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Chances of Pregnancy Before, During and After Periods
Pregnancy and the birth of a baby can evoke varying reactions in people, ranging from joy and anticipation to horror and fear. This is mostly dependent on the timing of the pregnancy - some women may be financially and personally comfortable enough to take on the responsibility of having a child, while some women might prefer to wait a while before embracing parenthood. Whether you’re looking to conceive (or prevent conception), timing is everything. Here, we discuss what the chances are of you getting pregnant any time before, during, or after your periods.
How Does Pregnancy (Conception) Occur?
A pregnancy occurs when a mobile sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell and the fertilised egg gets implanted in the uterus. To do this, the sperm cell must swim up from the vagina and into the fallopian tube via the cervix. After fertilisation, the egg cell travels from the ovary to the uterus via the fallopian tube. Here, it attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. Soon after, the remaining processes that are part of pregnancy follow suit.
Conception can happen at any time, from a few hours after intercourse to 5 days after sex. The fastest-swimming sperm may zero in on the egg in just about 45 minutes while slower swimmers may take up to 12 hours to navigate the same journey. Sperm cells can take a break for up to 5 days in the hospitable environment of the fallopian tube and still do their primary job of fertilizing the ovum. This happens if ovulation happens 5 days after sex. This means that if at any time in this window of opportunity an egg is released, the sperm has a chance of fertilizing it.
So, we can see that in the action of conception, there are various markers that have to be met:
There must be a mobile sperm cell.
There must be a viable egg.
They must meet at some time.
Conception is most probable if when the sperm reaches the uterus, it meets with a viable egg.
This is logically most probable if a woman has sex when there is a viable egg in the uterus.
The time when the uterus hosts a viable egg is called ovulation. This time window around ovulation is, thus, a time when conception is most possible.
Chances of Getting Pregnant Before Your Period
Can a woman get pregnant right before her period? For the sake of this question, let us assume that this refers to the week leading up to the period. In this scenario, we also need to assume that the woman in question is aware of her period cycle.
In that case, unless she is ovulating in that week, it is highly unlikely that sex that takes place during that week will lead to conception. Typically, a woman’s most fertile period to get pregnant is the period lasting from five days before her ovulation to ovulation itself. Unless this time matches with the week before her period, fertilization cannot happen. The rare case where this can happen is when a woman has a very short cycle of about 19-22 days, where it is possible that sex before periods can lead to a pregnancy.
If you are trying to get pregnant and are wondering, ’Can I get pregnant after ovulation but before my period?’, the answer is yes, you can. While the chances are low, it is certainly not impossible.
Chances of Getting Pregnant During Your Period
Is it possible for a woman to get pregnant during her periods? Well, this depends on the woman, the length of her period, its regularity and the time of her ovulation.
If you’re also wondering whether you can get pregnant while you’re menstruating and whether having sex during your period can lead to a pregnancy, the answer is yes if the following holds true for you:
Your period is regular.
It lasts for up to 5-7 days.
The time between your cycles is short (approximately 20-23 days).
You ovulate around the 10th to 12th day of your cycle.
In all these situations, the sperm that has entered your body during sex while having a period can fertilize an egg and you can get pregnant.
Tips on Having Sex During Your Period
Having sex during your period offers several benefits. For one, it acts as a natural painkiller (for some people) to get relief from cramps and headaches. It also eliminates the need for additional lubricant, and thanks to hormonal fluctuations, you may feel more turned on than usual during your period. While period sex can be a slightly more messy and uncomfortable experience than regular sex, the tips below can help make it a lot better!
First off, if you want to avoid the chances of getting pregnant at all, have your partner put on a latex condom. This also helps keeps any STIs at bay.
If you use tampons while on your period, make sure you take it out.
Cover your bed with dark and thick towels to catch leaking blood. This will help keep your sheets clean!
Keep wet washcloths or wipes right by your bedside so that you can use them when you’re done.
It’s important that you communicate openly to your partner about your needs and concerns. If you’re uncomfortable with anything, make sure you let your partner know. You can work things out and find out (creative) solutions to the problem that might just make period sex more fun!
