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Find out the best time to get pregnant, when you ovulate and your most fertile time, and how to increase your chances.
Pregnancy happens when sperm enters a vagina, travels through the cervix and womb to the fallopian tube and fertilises an egg.
You're more likely to get pregnant around the time you are ovulating. This is when an egg becomes ready and you are at your most fertile.
If you are under 40 and have regular sex without using contraception, there is an 8 in 10 chance you will get pregnant within 1 year.
There are things you and your partner can do to increase the chances of getting pregnant.
have sex every 2 to 3 days without using contraception – make sure sperm enters the vagina
try to have sex around the time you are ovulating – this is usually 12 to 16 days before your period starts
try to maintain a healthy weight, stop drinking alcohol and do not smoke – it can help if your partner does this too
If you're trying to get pregnant it's important to take folic acid every day, eat a healthy diet, and avoid drinking alcohol. This will help your baby develop healthily.
It's important to continue taking any medication prescribed unless your GP/specialist specifically tells you to stop. Please visit our Existing Health Conditions page for more information, or visit 'Bumps' ('Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy').
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