Ovulation, the process by which an egg is released from a woman’s ovary, typically takes place between 12 and 14 days before the beginning of the woman’s next period. During this time, a woman is at her most fertile. It is during this time of the month that your chances of becoming pregnant are at their highest.
It’s possible, even though the odds aren’t very good. If you don’t use any form of birth control and you have sexual activity at any point during your menstrual cycle, you run the risk of becoming pregnant at any time, even if it’s right in the middle of or right after your period.
It is also possible to become pregnant even if you have never had a period before, even while you are experiencing your very first period, or immediately following your very first sexual encounter.
There is no such thing as a “safe” time of the month during which a person can engage in sexual activity without the use of contraception and not run the risk of becoming pregnant.
However, there are certain points in your menstrual cycle when you are at your most fertile, and these are the times when you have the greatest chance of becoming pregnant.
Understanding your menstrual cycle
Your menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period and continues up to the first day of your next period.
You’re most fertile at the time of ovulation (when an egg is released from your ovaries), which usually occurs 12 to 14 days before your next period starts. This is the time of the month when you’re most likely to get pregnant.
It’s unlikely that you’ll get pregnant just after your period, although it can happen. It’s important to remember that sperm can sometimes survive in the body for up to 7 days after you have sex.
This means it may be possible to get pregnant soon after your period finishes if you ovulate early, especially if you have a naturally short menstrual cycle.
You should always use contraception when you have sex if you don’t want to become pregnant.
Further information:
- Can I get pregnant if I have sex without penetration?
- Contraception
- Periods
- Emergency contraception
- Natural family planning
- Pregnancy guide
- Baby guide
If My Period Lasts 3 Days when Do I ovulate
Although the average length of a woman’s menstrual cycle is between 28 and 32 days, some women experience shorter or longer cycles than the average. If one starts counting the days of the cycle from the first day of the most recent period, ovulation typically takes place between day 11 and day 21.