If women have intercourse without using contraception, you can conceive (get pregnant) at any time during your menstrual cycle, even during or just after period.
Women can also get pregnant if you have never had a period before, during your first period, or after the first time you have intercourse.
There is no "safe" time of the month when you can have intercourse without contraception and not risk becoming pregnant.
But there are times in your menstrual cycle when you're at your most fertile, and this is when you're most likely to conceive.
Understanding your menstrual cycle
Women's menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period and continues up to the first day of your next period.
Women are most fertile at the time of ovulation (when an egg is released from your ovaries), which usually occurs 12 to 14 days before your next period starts. This is the time of the month when you're most likely to get pregnant.
Women will get pregnant just after your period, although it can happen.
It's important to remember that sperm can sometimes survive in the body for up to 7 days after you have intercourse.
There are possibilities to get pregnant soon after your period finishes if you ovulate early, especially if you have a naturally short menstrual cycle.
You should always use contraception when you have intercourse if you don't want to become pregnant.
A woman can only get pregnant during the ‘fertile window’ in the menstrual cycle.
There are a few ways to work out when you’re ovulating.
Your chance of getting pregnant is dramatically increased if you have intercourse on the day of ovulation, or two days before that.
When are you more likely to conceive?
We’re talking about the fertile window the days in a woman’s menstrual cycle when pregnancy is possible. The fertile window depends on the length of the menstrual cycle, which varies among women.
The fertile window is the day an egg is released from the ovary (ovulation) and the five days beforehand.
Having intercourse during this time gives you the best chance of getting pregnant.
Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from the ovary. The egg then moves down the fallopian tube where it can be fertilise.
If sperm are in the fallopian tube when the egg is released, there is a good chance that the egg will be fertilise, creating an embryo, which can grow into a baby.
Possible way to get pregnant is, if you have intercourse during the five days before ovulation or on the day of ovulation.
But the most fertile days are the three days leading up to and including ovulation. Having intercourse during this time gives you the best chance of getting pregnant.
By 12-24 hours after ovulation, a woman is no longer able to get pregnant during that menstrual cycle because the egg is no longer in the fallopian tube.
To maximizing fertility, Follow these simple tips for how to get pregnant:
Have intercourse regularly. The highest pregnancy rates occur in couples who have intercourse every day or every other day.
Have intercourse near the time of ovulation. If having intercourse every day isn't possible — or enjoyable — have intercourse every 2 to 3 days a week starting soon after the end of your period. This can help ensure that you have intercourse when you are most fertile.
Maintain a normal weight. Overweight and underweight women are at increased risk of ovulation disorders.
Also, consider talking to your health care provider about preconception planning. He or she can assess your overall health and help you identify changes that might improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy. Your health care provider will recommend taking folic acid a few months before conception to reduce the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
What to avoid to improve your odds of conceiving:
Don't smoke. Tobacco has multiple negative effects on fertility, not to mention your general health and the health of a fetus. If you smoke, ask your health care provider to help you quit before you start trying to conceive.
Don't drink alcohol. Heavy alcohol use might lead to decreased fertility. Generally, it's best to avoid alcohol if you're hoping to conceive.
Curb caffeine. Research suggests that fertility isn't affected by caffeine consumption of less than 200 milligrams a day. That's about 1 to 2 cups of 6 to 8 ounces of coffee a day.
Don't overdo strenuous exercise. Strenuous, intense exercise of more than five hours a week has been associated with decreased ovulation.
Also, talk to your health care provider about any medications you are taking. Certain medications, even those available without a prescription can make it difficult to conceive.
There’s almost no chance of getting pregnant if you have intercourse before or after the fertile windows (but if you’re not trying to get pregnant, don’t rely on this contraception is your best option).
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