Trying to Get Pregnant? Here's When Timing Really Helps

New Delhi: For couples planning a baby, timing matters more than you might think. Doctors say that to boost the chance of conception, it’s best to have sex around the time a woman’s body is most fertile, the days leading up to and including ovulation. This is when an egg is released from the ovary and can be fertilised by sperm.

How do you know your fertile window?

A common way to estimate ovulation is by tracking your menstrual cycle. Ovulation usually happens about 14 days before your next period begins. So if your cycle is regular, you can calculate roughly when you’re most fertile. Paying attention to body signs helps too. Many women notice changes in cervical mucus, becoming clearer and more stretchy, a day or two before ovulation, which is a clue that the fertile window is opening.

Doctors say that sperm can live inside the reproductive tract for up to five days, while the egg survives about a day after release. That gives a fertile window of about six days each cycle when pregnancy is most likely. Couples are encouraged to have sex every day or every other day during this time rather than focusing on a single “perfect moment.”

Do you need special tools to track fertility?

There are many apps and kits that claim to pinpoint ovulation. Some couples find these helpful, especially if cycles are irregular or they have infrequent sex. But experts caution that these tools can sometimes add stress or give an inaccurate picture. They’re not necessary for everyone, and simply understanding your cycle and observing your body can be enough.

What if it doesn’t happen right away?

It’s normal not to get pregnant immediately. More than half of healthy couples conceive within six months of trying. If you’re under 35 and haven’t conceived after a year of regular attempts, doctors usually recommend seeking medical advice. For women between 35 and 39, that check-in might come after six months. And if you have known health conditions that affect fertility, earlier consultation is a good idea.

Every couple’s journey is different. Understanding your body and keeping things relaxed can make trying for a baby feel less like a chore and more like a shared step forward.