Conception & Pregnancy

It can be tempting to take a pregnancy test a few days after a missed period, but you should wait a week to ensure you get the most accurate result.

This is because it can take time for your body to develop the HCG (a hormone that’s released when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterus) that your pregnancy test will pick up to form a reading.

It’s possible to have a positive reading on a pregnancy test even if you aren’t pregnant - this is why it’s advised to wait at least a week after your period was due to have the most accurate reading.

A false positive may be because of a chemical pregnancy, where the egg is unable to implant very early on; an ectopic pregnancy, a recent miscarriage or abortion, and certain medicines or medical conditions.

It’s best to get your pregnancy confirmed by a medical professional before accepting the news to avoid any disappointment.

There’s a short time period each month when it’s best for a woman to conceive, but it can be difficult to know when this window will be.

An ovulation test can give you an idea of your most fertile days so you know the best time to have sex and improve your chances of conception.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common reasons why women may struggle to get pregnant naturally.

It’s a condition that affects your hormones and reproductive system which can cause tiny cysts in your ovaries that contain immature eggs.

Although PCOS can’t be cured, there are treatments available to increase your chances of conceiving.

A woman’s fertility is at its highest between the late teens and late 20s.

Once you reach 30, your ability to get pregnant can start to decline, and it will typically decline more rapidly once you reach your mid-30s (around age 35).

By 45, it will usually be very difficult for you to become pregnant naturally.