Chances of Getting Pregnant After Your Period
You can get pregnant after your period ends; in fact, the fertile days last for up to 3-5 days after the end of your period. Regular sex on alternate days is recommended if you’re planning to conceive. This should be continued up until a few days after the halfway mark of the period. For example, if the halfway mark is 14, 6 days before and 4 days after are considered ideal.
Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle
Most women have a cycle that lasts for 28-32 days, while other women have cycles much shorter or longer than this average.
Understanding the ovulation period for pregnancy is important. It is measured near the halfway mark of the length of the period and is counted for a 28-day period. Normally, this is between day 10 and 15. During this period cycle, pregnancy is most likely to happen. Ovulation is the time when a woman will be most fertile and sex during ovulation increases the chances of conception. The chances of a pregnancy occurring during a woman’s menstrual cycle are higher during the 5 days that lead up to day 10 and continue from days 16 to 21. Ovulation can generally be gauged by a difference in vaginal secretions which resemble egg whites. Basal temperatures are also higher at this time.
Factors That Affect Your Chances of Getting Pregnant
What are the factors that affect your odds of getting pregnant? How can you make the odds turn in your favour or alternatively make sure that conception does not happen? Read on to find out.
1. Maternal Age
The chances of getting pregnant which are around 15-25% in your 20s go down in your 30s and become much lower in your 40s. So, if you really want a good shot at carrying a baby, start early.
2. Having Regular Periods
Menstrual periods which come at irregular intervals make it very difficult to predict the time of ovulation and thus, the right time to have sex for conception.
3. Too Much Sex or Too Little of it
The frequency of having sex is obviously important but strangely enough, sex every day may be less effective than on alternate days. It’s important to give men recovery time and make the act seem like less of a mechanical necessity or a chore.
4. Timing of Seeking Medical Attention
If a couple has been having regular sex for up to a year without being able to conceive, they should see a medical professional and rule out sexual health issues. Delaying a visit to the doctor can lead to problems later.
5. Ruling Out Other Medical Conditions
Any illness or medical condition which either partner is suffering from also affect conception.
Misconceptions About Pregnancy During Your Period
Many myths and misconceptions surround the act of conception and its relation to a period. Let us clarify some of them:
1. It Is Not Possible to Conceive Right After Your Period
The most common misconception is that sex just before or right after your period cannot result in conception. As we’ve covered earlier, it is all about the individual’s cycle and being able to predict the approximate time of ovulation.
2. Having Sex Every Day Is Better for Conception
The myth that more sex is equal to better chances of conception is not correct. While regular sex obviously grants people better odds of conceiving, as with everything in life, quality is better than quantity. One sperm cell is enough to ensure conception and each ejaculation contains thousands of sperm cells. Therefore, it is not the number of times that sex occurs, but the quality of the sperm that matters - their mobility and the health of their DNA is what affects conception. Even ejaculating once is enough to conceive if it is timed right during the woman’s ovulation period and if the individual sperm cells are healthy swimmers.
3. Previous STDs Do Not Impact the Chances of Conceiving
The damage to sexual organs from previous sexually transmitted diseases can seriously impact fertility. Untreated chlamydia and gonorrhoea can adversely affect the fertility of both men and women. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease or PID is a particularly serious condition and can permanently damage the uterus and the fallopian tubes.
4. Some Sexual Positions Are Better Than Others for Conceiving
Since it is very difficult to gather data on sexual positions and their relation to conception, it is a matter that is left to comfort and individual preference.
5. The Woman’s Orgasm Has No Effect on Conception
A woman’s orgasm during sex is, according to many experts, a very good thing. With the rhythmic contractions of the vaginal muscles, the uterus assists the sperm’s journey to the egg. It also increases the blood supply and hormone secretion in that area to increase the chances of a successful conception.
6. Fertility Does Not Depend on the Age of the Couple
The prime reproductive age of humans has been found to be the ages between the 20s and the 30s. There will be a slight fall in fertility levels after the age of 35 and a sharp fall after that. After this, that is, any time during the age of 40 and above, the chances of a healthy unassisted pregnancy without complications, such as a miscarriage and genetic abnormalities, are quite low. This is true for both men and women.
