Can you ovulate and be pregnant

Do You Ovulate When Pregnant? – Knix

JANE FLANAGAN / FERTILITY PREGNANCY

Your menstrual cycle is typically interrupted by pregnancy. This means when you are pregnant, you typically don’t ovulate or menstruate. The body “switches gears”, so to speak, and focuses on developing the growing embryo. 

However, on rare occasions (i.e. undergoing fertility treatment), fertilization and implantation of a second embryo may occur during an ongoing initial pregnancy. 

In this article, we’ll explain the key phases of a menstrual cycle and then look more closely at what happens during ovulation. Then we will dive deeper with simple terms, into current theories surrounding the complex and rare occurrence of superfetation, which by definition is when a woman becomes pregnant during a different ovulatory cycle, while already pregnant.

Your Menstrual Cycle: The Structures and their Phases

Your monthly menstrual cycle can be divided into 3 phases occurring in two different structures at the same time.

Structures:

• The ovary
• The uterus

Phases:

The Ovary

1. Follicular
2. Ovulation
3. Luteal

The Uterus

1. Secretory
2. Proliferative
3. Menstruation  

The most commonly referenced menstrual cycle is 28 days. However, the normal range for many adult women of reproductive age is 21-35 days.

Many also experience irregular menstrual cycles, which can be caused by a variety of differing factors. Tracking the menstrual cycle can be helpful in collecting information and detecting any abnormalities or deviations from your normal menstrual baseline.

What Is Ovulation?

In women of reproductive age, the ovary releases a follicle (oocyte) each month, around days 13–15 of a 28-day menstrual cycle. 

After the oocyte is released from the ovary (ovulation), it moves into the fallopian tube. The rupture of the ovarian follicle during ovulation can cause some light spotting, and some can even feel it happen.

Ovulation is controlled by the release of specific hormones like (i.e. luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland (also in the brain) at a specific time within the menstrual cycle. The predictability of ovulation can be affected by other hormone levels as well as stressors. 

What Happens After Ovulation?

After ovulation, the oocyte moves through the fallopian tube for 12–24 hours, waiting to be fertilized by sperm. Your sex drive may also increase during ovulation. It’s worth noting that sperm can live inside a female body for up to 5 days, so the window for getting pregnant is longer than just a couple of days. 

If the egg is not fertilized during that time, it disintegrates (breaks down), and menstruation (your period) begins approximately two weeks (14 days) later.

Ovulation and Pregnancy: ‘The Fertile Window’

For those trying to get pregnant and have a baby, knowing when you might be ovulating is important. Your most fertile days ("the fertile window") are the five days leading up to and including ovulation. The fertile window is when you’re most likely to get pregnant. So, having sex during your fertile window gives you the best chance of ensuring the egg is fertilized by sperm, so you become pregnant.

Taking Advantage of the Fertile Window

As previously mentioned, ovulation is a calculated process. Not to mention, the woman's reproductive cycle is just one side of the equation, i.e. knowing when you're likely to get pregnant is only part of the picture. Sperm health is also key in your chances of getting pregnant.

When you ovulate, an egg is released from a mature follicle in your ovary. The ruptured t follicle transforms into a structure known as the corpus luteum, which exists for two weeks post-ovulation.

The corpus luteum releases mainly progesterone which works to maintain the lining of your uterus (the endometrium) in preparation for implantation of a fertilized egg.

When Does Ovulation Happen?

Every person’s cycle is different. Some have longer periods than others. So the timing of ovulation is not always the same in every woman's cycle, and there can also be a normal variation between cycles in the same person.

A normal menstrual cycle in an adult can be anywhere between 21 to 35 days and21 to 45 days in teens. Tracking your menstrual cycle can be extremely helpful in understanding your normal.

How Do You Count Your Menstrual Cycle?

Your menstrual cycle range is counted from the first day of one menstrual period to the first day of the next menstrual period. Typically ovulation is counted backwards and is about 13-15 days before the first day of your menstrual period flow.

When Are Your Most Fertile Days?

