There are many questions about when you can get pregnant. Can you get pregnant during your period and when do I have the best chance of getting pregnant? Here are some important things to keep in mind to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

When do I have the best chance of getting pregnant?

The best chance of getting pregnant is during your ovulation. This usually occurs in the middle of your menstrual cycle, usually around day 14 for women with a 28-day cycle. Therefore, to maximize your chances of getting pregnant, try to schedule intercourse before, during and after ovulation.

Want to learn more about the menstrual cycle? You can read more here!

Calculate ovulation to maximize your chances

As we have already established, ovulation is an important event in the journey towards a potential pregnancy. But how do I know if I'm ovulating, you may ask? 

Two ways to find out if you are ovulating are to use a ovulation calculator to track your cycle and pinpoint when your ovulation is expected to occur, or an ovulation test. For those with an irregular menstrual cycle, an ovulation test can be a good option. The test helps you find out if you are ovulating by measuring the levels of LH (luteinizing hormone) in your urine. An increase in this hormone is a signal from the body that ovulation is near.

Try our ovulation calculator here

Fertility

The ability to conceive, i.e. fertility, can be affected by a number of factors. Some of these factors that we can influence include health and lifestyle. To increase your chances of getting pregnant, try to lead a healthy lifestyle and avoid harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Don't forget that while it is always good to adopt healthy habits as early as possible in life, it is never too late to change your lifestyle and put yourself in a better position.

Learn all about fertility here.

Can you get pregnant during your period?

The chances of getting pregnant during your period are low, but not impossible. Although unlikely, sperm can survive in a woman's body for several days. If you have short menstrual cycles, there may be a possibility that ovulation occurs shortly after the end of your period, increasing the chance of getting pregnant.

Click here to read more about the menstrual cycle and its different phases

Can I get pregnant right after I stop taking the pill or other contraceptives?

The short answer is: Yes, you can get pregnant right after you stop taking birth control pills. When you stop taking contraceptives, they disappear from your body almost immediately. What may differ, however, is whether your menstrual cycle returns to normal. For some, your period will return to normal almost immediately, while for others it may take a while (although this is not necessarily a bad thing).

How long can it take to get pregnant?

As with many things, the time it takes to get pregnant is different for everyone. For some, it happens more or less on the first try, and for others it may take longer. However, just because it doesn't happen as quickly as you'd hoped doesn't mean there's anything wrong.

If you have been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, it is possible to start an investigation to find out why you have not become pregnant. Even after an investigation, it is quite possible that there may not be anything 'wrong' and that your chances of having a baby are good.

If you feel anxious about your situation and if it takes time, don't forget about yourself in the process. Sharing your worries with someone and venting your feelings can be a huge relief. Prioritizing recovery and doing things that make you feel calm and happy is also something that needs to be emphasized. 

Check out our tips to keep in mind when trying to get pregnant.