When Can I Get Pregnant?

Fertility is the natural ability to reproduce. Both women and men have the necessary organs and cells needed to create life. However, there are several aspects that can improve or hinder the chances of getting pregnant.

So, how and when can a woman become pregnant?

This is a tricky question. Every woman is different and all have unique menstrual cycles. 

According to the United Kingdom National Health Service, two days before a woman’s ovulation, on average, is the most fertile time to get pregnant. Ovulation is a phase in the menstrual cycle that occurs around day 14 of a 28 day cycle.

At this time, one fully developed egg is released and travels down the fallopian tubes to the uterus. The egg is only capable of fertilization for 12-24 hours. If the egg is not fertilized within this time, it passes, along with the lining of the uterus, out of the body during the woman’s monthly period. 

Conception occurs when a man and a woman have vaginal sex. The sperm swims through the vagina and connects to and enters the egg coming towards the uterus.  The now fertilized egg begins to rapidly divide as it makes its way to the uterus (University of California San Francisco). 

After about a week, the fertilized egg is now a large group of cells called a blastocyst. It attaches itself to the lining of the uterus which triggers hormones to be released. These hormones, estrogen and progesterone, signal the wall of the uterus (the endometrium) to thicken. This provides nutrients for the growing embryo. 

Other hormones that are released signal the body that a baby is growing in the uterus. The uterus does not shed its lining, causing a woman to miss her period. Over the next nine months, the baby continues to grow until fully developed (Cleveland Clinic). 

Although during a woman's ovulation is the most likely the best time to get pregnant, it is also possible to become pregnant throughout the month. In addition, the ability to get pregnant is sometimes hindered in either the man or woman, and sometimes both. If a couple can not get pregnant after a year of trying, it is called infertility. At this point in time it may be helpful to see a fertility specialist. 

This goes back to the uniqueness of each woman’s cycles. The length of a woman's cycle determines her peak fertility that month. Being aware of the cycle pattern and varied physical changes that take place in your body during your cycle is the best way to either prevent or achieve a pregnancy.