because sex is also a joy for parents, not just “producing” children.
