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How long will it likely take me to get pregnant?
How long will it likely take me to get pregnant?
Of course, your doctor can’t predict exactly when you’ll conceive. Some couples get pregnant on their first try, while others won’t conceive after years of having regular unprotected sex. But your doctor may have some general predictions based on your age, health history, and past conception experience.
When Is the Best Time to Get Pregnant?
When Is the Best Time to Get Pregnant?
The best time to conceive is during your "fertile window," which includes the days leading up to and the day of ovulation. Ovulation occurs when the ovaries release an egg, which travels down the fallopian tube and survives for 12–24 hours.
The chances of fertilization are highest within 24 hours of ovulation and one day beforehand. But because sperm can live for three to five days in the reproductive tract, it's also possible to get pregnant by having sex in the five days leading up to ovulation. (In other words, five-day-old sperm can still fertilize a newly released egg.)
To track your ovulation, consider using a period and ovulation tracker to track your fertile signs (like cervical mucus and basal body temperature), which can help you plan when to have sex to improve your odds of conceiving.
How to Find Your Fertile Window When You're Trying to Conceive
The chances of fertilization are highest within 24 hours of ovulation and one day beforehand. But because sperm can live for three to five days in the reproductive tract, it's also possible to get pregnant by having sex in the five days leading up to ovulation. (In other words, five-day-old sperm can still fertilize a newly released egg.)
To track your ovulation, consider using a period and ovulation tracker to track your fertile signs (like cervical mucus and basal body temperature), which can help you plan when to have sex to improve your odds of conceiving.
How to Find Your Fertile Window When You're Trying to Conceive
How Can You Track Ovulation?
How Can You Track Ovulation?
Many people follow the textbook "rule" that ovulation occurs 14 days after the first day of their period—but the reality is that cycle lengths vary, and ovulation doesn't always occur at the same time each month, says Machelle Seibel, M.D., Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
Some people can detect ovulation symptoms. "If you're in tune with your body, you may notice that you have an increased clear egg-white-like vaginal discharge a few days before ovulation," says Yvonne Bohn, M.D., OB-GYN and co-author of The Mommy Docs Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy and Birth. But many miss this, and some mistakenly think their normal discharge is a sign of ovulation.
Instead of guessing, Dr. Seibel says that using an ovulation predictor kit (OPK) can give a more accurate answer. The kit looks similar to a pregnancy test but instead of looking for the pregnancy hormone hCG, it is searching for a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), which precedes ovulation (and as a result, can accurately predict when you are most fertile).
Charting your basal body temperature can also help identify ovulation for the best days to get pregnant.
Some people can detect ovulation symptoms. "If you're in tune with your body, you may notice that you have an increased clear egg-white-like vaginal discharge a few days before ovulation," says Yvonne Bohn, M.D., OB-GYN and co-author of The Mommy Docs Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy and Birth. But many miss this, and some mistakenly think their normal discharge is a sign of ovulation.
Instead of guessing, Dr. Seibel says that using an ovulation predictor kit (OPK) can give a more accurate answer. The kit looks similar to a pregnancy test but instead of looking for the pregnancy hormone hCG, it is searching for a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), which precedes ovulation (and as a result, can accurately predict when you are most fertile).
Charting your basal body temperature can also help identify ovulation for the best days to get pregnant.
How Often Should You Have Sex to Get Pregnant?
How Often Should You Have Sex to Get Pregnant?
You may think that cutting down on sex to "save" sperm—or only having sex during ovulation—will make getting pregnant easier. But abstaining too much can throw off conception odds.
Indeed, while holding off on sex can increase sperm count, it can also decrease sperm motility. What's more, "it's easy to miss the fertile period if sex is limited only to when you think you're ovulating because many people believe they're ovulating when they actually aren't," says Samuel Wood, M.D., medical director at The Reproductive Sciences Center in La Jolla, California.
There is no magic number of how many times you should have sex to become pregnant. And there is the risk of creating stress by forcing yourself to stick to a schedule. The best bet is to have as much sex as you feel comfortable having and use your ovulation calendar to help guide when the optimal times may be.
