Getting pregnant

A Normal Cycle

Each month an egg is released from one of the ovaries and begins to travel down the fallopian tube. At the same time the lining of the womb begins to thicken and the mucus in the cervix becomes thinner. These changes are controlled by the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. If the egg is fertilized it implants in the lining of the womb and releases hormones which cause the woman to miss her period. If it is not implanted it is shed with the lining of the womb in the monthly period.

What is the best time to get pregnant?

Each month an egg is released from one of the ovaries and begins to travel down the fallopian tube. At the same time the lining of the womb begins to thicken and the mucus in the cervix becomes thinner. These changes are controlled by the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. If the egg is fertilized it implants in the lining of the womb and releases hormones which cause the woman to miss her period. If it is not implanted it is shed with the lining of the womb in the monthly period. An egg lives for only about 12-24 hours after it is released from the ovary and so must be fertilized within this time. Sperm can live for a few days and so it is possible to get pregnant if you have sex a day or two before ovulation. Your chances of getting pregnant are at their highest if you have sex on the day before ovulation.

Twins and multiples

Identical twins are the result of a fertilized egg splitting into two separate cells. Non-identical twins are more common than identical twins and are the result of two eggs being released and fertilized twins happen about one in eighty pregnancies, they are more likely if there are already twins in the woman's family or if fertility drug have been used to aid in getting pregnant. Triplets and higher order multiples are far less common, although they are more likely with the use of fertility drugs. Identical twins are the result of a fertilized egg splitting into two separate cells. Non-identical twins are more common than identical twins and are the result of two eggs being released and fertilized. Twins happen about one in eighty pregnancies, they are more likely if there are already twins in the woman's family or if fertility drug have been used to aid in getting pregnant. Triplets and higher order multiples are far less common, although they are more likely with the use of fertility drugs.