Getting pregnant

How can you increase your chances of getting pregnant? A great place to start is understanding the reproductive basics - your menstrual cycle, your hormones, ovulation and how fertilization happens! Understanding when to have sex to increase your odds of conceiving and what to expect after ovulation including implantation. These are subjects that every woman should know.

 

The essentials

Menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle

The menstrual cycle is a woman's cycle that prepares the body each month for pregnancy. It is controlled by hormonal changes that affect the ovaries and uterus.

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Hormones

Hormones

All about estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone.

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Ovulation

Ovulation

Ovulation is the release of the mature egg from the ovary. The mature egg bursts from the follicle in the ovary and is immediately picked up by the fallopian tube and carried towards the uterus.

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Fertilization

Fertilization

Fertilization occurs when the sperm penetrates the egg and creates the first cell that can then become a new life. Although it seems a simple process, many factors must be timed correctly for this amazing event to happen!

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Implantation

Implantation

The fertilized egg has divided and become a blastocyst, and has traveled from the fallopian tube to the uterus. Once in the uterus the blastocyst will burrow into the lining of the uterus in order to receive oxygen and nutrients from the mother, this process is called implantation.

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After implantation

After implantation

Once implanted, the blastocyst will begin receiving nourishment directly from cells in the lining of the uterus and it will divide into 2 parts.

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Pinpointing ovulation

Pinpointing ovulation

If you are trying to get pregnant, knowing when you ovulate is key. Knowing this can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to conceive.

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When to have sex

When to have sex

Discover the best times to have sex when trying to get pregnant.

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Useful calculators

 

Further reading

Implantation bleeding

What is it? When does it occur? How common is it?

 

Chemical pregnancy

A chemical pregnancy is a pregnancy that terminates soon after the egg and sperm join.

 

Clomid (Serophene)

Fertility in a pill - understanding Clomid and if it's right for you.

 

Evening primrose oil

Popular herbal supplements for female hormonal balance and fertility

 

 

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