Indeed, while holding off on sex can increase sperm count, it can also decrease sperm motility. What's more, "it's easy to miss the fertile period if sex is limited only to when you think you're ovulating because many people believe they're ovulating when they actually aren't," says Samuel Wood, M.D., medical director at The Reproductive Sciences Center in La Jolla, California.
There is no magic number of how many times you should have sex to become pregnant. And there is the risk of creating stress by forcing yourself to stick to a schedule. The best bet is to have as much sex as you feel comfortable having and use your ovulation calendar to help guide when the optimal times may be.
Is Having Sex Every Day Bad When Trying to Conceive?
Is Having Sex Every Day Bad When Trying to Conceive?
On the other hand, having sex too often can also cause potential problems, says Dr. Wood. "If it's for reproductive purposes alone, having sex multiple times a day or even every single day could cause 'burnout,' and the couple may begin to view sex as little more than a pre-ovulatory chore," he explains.
By the time you're most fertile, one or both of the partners may not be interested in having sex, resulting in a missed opportunity.
According to one study, abstaining from sex for as little as one to two days helped to increase peak quality sperm, so taking breaks from sex might actually be a good thing
By the time you're most fertile, one or both of the partners may not be interested in having sex, resulting in a missed opportunity.
According to one study, abstaining from sex for as little as one to two days helped to increase peak quality sperm, so taking breaks from sex might actually be a good thing
When should I stop birth control?
When should I stop birth control?
You can’t always get pregnant immediately after stopping birth control. Hormonal birth control pills, for example, may alter your cycle for several months after coming off of them – and the same with NuvaRing and Patch. Similarly, if you have an IUD, you’ll want to discuss when to remove the T-shaped device.
Will my health conditions affect my fertility?
Will my health conditions affect my fertility?
According to Dr. Minken, some medical conditions may affect your ability to get pregnant. These include polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, thyroid disorders, and even STDs. And when it comes to your partner, issues with sperm count, motility, or morphology may make conception difficult. Your doctor is the best person to gauge the situation and offer solutions.
How will my medications affect my fertility?
How will my medications affect my fertility?
Some medications, including drugs for high blood pressure and epilepsy, may decrease your chances of conceiving. What’s more, certain over-the-counter and prescription drugs may harm the baby once you get pregnant (for example, NSAIDs, steroids, some antidepressants and antipsychotics, and thyroid medication). Review safety concerns with your doctor, who may switch out your drugs or advise you against using certain herbal remedies.
Should I take vitamins or supplements?
Should I take vitamins or supplements?
Prospective mothers should start taking folic acid supplements three-six months before trying to conceive. Dr. Minken says folic acid lessens the risk of neural tube defects and some birth defects. Your doctor might also recommend prenatal vitamins, especially if you seem to be lacking in a certain nutrient.
Should I change my diet/ exercise routine/ other lifestyle habits?
Should I change my diet/ exercise routine/ other lifestyle habits?
Did you know that being overweight or underweight can decrease your fertility? An unideal weight can also lead to pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, C-section, and miscarriage. Excessive exercising, drinking alcohol, and smoking cigarettes can also negatively impact your fertility and pregnancy. Have an open conversation with your doctor about your lifestyle habits, and ask if you need to make changes before trying to conceive.
Do I need any vaccinations?
Do I need any vaccinations?
Getting sick during pregnancy puts your health – and the health of your unborn child – at risk. Protect your little one from serious illness by staying up-to-date on vaccines. If you’re not already immune, your doctor will give you the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and chickenpox vaccines before conceiving, since these live viruses aren’t safe for pregnant women. The seasonal flu vaccine, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis shot (Tdap), and the hepatitis B vaccine can be taken during pregnancy.
Should I get another doctor?
Should I get another doctor?
