Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Best Tips for Getting Pregnant During Ovulation?

Jacob Queen
Jacob Queen

Getting pregnant during ovulation will typically involve having sex as frequently as the couple can manage. The best time for sex is slightly before ovulation begins. A man’s sperm can survive inside the uterus for several days, so in an ideal circumstance, having sex before ovulation can maximize the number of sperm that are waiting for the egg. The sex should continue right through the ovulation cycle and slightly after it. In addition, when getting pregnant during ovulation, it is important for the man and woman to avoid unhealthy behaviors that might increase the risk of birth defects or lower fertility.

Many doctors say that it is unwise to get too caught up in the exact timing of sex when trying to conceive. The couples that have sex the most frequently seem to generally have the most success in getting pregnant during ovulation. If a couple is being too technical about the process, it can sometimes become almost mechanical for them, and this can make the sex less enjoyable, which might result in less overall sex.

Getting pregnant during ovulation will typically involve having sex as frequently as the couple can manage.
Getting pregnant during ovulation will typically involve having sex as frequently as the couple can manage.

There are studies that suggest a connection between female orgasm and pregnancy. This idea isn't proven, but some scientists think that the contractions in the uterus during an orgasm might help the fertilization process along. It is also generally true that couples who enjoy sex more will be more eager to do it as much as possible, which is often a key aspect in getting pregnant.

There are certain sex positions that enable more sperm to enter the fallopian tubes.
There are certain sex positions that enable more sperm to enter the fallopian tubes.

One thing that can be important when getting pregnant during ovulation involves the sexual positions used. If the position allows the sperm to drain from the vagina during or immediately after the act, it's generally not mechanically ideal, although pregnancy can still happen. Some doctors also recommend the woman spend some time after the act in a position that keeps the sperm from draining out, but the necessity of this is generally unproven, and it is certainly possible to get pregnant without doing it.

It's important for couples to approach trying to become pregnant casually, as stress can decrease the chances of occurrence.
It's important for couples to approach trying to become pregnant casually, as stress can decrease the chances of occurrence.

Women often take their temperature and use various other techniques to determine if they are ovulating. One thing that can be helpful is to monitor cervical mucus. As a woman gets closer to ovulation, cervical mucus will generally get thicker. In order to maximize the possibility of getting pregnant during ovulation, couples may want to increase their sexual activity when the cervical mucus thickens. This can help them to time things effectively so that there are sperm present when the egg arrives.

Discussion Comments

fBoyle

I'm not an expert to give "getting pregnant tips" to others. But I have five children and in my opinion, the biggest mistake people make while trying to get pregnant is stressing over the matter. I think that stress reduces the likelihood of conceiving.

Men have performance anxiety because of pressure and women experience menstrual changes out of worry. It also takes the fun out of sex and makes it a task. It's also been proven that stress, along with several other factors, decrease quality of sperm and eggs. So the best thing one can do is to not think about it too much.

ysmina

@donasmrs-- That's highly possible. Are you looking out for ovulation signs or using an ovulation calendar? If you have a 28 day menstrual cycle, you will ovulate around day 14. But some women have longer or shorter cycles. I recommend getting an ovulation kit or seeing a gynecologist to figure out exactly when you ovulate. You can also follow changes in discharge/cervical mucus to approximately determine ovulation time. Discharge will be very thin and runny when you're ovulating.

Don't wait until your ovulation day to have sex like the article said. Start before and continue for a few days afterward. Also, avoid getting up, going to the bathroom and showering immediately after intercourse to improve your chances.

donasmrs

I try to estimate my ovulation days and my husband and I try to have more sex on those days so that I can get pregnant. We must be doing something wrong because we have been trying for three months now and I'm still not pregnant.

Could I be getting the timing wrong?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Getting pregnant during ovulation will typically involve having sex as frequently as the couple can manage.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Getting pregnant during ovulation will typically involve having sex as frequently as the couple can manage.
    • There are certain sex positions that enable more sperm to enter the fallopian tubes.
      By: marinasvetlova
      There are certain sex positions that enable more sperm to enter the fallopian tubes.
    • It's important for couples to approach trying to become pregnant casually, as stress can decrease the chances of occurrence.
      By: Ferrante Pietro
      It's important for couples to approach trying to become pregnant casually, as stress can decrease the chances of occurrence.
    • It's important for both men and women to engage in healthy behavior prior to a pregnancy to avoid lower fertility or potential birth defects.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      It's important for both men and women to engage in healthy behavior prior to a pregnancy to avoid lower fertility or potential birth defects.
    • An increased sex drive may be a sign of ovulation in some women.
      By: Photographee.eu
      An increased sex drive may be a sign of ovulation in some women.
    • During the ovulation process, an egg is released from one of a woman's ovaries.
      By: 7activestudio
      During the ovulation process, an egg is released from one of a woman's ovaries.
    • Monitoring a woman's cervical mucus may increase the likelihood of pregnancy.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Monitoring a woman's cervical mucus may increase the likelihood of pregnancy.