What Is The Best Time To Plan A Pregnancy?

Updated Dec 12, 2024 | 12:00 AM IST

SummaryBy understanding your cycle and the fertile window, you can take active steps to improve your chances of conceiving naturally.
Planning Pregnancy

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Have you ever heard the term "planning pregnancy"? While it is true that pregnancy is a natural process, however, it can be planned to achieve it sooner. The planning depends on the menstrual cycle. Pregnancy occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg and the fertilized egg implants into the uterus. While this process depends on several factors aligning, understanding your fertile window can increase your chances of conceiving during any cycle.

What Is the Fertile Window?

The fertile window is the period when you have the highest chance of getting pregnant. It is the span of time when conception is most likely. It includes the five days leading up to ovulation, the day of ovulation, and the day after. Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovaries.

For someone with a 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation typically occurs around day 14. In this case, the fertile window would be days 9 to 15 of the cycle.

This spans about six to seven days around ovulation when your chances of conception are highest.

So, now comes the question: Can you really predict it?

Yes, there are several ways to estimate your fertile window. It is important to note that prediction does not mean that your date will be accurate, that is why it is called "window". A bracket when you could be the most fertile.

So, what can you do?

Calendar Method: By tracking the start date of your period and the typical length of your cycle, you can estimate ovulation occurs around 14 days before your next period.

Ovulation Test Strips: These detect the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your urine, which happens shortly before ovulation.

Physical Signs: Monitoring cervical mucus consistency, basal body temperature, or symptoms like mild abdominal pain (mittelschmerz) can indicate ovulation.

Signs of Ovulation

When we talk about the physical signs, what do we really mean by it? Even though there is discharge, but it stays throughout the menstrual cycle. However, there is a way to tell the difference though ovulation symptoms may vary between individuals. Common signs include:

  • Cervical mucus changes: During ovulation, mucus becomes clear and stretchy, resembling egg whites.
  • Basal body temperature rise: After ovulation, body temperature increases slightly (0.5–1.0°F).
  • Mittelschmerz: Mild, one-sided abdominal pain during ovulation.
  • Light spotting: Some may notice slight bleeding, also called ovulation bleeding.
  • Tracking these signs over time can provide insights into your cycle.

Your body gives subtle clues about ovulation, such as cervical mucus changes and temperature shifts.

Timing Intercourse to Boost Conception

To increase your chances of pregnancy, timing intercourse during the fertile window is essential. Sperm can survive in the reproductive tract for up to 5 days, while an egg remains viable for 12–24 hours post-ovulation.

Experts recommend having intercourse every day or every other day during the fertile window to ensure sperm is present when the egg is released.

The best time to try for pregnancy is within the fertile window, particularly in the 2–3 days leading up to ovulation.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Conception

In addition to timing, these strategies may help:

  • Use ovulation test strips to detect your most fertile days.
  • Monitor physical signs, like cervical mucus and basal body temperature.
  • Try fertility-friendly lubricants if natural mucus is insufficient.
  • Consider fertility apps to track and predict ovulation.
  • If pregnancy doesn’t occur within a year (or six months for those over 35), consult a healthcare provider for support.

Preparing Your Body for Pregnancy

Preconception health is essential for both partners. Steps to prepare include:

  • Taking a prenatal vitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise.
  • Quitting smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs.
  • Discussing prescription medications with your doctor.
  • Avoiding harmful environmental exposures.
  • Involving your partner in this process fosters shared responsibility and support.

What have we learned so far?

The most fertile period is 2–3 days before ovulation, typically days 11–12 in a 28-day cycle.

You can get pregnant even when you are on your period. Why? Though less common, sperm can survive up to 5 days, so intercourse during your period could lead to pregnancy if ovulation occurs soon after.

How many days after your period are you fertile?

It depends on your cycle. Some may be fertile immediately after their period, while others may take longer.

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Kiara Advani And Sidharth Malhotra Welcome Their First Baby: This Is What Lies Ahead Of New Parenthood

Updated Jul 16, 2025 | 04:00 PM IST

SummaryKiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra welcomed their baby girl on July 15. As they embrace parenthood, postpartum recovery highlights the importance of rest, emotional support, and allowing time for physical and hormonal healing.
Kiara Advani And Sidharth Malhotra Welcome Their First Baby: This Is What Lies Ahead Of Them

Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra have become parents. They are blessed with their first child, a baby girl on July 15. Both the actors shared a joint statement, "Our hearts are full, and our world forever changed. We are blessed with a baby girl. Kiara & Sidharth."

joint message by Kiara Advani and Siddharth Malhotra

As the couple welcomes their baby and get used to the new life, a lot more is to come for both. While parenthood is a blessing, it is also challenging. Welcoming a baby also means a period of postpartum for the mother. So, how does it all work out? How can mothers smoothly sway through this phase?