Not all gynecologists have certifications in obstetrics, which is the field of pregnancy and childbirth. Ask your doctor if he/she is qualified to deal with pregnancy (you probably don’t know unless the issue hasn’t been brought up during past gynecologist appointments). If not, ask for recommendations for local obstetricians.
Do I need genetic testing?
Do I need genetic testing?
You and your partner may decide to do genetic testing to see if you’re carriers of any hereditary genetic conditions, including spinal muscular atrophy, cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and more. If the results come back positive, your doctor can help weigh the risks of pursuing a natural pregnancy. One way to prevent passing the condition to offspring would be undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). This lets parents test embryos for these genetic conditions
Do I need genetic testing?
Do I need genetic testing?
You and your partner may decide to do genetic testing to see if you’re carriers of any hereditary genetic conditions, including spinal muscular atrophy, cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs disease, and more. If the results come back positive, your doctor can help weigh the risks of pursuing a natural pregnancy. One way to prevent passing the condition to offspring would be undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). This lets parents test embryos for these genetic conditions
Why can’t I conceive?
Why can’t I conceive?
If you’ve been trying to conceive for a year with no results (or six months if you’re over age 35), you’re likely dealing with infertility. This condition affects one in eight American couples today. Your doctor will assess you and your partner to determine the cause of infertility, then she’ll try to cure infertility with medication or by treating underlying conditions.
What should I do after getting a positive pregnancy test?
What should I do after getting a positive pregnancy test?
Many couples have no idea what to do after learning they’re having a baby. Should they go straight to the obstetrician, or wait until the fetus is old enough to show up on an ultrasound? Your doctor can give his expert advice on the matter.
What should I do after getting a positive pregnancy test?
What should I do after getting a positive pregnancy test?
Many couples have no idea what to do after learning they’re having a baby. Should they go straight to the obstetrician, or wait until the fetus is old enough to show up on an ultrasound? Your doctor can give his expert advice on the matter.
What Time of Day Should You Have TTC Sex?
What Time of Day Should You Have TTC Sex?
If you're wondering what time of day to have sex to conceive, the morning may be your best bet. Or, specifically, after your partner gets a good night's rest, says Melissa M. Goist, M.D., Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University Medical Center.
When sleeping, their body regenerates the sperm lost during the day. Although the average sperm cell has a pretty short shelf life, even stalwart swimmers can hit their expiration date early if they get too warm from hot tubs or exercises like bike riding, Dr. Goist says.
According to one study in Zurich, the best time to have sex to conceive a baby is before 7:30 a.m. during the months of March, April, and May. That may sound odd, but it turns out that sperm may be at its healthiest during the spring months. Not only that, but sperm appears to have its own internal 24-hour clock that helps it determine the best time to travel to an egg.
When sleeping, their body regenerates the sperm lost during the day. Although the average sperm cell has a pretty short shelf life, even stalwart swimmers can hit their expiration date early if they get too warm from hot tubs or exercises like bike riding, Dr. Goist says.
According to one study in Zurich, the best time to have sex to conceive a baby is before 7:30 a.m. during the months of March, April, and May. That may sound odd, but it turns out that sperm may be at its healthiest during the spring months. Not only that, but sperm appears to have its own internal 24-hour clock that helps it determine the best time to travel to an egg.
What's the Best Position for TTC Sex?
What's the Best Position for TTC Sex?
Common sense says that deep penetration (through positions like rear-entry and missionary) will dispense sperm closer to the cervix, but there's no evidence to back up the theory that there is a "best" position for conception. Regardless of how you get down to business, sperm are present in the cervical canal just seconds after ejaculation.
That means your favorite position gives the best chance to get pregnant, says Shari Brasner, M.D., OB-GYN at New York City's Mount Sinai Hospital. "There is no rationale for sex to be uncomfortable or awkward."
To avoid making sex stressful, don't worry about which coital position is best or which will lower your chances of conception. Do what makes you feel comfortable.
That means your favorite position gives the best chance to get pregnant, says Shari Brasner, M.D., OB-GYN at New York City's Mount Sinai Hospital. "There is no rationale for sex to be uncomfortable or awkward."
