Easiest Time to Get Pregnant

Irrespective of whether one is trying to conceive or not, it is important for every women to understand the functioning of her reproductive system. For those preparing themselves for parenthood, this knowledge can be used to pin point the easiest time to get pregnant. Women have 2 ovaries (as part of their reproductive system), which contain thousands of immature eggs housed within follicles. Every month, in one of the two ovaries, some of these eggs begin to develop, on the prompting of the F.S.H. (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) released by the pituitary gland. From among these, usually only one (the dominant follicle) reaches maturity each month. While the egg is maturing, the uterus is being prepared for the fertilized egg, by the hormone estrogen which causes the lining to grow. The rising level of estrogen triggers a series of actions that result in the releasing of the egg, which then journeys through one of the fallopian tubes to arrive at the uterus. Once in the uterus, it may be fertilized by sperm, resulting in pregnancy.

Fertile Days
By tracking ones cycle, a woman can assess around when the egg arrives at the uterus. It stays in the uterus for about 12 hours, which is the easiest time to get pregnant. After this time lapses, the egg begins to degenerate. Start by finding out how long your menstrual cycle is, by count the number of days from the first day of menstruation to the day before your next period begins. Once you know how long your cycle is, mark the day on the calendar when your next period will begin. Count back 12 to 16 days from it, which are your fertile days.

Try to fertilize the egg during these days. However, if it is not possible, know that in optimum conditions, sperms can survive up to 5 days after ejaculation. You can either keep a track of your fertile days which is the easiest time to get pregnant on your calendar, or you can utilize a free online ovulation calendar/calculator.

Lower Abdominal Discomfort
For women who do not have a regular cycle, tracking is not an option. One method they can use to identify their fertile days is a lower abdominal discomfort that several women experience during ovulation. This pain occurs when the egg is released from the ovary, and consequently will take place at the same time every month. It is a distinct pain felt on one side of the lower abdomen, and is thus easy to identify.

Cervical Mucus
Another way to identify ovulation is according to the change in cervical mucus. This change occurs to either facilitate fertilization or discourage it. During ovulation, the texture and thickness of the mucus is such that it helps the sperm reach the egg, and protects and nourishes. The easiest time to get pregnant is when the mucus becomes clear, slippery, stretchy, and appear a little like raw egg whites. Women who have no cervical mucus can assist the fertilization process with the use of some pre-seed lubricant.

Basal Body Temperature
Another indication of the easiest time to get pregnant is when there is a rise in basal body temperature. A woman's basal body temperature usually increases by 0.5 to 1.6 degrees after ovulation. You won't detect this slight change, but a basal thermometer will. The increased production of progesterone, triggered by ovulation causes this temperature rise. Intercourse is recommended 2 or 3 days before the basal temperature reaches its highest. You will need to chart your basal temperature for a few month to perfect the timing.

Read about when are you most likely to get pregnant.

Use these ways to detect the easiest time to get pregnant. There are several other preconception tips one should follow while trying to get pregnant. Most importantly, do not give yourself a time frame within which to get pregnant, and inform your medical practitioner that you are trying to get pregnant.