Ovulation
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Ovulation is the process in a woman's menstrual cycle in which a mature egg is released from an ovary and travels to the fallopian tube. On average, ovulation occurs fourteen days after the beginning of a woman's menstrual cycle; however it may occur anywhere from the tenth to nineteenth day depending on the length of a woman's cycle.
Ovulation is accompanied by changes in the levels of hormones in the body. Before ovulation, estradiol gradually rises until it peaks at ovulation. Ovulation is triggered by a sudden rise in FSH (follicular-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). Levels of progesterone peak after ovulation; this causes the endometrial lining of the uterus to thicken in preparation for implantation if fertilization of the egg occurs.
A few indicators can help a woman desiring pregnancy to determine approximately when ovulation is taking place. The 24 to 48 hour period immediately surrounding ovulation is considered the most fertile time for a woman. Basal body temperature can be charted beginning with Day 1 of the menstrual cycle. Temperature should be recorded when resting and at a consistent time each day. (Usually the best time is first thing in the morning before getting out of bed.) Basal body temperature will rise just before and during ovulation. Cervical mucus will also become wet and slippery and have a consistency similar to egg whites just before and during ovulation. Some women feel pain or slight cramping during ovulation; this is called middelschmerz. Ovulation kits can also help to predict the time of ovulation and are readily available at drug stores.
Links
americanpregnancy.org
This is the website of the American Pregnancy Association, a national organization that seeks to promote reproductive and pregnancy wellness through education, research, advocacy, and community awareness. This website offers a vast array of information on getting pregnant, sexual health, infertility, adoption, pregnancy itself, labor and delivery, and the post-partum period (including information on breastfeeding). The organization offers a toll-free national helpline to provide education for women seeking further information.
babycenter.com
Babycenter.com is another website that provides a wealth of pregnancy-related resources and information. The ovulation calculator can help to predict the timing of ovulation, but you must know the average length of your menstrual cycle. For some women who have irregular cycles, predicting ovulation solely based on the length of their cycle may not be completely accurate.
webmd.com
WebMD.com also offers an ovulation calculator as well as a lot of information about pregnancy, fertility, conception, health and wellness during pregnancy, and much more. The Pregnancy Questions and Answers section provides easy-to-find answers to often asked questions. Online discussion groups and fertility/pregnancy-related news updates are also very helpful sources of information and support.