A woman's period is a good indicator of her overall reproductive health. For example, if you are not taking hormone-based birth control and experience regular periods on a predictable cycle, it is highly likely that you are ovulating on a regular basis and are fertile.

When is it "Time"?
While there are many different factors that can affect your chances of conceiving, pregnancy is most likely to occur when a woman has sexual intercourse with a fertile male partner sometime around ovulation. Ovulation usually happens sometime around 14 days after the first day of a woman's period, but can vary greatly from woman to woman. Because sperm can live up to five days, conception is possible even if intercourse occurred several days before ovulation.

Signs of female fertility include clear, stringy cervical fluid, which usually lasts for several days before ovulation and provides the most viable environment for keeping the sperm alive. If you are trying to get pregnant, there are many other factors that can impact how readily conception occurs. These include your and your partner's overall physical health, stress level, exercise regimen, intake of drugs, alcohol and caffeine, diet, as well as your psychological outlook and readiness to become parents.

Patience is a Virtue
Because there are so many factors involved, it can take an average, healthy heterosexual couple up to one year of actively trying to conceive before achieving pregnancy. If you are trying to get pregnant, remember to trust your body and honor your own rhythms. Because every couple is unique, it's impossible to predict exactly when you will get pregnant. It may happen when you aren't even trying, the first time you try, or may take more than a year. A normal, healthy couple has only a 20-25 percent chance of becoming pregnant during each menstrual cycle. If you are concerned, you may want to discuss your personal health history with your healthcare professional.
 
 
Because sperm can live up to five days, conception is possible even if intercourse occurred several days before ovulation.
 
How Can You Tell if You're Expecting?
Except for abstinence, no birth control method is 100 percent effective. It's important to be able to recognize early signs of pregnancy, even if you are not trying to conceive.

Early signs of pregnancy that have been reported by women include:

  • no period (also can occur if you are taking a contraceptive or other medication  that changes your bleeding patterns)
  • light bleeding (can be associated with implantation of the fertilized egg)
  • breast tenderness or pain
  • enlargement of the breasts
  • acne or pimples
  • increased sense of smell
  • skin sensitivity
  • frequent urination
  • fatigue
  • nausea
  • cramping or abdominal pain
  • metallic taste in the mouth
  • heartburn
  • hunger
  • weepiness
  • backache
  • increased saliva
  • increased vaginal fluid
  • just "feeling" pregnant

Accurate, affordable pregnancy tests designed to detect increased hormone levels in your urine can be purchased at most pharmacies. These tests should be accurate even if you are taking the Pill.  If you suspect you are pregnant, contact your healthcare professional immediately. It's important for you and your baby to receive good prenatal care.

While there is much we know about women's health, many questions and myths remain. To discover if your beliefs about women's health are fact or fiction, click here.


 
 
It can take an average, healthy heterosexual couple up to one year of actively trying to conceive before achieving pregnancy.