Ovulation, Conception, And Getting Pregnant

Ovulation, Conception, And Getting Pregnant

Are you looking for ways to increase your chances of getting pregnant? Or want to understand more about fertile days and ovulation? Or just want to know about conception? If yes, this article will help you understand more about ovulation and increase the chance of conceiving.

What is Ovulation?

Ovulation is a part of your menstrual cycle where the ovary releases an egg. It occurs around the 14th day of the usual 28-day cycle.

During each cycle, between six to 14 days of the cycle, the follicle-stimulating hormone causes one of the follicles in the ovary to mature. During 10 to 14 days, one follicle fully matures to form an egg.

Around the 14th day, a sudden increase in luteinizing hormone triggers egg release. The egg then travels down the hollow tube. During this phase, another hormone increases that prepares the womb lining for pregnancy. 

Conception

A woman conceives when a sperm cell enters the womb through the vagina and joins with the egg cell. When this fertilized egg continues to move down the tube, it starts multiplying. After a week of fertilization, the egg reaches the womb and form a cluster of 100 cells (blastocyst).

This cluster of cells attaches to the womb lining, a process called implantation. The release of female hormones estrogen and progesterone causes the thickening of the womb lining to provide nutrition to the growing baby.

The cells continue to divide. Some cells from the baby, while others form a nutrient and oxygen supplying structure, the placenta. The hormonal surge signals the womb lining to maintain itself and not shed. Thus, you will not get menses, suggesting pregnancy.

Ovulation Period For Pregnancy

The fertile period, during which getting pregnant is the highest, is known as ovulation. The ovulation period includes the day of ovulation and the time that sperm can live inside the cervix before fertilizing the egg.

Experts suggest getting pregnant five days before and one day after ovulation. The ovulation period may change based on the menstrual cycle.

How Many Days After Ovulation Can You Get Pregnant?

As discussed before, pregnancy is possible up to 24 hours after ovulation. This is because the egg can survive only 24 hours before sperm can fertilize it.

Pregnancy Symptoms After Ovulation Day By Day

Ovulation occurs around day 14, and six days around this process are considered fertile. But how can you know if you have conceived?

Here are some of the common symptoms after ovulation:

Days 0–7 past ovulation

During this phase, your body releases the hormone progesterone that aids in sustaining the pregnancy. 

This may cause symptoms such as:

  • Bloating
  • Increased nipple sensitivity
  • Muscle aches and headaches
  • Breast tenderness
  • Food cravings

Days 7–10 past ovulation

During this phase, most women notice spotting or bleeding, known as implantation bleeding. The spotting is light and lasts for a day or two, and is one of the earliest signs of pregnancy. During this stage, the pregnancy test may or may not be positive.

Days 11–14 past ovulation

It is more likely to test positive during this phase. Some symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • Increased urge to urinate
  • Darkening of the nipple colour
  • Abdominal cramps or diarrhea
  • Increased hunger or food cravings

As the pregnancy progresses, the symptoms become more prominent, including:

  • Vomiting
  • Nausea, especially when hungry
  • Lightheadedness or dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Strong aversion to certain smells or foods
  • Water retention and bloating
  • Changes in the sense of smell

Final Thoughts

Understanding ovulation can help you conceive quickly and avoid unwanted pregnancy. For most women, ovulation occurs around day 14 of their cycle.

However, some women, including those with PCOS, do not ovulate regularly. This can be a contributing factor to infertility.

At Medicover Fertility, we help with assisted reproduction. We will help you with medicines to promote ovulation. Insemination can be timed around ovulation to increase the chances of getting pregnant.