When Am I Most Likely to Get Pregnant?

September 2, 2024

Understanding your menstrual cycle and recognizing the signs of ovulation can help you identify your most fertile days (or the times when you’re most likely to get pregnant).

Here’s a guide to when you’re most likely to get pregnant and how to spot the signs of ovulation. Think you might be pregnant? Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential pregnancy testing appointment.

The Fertile Window

The fertile window is the period during your menstrual cycle when you are most likely to conceive. This typically spans six days: the five days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, while an egg remains viable for about 12-24 hours after ovulation. Thus, having intercourse during this window increases the chances of sperm meeting the egg.

Understanding Ovulation

Ovulation is the process during which an ovary releases a mature egg. It generally occurs around the midpoint of the menstrual cycle, which can vary from woman to woman. For a typical 28-day cycle, ovulation usually occurs around day 14. However, cycles can range from 21 to 35 days, so ovulation may happen earlier or later.

Signs of Ovulation

Signs of ovulation can be subtle and include:

1. Change in cervical mucus: As ovulation approaches, cervical mucus becomes clearer, stretchier, and more slippery, similar to egg whites. This change creates a conducive environment for sperm to travel and survive, indicating peak fertility.
2. Increased basal body temperature (BBT): Tracking your basal body temperature can help identify ovulation. BBT slightly drops just before ovulation and then rises approximately 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit afterward. This rise in temperature indicates that ovulation has occurred.
3. Ovulation pain (mittelschmerz): Some women experience mild pain or discomfort on one side of the lower abdomen, known as mittelschmerz, during ovulation. This pain can last from a few minutes to several hours.
4. Increased Libido: Many women experience an increase in sexual desire around ovulation, likely due to hormonal changes.
5. Breast Tenderness: Hormonal fluctuations during ovulation can cause breast tenderness or sensitivity. This symptom varies from person to person and can occur just before or after ovulation.
6. Change in Cervical Position: During ovulation, the cervix may become higher, softer, and more open. This change can be subtle and requires some practice to monitor.

We’re Here for You

Worried you might be pregnant? Want to talk to someone about your reproductive health? We’re here for you with free pregnancy services and support.

Contact us today to learn about all the ways we’re here to help. We have two locations for your convenience: 711 Henry Clay Street, Shelbyville, KY; (502) 647-0300 368 N. Buckman Street, Shepherdsville, KY; (502) 212-2535.