What is Conception and How Does it Happen?
Conception happens when a sperm fertilises an egg, beginning the pregnancy process. It involves several steps:- Ovulation: Once a month, your ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tube. This often happens around day 14 in a 28-day cycle. But cycles can be shorter or longer, anywhere from 21 to 35 days.
- Fertilisation: A sperm meets the egg in the fallopian tube, typically within 12 to 24 hours after ovulation. Since sperm can live inside the body for up to 5 days, you actually have about a 6-day “fertile window.”
- Implantation: The fertilised egg becomes an embryo and travels to the uterus, where it attaches to the uterine lining. This triggers the release of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that supports pregnancy.
Even then, young fertile couples have only a 20 to 25 per cent chance of conceiving each month, so patience is key.
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How to Get Pregnant?
Getting your body ready for pregnancy is like giving it the best start possible. A few lifestyle changes can boost your chances:- Eat well and stay hydrated: Go for a balanced diet rich in nutrients. Cutting down on carbs and adding more healthy fats can help balance hormones.
- Exercise moderately: Try gentle exercise like walking or yoga for about 30 minutes, three times a week. It keeps you fit, helps with weight, and improves blood flow.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being underweight or overweight can affect ovulation and hormone levels. A healthy weight supports regular ovulation and better fertility.
- Quit smoking: Smoking cuts your chances of conceiving by over 50 per cent and can harm egg quality or cause birth defects. Quitting is a must for you and your future baby.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine: Avoid alcohol when you’re trying to conceive, and keep coffee or tea to one or two cups a day.
- Take prenatal vitamins: Start taking folic acid at least three months before you try. This helps your baby’s development right from the start.
- Manage stress: High stress can get in the way of conception. Try meditation, yoga, or even just being outdoors to relax.
How Do You Know When You’re Ovulating?
Ovulation is when you’re most likely to get pregnant, so knowing when it happens is really helpful. It usually happens 14 days before your next period, but that can change if your cycle isn’t a standard 28 days.These are some ways to track it:
- Check cervical mucus: After your period, you may have dry days with little mucus. As ovulation gets closer, it turns yellow, white, or sticky. During your fertile window, it turns clear, stretchy, and slippery, like raw egg whites.
- Use ovulation predictor kits (OPKs): These test your urine for a surge in luteinising hormone (LH), which spikes 24 to 48 hours before ovulation. They’re highly accurate and help pinpoint your fertile days.
- Track basal body temperature (BBT): Your temperature rises slightly (by about 0.25°C) after ovulation. Measure it every morning before getting out of bed. It’s better for confirming ovulation than predicting it, so use it along with other methods.
- Look for physical signs: Signs like light spotting, mild abdominal cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, or increased libido can indicate ovulation.
When is the Best Time to Have Intercourse for Conception?
Timing intercourse correctly is a game-changer for conception. Your fertile window spans 3 to 5 days before ovulation and up to 24 hours after.Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Have intercourse every day or every other day during this window. This makes sure sperm are present when the egg is released.
- Focus on days 10 to 14 for a 28-day cycle. If your cycle is irregular, use ovulation tracking methods to narrow it down.
- Sperm can take 2 to 10 minutes to reach the fallopian tubes, but can wait there for up to 5 days. Having intercourse 2 to 3 days before ovulation is ideal, so sperm is ready when the egg arrives.
What Factors Affect Your Chances of Conceiving?
Several factors influence your chances when trying to conceive:- Age: Fertility naturally drops after 35. That’s because egg quality and quantity decrease. Older individuals may also face higher risks of conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.
- Health conditions: Issues like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, thyroid problems, or low sperm count can delay conception. These may require medical support.
- Lifestyle habits: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, high caffeine intake, and stress can reduce fertility. A healthy lifestyle improves your odds.
- Contraception history: Most contraception methods don’t harm long-term fertility. After stopping hormonal methods like the pill or IUD, ovulation usually resumes within 1 to 3 months.
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FAQs on Conception 101: Everything You Need to Know
- Can antidepressants impact fertility?
Yes. In women, they may slightly reduce the chances of natural conception, and in men, they can sometimes affect sperm quality. Research is still ongoing to understand the effects of different types of antidepressants. - When is it a good idea to talk to a fertility specialist?
Couples should consult a fertility specialist if they haven’t conceived after 12 months of trying (or 6 months if over 35).