How Long Does It Take to Get Pregnant?

• How long does it usually take to get pregnant?
• Understanding the two pregnancy timelines
• When are you most likely to get pregnant?
• What affects how long getting pregnant takes?
• How age changes time to pregnancy
• How to improve your chances of getting pregnant
• How long does it take with donor sperm or IUI?
• When should you seek fertility support?
• FAQs

On average, heterosexual couples having regular unprotected sex have a 75% chance of getting pregnant within six months and a 90% chance of conceiving within 12 months (BMJ). 

A range of factors can influence the time it takes to conceive, including age, fertility and lifestyle. 

Some couples may get pregnant the first month of trying. As each menstrual cycle offers a new opportunity for conception, there is a cumulative likelihood of getting pregnant, with the likelihood increasing the longer you try.

For aspiring solo mums, same-sex couples and heterosexual couples requiring fertility treatment, the timeline to pregnancy can vary depending on treatment specifics.

Discussions about time to pregnancy can often feel confusing because there are actually two timelines to consider. 

The first is how many months it takes to become pregnant. This refers to the number of menstrual cycles it may take before pregnancy occurs. 

The second describes the events between insemination and pregnancy. Even if fertilisation happens straight away, pregnancy is not immediate. Several biological steps must occur before a pregnancy test can accurately confirm pregnancy.

Timeline one - how many months of trying

When people ask how long it takes to get pregnant, they are usually referring to the number of months they may need to try before conceiving.

Each menstrual cycle is a fresh opportunity to conceive. Whether pregnancy occurs during a particular cycle depends on several factors, including:

• Having sex or insemination during the fertility window
• Healthy egg quality
• Healthy sperm quality
• Successful fertilisation and implantation

Even when all these factors align, pregnancy does not happen every cycle. That is why it is perfectly normal for conception to take several months.

Timeline after sex or insemination

After sex or insemination, several things need to happen before a successful pregnancy. These steps take time and occur according to the following timeline:

• Sperm travel – following insemination, sperm must travel through the cervix and uterus into the fallopian tubes. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days. Our guide to how much sperm is needed to get pregnant provides additional information on sperm and its role in fertilisation.
• Fertilisation – fertilisation occurs when a sperm cell successfully penetrates and joins with an egg to begin embryo development. This typically happens within 12 to 24 hours of ovulation, while the egg remains viable.
• Implantation – after fertilisation, the developing embryo travels to the uterus and hatches out of its protective shell to attach to the uterine wall and continue its development. This process is called implantation.

Pregnancy tests typically detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which the body produces in greater amounts once the embryo successfully implants. Pregnancy tests are most reliable from the first day of a missed period or at least 21 days after having unprotected sexual intercourse. Some sensitive tests may detect pregnancy earlier, but the chances of a false negative are also significantly higher.

You can only conceive during the fertility window. This six-day period includes the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. Sperm can survive for several days in the female reproductive system, while the egg survives for only around 12 to 24 hours after release. As a result, you can still get pregnant from sexual intercourse that occurs in the days leading up to ovulation.

In fact, the days preceding ovulation are often the best time to have sex if you are trying to conceive. Waiting until ovulation may limit the likelihood of getting pregnant by reducing the amount of time the sperm has to fertilise the egg.

To maximise your chances of getting pregnant, healthcare professionals generally recommend:

• Having regular sex every two to three days throughout the cycle if you are not tracking ovulation.
• Having sex every one to two days during the fertility window if you are tracking ovulation.
• Trying to ensure sperm is already present in the reproductive tract when the egg is released.

Age affects fertility gradually until the age of 35, when it decreases more rapidly.

Under 35

Female fertility decreases slowly up until the age of 35. During this period, healthy heterosexual couples have a 90% chance of conceiving via unprotected sex within a year. Those under the age of 35 are typically recommended to try for at least 12 months before seeking fertility support. IUI and IVF fertility treatments also have higher success rates among this age group.

Age 35 to 39

Fertility begins to decline more rapidly after 35. It can take longer to conceive, and there is a higher likelihood of pregnancy complications. As time is more pressing, people over the age of 35 who want to get pregnant should seek fertility support after six months of trying to conceive via unprotected sex. Solo mums and same-sex couples over the age of 35 are more likely to be recommended IVF than IUI, as it benefits from a higher success rate among this age group.

