Fertility and trying to conceive

8 guides · Fertility

Trying for a baby can be hopeful and hard in the same week. These guides cover ovulation, cycle tracking, the two-week wait, and the small things that help, plus when it is worth talking to a doctor. No pressure, just clear information.

Guides in this section

• Folic acid in pregnancy and before: the right dose and when to start. How much folic acid you need before and during pregnancy, who needs a higher dose, which prenatal vitamins to look for, and whe...
• Implantation bleeding vs period: how to tell the difference. Spotting in the two-week wait?
• Is my cycle normal?. A typical cycle is 21 to 35 days, but variation is common.
• Male fertility and sperm health. Male fertility is involved in around half of all fertility challenges.
• Ovulation predictor kits. How to use an OPK correctly, when to start testing, how to read the result line and what the limitations are, including PCOS.
• PCOS and fertility. PCOS affects one in ten women and is the most common cause of irregular ovulation.
• The two-week wait: symptoms, what you might feel and how to cope. The two-week wait is one of the hardest parts of TTC.
• Understanding your cycle and fertile window. How the menstrual cycle works, when ovulation happens, what the fertile window is and how to recognise ovulation signs.

Common questions

When am I most fertile in my cycle?

You are most likely to conceive in the few days before and on the day of ovulation, which is usually around the middle of your cycle. Tracking your cycle, cervical mucus or ovulation tests can help you spot your fertile window.

How long does it usually take to conceive?

Most couples conceive within a year of trying. Around 8 in 10 will be pregnant within 12 months of regular unprotected sex. If you are under 35 and it has been a year, or over 35 and it has been six months, it is worth seeing your GP.

Should I take folic acid before pregnancy?

Yes. It is recommended to take folic acid daily while trying to conceive and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, as it lowers the risk of neural tube defects. Your GP can advise if you need a higher dose.

Does tracking ovulation really help?

It can help you time things well, but it is not the whole picture. Regular sex every two to three days across the cycle also covers your fertile window without the pressure of precise timing.