How to Find the Best Time to Conceive

The absolute best time to conceive is during a woman's fertile time, from about three days prior to ovulation up until the day she ovulates, or releases an ovum from the ovaries. Timing intercourse to occur during this 3-4 day window is the best way to conceive a baby naturally.


Learning more about the female cycle, which starts with the first day of menstruation and ends the day before the next period begins, is the first step for husbands and wives trying to find the best time to conceive.

Instructions

    • 1

      Note the average length of your cycle (or your wife's) by looking at the previous six cycles. Count the days from the first day of menstruation until the last day before the next period began -- this is a full menstrual cycle. Cycles while on hormonal birth control, i.e. the pill, do not count. It's important to learn the natural cycle length in order to find the best time to conceive.

    • 2

      Count back 18 days from the end of the cycle, and mark that day of the cycle. For example, if a cycle was 30 days, 18 days from the end of the cycle was Day 12.

      Now count back 14 days from the end of the cycle, ie cycle day 16 for the hypothetical 30-day cycle.

      In this case, the projected fertile time, or the best time to conceive, is cycle days 12 through 16. This assumes a luteal phase (the time after ovulation) of 14 days, which is average for most women.

    • 3

      Monitor your menstrual cycle each month, watching closely for signs of coming ovulation. As you get closer to ovulation, your cervical mucus, observable at the vaginal opening, will become stretchy, clear and slippery. This type of mucus is a clear sign of the best time to conceive -- be sure to do the "baby dance," that is, try to conceive, on these days.

    • 4

      Take your temperature with a basal thermometer immediately upon waking, at the same time each morning. Record this number using a chart or computer program to track your temperature pattern.

      The best time to conceive is while your temperature is low just prior to ovulation, and you have good fertile mucous.

    • 5

      Use your knowledge of your average cycle length, fertile mucous signs, and low basal temperatures pre-ovulation to determine the very best time to conceive each cycle. Hopefully, you will be able to get pregnant quickly this way.

      For more ideas and detailed pointers, see the Tips & Resources sections, below.

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