Desire to have children: Waiting for the stork

Suddenly he's there, the desire to have his own child. For many couples an exciting time then begins with highs and possibly also some lows. Because at the end of each monthly cycle the exciting question arises: Did it work this time? If not, uncertainty and disappointment can arise after just a few months. In such a case, it is important to try to stay relaxed as a couple. In addition, there are a few things that couples can use to help them get pregnant, such as determining ovulation in order to determine the best time for fertilisation. In addition, a sufficient supply of folic acid is recommended even before pregnancy, as folate is involved in cell division and growth processes. These take place particularly in the first third of pregnancy, so that women who wish to have children should already ensure a healthy diet with sufficient folate (e.g. in spinach, chard, tomatoes, nuts). If an under supply is found despite a balanced diet, a targeted and supplementary intake of folic acid is advisable.

When is the best time to become pregnant?

What actually happens every month in the female cycle? And when is the best time to be successful with the "Wish Child Project"? The answer is provided by the female hormones - including the luteinising hormone (LH) and the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Every month, these hormones ensure that the egg matures, ovulation takes place and the lining of the uterus builds up to give the fertilised egg a basis for nesting. However, the egg can only be fertilised for about twelve hours. In contrast, sperm can survive up to seven days in the uterus and "wait" for the egg there. Therefore, sexual intercourse before ovulation is the most promising. But when exactly does ovulation take place?

Cycle length and time of ovulation vary from woman to woman. As a rule of thumb, about two weeks after the beginning of the cycle, the ovum is ripe and makes its way through the fallopian tube. With the cycle calendar you can easily document your cycle. If you want to determine exactly when your ovulation takes place, you can use different methods, e.g. the temperature method or ovulation tests from the pharmacy. Just ask at your trusted pharmacy. They will certainly be able to give you detailed advice.

The pregnancy test

After the ovulation follows the restless time of waiting and hoping whether the wish to have a child has come true. A pregnancy test provides clarity after the absence of the period. This can be done comfortably at home. But what is actually measured in a pregnancy test? In the first weeks after the fertilized ice has been nested, the female body produces the "pregnancy hormone" HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). The pregnancy test reacts on contact with this hormone. You can test from the first day of the missed period. If the result is positive, you should make an appointment with your gynaecologist to be 100% sure. Your gynaecologist will be able to determine whether you are pregnant, e.g. by ultrasound, approximately four weeks after fertilisation. If so, you can go home with the first photo for the new family album.