Ovulation Calculator – Estimate Your Fertile Dates

Some common signs of ovulation are —

• Pelvic pain

Many women experience mild pain or sharp cramps on one side of the pelvis or in the lower abdominal area. The pain usually lasts for a short period.

• Vaginal bleeding

Ovulation can also cause light vaginal bleeding or discharge. This is called ovulation spotting. However, the same is usually mild and lasts a couple of days only.

• Change in basal body temperature

BBT, or Basal Body Temperature, is the body temperature right after waking up in the morning. The temperature is low in the follicular phase, i.e., before ovulation. Once you ovulate, the temperature rises.

Therefore, an increase in BBT is a sign that ovulation has happened.

• Change in cervical mucous

The body produces more oestrogen during ovulation and this causes changes in cervical mucous. If your cervical mucous increases in volume and becomes clear and stretchy, you will know that ovulation has taken place.

• Breast tenderness

Owing to hormonal changes before and after ovulation, you may experience breast tenderness or sore nipples after ovulation.

• Other signs

Some other signs of ovulation are headaches, nausea, heightened sense of smell, bloating, and increased sex drive.

An ovulation calculator can help you estimate your fertile window and increase your chances of getting pregnant. Although different ovulation calculators work differently, they basically need the same information.

Therefore, to know your next ovulation date, you must enter the following information:

• The start date of your last period

• The average length of your menstrual cycle

Once you enter and submit the information, the calculator shows an estimate of your most fertile days. Since your menstrual cycle may differ every month, you can use the calculator after you get your period to know when you may be ovulating. Knowing your most fertile days can help you get pregnant or avoid an unwanted pregnancy.

If you are trying to conceive a child, the following tips for getting pregnant can help —

• Know your menstrual cycle

Understand your menstrual cycle and be aware of the signs of ovulation. If you notice signs, such as pelvic pain, cervical mucous, bloating and breast tenderness, it is likely that you are ovulating. You can also use an ovulation calculator or ovulation test kits to know if you are fertile. Having intercourse during this time can increase your chances of conceiving a child.

• Take prenatal vitamins

Studies have shown that prenatal vitamins can increase your chances of getting pregnant. Therefore, consult a gynaecologist and start taking the vitamins.

• Keep lying in bed right after intercourse

Do not get up from the bed right after intercourse. Keep lying for about 10 to 15 minutes and raise your feet up in the air to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

• Follow healthy lifestyle habits

Concentrate on consuming a nutritious diet and maintain a healthy body weight. Also, follow a light workout routine and get restful sleep at night. Do not overdo with exercise, though, as it may cause you not to ovulate. Most importantly, stay away from alcohol and tobacco.

• Keep stress at bay

If you are stressed about starting a family, take a few deep breaths and relax. Look for ways to ease your stress levels as excessive stress can harm your body and alleviate your chances of pregnancy. Meditation is a good way to ease stress and enhance your physical and emotional well-being.