Signs of Successful Conception
The signs of successful conception are often missed. Since the signs of pregnancy vary so much when it comes to each individual pregnancy, some women might be confused as to whether they’re pregnant or not. While some women may identify the signs very easily, others may not, such as those who have irregular periods and are used to missing their periods. The most common signs of pregnancy are:
Missing your period
Morning sickness
Frequent urination
Tingling tender and swollen breasts
Darkening of the areola
Darkening of the line from the navel to the pubic region
Food cravings
Bluish and pinkish lines around the breasts
All these signs appear at varying times and in some cases, not at all. Hence, the pregnancy needs to be confirmed with pregnancy tests – either an OTC or a lab test, and a medical examination.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Trying to Get Pregnant
While trying to get pregnant, these are some points one should take note of - they will improve your chances of conception.
1. Timing
Having sex at the wrong time is the first mistake people do. If they calculate the time of ovulation right and plan regular sex in the time leading up to and after ovulation, they will have better chances of succeeding.
2. Not Seeing the Doctor Early Enough
A couple who has been having regular sex every 2-3 days for a year and has had no luck conceiving should plan to see a doctor at the earliest. A test may be needed for both the partners for any sexual health as well as general health issues.
3. Seeing the Doctor Too Soon
It is normal to take up to a year to achieve a successful conception. Seeing the doctor within 6-8 months of having regular sex generally means that a couple is worrying too much about conception. This worry can, in turn, affect conception.
4. Unhealthy Habits
Drinking, smoking, doing drugs, excessive exercising, and overworking are all unhealthy habits that can impact your health, fertility and sexual health. They can impact the health of your sperm, egg, and lower your chances of conceiving.
5. Having Sex Every Day
Sex every day may lead to a decrease in sperm count and would seem like a chore rather than a pleasurable activity. Hence, indulging in intercourse every alternate day would be a better choice.
6. Not Checking for Issues With the Male Partner’s Sexual Health
Automatically assuming that the problem is with the woman is a mistake. 40% of fertility problems are because of the male partner. Testing both partners is integral for the correct identification of sexual health problems and eradicating them so that successful conception can occur.
7. Trying Very Late in Life
The difference in fertility goes down by almost 50% from your 20s to your 40s. If you really want a child, it is better to try while you have better chances for success.
When it comes to conception, timing is almost everything - but only almost! There are still several other factors that can affect your chances of being able to get pregnant. Make sure you take the necessary precautions and measures to achieve your objective and stay healthy.
Also Read:
Chances of Getting Pregnant on Birth Control
Pregnancy after Abortion
How to Get Pregnant with an Irregular Period?
Is it Possible to Get Pregnant without Ovulation?
Can You Get Pregnant Without Having a Period? Read more
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Ultrasound Scan at 5 Weeks of Pregnancy
Week 5 is usually the time when most women find out that they are pregnant. If you have missed your periods, and have been feeling dizzy or tired lately and experiencing mood swings too, then you could be pregnant. To confirm the same, you will have to go to a doctor and get an ultrasound done. It is during 5th week when the first ultrasound is done; and if you suspect you are pregnant, check with a doctor to confirm the same. And read on to know what happens at week 5 ultrasound scan!
When Should You Have Your First Ultrasound Scan?
You must have your first ultrasound scan somewhere around the fifth week of your pregnancy because that’s when the first sign of a heartbeat appear. This will help confirm the presence of a baby inside the womb. The ultrasound scan at this week helps in visually confirming the presence of the baby in the early stages of the pregnancy.
There are many reasons that the fifth week is ideal for a pregnancy check because any time before that cannot help confirm the news. A fair amount of pregnancies before the fifth week tend to get terminated for multiple reasons. So, this is about the perfect time to get an ultrasound scan done.
Why Should You Have an Ultrasound Scan at 5 Weeks?
There are many reasons for performing an ultrasound scan at 5 weeks of pregnancy which are as follows.
The ultrasound scan performed during week 5, which will perhaps be your first ultrasound scan, will help the doctor check and confirm whether you are having one or more than one baby.
Your doctor will be able to check for any abnormalities by performing an ultrasound. Although it is early on in pregnancy, your doctor will examine yolk sac and gestational sac to detect for any abnormalities.
An ultrasound at this stage will help confirm whether a baby is growing normally, especially if this is your second pregnancy and if you have had a problematic pregnancy before or are expecting twins.
You can anticipate the size of the baby through the ultrasound.