To avoid making sex stressful, don't worry about which coital position is best or which will lower your chances of conception. Do what makes you feel comfortable.
How Long Should You Keep Sperm Inside to Get Pregnant?
How Long Should You Keep Sperm Inside to Get Pregnant?
"When a man ejaculates, sperm swims out, goes directly into the cervical mucus and into the fallopian tubes," says Serena Chen, M.D., director of the division of reproductive endocrine and infertility at the Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Pennsylvania. "This happens in a matter of seconds, regardless of the position during intercourse."
Some people think that lying on your back with your hips elevated for 20 minutes after sex will help ensure that every last sperm gets a fighting chance at the prize, but the belief has no scientific foundation. Definitely take the excuse to relax after TTC sex, but if you're short on time, you don't need to "wait" for sperm to make its way inside.
Some people think that lying on your back with your hips elevated for 20 minutes after sex will help ensure that every last sperm gets a fighting chance at the prize, but the belief has no scientific foundation. Definitely take the excuse to relax after TTC sex, but if you're short on time, you don't need to "wait" for sperm to make its way inside.
How Long Does It Take to Get Pregnant After Sex?
How Long Does It Take to Get Pregnant After Sex?
Conception results from sperm fertilizing the egg in the reproductive tract, which could happen up to six days after having sex depending on where in your cycle you were at the time. From there, the fertilized egg will travel to the uterus and implant in the uterine lining to begin the pregnancy. So how long after sex does implantation occur? Usually around six to 12 days. Some people notice implantation symptoms like light spotting or cramping, while others don't (both situations are normal).
But how long do you have to have TTC sex before you finally get pregnant? That answer depends on a variety of fertility factors, but up to 90% of people trying to conceive will get pregnant within a year.
But how long do you have to have TTC sex before you finally get pregnant? That answer depends on a variety of fertility factors, but up to 90% of people trying to conceive will get pregnant within a year.
How Long Does It Take to Get Pregnant After Sex?
How Long Does It Take to Get Pregnant After Sex?
Conception results from sperm fertilizing the egg in the reproductive tract, which could happen up to six days after having sex depending on where in your cycle you were at the time. From there, the fertilized egg will travel to the uterus and implant in the uterine lining to begin the pregnancy. So how long after sex does implantation occur? Usually around six to 12 days. Some people notice implantation symptoms like light spotting or cramping, while others don't (both situations are normal).
But how long do you have to have TTC sex before you finally get pregnant? That answer depends on a variety of fertility factors, but up to 90% of people trying to conceive will get pregnant within a year.
But how long do you have to have TTC sex before you finally get pregnant? That answer depends on a variety of fertility factors, but up to 90% of people trying to conceive will get pregnant within a year.
How to get pregnant if you have endometriosis?
How to get pregnant if you have endometriosis?
Endometriosis is another common reproductive condition that affects more than one in 10 women in the United States. This occurs when tissue found in the uterus grows in other parts of the body, such as the fallopian tubes or ovaries. Even mild endometriosis can reduce fertility, while severe endometriosis can distort the pelvic anatomy of a woman. It is still possible for a woman with endometriosis to become pregnant, and, once pregnant, the pregnancy is expected to be no different from that of a woman without endometriosis.
Can you get pregnant during your period?
Can you get pregnant during your period?
Yes, there is a possibility to get pregnant if a woman has sex during their period. However, a woman is less likely to get pregnant during menstruation, but it is still possible.
What if you have a polycystic ovarian syndrome?
What if you have a polycystic ovarian syndrome?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), is a hormonal disorder and is one of the most common reasons for female infertility. It affects between 6% and 12% of American women of reproductive age. Doctors generally recommend in-vitro fertilization if other interventions have not worked or primary treatment if monitoring, cost, and accessibility are not issues.
How long after a positive ovulation test does one ovulate?
How long after a positive ovulation test does one ovulate?
Not exact, but you can expect to ovulate in the next 12-24 hours after the positive ovulation result.
