Can I Get Pregnant One Week Before My Period?

With almost half of all pregnancies in the United States unplanned, according to the American Pregnancy Association, accurate information about a woman's monthly cycles can help provide additional insight into the reproductive process. Despite many common myths, women can become pregnant at virtually any point in their menstrual cycles, including the week prior to bleeding.

Significance

• Women are fertile for about 7-10 days every month. If a woman is certain that ovulation occurred at least two days prior to the time period in which she wants to have unprotected sex, her chances of pregnancy are slim but still possible.

Time Frame

• A typical menstrual cycle begins with menstruation on day 1, ovulation around day 14, and starts over after 28 days if a woman does not become pregnant. Sperm can live up to 3 days in a woman's fallopian tubes, and the released egg stays viable for up to 24 hours.

Considerations

• Cycle lengths and fertility windows vary from woman to woman and from month to month. Couples should use the standard guideline of 28 days to determine whether or not a woman is fertile.

Misconceptions

• Unless they chart their fertility signs, it is impossible for most women to determine that ovulation has occurred. Some women might experience abdominal pain during this time called mittelschmerz, but anecdotal evidence cannot be relied upon to determine "safe" periods for contraceptive-free sex.

Warning

• Couples who do not wish to become pregnant should use contraceptives every time sexual intercourse occurs in order to prevent conception.