Dear DOLLY DR, I'm just wondering when you are at a higher risk of getting pregnant? I've heard it's right after your period's finished, but I'm not sure.
Mel.
The chances of getting pregnant from unprotected sex are high for about five days before and after you ovulate which is difficult to predict because it's not directly related to when your period finishes. If you have a very regular four-week menstrual cycle (this means that the first day of your period starts exactly four weeks after the first day of your last period) then you can predict that you will ovulate two weeks after the first day of your period (which might be a week to 10 days after it finishes).
There are some signs that your body gives you however — when the menstrual cycle is well established (about a year or two after your very first period), you may notice that the secretions from your vagina vary over the month. Leading up to a period they become thicker and whitish, then your period comes, and after your period finishes the secretions become runnier and clearer. This is actually due to changes in mucous from your cervix, making it easier for sperm to penetrate the cervix in preparation for ovulation. There is also a very subtle rise in body temperature — only half a degree or less. These body signs are often used by women who are trying to fall pregnant, so they can maximise the chances. Because there are several days on either side of ovulation when you could still fall pregnant and because ovulation varies from month to month, it's not a reliable method of contraception.
