The first trimester takes you through to week 13. Our step-by step guide takes you through what to expect at each step.
It is one week since your period started, so with a 28-day cycle it is about a week before ovulation occurs. An egg (or ovum) in one of the woman's ovaries starts to ripen and mature (2 eggs if she is preparing to have twins!).
During this week her body starts to prepare for possible conception and pregnancy. Oestrogen hormones increase (as does her libido) and her uterus and cervix start to produce a special fertile mucus, which fills the opening of her cervix and lines her uterus and Fallopian tubes.
This fertile mucuc acts as a continuous stream, transporting the man's sperm up into her Fallopian tubes, in readiness for when the egg is released. The mucus is capable of protecting the man's sperm and helping it to survive in the woman's body for up to 3 to 5 days.
The timing of sexual intercourse to coincide with the exact time of ovulation can be difficult. However, studies of human fertility show that conception is more likely to occur if a couple have sex 1 to 3 days prior to ovulation. This allows the sperm to already be 'lying in wait' in the woman's Fallopian tubes. Therefore a woman's most fertile time each month is thought to be about 1 to 3 days (but up to 5 days) before she ovulates.
What should I be doing to help my body conceive?
It is one week since your period started, so with a 28-day cycle it is about a week before ovulation occurs. An egg (or ovum) in one of the woman's ovaries starts to ripen and mature (2 eggs if she is preparing to have twins!).
During this week her body starts to prepare for possible conception and pregnancy. Oestrogen hormones increase (as does her libido) and her uterus and cervix start to produce a special fertile mucus, which fills the opening of her cervix and lines her uterus and Fallopian tubes.
This fertile mucuc acts as a continuous stream, transporting the man's sperm up into her Fallopian tubes, in readiness for when the egg is released. The mucus is capable of protecting the man's sperm and helping it to survive in the woman's body for up to 3 to 5 days.
The timing of sexual intercourse to coincide with the exact time of ovulation can be difficult. However, studies of human fertility show that conception is more likely to occur if a couple have sex 1 to 3 days prior to ovulation. This allows the sperm to already be 'lying in wait' in the woman's Fallopian tubes. Therefore a woman's most fertile time each month is thought to be about 1 to 3 days (but up to 5 days) before she ovulates.
What should I be doing to help my body conceive?
- Start taking folic acid: To protect your future baby from spina bifida, medical experts recommend you start taking folic acid for three months before you want to conceive. Research also suggests women who get 300 micrograms of folic acid reduce the risk of neural tube defects by up to 70%.
- Eat a balanced diet: Your fertility diet needs to give you all the nutrients you need, especially zinc.
- Avoid too much caffeine: your morning late is fine, but no more than three cups a day.
- Shake off your vices: Quit smoking and cut down on alcohol if you’re trying to get your body ready for a baby.
- Turn down the heat: Discourage him from taking steamy hot showers or baths as this can affect sperm quality. The bath water should be no hotter than body temperature for optimum sperm. It’s also a good idea for you to turn that electric blanket off and stop putting your laptop on your lap – studies show prolonged and excessive heat can slow down sperm collection.
- Go and see your doctor: Although you’re not pregnant, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment and talk about prescription drugs, environmental and lifestyle hazards that could all be putting your baby-to-be at risk.
- De-stress: Whether you book a few extra yoga classes, or download a meditation app, if you’re stressed, you’re biologically less likely to get pregnant.
- Get to know when you're ovulating: Knowing exactly when you’re ovulating can help you conceive.
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