If your average menstrual cycle is 28 days and the first day of your cycle is day 1 of your menstrual period, ovulation typically occurs between days 13-15. Thus, you want to have sex every day or every other day, five days before your fertile window (day 13-15) and continue through your fertile window.

If your average menstrual cycle length is 35 days, ovulation typically happens between days 20-22. Therefore, sexual intercourse should begin five days prior to day 20.

Signs of Ovulation

Ovulation often goes completely unnoticed by women. However, when you ovulate, there are some trackable signs.

Ovulation Symptoms

• Your basal body temperature falls: Your basal body temperature drops a little bit just before the egg is released from your ovary. Then, 24 hours after the egg's release, your body temperature rises, and the temperature stays up for several days.
• Cervical mucus changes: The changes in your discharge over the course of your menstrual cycle also hold clues about fertility and when you might be ovulating. If your cervical mucus is:
• Dry, absent, thick, sticky: ovulation is less likely
• White, creamy: Ovulation may be coming
• Clear, slippery and stretchy (cervical mucus is an egg white texture): The probability of ovulation and thus conception is highest.
• Your cervix softens and opens up: As you approach your most fertile time, your cervix softens. This is sometimes known as having a short, high, open, and wet cervix (SHOW) and is a sign of high fertility. 
• You may experience a slight twinge or cramping: “Mittelschmerz” translates literally as “middle pain” and is the name for the slight twinge or cramp that some women experience during ovulation (when the follicle releases the egg).
• Spotting: When the ovary releases an egg, a mature follicle ruptures to allow the egg to be released. This may be a cause of spotting for a day or so.

What Usually Happens When You Get Pregnant?

When you get pregnant, a fertilized egg is implanted in your uterine lining (the endometrium) and grows into an embryo.

The corpus luteum produces progesterone to maintain the lining of the uterus (endometrium)  in a way that facilitates implantation and growth for 14 days. If human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is produced by the developing placenta, this stimulates the corpus luteum to continue progesterone production, until the placenta itself takes over the production of progesterone.   HCG is detected in urine during a pregnancy test.

Hormonal Changes

The hormonal fluctuations after becoming pregnant are different (and rightfully so!) from your usual menstrual cycle. 

Pregnancy hormones usually “interrupt” the usual menstrual cycle so that the lining can remain intact for the developing embryo.

These hormonal changes help prepare the woman’s body for a developing fetus and a healthy pregnancy).

According to this article in the New York Times, “Ordinarily, the release of eggs [ovulation] ceases once a woman is pregnant, and the hormonal and physical changes of pregnancy work together to prevent another conception.”

There is a Rare Exception: Superfetation

Theoretically, based on pregnancy physiology, it would be impossible or highly unlikely for a woman to ovulate after getting pregnant. 

However, it is speculated that it is possible to overcome the natural physiological barriers to superfetation with advanced reproductive therapies (i. e. fertility medications used to improve chances of pregnancy).

Superfetation is, by definition, what happens when a woman becomes pregnant, during a different ovulatory cycle, while already pregnant. Superfecundation is a similar but different term that refers to the fertilization of two eggs during the same ovulatory period via separate instances of sex (same or differing partners) or artificial insemination during the ovulatory period.

While it’s common to certain animals (e.g., rodents, rabbits, horses, sheep, kangaroos, badgers, and mink), it is rare in humans. 

How Does Superfetation Occur?

Theoretically, in order for superfetation to occur, a series of unlikely events must happen. These include:

1. Spontaneous ovulation during pregnancy.
2. Additional sperm would have to be present in the fallopian tube or would have to travel through a pregnant uterus.
3. The endometrium must be able to accept a second pregnancy.

The first step alone is unlikely to happen because the hormones released during pregnancy typically block future ovulatory cycles. Of the few cases of superfetation reported, the cause of this has usually been that the person was undergoing advanced reproductive therapies, i.e. fertility treatment.

To give you a real sense of how rare this is, according to a 2008 paper published in the European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, there have only been 10 cases recorded in medical history. 

