Everything Women Need to Know about Ovulation and Getting Pregnant
If you have decided that you are ready to get pregnant then it’s time to learn all about ovulation. Understanding your ovulation cycle, and all of the factors that impact your fertility, will help you to put yourself in the best position to become pregnant when it is most desirable. Read our ovulation overview guide and checkout the tools and resources we’ve provided to help prepare yourself for your upcoming pregnancy. Then you better get started decorating that nursery!
Understanding Ovulation
Ovulation occurs when a mature egg is released from the ovary, travels down the fallopian tube, and is in position to be fertilized. The cycle occurs approximately once per month. In preparation for possible conception, the uterine lining thickens. If fertilization does not take place, the uterine lining and unfertilized egg will eventually shed and you experience menstruation. Women who are trying to become pregnant should understand the typical timing of their ovulation cycle in order to maximize their likelihood for conception during their available monthly window of fertility.
Tracking Ovulation
A woman’s monthly ovulation cycle should be measured from the first day of her menstrual period until the first day of the next period. For most women, their ovulation cycles last anywhere from 28 to 32 days, however this timing can vary significantly, which is why tracking your own personal cycle, rather than estimating a 30-day period, is essential in accurately determining fertile days. Most women ovulate between day 11 and day 21 of their monthly cycle, so to track the time period in which your body is most fertile, start with the first day of the last menstrual period, or calculate 12 to 16 days from the next expected period. It is important to understand that while it is possible to estimate your ovulation and track your fertility, ovulation may occur on a different day each month. The longer you track your ovulation the better your understanding will be of your body’s unique timing.
Tools and Calendars
Ready to start tracking? Here are some helpful digital tools that will make monitoring your menses easy.
- Ovulation Calculator — By answering a few questions regarding key dates surrounding your menstrual cycle, this free online ovulation calculator from WebMD helps you predict your most fertile days of the month.
- Pregnancy Test Calculator — This free online tool will tell you when you should take a pregnancy test for the most accurate results.
- The “Am I Late?” Calculator — This free online tool will help you determine if your menstrual cycle is late, and if you could be pregnant.
- Woman Calendar App — Available for Apple iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, this fertility awareness app is ideal for women trying to conceive. It can be used to track menstrual periods, to monitor physical conditions, and to schedule activities accordingly. Cost: $9.99
- WomanLog Calendar — Available for Apple and Android devices, this menstrual and fertility calendar for women offers an ovulation and fertility forecast, notifications, and tracking calendars. Cost: Free.