Natural Conception
Getting pregnant naturally may seem like a simple and well natural thing to do, but it can be surprisingly difficult for many couples, but here we take a look at how your body works and the best time to try for a baby.
Your body goes through a menstrual cycle every month, something you will know and have experienced for years, a typical cycle lasts 28 days but can be from 21 to 40 days, so getting to know your cycle is the first step.
If you don't have a regular period, then this can make things a little trickier but not impossible. Ovulation, when your ovaries release an egg, tends to happen 10 -- 16 days before your next period starts and this is the time that you need to be enjoying plenty of sex.
How can I tell when I'm ovulating?
There are a number of things to look out for when you ovulate, other than counting days, which may make things a little easier.
Just before ovulation your cervical mucus will change becoming clear and resembling raw egg white, which you may have noticed in your knickers or may require a little further investigation. You are looking for wet, clear and stretchy discharge, if it is sticky or creamy then now is not the time. The mucus helps to nourish and transport the sperm through your cervix and so this is the perfect time to have sex.
Your body temperature also increases when you ovulate and so if you start tracking your temperature you will see a pattern arising. You should aim to take your temperature at the same time every day and chart it on a graph or an app. If you notice your temperature increases slightly for three days or longer, then this is likely an indication of ovulation and so you need to have sex just before this happens. Ideally start tracking your temperature before at least a month before you start trying for a baby so you can recognise the pattern.
You can also use ovulation prediction kits, which are a bit like a pregnancy test and measure your hormone levels which will increase around the time of ovulation. Like a pregnancy test, you need to wee on the test and then depending on your test either it will show on a screen or an indicator.
If you don't fall pregnant straight away then it can be quite disheartening, try not to worry as these things can take time and it doesn't mean there is an issue.
Try keeping as relaxed as possible and have fun trying for a baby.