When Am I Most Likely to Get Pregnant?

July 1, 2024

Understanding the ins and outs of your reproductive health will help you monitor changes in your body and prepare for the future. When it comes to pregnancy, it’s vital to know that timing is everything. 

Whether you’re planning to become pregnant or would like to avoid pregnancy, you need information you can trust. Heart to Heart Pregnancy Resource Clinic is here to answer your questions about pregnancy; book a free and confidential appointment today.

Understanding Ovulation

You’re most likely to get pregnant during ovulation, which occurs when an ovary releases a mature egg once a month. The egg remains in the fallopian tube for 12-24 hours and can be fertilized by sperm during this time. 

Sperm can live inside your body for as long as five days after sexual intercourse. Your chances of getting pregnant are highest when sperm is present during ovulation. 

How Do I Know When I’m Ovulating?

If you have a typical 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation usually occurs about 14 days before your next period starts. However, if you have irregular periods or your cycle is a different length, this can make ovulation more difficult to track. 

You can pinpoint when you’re ovulating with the following:

• Change in cervical mucus: Just before ovulation, cervical mucus becomes clear, wet, and stretchy. Just after ovulation, it decreases and becomes thicker.
• Change in basal body temperature: During ovulation, your basal body temperature increases. Consistently tracking this temperature with a special thermometer every morning (before you get out of bed) can help you identify a pattern–you’ll be most fertile 2-3 days before that temperature rises.

Some women also use over-the-counter ovulation kits or LH tests; if you receive a positive result, ovulation will typically occur about 36 hours afterward.

Can I Get Pregnant When I’m Not Ovulating?

You can still get pregnant at any time during your menstrual cycle if you have ovulated because sperm can still survive in your reproductive tract for up to 5 days.

However, you cannot get pregnant if you have not ovulated during your cycle. This is because there is no egg for the sperm to fertilize. 

Some women find it difficult to determine when they’re ovulating, even when they track their basal body temperature. Speaking with your healthcare provider can help you understand when you’re most fertile.

I Think I’m Pregnant

If you think you may be pregnant or are experiencing classic signs and symptoms (like a missed period or nausea), you can get answers. 

Heart to Heart PRC provides free pregnancy tests to confirm a potential pregnancy. Our registered nurses will answer your questions. 

If your test is positive, you may be eligible for a free limited obstetric ultrasound, which verifies key details and gives you the information needed to move forward. 

We’re here for you. Schedule a confidential appointment today.