Confused about what ovulation is? And, why or how you should track it? Read on:
Ovulation
Ovulation occurs during the female monthly cycle when elevated hormones trigger an ovary to release a mature egg in preparation for pregnancy. The average woman is at her most fertile in the ovulation phase.
The process
Ovulation generally takes place from 13 to 20 days before the next period.
Each month, an increased production of the hormone estrogen in the body thickens the uterus lining. It also leads to a surge in the luteinizing hormone (LH), which in turn causes ovulation, that is, the release of a mature egg from the ovary, 24-36 hours later. Typically, one egg is released per menstrual cycle of 28-32 days. If the egg isn’t fertilized within 24 hours, it’s discarded by the body during the next period.
How to tell you’re ovulating?
To find out whether you’re ovulating, note if one or more of these signs are present:
1) One side of your lower abdominal area feels tender or somewhat painful.
2) Your basal body temperature (BBT) rises slightly (0.4 to 1.0 degree).
3) The cervical fluids become stretchy and increase in volume.
4) An ovulation test detects the LH surge.
5) An ovulation predictor kit and/or an ovulation calculator predict it as your time of ovulation.
Improve conception chances
Since it’s your most fertile time, make the most of the ovulation phase to improve your chances of conception and pregnancy. Ensure good egg health during ovulation with the help of light cardio exercise and fertility abdominal massages at least 4 times a week. While you’re trying to get pregnant, avoid certain foods like raw or deli meats, fish high in mercury, and anything unpasteurized. Consider adding foods high in fiber, folic acid, vitamins, and protein to your diet.
You can further support egg health by consuming antioxidants and multivitamins. Another thing you can do to increase your odds of conceiving or establishing a pregnancy is to determine your time of ovulation. Do this by monitoring the physical symptoms of ovulation (such as your basal body temperature) and by using an online ovulation calculator. You should ideally try to time intercourse to occur 1-2 days before and during ovulation to raise the odds of a sperm and the egg meeting.
Take a pregnancy test at home to self-confirm pregnancy in 5 minutes!
You can use a pregnancy test calculator to find out the right time to take a pregnancy test. A pregnancy test calculator, like the ovulation calculator, also maps your cycle and can predict when you’re likely to be ovulating!