How to Prepare for Your Fifth Week Pregnancy Scan
The first thing your doctor will recommend you is that you drink a lot of water in your 5th week pregnancy scan so that you have a full bladder. This will push the baby up and thus the sonographer will get a clear view of the embryo. At this stage, as your baby will be about the size of an apple seed, so it is necessary that a clear view is obtained.
For an ultrasound scan, you will be asked to lie down on the examination table. An ultrasound technician will apply a lubricating gel on your lower abdomen and then glide a wand along. By gliding the wand along, the technician will be able to locate the gestational sac and the baby's heartbeat. The waves will help produce clear images of the foetus on the screen. It is important that you stay calm during the process. However, if the technician is unable to locate the gestational sac because of the poor abdominal window, she may suggest a transvaginal scan. Early stages of pregnancy can be very challenging for you because you may have headaches and feel fatigued and dizzy. Staying calm can help lower stress and help you combat the symptoms in a better way.
How Long Does It Take to Perform an Ultrasound Scan at 5 Weeks of Pregnancy?
It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to perform an ultrasound scan. The technician will apply the gel and run the wand over your belly which will help produce the images on the monitor clearly. The whole process should take around 30 minutes or an hour at max. If you want, you can also request for a photograph of the ultrasound.
How Is an Ultrasound Scan Performed at 5 Weeks?
The process is simple wherein the doctor will ask you to drink water before the session. Then you will have to lie on your back on the examination table. After this, the technician will apply a gel on your belly and glide the ultrasound device or the wand over it in order to get the images on the monitor. You can also take your partner in order to help you with the process. It will be indeed a very special moment for you, i.e., when you see your baby in your womb. Enjoy the moment and follow your doctor's orders.
What Will You See on the Scan at the Fifth Week of Your Pregnancy?
During the scan, you will be able to see the gestational sac along with the yolk sac which forms around the 5th week. With twins, you can also see the yolk sac along with the fetal poles. If you are carrying twins who are identical, you will see a single gestational sac along with two yolk sacs, with the embryo somewhere around 1.25 mm in length.
The gestational sac is the black area while the yolk sac is the small white circle on the top-left of the sac. It is also the source of nutrients for the foetus. You can only view the embryo after five weeks because otherwise, it is the size of a rice grain. However, it can be visible before 5 weeks too using high-end machines. An experienced sonographer will be able to see the sac with the help of a transvaginal scan too.
Can You Find Out If You Are Carrying Twins at Week 5 of Your Pregnancy?
Yes, by performing an ultrasound scan at week 5, your doctor or the technician will be able to tell whether you are carrying twins or not. Based on whether the twins are fraternal or identical, you will be able to see them.
What If the Ultrasound Scan Reveals Nothing?
If your doctor sees nothing at the week 5 ultrasound, then it is important that you ask her if a yolk sac is present or not. Sometimes, the baby might be too small to appear on the ultrasound. If at 5 weeks of your pregnancy, no sac is present, then it could mean the following.
Wrong dates were given to you and the baby should be visible in the scan in a few days.
It is an ectopic pregnancy.
It is a miscarriage.
What If Some Abnormalities Are Discovered in the Scan?
An ultrasound can help detect abnormalities in the yolk sac, foetal pole, and gestational sac. Based on the severity of the abnormality you can follow the procedures specified by the doctor.
Is this Scan a Part of Your Routine Pregnancy Care?
The ultrasound scan performed at 5 weeks of pregnancy is the first ultrasound scan and therefore it is a regular part of the pregnancy process. This scan will determine whether you are pregnant or not.
Ultrasound scans are very important to rule out any problems that may arise during pregnancy. The 5-week pregnancy scan is the first pregnancy scan, so don't skip this or the ones after this scan. Go for this scan to confirm your pregnancy and the condition of the embryo and begin your journey towards motherhood.
Next Week: 6 Weeks Pregnant Ultrasound Read more
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Mothers! There is nothing wrong in concentrating on yourself too
Dear Mothers ! We all experience that post delivery we hardly find time for ourselves. Even if we find time when the little one is asleep , our preference is to sleep for sometime or finish the little chores like washing Baby's delicate clothes, cleaning up his dirty stuff or making his next meal ready.
