A couple of months ago, we posted an article titled, When Am I Most Likely to Get Pregnant? Our article today discusses the “safest” time to avoid pregnancy. It’s essential to remember that there is no completely “safe” time.
A woman’s cycle can vary from month to month, and determining when you could become pregnant is difficult. Here are some tips to help.
Knowing When You Ovulate
Although every woman’s cycle varies, a regular cycle lasts approximately 28 days. Ovulation, when your ovary releases an egg, usually occurs around day 14 for a regular cycle. However, your ovaries can release an egg anywhere from 10 to 16 days before the start of your period. Ovulation is when you are most likely to get pregnant.
When ovulation occurs, the egg travels through your fallopian tube. If there is sperm in your fallopian tube at the time, you may become pregnant. An egg only survives 12 to 24 hours after ovulation, but sperm can live in a woman’s body for several days.
Determining when you ovulate can be tricky. Some women feel cramping in their pelvic area when they ovulate. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the following are other symptoms you may feel during ovulation:
- Tender breasts
- Bloating
- Light bleeding or spotting
- Increased sex drive
- Mood changes
- Appetite changes
The Least Likely Time to Get Pregnant
As we said earlier, your menstrual cycle can change monthly depending on various circumstances, so there isn’t a time when you can guarantee 100% that you won’t get pregnant.
The time when you are least likely to get pregnant is during your period. Because your period is the first day of your monthly cycle, you are less fertile. However, for women with shorter periods, ovulation can occur earlier, making it possible for them to become pregnant during their period.
If your cycle is regular, another less fertile time is immediately after your period. Ovulation hasn’t occurred yet, and there’s no egg to fertilize, making pregnancy less likely.
Tracking Ovulation
There are a few ways to track your monthly cycle to try and predict ovulation.
- The Calendar Method (also known as the Rhythm Method)
Track your monthly cycle regularly. The longer you track your cycle, the more clearly you will see a pattern. The Cleveland Clinic explains how to measure between your longest and shortest cycle to find the days you are most fertile.
- Ovulation Kits
These kits work similarly to at-home pregnancy tests. The kit uses your urine to detect a hormone that surges before ovulation.
- Basal Body Temperature
Your body temperature increases slightly during ovulation. Take your temperature every morning using a digital thermometer that specifically measures basal body temperature.
Would You Like More Information?
At Hope Place, we believe knowledge is power. We want you to be informed about your body, a possible pregnancy, and your health. Join our True Girl’s Club or take a life skills class. You owe it to yourself to get the information you need to stay safe and healthy.
To schedule a free and confidential appointment with a certified life coach consultant, fill out our confidential contact form or text or call us at (870) 352-8506. We care about you.