Other Factors That Can Disrupt Your Menstrual Cycle

Odds are most of us have experienced a late or missed period related to stress at least once.

Your menstrual cycle is a very calculated and hormone-dependent process that can be disrupted by fluctuations in hormone levels due to stress and other causes. 

Though you shouldn’t panic, some of the factors that can disrupt your menstrual cycle can also be cause for medical concern. Here are some examples.

• Stress & anxiety: Increased stress may trigger many reactions, including stress hormone (cortisol) fluctuations. Increased levels of cortisol in response to stress may cause changes to your health, including irregularities in menstrual bleeding. For some, breakthrough bleeding may be a sign that you're experiencing high levels of emotional stress.
• Exhaustion: Feeling jet-lagged or suffering from insomnia? Healthy sleep habits are key, and sleep deprivation can impact the regularity of your menstrual cycle.
• Diet & eating disorders: Nutrition is key for general wellbeing, including reproductive health. People with eating disorders or energy deficiencies due to decreased or inadequate daily caloric intake may find their cycles disrupted.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods in combination with increased androgen levels (i.e. testosterone). The ovaries may develop numerous tiny follicles due to their inability to mature follicles and ovulate regularly.
• Uterine fibroids or polyps: Fibroids are benign growths that can cause heavy and irregular bleeding and disrupt your cycle. They can also cause pain and discomfort.
• Birth control: Hormonal birth control essentially regulates how the uterus bleeds while also preventing pregnancy.
• Common infections: Infections such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) may cause period irregularities. It’s worth noting that most are treatable when diagnosed early. However, some can become serious and impact future fertility if symptoms are ignored, or an asymptomatic infection is undetected.
• Medications: Certain medications may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding. Your pharmacist should advise you of any side effects of medication.
• Perimenopause: This is the stage prior to menopause (when periods cease completely) and is usually characterized by irregular menstrual cycles as periods gradually stop. Menopause is diagnosed when there has been an absence of the menstrual cycle for 12 months (1 year).

When to See a Doctor to Have Symptoms Medically Reviewed

If you experience any of the following, it’s worth scheduling a checkup with your doctor for medical advice:

• Heavy periods with a lot of clotting (especially clots larger than a quarter)
• Irregular periods outside of the normal menstrual cycle range or a significant deviation from your normal cycle.
• Spotting between periods with or without abdominal pain or cramping
• Pain or a burning sensation when peeing
• Unusual vaginal discharge and/or redness and itchiness

Don't Ignore These Signs and Symptoms

Even if you don’t have any of the above symptoms, always visit the doctor in the following situations:

• If you think you’re pregnant or are trying to get pregnant: To be administered a pregnancy test and have an ultrasound performed to confirm the intrauterine location of the pregnancy.
• If you experience inconsistent spotting: That occurs frequently and randomly and may or may not be associated with cramping and/or pain.
• Bleeding or spotting after unprotected sex: Unprotected sex can put you at risk for STIs and other infections.
• Post-menopausal vaginal bleeding: You’ve been through menopause, and you experience vaginal bleeding.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Chimsom T. Oleka, M.D, Written by Jane Flanagan — Updated on November 1, 2021.

Ovulation signs | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

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If you are trying to become pregnant, your chances will be improved if you have sex at a particular time of your cycle. Knowing when you ovulate – when an egg is released from your ovaries – is the key to knowing when that right time is.

When you are most fertile

The 5 days before ovulation, together with the day you ovulate, are the days when you are most likely to conceive. Sperm can live up to 5 days inside your body, so if you have sex up to 5 days before your egg is released, you can get pregnant. After ovulation, though, your egg can only live for 12 to 24 hours. After this time is up, your time for getting pregnant has gone for now till the following month.

Your chances of getting pregnant are at their highest in the 3 days leading up to and including ovulation.

Predicting ovulation

Ovulation usually happens about halfway through your menstrual cycle, about 14 days before the first day of your next period, but the exact time can vary. Although signs that you are about to ovulate can be subtle, there are some things you can pay attention to and track over time to help you predict your fertile window.

