When you can get pregnant
Pregnancy happens when sperm enters a vagina, travels through the cervix and womb to the fallopian tube and fertilises an egg.
You’re more likely to get pregnant around the time you are ovulating. This is when an egg becomes ready and you are at your most fertile.
If you are under 40 and have regular sex without using contraception, there is an 8 in 10 chance you will get pregnant within 1 year.
How to increase your chances of getting pregnant
There are things you and your partner can do to increase the chances of getting pregnant.
Do
- have sex every 2 to 3 days without using contraception – make sure sperm enters the vagina
- try to have sex around the time you are ovulating – this is usually 12 to 16 days before your period starts
- try to maintain a healthy weight, cut down or stop drinking alcohol and do not smoke – it can help if your partner does this too
If you’re trying to get pregnant it’s important to take folic acid every day, eat a healthy diet, and drink no more than 1 to 2 units of alcohol once or twice a week. This will help your baby develop healthily.
See a GP if:
- you have been trying to get pregnant for over 1 year
- you have a long term condition such as diabetes and want advice about pregnancy
- there is a risk of passing on a condition such as sickle cell disease to your baby
- you regularly take medicines and want to get pregnant – some medicines can affect a pregnancy
- you are aged 36 and over and want to get pregnant
You can find more information on pregnancy in the 'Your Pregnancy and Birth book'.
Last Updated: 25/07/2023 07:34:54
The information on this page has been adapted by NHS Wales from original content supplied by
NHS website
nhs.uk