TTC Timeline

What to expect month by month when trying to conceive.

📖 8 min read Updated: January 2026

The Reality of Timing

Per-cycle odds: ~20-25% chance for healthy couples under 35
After 6 months: ~80% of couples will conceive
After 12 months: ~85-90% of couples will conceive
Normal range: Up to 12 months is considered within normal limits

Managing Expectations

In our age of instant everything, it's easy to assume getting pregnant should happen quickly. The reality? Even with perfect timing and no fertility issues, the human reproductive system is surprisingly inefficient.

Here's why:

Eggs are only viable for 12-24 hours after ovulation
Not every egg fertilizes successfully
Not every fertilized egg implants (~30-50% don't)
Many early pregnancies end in chemical pregnancy or very early loss

A 20-25% per-cycle pregnancy rate actually reflects this complex biology.

📊 The Math

If you have a 20% chance per cycle, after 6 cycles you have about a 74% cumulative chance. After 12 cycles, about 93%. This is why most couples conceive within a year—it's just statistics.

Month-by-Month: What to Expect

🌱 Month 1

Excitement and optimism! You're starting this journey. Focus on:

Starting a prenatal vitamin (if you haven't already)
Learning your cycle length and ovulation window
Having sex every 1-2 days during fertile window
Establishing healthy habits

~20% Chance of conceiving this cycle

Totally normal if it doesn't happen first try

📅 Months 2-3

Getting into your groove. By now you should:

Have a sense of your cycle pattern
Be using OPKs or another tracking method
Feel more confident about timing
Possibly feel the first twinges of impatience

~50% Cumulative chance by month 3

Still early Half of couples conceive in first 3 months

🔄 Months 4-6

The middle ground. This is when many couples start to feel frustrated, but remember—you're still within completely normal territory.

Review your tracking data—are you timing intercourse well?
Consider adding cervical mucus or BBT tracking if only using OPKs
Make sure both partners are optimizing lifestyle factors
Practice patience and self-compassion

~75-80% Cumulative chance by month 6

Normal to still be trying at this point

⏳ Months 7-9

Getting into later territory. While still within normal range, it's reasonable to start thinking ahead:

If under 35: Continue trying, but consider preconception checkup
If 35+: May want to schedule fertility evaluation now
Male partner should consider semen analysis
Document your tracking data to bring to any appointments

~85% Cumulative chance by month 9

Consider early evaluation if 35+

📋 Months 10-12

Approaching the conventional evaluation threshold. If you haven't conceived:

Schedule appointment with OB-GYN or fertility specialist
Basic testing may be recommended (hormone levels, semen analysis, ultrasound)
This doesn't mean anything is wrong—testing provides information
About 10-15% of couples take a year or longer

~85-90% Cumulative chance by month 12

Time for fertility evaluation

🩺 Beyond 12 Months

At this point, medical evaluation is recommended:

Infertility is defined as 12 months of trying without success
This doesn't mean you can't conceive—many couples do with time or treatment
Full fertility workup can identify treatable causes
Treatment options range from lifestyle changes to IUI to IVF

15-20% of couples need assistance

Good prognosis with proper treatment

Factors That Affect Your Timeline

Age

The most significant factor. Per-cycle rates and cumulative rates both decline with age:

Under 30: ~25% per cycle; 85% within 12 months
30-34: ~20% per cycle; 80% within 12 months
35-37: ~15% per cycle; 70-75% within 12 months
38-40: ~10% per cycle; may take longer
Over 40: ~5% per cycle; success rates decrease significantly

Timing Accuracy

Having sex during the fertile window is critical. Couples with infrequent sex or poor timing may take longer.

Underlying Conditions

PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid disorders, male factor issues, and other conditions can affect time to conception.

Lifestyle Factors

Smoking, excessive alcohol, obesity, and extreme exercise can all extend time to conception.

When to Seek Help Sooner

Don't wait 12 months if you have:

Irregular or absent periods
Known PCOS, endometriosis, or other reproductive conditions
History of pelvic surgery or infections
Known male factor issues
Previous cancer treatment
Age 35-39 (seek help after 6 months)
Age 40+ (seek help immediately or within 3 months)

💡 Earlier Is Often Better

There's no harm in seeking evaluation earlier if you have concerns. A proactive approach can identify issues sooner and give you more options. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it's okay to ask.

Coping While You Wait

The months of trying can be emotionally draining. Some strategies:

Set boundaries: Limit how much time you spend researching or on TTC forums
Find balance: Keep doing activities you enjoy that aren't related to TTC
Communicate with your partner: Check in about how you're both feeling
Consider support: Therapy, support groups, or confiding in trusted friends
Take breaks: It's okay to take a month off from tracking if you need to
Focus on what you can control: Healthy habits, timing—not outcomes

The Bottom Line

Trying to conceive is a journey that varies for everyone. Most couples conceive within 6-12 months, and that timeline is completely normal. Try not to compare yourself to others or let each month feel like a failure.

If it's taking longer than expected, know that help is available—and that many couples who need assistance go on to have healthy pregnancies. Wherever you are in this timeline, you're not alone. 💚