Changes in mucus

Noticing how your vaginal secretions change during your menstrual cycle is the basis of the Billings ovulation method. Around the time of ovulation, you may notice your secretion is clear, stretchy and slippery — similar to egg whites. After ovulation, when the chances of becoming pregnant drop, the secretion tends to become cloudy and thick, or disappear entirely.

Changes in body temperature

When you’ve just ovulated, your body temperature may increase very slightly, by about half a degree Celsius. If you’re using temperature as a means of keeping track of when you are most fertile, you need to use a special thermometer to take your temperature every morning before you get out of bed. If you record the readings every day using a graph or a spreadsheet, it’s possible to learn your pattern over time. The time when you are most fertile is 2 to 3 days before the rise in temperature.

Other signs

There may be other signs that you are near the time of ovulation, such as mild abdominal cramps, breast tenderness or increased sex drive. However, using these signs to predict when you’re fertile is not the most reliable method.

Using ovulation calculators and kits

Ovulation calendars and kits can also help you predict ovulation.

Ovulation calendars are available on websites such as www.yourfertility.org.au, and use the date of your last period and the length of your cycle to predict when you are likely to be most fertile.

Home ovulation predictor kits are available from pharmacies. You use the kit a few days before your predicted ovulation day, to test for a rise in the level of a hormone called luteinising hormone (LH) in your urine. A positive result indicates you will ovulate within the next 24 to 36 hours.

A blood test, which your doctor can order, can also detect ovulation by measuring levels of the hormone progesterone.

If you are trying to get pregnant, there are also a number of other things you should consider, such as taking folate, maintaining a healthy diet and making sure your vaccinations are up to date.

For more information and support, call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436.

Sources:

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: July 2020

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Ovulation and pregnancy - methods for determining the relationship

Ovulation is the process of release of a mature egg from the follicle in the ovary. This phenomenon occurs once a month, around the middle of the menstrual cycle. The beginning of the cycle itself is counted from the first day of menstruation to the beginning of the next. And if we take the average menstrual cycle equal to 28 days, then ovulation with it will fall on about 13-15 days.

How to determine the onset of ovulation when planning a pregnancy

The physiological and hormonal cycles of each woman are strictly individual. In addition, many factors can influence the duration of a single menstrual cycle: stress, colds and other diseases, nutrition, taking various medications, etc. Therefore, at the very beginning of the cycle, it is impossible to say with certainty exactly when ovulation will occur. But there are several methods that can help you determine the exact start date.

1. Special diagnostic complexes , which measure the content of a certain type of hormone (luteinizing hormone) in the urine. Such kits can be purchased at almost any pharmacy, and they always contain detailed instructions for use. A positive result with such a diagnosis usually indicates that ovulation will occur within the next 48 hours. But such complexes have not too high reliability, so a false positive result is possible.
2. Basal temperature measurement . This method must be applied over several menstrual cycles in order to subsequently plot changes in basal temperature. It must be measured immediately after a night's sleep, at about the same time every day. Based on your individual schedule, it is possible to determine the onset of ovulation with a high degree of probability. Usually, about a day before ovulation, the basal body temperature decreases slightly, and the immediate release of the egg is accompanied by an increase in basal temperature by 0.3-0.6 ° C. nine0014

The relationship between ovulation and pregnancy

The period of release of the egg from the follicle and the following 24 hours is the optimal time for its fertilization and conception of a child. But, of course, not every ovulation ends in pregnancy. After all, a woman's body contains approximately 450 to 550 eggs, and all of them are already in her ovaries at the birth of a girl. This number determines the number of ovulations for her entire life, since once a month one of the eggs matures and becomes ready for fertilization. nine0005

An ovum that has left the ovary remains capable of fertilization for no more than a day, and spermatozoa retain this possibility for up to 72 hours. And it is during this period, that is, approximately 2-3 days before the onset of ovulation, that the efforts made by the couple have the highest probability of successful fertilization and the onset of pregnancy.

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