Trying to conceive and getting pregnant

There is no single answer to this question since every couple is different and each has their own unique circumstances and menstrual cycle. However, there are general guidelines that can help couples determine when the best time to try and conceive may be.

Firstly, it is important to have regular sex, every 2-3 days throughout the cycle, especially during the fertile window. Ovulation usually occurs between 10-16 days before the start of a woman's next period – but, as mentioned, everyone is different. Therefore, couples who are trying to conceive should aim to have intercourse during the days leading up to ovulation. The fertile window lasts for approximately 7 days – 5 days before ovulation (as sperm can live in the vagina for 5 days), the day of ovulation and for the next 24 hours post ovulation. Having regular sex will increase the chances of sperm meeting egg and fertilisation occurring.

Ideally, couples should start trying to conceive when they are both healthy and have no major health concerns. If either partner has any chronic health conditions or is taking medication that could potentially impact fertility, it is important to speak with a doctor before trying to conceive. Likewise, if you have any concerns about your ability to conceive, talk to your GP.

If you are taking hormonal contraception, if you can, stop your contraceptive method a few months before actively trying to conceive so that all the hormones are out of your body, but don’t worry if this is not possible. It is also advised to start taking folic acid supplements before you start trying.

If you're trying to conceive, knowing when you ovulate is key. Ovulation is the release of an egg from your ovary. This is required before fertilisation can occur.

There are a few ways to tell when you might be ovulating:

Using ovulation kits may help you pinpoint when you’re most fertile. These kits test your urine for the presence of luteinizing hormone (LH), which surges about 12-36 hours before ovulation.

While ovulation kits can be effective in helping you time intercourse around your ovulation, it’s important to keep in mind that they aren’t foolproof. Your LH levels may fluctuate throughout the month, making it hard to get an accurate reading. In addition, some women don’t experience a surge in LH before ovulation, so these kits may not work for them. It is also important to be aware that ovulation kits may not work for women with PCOS, for example.

If you decide to use an ovulation kit, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and contact your doctor if you have any questions.

Overall, there is not one thing in isolation that helps encourage conception. It's generally multifactorial and very personal. The NHS advises that most couples will become pregnant within a year of trying to conceive.

If you're trying to conceive, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting pregnant and provide the best possible environment for a baby to develop.