Your menstrual cycle is all about the changes you go through each month, driven by rising and falling hormone levels like estrogen and progesterone. It’s split into two phases: the luteal phase and the follicular phase. The names sound a bit complicated, but don’t worry, it’s easy to get. Day one of your cycle starts with your period, and the last day ends just before your next period begins. On average, cycles are about 28 days, but anywhere between 21 and 35 days is still considered normal.
When’s the Best Time to Get Pregnant?
When should you try after your period?
The first part of your cycle is called the follicular phase. During your period, estrogen and progesterone levels are usually low. After your period ends, your pituitary gland (which controls your hormones in your brain) releases a hormone that tells your ovaries to start prepping an egg for release (this is ovulation). At this point, your estrogen starts to rise.
Getting pregnant during ovulation:
Around days 13 to 15 of your cycle, you’ll get a spike in the luteinizing hormone, which signals one of your ovaries to release an egg. This is ovulation, where the egg travels down the fallopian tubes, waiting to meet some sperm. The fertile window lasts around 6-7 days around ovulation, typically the middle of the cycle for most people. Sperm can live in your reproductive system for up to 5 days, and the egg stays alive for about 24 hours after ovulation. So, even if you don’t have sex exactly on ovulation day, sperm can still hang out and fertilize the egg later.
Getting pregnant before your period:
The days after ovulation and before your next period are called the luteal phase. If you don’t get pregnant during your fertile window, your progesterone levels will start to drop. This can trigger any premenstrual symptoms you might experience (like cramps, headaches, or mood swings). Your estrogen levels also drop, which signals the start of your next period and a new cycle. That’s why it’s less likely to get pregnant right before your period or during the luteal phase.
Best time to have sex for pregnancy?
Now that you know mid-cycle is when you’re most likely to conceive, you might wonder if there’s a specific time of day that’s best for baby-making. Some studies suggest that having sex in the morning could be ideal, but there isn’t much solid evidence.
How to know when you’re fertile:
- Clear, sticky vaginal discharge that looks like raw egg whites.
- Mild discomfort on one side of your lower abdomen (sometimes called “mittelschmerz,” which happens when your ovary releases an egg).
- Increased sex drive.
What if your periods are irregular?
Since your cycle starts with the first day of your period and ends right before your next one, having regular periods makes it easier to figure out your fertile window. But if your periods have become super heavy, or if there’s a big difference between your longest and shortest cycles (like 20 days or more), it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.
What to do when trying to conceive:
- Pay attention to cervical mucus and track your cycle to know when you’re ovulating.
- Have sex every day or every other day throughout your cycle. You don’t have to just focus on your fertile window, but doing so could boost your chances of getting pregnant.
- Stay active and eat a balanced diet. Big changes in weight (either loss or gain) can affect fertility.
When should you see a doctor?
Most couples get pregnant within the first year of trying. But since fertility tends to decrease with age, women over 35 are advised to see a doctor if they’ve been trying for 6 cycles (or 6 months) without success or if their periods have become irregular.