By the time we are done with all this work, ta-dah... our little one is happily awake. Being a mother is undoubtedly the most important job but it is also important to concentrate on yourself too. Mother - is the toughest job that nobody else can do. It can be quite stressful and tiresome to be able to take care of this little life. Your sound mental health and active physical self is very important to raise a healthy and happy child. Being ladies, getting ready or tidying ourself is something that pleases us the most.
The entire process of getting ready like selecting a nice, clean dress, picking up right accessories inshort- being presentable gives a very positive vibe. It has a very calming effect on our mind.I can quote my own self as an example here. I'm a person who is always dressed tip-top as if I am about to go out. But after delivery, just like anybody else the first one month has gone in adjusting my body and mind according to my baby's schedule. In this entire process, I could not get ready properly during the day. After a month , I started observing that I'm not feeling active as I used to feel earlier. That is when I realised the importance of getting ready in the morning and looking presentable. Since then, I started falling back to my routine and I can strongly say that it has completely changed the way I felt. For me, this activity made a huge difference. It can be something else for you. Tap that instinct and you will know what sparks joy for you. Start doing that and I guarantee the outcome.
Plan short outings- it may be a good workout to tone your body, a grocery shop visit, pampering yourself in a parlour for couple of hours, short walk in the lawn or even sharing sweet-nothings with your husband during your evening cup of coffee/tea. The point here is to take a little time off your little one so that you can get back to him with even more energy and enthusiasm.
I definitely understand that it is not as easy as it sounds. The role of other family members plays a very vital role in this entire exercise. The ones who live with parents or in-laws especially the ones who are very happy to help you through this are the blessed parents. For those couples who manage their child on their own, understanding your spouse and giving a little time off for each other ensures that the bond between the couple and also with the child gets strengthened.
The whole point I want to convey here is that our life doesn't stop after being a mother, but it starts with a new beginning which is so beautiful that you need to Cherish each moment. When a child is born, a mother is born too. So, when the child is growing, you also need to grow more beautiful both physically and psychologically. Try something which pleases you and share with me if you've also felt the difference just the way I did. Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
3 hours ago
Q. can I eat dill leaves? I'm 10 weeks pregnant
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. I think it is not advisable to be eaten during this time you should check with your doctor before you eat with it very as far as I know it would not be advisable during the time of pregnancy but yet if you need to be more sure about it better to check with your doctor on this
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
3 hours ago
Q. hi dctr..last 7 days ago childbirth took place., breast food did not come for the last 5 days. this is cesarean.Milk secretion is a little in the past two days .. How long does it usually?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. A C-section Women it can easily take about 7 to 10 days so just to be on the safer side I am going to recommend you to start taking a lactation supplement of Shatavari powder that you can take 3 times in the day which is what is going to be helpful and take it with warm milk
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert what to do for normal delivery
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. Yoga supposed to be really very good regular walk for at least thousand to 1500 steps per day is also going to be good containing and maintaining proper health is definitely going to be good so these are certain things that can definitely help you in a normal delivery
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. my daughter not well
infection Pus in brain and infection Pus in hip
unlimited fewers
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. it is important to follow the instructions and medicines course given by your doctor for the problem .
they are safe if given by registered medical practitioner. do not undertake medicines or medical prrocedures not prescribed / guided by the doctor.
take a follow up in few days if it is not improving for need of treatment modification
r
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
hello Dr. I am mother of 7 months old daughter. we are doing his vaccination course from govt dispensary. last vaccination they gave when he was 5 months now they ask to come when she completed 8 months. wanted to ask is there any other vaccination due in these monthe
Read moreDr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. yes flu vaccine and typhoid vaccine
there are multiple vaccines available in the market.
government setup gives many vaccines.
there are many vaccines which is not available at the government setup and you should get them at private setup (discuss with yourdr) eg.typhoid, hepatitis a, chickenpox, flu vaccine etc.
many times vaccines are region specific and according to the disease those vaccines has to be taken after consulting your doctor.
kindly meet your doctor who will tell you which vaccinations you can take for your child which is not available at the government setup .
also there are painless vaccine option available at private setup.
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
27 mins ago
Q. My doctor said that my twin babies abdominal circumference is a bit low at week 26. Is there some defect or something. I’m a bit scared if everything will be fine or not
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
25 mins ago
A. probably further evaluation further ultrasound examination required. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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