The female’s ovulation period is the most important factor that any couple or woman should be familiar with if they/she wishes conceive a child. Despite the fact the pregnancy ends up being an unexpected surprise to some many women across the globe, it sometimes proves to be a difficult endeavor that affects more than 10% of the population. Ironic isn’t it?
Ovulation is the time when you are most fertile. This is the time when your body is primed and ready to conceive. You must remember that ovulation, or the process of releasing the ovum (egg) to be fertilized, occurs only once a month. For women who have a 28-day, regular menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs on the 14th day after the last day of menstruation. And at times, ovulation may not even occur at the same day every month. Others have different menstrual cycles, hence a different ovulation period. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you are aware of your own cycle. After ovulation, the ovum remains in the fallopian tube (ovary) for a maximum of four (4) days. That means you are fertile or capable of conceiving during these days. Knowing your ovulation signs could aid you in identifying your fertile days and the best time to plan for intercourse. The two most common ovulation signs are as follows:
Cervical Mucus Discharge. Vaginal secretion is normal and helps in maintaining an acidic environment. This acidic environment actually prevents harmful bacteria from thriving (think yeast infection!) in your vagina. During ovulation, there is an increase in the cervical mucus secretion. The appearance is transparent and is similar in consistency to egg whites. The change in the consistency from thick to thin allows the sperm to pass through the vaginal canal.
Basal Body Temperature. It is the temperature of your body at rest, especially during sleep wherein the temperature is at its lowest. BBT is usually taken the moment you wake up and before you get up to start any activity. Days before ovulation, your BBT maintains a consistent temperature. However, a day before ovulation, the temperature slightly decreases. On the day of the ovulation, BBT actually spikes up by 0.5 – 1 degree Fahrenheit. By using a ovulation chart to track your body temperature daily you can see by tracking when to get busy and do the “baby dance”.
Your ovulation period may include other signs called the Secondary Signs of Ovulation. These may or may not be true to all women and may or may not occur together with the principal signs mentioned above.
- Mittelschmerz. It is commonly referred to as “midcycle pain” or “ovulation pain”. It is characterized by a lower abdominal or pelvic pain that is experienced midway through the cycle. It could last for hours up to 3-4 days. It may occur on either side of the abdomen, depending on what side of the ovary released the ovum.
- Breast tenderness
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating
- Increased stress
- Increase sex drive
- Increase in appetite
- Increased sense of smell, taste and vision
Aside from identifying your most fertile days, it is also of great importance that you prepare your body for pregnancy. Weight (overweight and underweight) may also affect the body’s capacity to conceive. Smoking, alcohol and stress could greatly affect your fertility. Make sure that your body is in good condition and you are taking care of your health.
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