Signs of Ovulation

If you are trying to conceive, then you already know efforts will be focused on a small window of time during ovulation. However, trying to determine when you are ovulating is not as easy as it would seem. Here are several indicators that you are ovulating.

Changes in cervial mucus can indicate when ovulation is about to occur. Cervical mucus will become very abundant, sticky, and clear as ovulation nears. It often looks like egg whites and is referred to as egg white mucus. When stretched between the thumb and forefinger, it will stretch several centimeters before breaking. This egg white mucus provides an optimal environment where sperm can live up to three days.

Increased estrogen levels during ovulation sometimes cause your sex drive to increase.
As ovulation approaches, the position and firmness of your cervix will change. The cervix will rise, soften, and the cervical opening will begin to widen in preparation for trying to get pregnant. This period is known as SHOW - soft, high, open and wet. After this optimal baby making period, the cervix will lower and begin to harden again. Right before your period, it will feel very hard and pointed. To learn the proper way to check your cervix and determine how it feels, you should talk with your health care provider.

Premenstrual symptoms are an indicator of approaching ovulation. Symptoms can include breast tenderness, abdominal discomfort and bloating, moodiness, and abdominal cramps or twinges. It is up to you to identify your body's cues that will tell you when your cycle is gearing up to make a baby.

Some women experience mittelschmerz. Mittelschmerz is a German word meaning "middle pain." Typically mittelschmerz is felt on one side in the lower abdomen and may last anywhere from a few minutes to several days. The pain descriptions range from a small twinge to severe discomfort (which is rare). Other symptoms may include some vaginal discharge, bleeding and nausea.

There are two possible explanations for this pain. One reason is that pressure and pain is caused when the ovum stretches the membrane when it is released. Another reason may be because fluid and blood are released when the ovum leaves the ovary.

Basal body temperature, your temperature when you first wake up in the morning, is a great indicator of pending ovulation. Basal body temperature usually ranges between 96.0 to about 98.0 degrees prior to ovulation. Hormonal changes caused by ovulation will raise BBT by 0.5 to 1.5 degrees two to three days after ovulation has occurred. This increase in temperature will remain until your next period. This change in temperature can be measured with a special BBT thermometer designed to read temperatures to 1/100th of a degree.

Another sign of ovulation is the LH surge. This cue can only be determined with the aid of a special ovulation testing kit. The Luteinizing hormone, or LH, is responsible for stimulating the ovaries into releasing a mature egg. LH is always present in the blood stream in small amounts. However, the pituitary gland increases the amount of LH dispersed to begin the ovulation process. When LH surges in this manner, it can be detected via urine testing strips or sticks for a short period of time.

These signs are all valuable clues in determining when conception is most likely to happen. As you make efforts in learning your body and its cycle, you will become more confident in determining when you are most likely to ovulate and you can coordinate your conception plans to take advantage of this extremely fertile time.

(Extracted from amazingpregnancy.com)

Exercise your way to fertility

Have you ever ask the question : "Is exercise okay while trying to conceive?"

Hope the following helps to provide you the answer:

• Does your partner like to spend hours on the exercise bike at the gym? Tell him to hop on the treadmill instead. A study at the University of California School of Medicine revealed that men who cycle more than 100 km per week put their fertility at risk. The repeated banging of the groin against the bicycle seat can damage critical arteries and nerves.

• You can have too much of a good thing -- at least when it comes to exercise. Excessive amounts of exercise can lead to such fertility problems as irregular periods, anovulatory cycles (cycles in which ovulation does not occur), and luteal phase deficiencies (a problem that occurs when the second half of your cycle isn't long enough to allow for the proper implantation of the fertilized egg). The moral of the story? Stay active, but don't overdo it.

• Don't go on a crash diet if you're hoping to try for that Y2K baby. Starvation diets, purging, bingeing, and yo-yo dieting affect ovulation and consequently your fertility.

Next question is have is that "Can exercise affect implantation?"

• Yes, "excessive" exercise can interfere with conception.

So while doing exercise, in my opinion is to do it moderately. I suppose anything too much may not be good for health.

Sharing with you the benefits of exercise.

Exercise and Stress
Developing a healthy exercise routine is an excellent way to increase fertility as well as to improve overall healthy. Exercise reduces high stress levels, which are linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases and depression, which can in turn negatively affect ovulation and menstruation.

Exercise, such as Pilates and yoga, releases endorphins which condition the body to respond in a more healthy manner to stress and also improves overall mental health, thereby improving a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.

Footnote: We should try to RELAX when trying to conceive as STRESS affects FERTILITY!

Ovulation Test Kits

Hi there,

Now I am trying to look for some information on how to improving my chances to be a mummy again. I already has a son who is now going to be 5 years old.

2 years back I found out the existence of Ovulation test kits that can be used to test when is your ovulation within a few minutes using urine and hence increasing the chances of conceiving.
Some people sold these test kits or strips online via auctions and some at the online store. Try and see for yourself.