For those of you expecting a baby... Let's talk about how to plan a pregnancy.

It's a wonderful time in life when you and your partner are dreaming of having a baby. But it's also normal to have a lot of questions coming to mind, like "How long will it take?", "What are the best days to get pregnant?", "How often should we have sex?" Don't worry, we'll talk about all of this in a very simple way today, in a way that you can understand.

What are the chances of pregnancy?

This is a question that many people ask. On average, when a couple with no health problems is trying, the chance of getting pregnant in any given month is between 15% and 25% . However, there are several factors that affect this chance.

• Age: After the age of 30, fertility begins to decline, especially in the 40s.
• Irregular Menstruation : If your menstrual cycle is irregular, it can be difficult to pinpoint your ovulation date. This can lead to missing the most fertile days.
• Frequency of sex: The less often you have sex, the less likely you are to get pregnant.
• Time to try: If you haven't gotten pregnant after trying for a year without any birth control, there may be a fertility problem. It 's best for both of you to see a doctor and get the necessary tests done.
• Other medical conditions: Some medical conditions and health problems can directly affect pregnancy.

Let's understand your menstrual cycle.

It's important to be aware of your body's processes during this journey. Simply put, the menstrual cycle is the monthly process by which your body prepares for a possible pregnancy. When your ovaries are ready to release an egg, the lining of your uterus thickens to create an environment that is conducive to the arrival of a fertilized egg (implantation).

But if the egg is not fertilized, the thickened uterine lining sheds and is expelled through the vagina along with blood. This is what we call "menstruation" or "periods."

Your cycle starts on the first day of your period, not with spotting , but with bright red bleeding . It ends the day before your next cycle starts. A cycle can usually last between 21 and 35 days. It's normal for it to be a few days off from month to month, and that's not a big deal.

How to know the exact day of ovulation?

Since the egg is only viable for a short period of time, like one day, it is very important to know when that day is. There are several methods you can use to do this.

The best way and time to have sex

"How often should we get together?" This is another question everyone asks. The short answer is, "As often as possible."

Think about it, the time a sperm has to fertilize an egg is very short. Sperm can survive for about 5 days after entering the uterus. But an egg lives for less than 24 hours. So the best thing is for the sperm to be there ready when the egg reaches the fallopian tube.

But the problem is, no matter how many methods we've discussed, you can't predict the day of ovulation 100% accurately. So if you only add up the days you think you're ovulating, and if those days are a little off, you might miss the opportunity.

Some people think that having sex every day reduces sperm count and makes it harder to get pregnant. But new research has shown that having sex every day actually increases your chances of getting pregnant slightly more than having sex every other day. But if this becomes a "must-do" and causes you stress, it can be a disadvantage.

After stopping birth control pills...

After stopping birth control pills , pregnancy can occur as soon as the synthetic hormones leave the body. This means that it is possible to conceive a baby within the first month after stopping the pills. However, for some people, it can take several months for ovulation to return to normal.

Is it safe to get pregnant right after stopping the pill? Yes, it is completely safe. There is a good chance that you will get pregnant after a few months and have a healthy baby. The only thing is, since you haven't had a period, it can be a little difficult to calculate the exact day of conception and the day of delivery.

The first signs that you are pregnant

When the fertilized egg implants in your uterus, you may feel some pain or spotting. But you may not feel anything until you get a positive pregnancy test. These are some of the first signs that you may be pregnant.

• Delayed menstruation
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Breast pain or swelling
• Frequent need to urinate
• Nausea (not just in the morning)
• Mild pain in the lower abdomen or spotting of blood
• Moodiness without reason

A positive pregnancy test result is obtained when your body has enough of a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) , which is produced by the placenta. A home urine test can detect this about 11-14 days after conception. A blood test done by a doctor can detect it a little sooner.

Pregnancy for a transgender or nonbinary person

This is a very important topic. Even if you are a person undergoing gender transition and taking gender-affirming therapy, you can still get pregnant if you have a uterus and ovaries.

If you take testosterone, it stops you from ovulating. But research has shown that once you stop taking the hormone, your body can produce healthy eggs again.

If you are transgender or non-binary, there are some special things to consider during pregnancy. To get the best health care for you and your baby, it is important to find a medical team that understands you and respects you. You can find an obstetrician and gynecologist who can support you through your general practitioner, friends, or through the websites of relevant groups.

When should you see a doctor?

Typically, if a healthy couple has regular sex and tries, pregnancy will occur within 6 months.

• If you have tried for a year and still have no results, you should definitely seek medical advice.
• If you are over 35 years old and have not had any success after 6 months of trying, see a doctor without delay.
• If you have a medical condition that could affect pregnancy, such as diabetes, or if you or your partner have a family history of genetic diseases, it is very important to consult a doctor before planning to have a child.