Dear Mom-to-be, You’re probably eager to take a home pregnancy test. After all, nothing compares to the joy of seeing those two pink lines.
However, it might be too early, as these tests often give false negatives in the very early days; due to low levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), the hormone produced by the placenta after implantation.
HCG levels rise gradually after the fertilized egg implants into the uterine wall and become more detectable between weeks 4 and 6. Typically, a blood test detects it earlier than a urine test.
When trying to conceive, it’s important to track your ovulation, which usually occurs around day 14 of your cycle if your periods are regular.
Although the fetus spends about 38 weeks in the womb, pregnancy is calculated as 40 weeks, including the two weeks before ovulation and conception.
Ovulation
Ovulation is the monthly release of a mature egg from one of the ovaries. The process includes:
- The hypothalamus releases GnRH, which signals the pituitary gland to release FSH and LH.
- FSH helps follicles in the ovaries mature between days 6 and 14.
- A mature egg develops between 10 to 14 days.
- A surge in LH triggers the egg’s release around day 14.
- The egg travels to the Fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized within 12–24 hours.
- Sperm can survive in the uterus for 3–5 days.
- The follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which secretes estrogen and progesterone to prepare the uterine lining.
If fertilization does not occur, the egg is reabsorbed about 24 hours after its release, and the uterine lining begins to break down at the end of the menstrual cycle, leading to menstruation.
Signs of Ovulation
- Thinner, clearer cervical mucus
- Mild abdominal or pelvic pain, often on one side
- Breast tenderness
You can also track or stimulate ovulation with your doctor’s help. In some cases, fertility treatments like IVF or IUI may be recommended.
Mood Changes
Many women experience mood swings or appetite changes during ovulation or fertilization. Some may also become sensitive to certain foods.
Physical Changes
You may experience symptoms that vary in intensity, such as:
- Light spotting due to implantation
- Mild pelvic or abdominal cramps
- Fatigue
- Metallic taste due to hormonal shifts, especially increased estrogen
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Slight rise in body temperature
- Nausea
Tips to Boost Fertility
Track your cycle for a few months to understand ovulation
Time intercourse from 2 days before ovulation to 2 days after, since sperm live longer than the egg.