This section on planning pregnancy assumes knowledge of the section on Fertility Indicators - Temperature, Cervical Mucus and changes in the Cervix.

As many as one couple in six experience some difficulty in conceiving.

Fertility awareness is particularly valuable for couples with fertility problems as this can help to:

• assess the occurrence and timing of ovulation
• predict the days of maximum fertility
• optimise the timing of intercourse to conceive
• time tests used for investigation of fertility problems

Research has shown that the chances of conception are limited to the five days before, and the first day after the temperature rise. The most fertile day was found to be two days preceding the temperature shift which approximates to peak mucus day.

To conceive
For the normal fertile couple, conception is possible at any time during the fertile phase, but intercourse is most likely to lead to conception on days when highly fertile mucus is present, when there is a wet or slippery sensation at the vulva, and the cervical mucus is clear and stretchy like raw egg white. The most abundant fertile mucus normally occurs one or two days prior to peak day and is a time of very high fertility. Peak day, the last day when highly fertile mucus is present, frequently coincides with the day of ovulation. The temperature shift confirms that ovulation has taken place. At the time of maximum fertility, the cervix is high, short, straight, soft open and flowing with fertile mucus.

A couple who have not achieved pregnancy after six months (following regular intercourse at the fertile time of the cycle), should see their general practitioner who may advise further investigations.

Temperature
Temperature charts can be a valuable aid to conception when used correctly. They have no value in predicting ovulation but are a reliable means of confirming ovulation. (The temperature shifts by around 0.2 deg. C following ovulation)

• A biphasic chart indicates that ovulation has taken place
• A post-ovulatory phase of less than about nine days, may indicate a disturbance in implantation.
• A monophasic chart (all temperatures on one level) indicates the absence of ovulation

The temperature chart can also help to confirm pregnancy. Many women will record a second increase in temperature to an even higher level, several days after the ovulation shift due to an increase in progesterone production following implantation. A raised temperature lasting more than twenty days almost certainly indicates pregnancy. A pregnancy test can be done to confirm this.

Cervical mucus
Observing the changes in cervical mucus gives the most accurate means of timing intercourse to optimise the chances of conception. This is particularly beneficial for women with irregular cycles or with very short mucus pattern possibly lasting only a number of hours.

WARNING

Information contained here is for interest only.
To use this method effectively - a full course of instruction by a recognised NFP teacher is vital!