Getting Pregnant

One key factor in increasing your chances of getting pregnant is timing when you’re having sex with ovulation to hit your ‘fertile window’. As mentioned, ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before your next period, but it can vary between people.

Some common signs of ovulation include changes in the cervical mucus or discharge that your body produces, a slight increase in body temperature, and abdominal pain or cramping. Often referred to as ‘ovulation cramps’ and likened to period cramps, this cramping can alternate from month to month as your body alternates which ovary an egg is released from.

While these signs can help predict ovulation, it’s important to note that they are not foolproof methods for tracking ovulation. Tracking ovulation through an app or using ovulation predictor kits can also help determine when ovulation is occurring.

By being aware of the signs of ovulation and timing intercourse accordingly, you can increase your chances of conceiving and starting a family. For more advice, see our answers to common conception questions.

Infertility affects around 1 in 7 couples in the UK, and it can be a difficult and emotional journey. If you have been trying to get pregnant for a year or more without success, it may be time to speak to your GP and discuss your options.

Various factors can contribute to infertility, or fertility problems, including age, underlying health conditions, lifestyle factors and genetics.

In women, infertility can often be caused by gynaecological conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis or blocked fallopian tubes. In men, infertility may be caused by low sperm count, quality, or reproductive system blockages.

If you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions or health issues, you should talk to your GP before the 12-month mark of trying to conceive to ensure that any necessary fertility treatment is started a soon as possible. In this appointment, your GP will ask you and your partner questions about your and your partner’s medical history, as well as some lifestyle questions.

When natural conception isn’t possible for a couple, or hasn’t been successful despite trying, many fertility treatments are available to help couples conceive. These solutions can range from simple lifestyle changes to medical interventions, and their effectiveness varies.

1. Fertility drugs: Certain fertility drugs can help regulate ovulation and increase the chances of conception. These drugs are often used in conjunction with intrauterine insemination (IUI) to increase the chances of success.
2. Intrauterine insemination (IUI): IUI is a common fertility treatment that involves placing washed sperm directly into the uterus around ovulation, increasing the chances of conception. IUI may be combined with fertility drugs to increase the chances of a successful conception.

In cases where couples have been unable to conceive, but it’s still thought to be possible for the woman to carry a baby conceived using her own egg and her partner’s sperm, these are the most common fertility treatments. When you seek help and speak to a fertility specialist, they will assess your unique situation and advise on which fertility treatment is best for you as a couple.

Some couples have to consider alternative ways to have a baby where these fertility treatments aren't an option or aren't successful after being attempted. Alternative ways to have a baby may include:

1. In vitro fertilisation (IVF): This is a widely-used fertility treatment that involves fertilising eggs with sperm in a medical setting and then transferring the resulting embryos into the uterus.
2. Surrogacy: Surrogacy is the process through which a surrogate third party carries and delivers a baby for a couple. This may be recommended for couples with medical conditions that make pregnancy unsafe or impossible.
3. Adoption: Adoption is an option for couples unable to conceive or carry a child. Adoption is a permanent process that sees all legal parental rights and responsibilities transferred to the adoptive parents.

For couples unable to conceive naturally or through fertility treatments, these alternative ways to have a baby can be the perfect solutions to allow them to care for and look after a child.

Pregnancy symptoms can vary from woman to woman. So, how do you know if you’re really pregnant? Here are some early signs of pregnancy to keep an eye out for:

1. Missed period: This is often the first sign that you might be pregnant, but remember that some women may experience spotting or light bleeding in the first few weeks of pregnancy.
2. Feeling sick or being sick: Morning sickness is a common pregnancy symptom, but it can occur at any time of the day. Most people who experience morning sickness notice it from around week 5 of pregnancy, meaning that it can sometimes be the first symptom that people spot.
3. Fatigue or tiredness: Feeling tired or exhausted is a common pregnancy symptom, especially in the first trimester. Even though your baby is still teeny tiny, the first few weeks of pregnancy is when your body adjusts and prepares for growing your little one.
4. Mood swings: During the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, your body releases oestrogen and progesterone hormones. These hormonal changes can cause mood swings, irritability, or other emotional changes.