Your Ovulation Cycle
Ovulation occurs when a woman's pituitary gland increases production of the luteinizing hormone (LH), causing a follicle in the ovary to release an egg. During this process, the egg travels through the fallopian tube, where it is fertilized by the sperm cell, and the fertilized egg implants itself onto the uterus. If pregnancy does not occur, estrogen and progesterone levels drop, and the thickened lining of the uterus sheds during the menstrual period.
Timing Is Everything
Timing intercourse helps increase your chances of getting pregnant. The few days leading up to and including the day of ovulation is the best time to get pregnant. Generally, a woman's most fertile time is about 12 to 16 days before the beginning of the next menstrual period (for a 28-day cycle). If a woman's cycle is longer than 28 days, she can estimate the day of ovulation by counting back 14 days from the expected first day of her period.
Basal Body Temperature
Some women monitor their Basal Body Temperature (BBT) and vaginal mucus to find out if they are ovulating. A woman's BBT rises as a result of ovulation -- so a useful tool in tracking BBT is a basal body thermometer, which shows minute changes in the body's temperature. However, the rise in BBT signals that ovulation has already occurred, so it is only useful in reassuring a woman that she has timed intercourse appropriately. A better indicator is to observe the cervical mucus, which is more slippery around the time of ovulation.
Sperm Longevity
Sperm can live up to 24 to 48 hours, maybe even longer, within the female reproductive tract.
Is Your Clock Ticking?
Fertility decreases with age, so women over the age of 35 should get an evaluation by their doctor before trying to get pregnant.
Preconception
There are a number of factors that contribute to infertility, but everyday physical health is probably the most significant. In fact, the way a woman treats her body and her health is often a top reason for difficulties conceiving. For example, smoking, weight, previous sexually-transmitted diseases, stress, and strenuous, frequent exercise all can lower your chances of conception.
Diet
When pregnant, a woman's daily intake for each of the food groups must increase to ensure the baby is fully nourished. Every day, a pregnant mother needs four to six servings of dairy, six to 11 servings of grains, three to four servings of protein, four servings of fruit, and five servings of vegetables.
Pregnant women need to consume an extra 300 calories a day. Altogether, it is important to maintain a healthy diet during pregnancy because it significantly helps the baby's development, minimizes the baby's risk of illnesses, and decreases the risk of miscarriage and premature labor for the mother.
Prenatal Vitamins
A woman wishing to become pregnant should start taking prenatal vitamins prior to pregnancy because the folic acid in the vitamin helps to prevent neural tube defects (birth defects caused by incomplete development of the brain or spinal cord) such as spinal bifida. Once pregnant, she should continue taking the prenatal vitamins throughout her pregnancy to ensure that she and the baby are getting the optimal amount of vitamins and minerals.
Exercise
Women who are pregnant should consult a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise routine. Exercise has many benefits for pregnant women and can help maintain a healthy weight level. Depending on what is recommended, pregnant women can enjoy yoga, Pilates, walking, or swimming -- which is very low impact due to its buoyancy effect. back to the top
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