Finding out about your fertility will increase your chances of becoming pregnant. Advice from The Family Planning Association
The expectation is that just as you plan not to have a family, so you can plan to start a family. For some couples that expectation comes true. After six months of trying, six out of ten couples will have conceived a baby. For the other four, it takes longer.
The process can be frustrating and stressful but many GP's prefer you to try for a year before they consider referring you for fertility tests and treatment.
To make the most of your chances, be aware of your body changes month by month.
Finding your fertile time
Getting to know your menstrual cycle
Most women ovulate (release an egg from the ovary) about two weeks before their period. If your cycle is regular, count back 12-16 days from the day your period normally starts and this will give you a rough idea of when you are fertile.
Cervical mucus changes
During the menstrual cycle a woman’s vaginal secretions change. At the beginning and end of your cycle the fluid is white or yellowy, sticky and thick. As your body prepares for ovulation the amount of mucus increases and becomes thinner and clearer. Immediately before ovulation it becomes very thin, slippery and stretchy, like raw egg white.
Temperature
The temperature of your body at rest (basal body temperature) drops slightly immediately before ovulation. It rises to a higher level when ovulation has taken place. You need to take your temperature around the same time every day ideally after at least five hours’ sleep, before getting out of bed or having anything to eat or drink. Find out more about taking your BBT