QuestionI am 38 years old, I have one son that 13. I have been trying to conceive for the past year. My period is regular. I checked my ovulation for about three months with the first response test, didn't quite understand it, but i began reading about ovulation online and understand now how to detect. I understand that I ovulate every 14 days after my period ends? so say my period stared on the 31 of DEC. and it ends on the the third of Jan. I will began ovulation on the 17th of Jan.? And even though i have a period is it possible to still be pregnant, because at times i feel like i am in my body?
AnswerHi Joyce :)
The General rule for ovulation, is that on average, women will ovulate on day 14 of the cycle.
However, this is not the rule for all women. A woman, can ovulate at any time between day 10, and day 20 of her cycle. So, this very well could by why you have not had success in conceiving. Your timing could be off.
Its essential to look for the signs of ovulation. The number one sign, is a clear discharge, that is odourless. It actually resembles an eggwhite. If you see this, this is an idicator that ovulation is about to, or has just begun. Also, cramping can be an indicator as well.
So, since you are not exactly sure when you are ovulating, I am going to give you some tips, that might just help.
I think you and your husband should have intercourse, every second between day 10 and 20. By doing this, you know without a doubt that you have been active, when ovulation occured, even if it was a little earlier, or later. Now, having intercourse every second day, will allow your husbands sperm count to double, perhaps even triple. So this will increase your chances of conception. Dont worry about missing a day in between. Sperm lives for 3-4 days in the female body. So you will have a constant supply of live sperm in your body, from day 10-20 in your cycle.
Spotting, and extremely light bleeding is not uncommon in the first trimester of pregnancy. If you are having full flowing normal periods, then its very, very unlikely that you are pregnant. Sometimes, with hormonal changes due to PMS, and even menstration, will mimic pregnancy symptoms to a tee. So thats most likely what you are feeling. If your period is light, spotty, lasts about 2-3 days, light pink or brown in colour, this could indicate implantation bleeding, which is a symptom of pregnancy. If you have experienced this, then it would be a good idea to test yourself. However, if you are having a normal flowing period, then its extremely low, that you would be pregnant.
Also, I advise that you should be taking pre-natel vitamins right now. Not only are they great for you, and your future babies nutrition, they highly reduce the risks of defects that can form in the first trimester of pregnancy. You stated that you are 38 years of age, so you are at higher risk, so taking vitamins now, and perhaps extra suppliments of folic acid is certainly reccomended.
I hope this has answered your question, and should you have any more concern, please dont hesitate to write back :)
-Kristy
