The best time to get pregnant

You are most likely to get pregnant if you have sex around the time you ovulate (when an egg is released from the ovary). This usually happens about 14 days after the first day of your last period, although it can vary from person to person.

Once released, the egg lives for about 12 to 24 hours. For pregnancy to happen, the egg must be fertilised by sperm during this time.

Sperm can live inside a woman’s body for up to 7 days. This means that if you have sex in the days leading up to ovulation, the sperm can remain in the body and be ready to fertilise the egg when it is released.

The signs of pregnancy

For women with a regular monthly cycle, the earliest and most reliable sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Some women who are pregnant may still have light bleeding, but it is usually much lighter than a normal period.

Other early signs of pregnancy can include:

• Feeling sick
  You may feel sick or be sick. This is often called “morning sickness”, but it can happen at any time of day. If you are being sick frequently and cannot keep food or fluids down, contact your GP.
• Changes in your breasts
  Your breasts may become larger, tender, or tingly, similar to how they feel before a period. Veins may become more noticeable, and your nipples may darken and stand out more.
• Needing to pass urine more often
  You may find that you need to go to the toilet more frequently, including during the night.
• Constipation
  You may have difficulty opening your bowels.
• Increased vaginal discharge
  You may notice more discharge than usual, without any soreness or irritation.
• Feeling tired
  Many women feel more tired than usual in early pregnancy.
• Changes in taste
  You may notice a strange or metallic taste in your mouth.
• Changes in likes and dislikes
  You may go off certain things, such as tea, coffee, tobacco smoke, or fatty foods.

Pregnancy testing

When to take a test
Pregnancy tests can usually be taken from the first day of a missed period. At this point, if you are pregnant, it is about two weeks since conception. Some very sensitive tests can detect pregnancy even earlier.

Providing a urine sample
You can give a urine sample at any time of day. Use a clean, well-rinsed container that is free from soap.

Where to get a test
Pregnancy tests are available from pharmacies and some pregnancy advisory services, often for a small fee. You can also buy home testing kits from a pharmacy. These are easy to use, give quick results, and can be done in private.

Follow the instructions
There are different types of tests available, so it is important to read and follow the instructions provided with your test.

Preparing for Pregnancy (Preconception Advice)

If you are planning a pregnancy, there are a few important things you can do to help keep yourself and your baby healthy:

• Take supplements
  Start taking folic acid and vitamin D before you become pregnant. This helps support your baby’s development.
• Maintain a healthy weight
  Try to reach and keep a healthy weight, as this can improve your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy pregnancy.
• Avoid alcohol
  It is best to stop drinking alcohol when trying to conceive.
• Stop smoking
  If you smoke, seek support to help you stop.
• Avoid drugs
  Do not use recreational drugs or misuse prescribed medications.
• Get medical advice if needed
  If you have any ongoing health conditions—such as epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma, autoimmune conditions, or mental health problems—speak to your GP or consultant before trying to get pregnant.

Useful resources

NHS: Planning your pregnancy
Tommy’s Pregnancy and Baby Charity: Planning a pregnancy
Tommy’s Pregnancy and Baby Charity: Drugs and medicines in pregnancy
CBeebies Parenting: Pregnancy tips and advice for parents to be

Public Health Agency resources

Folic Acid – One of life’s essentials
Vitamin D and You
Weigh to a healthy pregnancy
 Pregnancy and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)