Some Nigerian couples seem to get pregnant really easy, while for others it takes a while and plenty of patience.

Here is what you need to know about getting pregnant.

How to predict ovulation

One of the most important things to learn if you are trying to get pregnant is how to predict ovulation.

Every month your pituitary gland stimulates your ovaries to release an egg. Once the egg is released, the egg travels down to your fallopian tubes and this is when conception is most likely to happen.

While for some women it’s easy to tell when they are ovulating and for others it’s not.  Some women get their period like clockwork on the same day all their pre-menopausal lives, while others are not regular.

Keep an eye on your calendar or create a special calendar for ovulation.  Write down the day your period starts and ends and how long your cycle lasts.  Ovulation is most likely to occur at the midpoint of your cycle.  If you are consistent and your cycle occurs every 28 days, then ovulation most likely will start on day 14.

If you have a longer cycle over 34 days, ovulation will most likely occur around day 20, after your last period began.

What affects the timing of ovulation

Your egg is like a moving target and many factors can affect the exact timing of ovulation, including stress and excessive exercising.

What to look out for

Cervical mucus

Look for changes in cervical mucus just before ovulation.  You might notice a clear and slippery vaginal secretion or you might have slight cramping.  The secretions look like white raw eggs and after ovulation the chances of becoming pregnant are slim.

Changes in body temperature

You can also track your body temperature because ovulation can cause a slight increase in body temperature when you are resting.

Use a thermometer that is designed to take your basal temperature.  Take your temperature every morning before you arise and put your recordings in your book or jotter.

Eventually you will see a pattern and you will be the most fertile during the 2 to 3 days before your temperature rises.

Other things that you can do

Try an ovulation predictor kit because these kits tests for surges in your hormones that take place before ovulation.  Ovulation kits are helpful in determining the time of ovulation or they can even provide a signal before ovulation actually happens.  Remember to also follow the directions thoroughly on the label.

Make sure you have sex regularly

Remember to have sex regularly during ovulation because you are more likely to hit a fertile egg at some point.

Daily intercourse during the days leading up to ovulation might increase the odds of conception.  Sometimes the sperm level is likely to drop during too much sex, but shouldn’t be an issue in healthy men.

Remember to make healthy lifestyle choices, quit smoking, increase your physical activity in moderation, watch the caffeine and manage your stress.

These good habits start a healthy pregnancy at the time of conception.

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