What Happens In Postpartum Phase?

Postpartum brings a cascade of physical, emotional, and hormonal changes that deeply affect new mothers. “There are uterine changes, which means the uterus expands during the pregnancy and begins to shrink back to its pre-pregnancy size after childbirth. This may cause cramping,” explains Dr Sushma Pampanavar, gynecologist and obstetrician.

She adds, “Hormonal shifts, especially estrogen and progesterone drop rapidly after delivery, this can affect the mood.” Dr Pampanavar also points out that postpartum symptoms include “postpartum bleeding and discharge, also known as lochia, which goes on for a few weeks.”

Other physical changes involve engorged breasts, nipple sensitivity, and pelvic floor discomfort which can lead to urinary incontinence. “Your body goes through so many changes all at once,” she says, highlighting the layered transition women undergo physically and emotionally.

Dr Himanshu Nirvan, psychiatrist, elaborates on the emotional toll, stating that “persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness and irritability in mothers can lead to difficult bonding with the baby and thoughts of harming oneself or the baby.”

He warns that if left unaddressed, postpartum can “potentially strain the mother-child relationship, leading to feelings of detachment, neglect or irritability.” To support healing, he recommends, “Joining new parent groups, seeking online forums, attending support groups, and connecting with other mothers.”

Speaking about postpartum after pregnancy loss, Dr Avir Sarkar, gynecologist and assistant professor, says, “Experiencing a pregnancy loss, whether through surgical abortion or delivering a stillborn baby due to miscarriage, can indeed lead to a complex and emotional postpartum experience for women.”

He adds, “Women still experience bleeding, hormonal shifts and other postpartum symptoms, along with the profound emotional impact of pregnancy loss,” and suggests, “Allow yourself to grieve, express your emotions and seek support from loved ones and healthcare providers.”

What Can Help You Heal?

In a world that glorifies productivity, “doing nothing” as a new mother sounds almost rebellious. Yet, for many postpartum women, embracing rest over relentless activity might be the most healing thing they can do. After childbirth, while the spotlight shines on the baby, the mother is often left to quietly cope with bleeding, sleep deprivation, hormonal shifts, and emotional upheaval—all while being told to “bounce back.”

Cultural images of polished, picture-perfect new moms—like public figures stepping out in heels and makeup just hours after delivery—set dangerously unrealistic standards. But the truth is, the body takes time to heal. The uterus alone takes around six weeks to return to its pre-pregnancy size, and emotional recovery can take even longer. That’s why the idea of “doing nothing” in postpartum isn’t about laziness; it’s about reclaiming space to rest, bond, and recover.

Doing nothing may look like holding your baby while binge-watching TV, letting go of expectations around housework, or allowing cereal to be dinner more nights than not. It might involve skipping extra chores, saying no to guests, and prioritizing sleep whenever possible.

For multitasking moms especially, embracing this mindset can be tough. But those who slow down often find clarity and peace. As the article notes, pushing yourself too soon can lead to physical complications and emotional burnout, while accepting a slower pace can help you emerge stronger and more present.

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Is It Safe To Let Teens Drive? Study Finds Teens Spend A Fifth Of Their Time Driving, On The Phone

Updated Jul 8, 2025 | 11:00 PM IST

SummaryFor teenagers, driving is a big step, something that signifies them growing up and being more responsible. However, a study shows many of them are careless while driving, especially with phones involved.
Is It Safe To Let Teens Drive? Study Finds Teens Spend A Fifth Of Their Time Driving, On The Phone

(Credit-Canva)

Learning how to drive is a big step of independence for children. It marks a phase where they learn responsibility, how to manage the autonomy they have gained as well as their way around different situations. There are many dangers associated with driving, hence there is a level of trust a parent must have before they let their teens drive. Whether it is others driving recklessly, difficult roads to travel in or themselves being careless. As teens are very well known for their lack of well-thought out actions, many of them find using their phones while driving normal.

A new study reveals a concerning trend: about one-fifth of the time, teenage drivers are looking at their smartphones instead of the road. This means they're not paying attention to what's in front of them or checking their mirrors.

The study, published in the journal Traffic Injury Prevention, found that teen drivers spend an average of 21% of each trip focused on their phone. What's more, these weren't just quick peeks. Nearly 27% of the time, drivers were looking at their phones for two seconds or longer. This amount of time dramatically increases the chance of a car crash.

