When am I most likely to get pregnant?
Your fertile days are about six days long, ending the day you ovulate. A few simple signs can help you spot them.
A six-day window
Sperm can live inside the body for about 5 days. The egg only lives about 24 hours after it's released. So the days you are most likely to get pregnant are the 5 days before ovulation plus the day of ovulation.
Signs your body gives you
- Cervical fluid (also called mucus): the slippery discharge from your vagina becomes clearer and stretchier - a bit like raw egg white - in the days before ovulation.
- Morning temperature: your temperature when you first wake up (sometimes called BBT, short for basal body temperature) goes up by about 0.3°C right after ovulation. This confirms ovulation has already happened.
- Mid-cycle pain: some people feel a brief twinge or ache on one side around ovulation. (Doctors sometimes call this "mittelschmerz".)
- Ovulation tests: these are pee-on-a-stick tests sold at pharmacies. They detect the hormone that triggers ovulation and tell you it's about to happen in the next day or two.
Common questions
Quick answers to questions people often have about this topic.
How do I know when I'm ovulating?
Watch for clear, stretchy cervical fluid and, if you track it, a small rise in your morning temperature the day after. Ovulation tests from a pharmacy can tell you it's about to happen.
Can I get pregnant on my period?
It's unusual but possible, especially if you have a short cycle. Sperm can live for about 5 days, so sex near the end of bleeding could overlap with an early ovulation.
How accurate are app-based fertile day predictions?
Predictions from any app are estimates based on your past cycles. They get more reliable the more cycles you log, but body signs (fluid, temperature) are the most accurate way to confirm ovulation in real time.
Does morning temperature predict ovulation?
It confirms ovulation after it happens, not before. If you're trying to conceive, combine temperature with cervical fluid or ovulation tests to plan ahead.