Planning to conceive? Here is some key information to help you along.
Are you thinking about starting a family? Congratulations! Planning to conceive can be an exciting and joyous time, but it's important to ensure that you are well-informed and prepared for this journey. Whether you are trying to conceive for the first time or looking to expand your family, there are a number of things to keep in mind to help maximize your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
From lifestyle changes to medical considerations, understanding what you need to know before trying to conceive can help set you up for success. Let's explore some of the key factors to consider when planning to conceive, so you can approach this exciting time with confidence and peace of mind.
You’re most likely to fall pregnant six days before ovulation and for around two days afterwards. If you want to fall pregnant, this part of the menstrual cycle is your chance to engage in baby-making. Don’t want to conceive? Be extra careful with contraception around this time in your cycle.
Sperm can survive for up to five days inside your body. While sperm can survive this long, it has a small window period of around 48 hours to fertilise the ovum before the ovum is absorbed back into the body.
This is why you could become pregnant during the six days leading up to ovulation and the two days after if you have had unprotected sex. Under normal circumstances (where both partners are fertile and there are no underlying health conditions) you’re most likely to conceive on the above-mentioned days if sperm is present in the fallopian tubes when you ovulate.
Emphasis on not impossible. While it isn’t likely that you’ll conceive while menstruating (it’s actually the least likely time you’ll fall pregnant), it can happen if you have a very short menstrual cycle (you ovulate soon after your period) and if sperm survives inside your body after having sex. In the meantime, keep some tampons or pads on hand.
