When Am I Least Likely to Be Pregnant?

Figuring out when pregnancy is less likely can be challenging, especially when there’s so much information to sift through. However, once you get the facts, you’ll feel more comfortable making sexual health decisions and planning your future.

We’ll answer your most pressing questions about pregnancy and fertility in a warm, inviting environment. No question is too big or too small—we’re here to help.

Continue reading to learn more about how timing influences your chances of getting pregnant.

How Ovulation Influences Pregnancy

In simplest terms, ovulation determines your chances of getting pregnant. Ovulation is the process through which an ovary releases an egg.

You’re most likely to get pregnant when sperm is present in the fallopian tubes during ovulation. During this time, an egg can remain in the ovary for 12-24 hours.

You’re least likely to get pregnant when menstruating because your uterine lining will shed, and an egg can’t be implanted at this time.

However, it’s still possible to get pregnant based on factors like when you had sexual intercourse. You can also still get pregnant if you have an irregular menstrual cycle, but it may be harder to determine when you ovulate without testing or tracking.

If you don’t ovulate, you can’t get pregnant because there is no egg for the sperm to fertilize.

So, how do you know if and when you’re ovulating? There are still techniques to monitor bodily changes and check for ovulation. We’ll explain those below.

How to Track Ovulation

There are several ways to track ovulation, and you can use the method that works best for you. These methods include:

Using At-Home Kits

Over-the-counter kits can test your urine for hormonal increases that occur before ovulation. Ovulation will occur about 36 hours after a positive test.

Having an LH-Level Test

Having this test done will educate you on the luteinizing hormone, which prompts ovulation.

Monitoring Physical Signs and Symptoms

Detecting changes in cervical mucus (it will become stretchy, clear, and wet just before ovulation) is one way to identify whether you’re ovulating.

You can also track your basal body temperature (your temperature at rest) with a special thermometer before getting out of bed in the morning. This temperature will rise slightly during ovulation, and you’ll be most fertile 2-3 days before this change.

Have additional questions about pregnancy and ovulation? We can help.

Free & Confidential Information

Care Net Pregnancy Center of Paradise is here to answer your questions and point you to further resources on pregnancy and health. Our medical staff and advocates are looking forward to meeting you!

Schedule an appointment today to learn more.

Care Net Pregnancy Center of Paradise does not refer for or perform abortions.