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Though a lot of importance is given to the act of conceiving, many do not realise how critical ovulation is in trying for a baby. Fact is that it is this process that will lead to conception in the first place. M&B tells you more...

WHAT IS OVULATION?

Ovulation is defined as the release of the egg from the mature ovarian follicle - the time of the month when you are most fertile. If you are trying to conceive a baby, then knowing when you ovulate is very important as you can time lovemaking during this short ‘fertile window’. “Ovulation is the final step in the growth of an egg that a woman goes through during her reproductive years. Normally, the ovaries contain a lot of immature eggs and in the beginning of her menstruation, one of these eggs starts growing under the influence of various hormones. The egg grows in a fluid containing bag called as follicle. Ideally, this egg matures in 12 to 14 days and it is then that the follicle ruptures, releasing the fluid and the egg around the 14th day from the ovaries and which than enters the fallopian tubes. In short, ovulation means the release of mature egg from the follicle in the ovary. This egg is now ready for fertilisation,” explains Dr Hrishikesh Pai, gynecologist and infertility expert, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai and Fortis La Femme, New Delhi. Each month, a group of eggs starts to grow in small, fluid-filled sacs called follicles, inside your ovaries. Eventually, one of the eggs erupts from the follicle. This process is called ovulation.

WHEN AND FOR HOW LONG DOES ONE OVULATE?