When is the best time to test for ovulation?
When is the best time to test for ovulation?
Testing can be done any time of the day, nevertheless, as per experts, mornings can provide with best results. If your typical menstrual cycle is 28 days, you must perform an ovulation test 10 or 14 days after starting your period.
How long after ovulation can you take a pregnancy test?
How long after ovulation can you take a pregnancy test?
For accurate results, take a pregnancy test after 7 days of ovulation to ensure the hCG levels are high enough for a positive result.
What is the price range of the ovulation tests?
What is the price range of the ovulation tests?
The least expensive ovulation test strips are around $15 to $25 and the least expensive digital tests are anywhere between $30 to $60.
Is the Clearblue digital ovulation test a good choice?
Is the Clearblue digital ovulation test a good choice?
Yes, it is! This kit comes with 20 ovulation tests that are accurate, easy to use, and worth the cost. The ovulation test has no control line to interpret but has a smiley face indicator that appears when in high fertility, that is when the Luteinizing Hormone/LH surges. It promises 99 percent of accuracy and shows the first response in just three minutes for results to appear, all you need to do is urinate on it and then insert it into the reusable monitor.
How to choose the best ovulation test in 2022?
How to choose the best ovulation test in 2022?
Make sure to be mindful of the sensitivity of the process and the readability options of different kinds like the digital ovulation test or the strips with the test line. The best way is to consider the cost of the ovulation tests and the packs you receive in one package to ensure it is the best pick.
Are early signs of pregnancy the same as PMS?
Are early signs of pregnancy the same as PMS?
Early pregnancy signs can be confusing because they might, in some cases, be very similar to signs of PMS. Hence, instead of being too sure about your pregnancy, it is advised to be patient and let your body reach a point where the test can do some talking!
What are the early signs of pregnancy with twins?
What are the early signs of pregnancy with twins?
Determining if you have twins or not can only be done through an ultrasound around the 8th week of pregnancy. However, some early signs that can determine twins or not include elevated hCG levels (more than the single baby pregnancy levels) and the more severe impact of early pregnancy symptoms.
What is hyperemesis gravidarum?
What is hyperemesis gravidarum?
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is a pregnancy condition characterized by severe nausea and vomiting, more common in women carrying twins or multiple babies in the womb.
How early do pregnancy symptoms start?
How early do pregnancy symptoms start?
It varies. Some people feel pregnant within a few days of conception, while other people don’t feel pregnant for weeks after a positive pregnancy test. Pregnancy symptoms vary between people and even between pregnancies.
Can you feel pregnant before you miss your period?
Can you feel pregnant before you miss your period?
Yes, you can feel pregnant before you miss your period. Some people say they’ve felt pregnancy symptoms within a week of conception (about one week before a missed period).
Could I have the symptoms of early pregnancy and not be pregnant?
Could I have the symptoms of early pregnancy and not be pregnant?
Many of the symptoms of early pregnancy overlap with other medical conditions, as well as your typical menstrual cycle. Premenstrual symptoms can be very similar to pregnancy symptoms. This can make it difficult to tell the difference. You can also miss a period and not be pregnant. This can happen when you lose or gain a lot of weight or are stressed. Breastfeeding can also cause your period to stop.
The best way to know you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are available at your local pharmacy or grocery store without a prescription.
The best way to know you’re pregnant is to take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are available at your local pharmacy or grocery store without a prescription.
How soon can I take a pregnancy test?
How soon can I take a pregnancy test?
Pregnancy tests work by detecting a certain level of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) in your pee. You can take a pregnancy test as soon as you’ve missed your period. However, it’s best to wait at least one week after you’ve missed your period to get the most accurate results. While some tests claim to give you accurate results before a missed period, taking a test too soon can result in a false negative (the test says you aren’t pregnant, but you are).
Your healthcare provider can take a blood sample to test for pregnancy as early as one week before a missed period.
Your healthcare provider can take a blood sample to test for pregnancy as early as one week before a missed period.
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