Knowing your body's cycle is the first step to successful conception.  Let's break it down week by week so we can understand the woman's amazing body.

Your first week begins with your period.  Menstruation sheds the uterine lining, usually lasting five to seven days.  During your period, your pituitary releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which starts follicle growth and egg development inside them.  You may become tired during your period.  Take it easy, make time for yourself and allow yourself that bowl of ice cream.  Eat foods that are rich in iron to keep your energy levels up.  Include vitamin C to help iron absorption.  A woman's body is cleansing itself during this time. 

FSH hormones are rising in week two, stimulating growth of the follicles.  FSH levels begin the release of estrogen which will start the endometrium to thicken and regenerate.  Interestingly, as your estrogen levels rise, FSH levels decrease so your body will not allow more eggs to mature.  Around the twelfth day your estrogen levels peak and your body releases luteinizing hormone (LH).  This causes a part of the outer membrane of the follicle to thin.  Then, within 24 to 36 hours, the follicle membrane ruptures.  The egg and follicular fluid is released.

There are several signs you can look for to determine if you are ovulating.  You will find you have increased secretions near ovulation.  Your mucus will be clear, stretchy and will look like egg white.  You can use your fingers to check mucus - if it stretches in between your fingers, ovulation is at hand.  Near ovulation, nature plays a wonderful role in your marriage - you will have increased desire for intercourse!  If you have you gone from "don't touch me" to "bring it on," you are probably ovulating.  Your basal body temperature will rise and remain high during ovulation.  Finally - pay close attention to cramping during this time.  Amazingly, you can actually feel pain or cramping from ovulation for a few minutes to hours.  It may be slight enough that you have never given it a second thought - but if you are trying to get pregnant, it is something you should try to be very aware of.  During week two, you will feel confident, beautiful and energetic.

Week three begins the luteal phase of your cycle.  This stage must be at least nine days long for implantation to be most successful.  Your ruptured follicle turns into a cyst and produces progesterone.  This will help to thicken the uterine lining, prevent more eggs from ripening, raise your basal body temperature and finally close the cervix, plugging it with thickened mucus.  You may become emotional during this time - especially if you are anxious about conceiving.  If your egg has been fertilized it will embed itself into the uterine wall by day 21.  Spotting may occur during implantation.

Four to five days after fertilization, your embryo will enter the uterus.  The embryo will implant seven to ten days after ovulation.  Emotions can ride high during this week - either from new hormonal surges or from premenstrual symptoms.  Early signs of pregnancy often mimic PMS, from emotional highs and lows to bloating and headaches.  If you did not get pregnant this month - do not fret!  Welcome your new first week and period as a sign of regeneration as your body prepares itself once again for pregnancy.