How Long Does It Take to Get Pregnant?

When it comes to actually trying to get pregnant, it can seem like it is taking a life time, even if it has only been one month. We are constantly hearing how someone we know got pregnant on birth control or unplanned. We have always been told that it takes only one time, or one sperm. When it comes to the truth about how long it takes to get pregnant, there is actually a lot more to the story. It can only take one time and one sperm after there were millions placed in the right location at precisely the right time. Getting pregnant fast is not always how it works and timing is a key element in your quest.

A healthy couple in their 20’s can find that it can take up to twelve consecutive months of actual trying to get pregnant. This means that the couple must not have any known health issues, or unknown, and be timing intercourse at the right time each month. While this can seem like it is easy, for many women it is far from it. Most women assume that the regular cycles they had on birth control will be what they can expect after they stop. Many women are surprised to find they are infertile for at least 3 months coming off birth control and that their cycle can shorten or lengthen as their body adjusts. This means a woman will have to learn how long her cycles are and when ovulation is taking place so she can time sex correctly.

For couples in their 30’s and 40’s, conception can take up to 18 months or more. This can be especially frustrating if one has waited till later in life to begin their family and is now trying to conceive quickly to avoid some of the issues surrounding advanced maternal age. A woman can get a better idea of when she is most fertile using ovulation predictor kits and taking her basal body temperature. This will tell her when she is most fertile so she can time intercourse appropriately.

If you find that you are in good health and are still not falling successfully pregnant after one year of actively trying, it is time to consult your doctor. For women over 35, most doctors will see you after 6 months of trying to become pregnant. You will be able to get a series of blood tests that look at your hormones at the beginning of your cycle. This panel of blood work tests for hormonal and other issues that could be keeping you from getting and staying successfully pregnant.

Baby Hopes - http://www.babyhopes.com/articles/howlong.html

Baby Centre - http://www.babycentre.co.uk/preconception/activelytrying/howlongwillittake/

American Pregnancy Association - http://www.americanpregnancy.org/gettingpregnant/ttc35.html

 Disclaimer:  The information provided within this site is not meant to be a substitute for a medical doctor's opinion.  This site is for informational purposes ONLY.  Please check with your medical practitioner before any type of treatment or prevention method is started.