Understanding Ovulation: When is the Best Time to Get Pregnant?

When you’re trying to conceive, knowing when you are most likely to get pregnant is crucial. Each month, there is a short window when an egg can be fertilized and implanted in the uterus. Learn how to calculate these best days to conceive by tracking ovulation and seizing the opportunity on your most fertile days.

What Does “Most Fertile” Mean?

“Most fertile” usually refers to the two days before ovulation. These days, often called peak fertility days, offer the highest chance of getting pregnant through intercourse. Conception can only occur on the day of ovulation, as sperm cannot fertilize an egg that hasn’t been released yet. It’s recommended to have sex before ovulation because sperm can wait for the egg to be released and fertilize it within 12-24 hours.

What Does Ovulation Mean?

Ovulation is typically a monthly process when an ovary releases a mature egg into the fallopian tube. Ovulation occurs roughly halfway through your menstrual cycle and the egg lives up to 24 hours after. When the egg is in the fallopian tube or uterus, it can become fertilized by a sperm and implant in your endometrium (uterine lining), beginning a pregnancy.

Usually, one ovary releases a single egg every menstrual cycle, but sometimes both ovaries release mature eggs, or one ovary can release multiple eggs. When this happens, more than one egg can become fertilized, resulting in twins or higher multiple births. Women who are on fertility medication to stimulate ovulation often have increased chances of multiple births for this reason, but this can also occur naturally.

How Many Days After Your Period Do You Ovulate?

Your menstrual cycle – and a pregnancy – is tracked from the first day of your last period, the day you began bleeding. Ovulation usually occurs between 13 and 15 days after your last period begins. This number can vary based on how long your menstrual cycle is, which is why it’s a good idea to track your cycle for a few months before you start trying to conceive.

Many people think a menstrual cycle is exactly 28 days, but that’s an average. Your cycle might be as short as 21 days and as long as 40 days. The important part: ovulation is usually 14 days before the start of your next period. That means if your cycle is 40 days, ovulation will likely be on day 26 and not the average days cited above. Bottom line: get to know your body and your cycle.

Ovulation isn’t an exact science and some months you might ovulate earlier or later or not at all. This variance is typically normal, but it can be frustrating if you’re trying to conceive and want to up your chances. That’s why tracking your ovulation is a must.

How Can I Know if I Am Ovulating?

You can use an app or calendar to help track your menstrual cycle and know which days are most likely for ovulation. You can also use the First Response™ ovulation calculator to help predict when you may be ovulating. For even more accuracy, use an at-home ovulation predictor kit to identify your most fertile days. Ovulation tests work by pinpointing a surge in the luteinizing hormone (LH) that triggers the release of the egg from the ovarian follicle. The LH hormone surge means you’re about to ovulate, not that ovulation has already occurred. You can maximize your chances of conception by having sex within 24-36 hours after detecting this luteinizing hormone (LH) surge.

When Are You the Most Fertile?

The two days right before, during, and immediately after ovulation are the most fertile days for women. Sperm can live inside your body for up to five days, but the egg only survives 12 to 24 hours after ovulation.

When is the Best Time to Try and Get Pregnant?

If sperm are present in your fallopian tubes or uterus when you ovulate, you can get pregnant. That means it’s possible to get pregnant if you’ve had unprotected sex up to five days before ovulation and about a day after ovulation.

If you are trying to get pregnant and you detect the LH surge, signaling that ovulation is about to happen, it’s a good idea to have sex within the next 24 hours This ensures that sperm have the best chance of locating the egg before it passes from the body.

If you’ve had sex in the day or two before ovulation, it’s likely that sperm is still in your uterus and can meet up with the egg when it exits the ovary. To be extra sure, you can have sex again!

When Should I Take an Ovulation Test?

If you’ve been tracking your cycle and you’re regular, you’ll have a good idea of your cycle’s midpoint when ovulation typically occurs. Start taking an ovulation test a couple of days before your “best guess day” so you can monitor the level of LH hormone.

If your menstrual cycle is 28 days, you’ll likely ovulate on or around day 14. In this case, you’ll want to start testing around day 10 or 11 and continue daily until you see the hormone surge, indicating an egg is about to be released from the ovary. If you have a shorter cycle, ovulation is likely to happen within four days of the cycle’s midpoint. Thus, it’s recommended to start using an ovulation test kit 4 to 6 days before the midpoint of your cycle. If your cycle length differs or is irregular, it’s wise to consult your doctor for guidance on when to conduct the test.

Although it’s not required to take an ovulation test any time of day, it’s best to take it at the same time each day for the best results. Many people take an ovulation test when they first wake up in the morning, which gives them time to plan for sex if ovulation is indicated.

In addition, some people test twice a day. Since the LH surge can vary in duration – being either long (more than 24 hours) or short (less than 24 hours) – testing twice a day increases the likelihood of capturing the peak, especially for those with a shorter surge.

Planning ahead can be beneficial and starting a prenatal supplement with DHA to support your baby’s development is also advisable during this time.

First Response Can Help You on Your Pregnancy Journey

When you’re trying to conceive, information is power. That’s why we invite you to join the supportive community of the First Response™ Pregnancy Hub. Enhance your experience with First Response™, ensuring comfort and confidence along the way:

• Explore a range of First Response™ Pregnancy Tests, from strip tests to digital options and combination packs, offering peace of mind whether it’s positive or negative. If you’re actively trying to conceive, FIRST RESPONSE™ Early Result Pregnancy Test allows you to test 6 days sooner than the day of your missed period
• Intimacy while trying to conceive can sometimes lead to vaginal dryness. Traditional lubricants may also hinder sperm mortality, affecting your chances of success. Use Pre-Seed™ Fertility Lubricant from the makers of First Response™, designed to be isotonic and pH balanced similar to that of the vaginal environment to aid in supporting sperm survival.