Trying to Get Pregnant? Find Out When You’re Ovulating

Many couples try for months and month (and sometimes years) to get pregnant but can’t seem to be successful in conceiving a baby. Whether you’ve been trying for a while or just decided to give it a go now, there are certain things you can do to help optimize the chances of getting pregnant. One of the most important things is figuring out when you're ovulating.

Most women are already aware that the best times to try and conceive are during your ovulation cycle. The problem is, often times it can be very difficult to determine exactly when you’re ovulating.

Generally, there are three main ways to find out when you’re ovulating:

1. Timing. If you have a regular period cycle, you may be able to find out when you’re ovulating by counting back 14 days from when you expect your next period to begin. You will ovulate 14 days before your next period, regardless of you cycle, but if you don’t know when your next cycle will start, this may be slightly difficult. Luckily, there are other ways to determine your ovulation cycle.
2. Pain. Ever feel a pain in your lower abdomen that lasts for a few hours (sometimes more) and can range from mild to quite severe? That’s the ovum being released and your membranes stretching – it’s also an indication that you’re probably ovulating.
3. Mucus. This is definitely a more hands-on approach to finding out your ovulation cycle but, especially for those of you with irregular cycles, it’s also the most effective.

Right after your period is not a good time to try and conceive. Your vaginal area is dry and there is a lack of cervical mucus which makes it difficult to conceive at this time.

As your approaching ovulation, your chances of conceiving increase. Right before ovulation your mucus will increase and will be white or yellow. The mucus will be sticky and the mucus will not easily stretch between your fingers.

During ovulations, as you know, is the best time to get pregnant. At this point, there will be lots of mucus and it will appear clear, thin, stretchy and slippery. Many compare the appearance and texture to raw egg whites. This mucus will easily stretch between your fingers without breaking and is the best for conceiving.

Check out our Ovulation Calendar for a complete breakdown of your full cycle and what to expect.

Hopefully our tips have helped you increase the chance of getting pregnant.

If you have any other tips on how to know when you’re ovulating, please leave them in the comment section below.