Age 40 and over

Aspiring parents aged 40 or older should seek medical advice sooner rather than later, as early assessment ensures any potential issues are identified quickly and enables fertility specialists to help plan a suitable path to parenthood that maximises the chances of pregnancy.

While age is important, it is only one factor. Many people conceive naturally in their late thirties and forties, although it may take longer.

Aspiring parents may improve the chances of getting pregnant by timing sexual intercourse for the fertility window, avoiding alcohol, stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and arranging a preconception health check. However, these measures are not guaranteed to improve fertility, and other factors may have a greater impact.

Time sex or insemination around ovulation

Having sex regularly every two to three days throughout the fertility window gives sperm the best chance of meeting and fertilising the egg.

Avoid harmful substances

Stopping smoking and avoiding alcohol benefit both female and male fertility, and can help improve your chances of conceiving.

Maintain a healthy weight

Gradual, sustainable weight management may improve ovulation and fertility if weight is affecting reproductive health. The best way to achieve this is through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Arrange a preconception health check

A pre-pregnancy appointment allows you to discuss existing medical conditions and medications that might affect your chances of conceiving. It also allows for conversations around lifestyle factors and family history. 

Have STI testing if appropriate

Testing and treatment before trying to conceive may improve your chances of conceiving.

For people using donor sperm or undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI), the timeline also varies depending on a range of factors. These include:

• Age
• Egg health
• Ovulation timing
• Underlying fertility diagnosis
• Clinic treatment protocols
• Local treatment regulations
• The number of treatment cycles required

Some people conceive during their first IUI cycle, while others require several cycles before becoming pregnant. Your fertility clinic can provide personalised guidance and information on IUI success rates based on your circumstances. If donor sperm is part of your plan, read our step-by-step guide to getting pregnant with a sperm donor.

When you should seek fertility support depends on your age, general health and whether you are aware of any fertility challenges. Generally, fertility specialists recommend seeking support if:

• You are under 35 and have been trying for 12 months without getting pregnant.
• You are over 35 and have been trying for six months.
• You are aged 40 or over and are considering having a child.

You should also consider seeking support if you experience any of the following:

• Absent or very irregular periods
• Known fertility problems
• An endometriosis or PCOS diagnosis
• Difficulty having sex
• Treatment for cancer
• Medical issues that could affect fertility

Seeking advice early does not necessarily mean you will need treatment. Instead, it is an opportunity to understand your fertility and discuss your options. If you do require additional support, they will also help you understand which fertility treatment type is best suited to your needs.

How long does it take to get pregnant after sex?

Pregnancy does not occur immediately after sex and cannot be confirmed until the first missed period. Before a successful pregnancy test, sperm must first travel through the reproductive tract and fertilise an egg. The embryo then travels to the uterus, where implantation takes place around six to twelve days later.

Can you get pregnant the first month of trying?

Yes, some people conceive during their first menstrual cycle of trying. However, it is also completely normal for pregnancy to take anywhere from several months to over a year.

How long does implantation take?

Implantation typically occurs six to twelve days after fertilisation, when the developing embryo attaches to the lining of the uterus. This results in an increase in the pregnancy hormones required to trigger a successful pregnancy test.

When can I take a pregnancy test?

You can take a pregnancy test on the first day of your missed period (about two weeks after unprotected sex). It will be a reliable result for most people. Some tests claim they are more sensitive and can confirm pregnancy earlier. However, there is also a higher likelihood of a false negative. 

How often should you have sex to get pregnant?

Regular sex every two to three days throughout the menstrual cycle is recommended for most couples trying to conceive. If you are tracking your ovulation, having sex every one to two days during the fertility window improves the chances of sperm being present when ovulation occurs.

Does stress stop you getting pregnant?

Severe or prolonged stress may affect menstrual cycles and ovulation in some people. However, everyday stress should not be viewed as the reason someone has not become pregnant. Looking after your emotional wellbeing is important, but you should not blame yourself if pregnancy takes time.

How long should I try before getting help?

If you are under 35, seek advice after around one year of regular trying without pregnancy. If you are over 35, consider seeking support after six months. If you are aged 40 or over, have irregular periods, known fertility issues or significant medical concerns, speak with a healthcare professional sooner.