Why Teens Use Their Phones Behind the Wheel

So, what are teens doing on their phones while driving? The study showed:

  • Entertainment (like social media or videos) was the top reason, accounting for 65% of phone use.
  • Texting came in second at 40%.
  • About 30% of teens used their phone's GPS for navigation.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a serious threat to public safety, especially among young drivers. When someone drives while distracted, they're not just putting themselves at risk of injury or death; they're endangering everyone else on the road.

While 35 U.S. states have laws banning all phone use for young drivers, a previous national study found that nearly 92% of teens still regularly use their smartphones for texting, talking, or playing music while driving.

What Teens Understand (and What They Don't)

For this new study, researchers asked over 1,100 teenagers about their habits and beliefs regarding smartphone use while driving.

Many young drivers actually understand that bad things can happen when they're distracted. They also know that their parents and friends wouldn't want them using their phones while driving. Teens also strongly believe they can avoid distracted driving by using features like "Do Not Disturb," hands-free modes, or phone holders. They recognize the benefits of using phone features like GPS but also understand the higher risk of accidents when distracted.

However, teens also said that their friends often drive while distracted by their phones. This suggests that more teens might be giving in to the temptation than they're willing to admit.

How to Encourage Safer Driving

Researchers suggest creating messages that challenge false beliefs about using phones while driving, such as the idea that you can still be productive on your phone while in transit. To help reduce this dangerous behavior, they recommend:

  • Encouraging the use of "Do Not Disturb" mode on phones.
  • Keeping phones out of reach while driving.
  • Making sure teens get enough sleep, as tiredness can also increase distraction.

End of Article

3 Medical Emergencies Schools Should Be Prepared For - Biggest Concerns For Paramedic Responses

Updated Jul 8, 2025 | 07:00 PM IST

SummaryMedical emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere. One must be prepared, especially organizations like schools. What are the top prep requirements in these situations.
3 Medical Emergencies Schools Should Be Prepared For - Biggest Concerns For Paramedic Responses

(Credit-Canva)

Accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. Even if it is at school or at any other trust place. Health crisis may not seem like a big concern for school going children, however, understanding how unpredictable injuries and health concerns can be, it is important that emergency services are always ready. Many times, during these situations, a quick response is crucial, losing even moments could make or break the crisis.

However, what are the most likely health situations that can arise and how much should a school be worried about? New research reveals that U.S. schools should prioritize preparedness for three common health emergencies: brain-related crises, psychiatric/substance abuse issues, and trauma-related injuries. These three categories collectively account for approximately half of all emergency medical services (EMS) responses to schools.

Key Findings from the Study

A report published in the journal Pediatrics analyzed over 506,500 EMS calls to schools between 2018 and 2022, focusing on children aged 5 to 17. The study identified the following breakdown of emergency types:

  • Neurologic problems (e.g., seizures): 19% of EMS calls.
  • Psychiatric conditions or substance abuse: Nearly 17% of calls.
  • Accidental injuries: Another 15% of calls.

The study also noted differences across age groups: elementary school students were more likely to require treatment for physical injuries (17%), while teenagers more frequently needed help for psychiatric conditions or substance abuse (18%).

Enhancing School Preparedness

Researchers emphasized the need for schools to enhance their emergency preparedness. He highlighted that timely treatment is crucial and suggested specific areas for staff training. According to US School Safety guidelines planning for emergencies must involve actions and daily routines that help create a secure school environment. These efforts can stop bad things from happening or lessen their impact if they do. Good planning also helps schools find and fix any weaknesses in their procedures and helps school staff and local emergency teams understand and handle their duties.

Creating a School Emergency Plan

A key part of emergency planning is putting together a complete school emergency operations plan (EOP). This is a document that explains what students, teachers, and school staff should do before, during, and after an emergency.

Developing this plan should be a team effort. It needs a diverse group of people from the school, as well as local community partners. Schools should also plan to check, evaluate, and update their EOP regularly to keep it current and effective.

Doing training, exercises, and drills that are right for different age groups can also help schools get ready for emergencies. These activities help everyone in the school community know their roles before, during, and after an emergency. They also give people a chance to practice the steps outlined in the EOP and improve how prepared they are.

Exercises and drills should be customized to fit the specific school community, including students' ages and physical abilities. It's also important to balance these drills with the school's overall culture and atmosphere.

Planning for Recovery After an Incident

Schools and districts can also plan for how they'll recover from emergencies even before they happen. This can make the recovery process quicker and more effective. As part of this, school emergency management teams should have a general strategy and plan to help the school community recover academically, physically, emotionally, and financially after an emergency.

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