Five signs you are ovulating

In most cases, regular sex through the month is the best option for successful conception as even the most predictable cycles can move around a little bit, and because the sperm can live for a few days once released, but knowing when you are ovulating can really help maximise your opportunities.

Five signs of ovulation

1. You are mid-cycle. In an average 28-day menstrual cycle, you will most likely ovulate around 14 days after the first day of your last period. However this can vary by a few days, so by about 12 days after your last period began you might want to start trying to conceive. If your cycle is longer or shorter than average, the mid-cycle days will be different.
    
2. Your temperature drops and then gets higher than normal, peaking at ovulation. Taking your temperature regularly will help you gauge what’s normal for you, making it easier to spot a drop or a spike in the figures.
    
3. You will notice any discharge you might have becomes clear and more jelly like.
    
4. You might notice a twinge to one side of your lower abdomen. Some women never notice this, others find it quite painful, as the egg is released from its ovary.
    
5. Heightened senses. Some studies suggest a woman may experience a more intense sense of smell around the time of ovulation. Other women may be more sexually aroused at this time,

If you want to gauge your ovulation more closely, make a chart with your daily temperature on, and also start to make a close note of the day your period arrives and how long it lasts.

In 2012 we tested "Maybe Baby", a saliva-based ovulation predictor.  See the results here: Maybe Baby