Ovulation: Symptoms, Calendar & Tips

Ovulation occurs when your ovary releases a mature egg that travels down to the fallopian tube where it can be fertilized with a sperm. If fertilisation happens, the egg can travel to the uterus and implant itself to develop into a pregnancy. The day of ovulation and 5 days beforehand are considered your fertile window.

The egg can be fertilized within 12-24 hours after being released while a sperm can live in the reproductive tract for nearly 5 days.

In an average menstrual cycle of nearly 28 days, ovulation occurs around 14 days before the next cycle. However, most women experience ovulation nearly 4 days before or after the midpoint of their menstrual cycle.

Also Read: How to prepare your body for pregnancy

Every woman has a distinct menstrual cycle. Hence, the ovulation period also varies. Nonetheless, you can identify your ovulation based on the following signs and ovulation symptoms.

• Clear, stretchy and egg-white like discharge (know which is normal and which is abnormal discharge)
• Light bleeding
• Breast tenderness
• Increased sexual drive
• Slight discomfort on one side of the abdomen
• Heightened sense of smell
• Bloating (why tea causes bloating)

Also Read: Home Remedies for Gas During Pregnancy

Here are some ways to keep a track of your ovulation cycle.

• Check your basal body temperature (normal body temperature) – It is your lowest body temperature attained right after resting. It is usually charted in the early morning. You may be ovulating if your basal body temperature falls slightly and elevates again.
• Ovulation calendar – Ovulation calendars or ovulation calculators are online tools that help you fill in your details manually and record your cycle.
• Check your symptoms – Notice the changes in your body and symptoms to know if you are ovulating.

Also Read: Food cravings during pregnancy

Keep the following things in mind while you are trying to conceive.

• Have sexual intercourse 2-3 days before ovulation
• Start consuming folic acid (why do you need folic acid during pregnancy) routinely
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle and relieve stress
• Manage your underlying health conditions

FAQs

How often should you have intercourse while trying to conceive?

You should have intercourse every day or every second day during ovulation while trying to conceive.

What if you are not ovulating regularly?

If you are ovulating regularly, you may be undergoing an ovulatory disorder. You should consult an expert obstetrician-gynaecologist for a health checkup.

Can you get pregnant after ovulation?

It is possible to get pregnant after ovulation. However, your chances are higher during your fertile window.