Trying to Conceive
Track ovulation, find your fertile window, and improve your chances of conception — evidence-based guides for every stage of the TTC journey.
Start with Ovulation →Getting pregnant starts with understanding your cycle. Most healthy couples under 35 conceive within 12 months of trying — but knowing when to try can cut that timeline significantly. Your fertile window is only about 6 days per cycle. These guides will help you find it.
Whether you've just started trying or have been at it for a while, use the guides below to understand your body, track ovulation accurately, and know what to expect.
What Would You Like to Know?
Understanding Ovulation
When it happens, how to track it, and signs it's occurring
Read guide →Your Fertile Window
Identify your best days to conceive each cycle
Read guide →Signs of Ovulation
7 physical signs your body gives before and during ovulation
Read guide →Early Pregnancy Signs
Symptoms that can appear before a missed period
Read guide →When to Take a Pregnancy Test
Timing, accuracy, and how to read results
Read guide →How Long Does It Take?
Typical timelines by age and when to see a doctor
Read guide →Fertility Tips That Actually Work
Evidence-based ways to support natural conception
Read guide →Got a Positive Test — What Now?
First steps after a positive result
Read guide →How to Get Started
Track Your Cycle
Note the first day of your period each month for 2–3 cycles. This reveals your cycle length and helps predict your fertile window.
Identify Your Fertile Window
Use OPK tests or monitor cervical mucus to confirm when ovulation is approaching. The 5 days before ovulation and ovulation day itself are your best chances.
Have Sex at the Right Time
Aim for every 1–2 days during your fertile window. Daily sex doesn't significantly improve odds and can add unnecessary pressure.
Start Prenatal Vitamins Now
Begin taking folic acid (400–800mcg) at least one month before trying. It's the one supplement that truly matters for early fetal development.
Test at the Right Time
Wait until the day of your missed period for most accurate results. Testing too early risks a false negative — even with a sensitive test.
TTC FAQs
How long does it typically take to get pregnant?
Most couples conceive within 12 months of trying. About 85% of couples conceive within one year with regular unprotected sex. If you're under 35 and haven't conceived after 12 months, or over 35 after 6 months, it's worth seeing a doctor.
Does stress affect fertility?
Chronic severe stress can disrupt ovulation in some women by suppressing LH release. However, normal day-to-day stress while trying to conceive does not prevent pregnancy. Don't let worry about stress become an additional stressor.
Can I get pregnant with irregular periods?
Yes. Irregular cycles make timing harder, but ovulation still occurs — just unpredictably. OPK tests are especially useful here, as they detect the LH surge regardless of cycle length.
Should I use a specific position after sex?
No position has been shown to increase pregnancy rates. Lying down briefly after sex is common advice, but no research supports this. Sperm reach the cervix within seconds regardless of position.