trying to conceive

Im newly married  and we r trying to conceive for a month.For eg.my wife has a normal cycle with starting date as 20th .The expected ovulation day is on 6th of next month.I can have sex on 3,4 of that month to make her pregnant.How to know immediately that we had successful intercourse to get pregnant?Also.what will happen if i have sex two days before the expected period date?Pls. help as we got confused much..

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
I hope this will answer your questions:
First, consider the first day of the menstrual period to be the first day of the cycle.  Counting that day as cycle day 1, the most fertile time is between cycle day 11 and 16. During this time is the time that most women with a normal cycle will ovulate.  During this time for optimal results, you should have intercourse every day, or every other day.
Usually ovulation occurs about cycle day 14, which is anywhere from 10--14 days after the BEGINNING of the menstrual period.  (Many people get confused and start counting from the last day of the menstrual period--use the first day!)
Most often, having intercourse only two days before the period date won't get any results. The egg is only fertile for a few days at most.  Sperm can live in the woman's reproductive tract for up to about 3 days.  So, three days before ovulation could do the trick.
The earliest to know about a pregnancy is about 10 days after conception.  First Response pregnancy test can detect a pregnancy 4-5 days before the missed menstrual period, or cycle day 19-20-21.  Other tests instruct you to wait until the period is late.

Good luck and congratulations on your marriage!
Dr B

[Marielen]

A related discussion, pregnancy after a miscarrage (miscarriage) was started.