The Luteal Phase Length And Early Pregnancy

The luteal phase length is critical for the survival of an early pregnancy. Miscarriages will occur if it is usually below the normal range.

The reason is because the luteal phase provides important hormonal support for the developing pregnancy.

I will discuss the most significant questions often asked by women seeking to know about the length of the luteal phase, including what it is and how to calculate it.

Definition

The luteal phase is simply the length of the luteal phase, the phase of the menstrual cycle between ovulation and menstruation. It is sometimes called the Days Post Ovulation(DPO) by some women. Practically, the luteal phase length(LPL) is the number of days from the day after ovulation to the day before menses.

The normal range is usually 12 to 16 days, with an average of 14 days. Pregnancy will hardly occur in women with a phase length of less than 10 days. The short luteal phase is called Luteal Phase Defect(LPD) and is often associated with miscarriages or infertility.

The length of the DPO is fairly consistent from cycle to cycle. It rarely varies more than one day for any particular woman.Though It varies from woman to woman, it remains almost constant for each woman from cycle to cycle. This is in contrast to the follicular phase which can vary from cycle to cycle.

Note that it is the follicular Phase that determines the time of ovulation and it can be affected by stress, excessive exercise or medical illness.

Determination Of The Length Of The DPO

How do I determine the length of my luteal phase? There are two landmarks important to determine the length of this phase- the time of ovulation and the time of menses. Menses is usually obvious to every woman. The problem lies with the determination of the time of ovulation.

Remember that the first day of menses is the first day of the next cycle.

These methods could be used to determine the time of ovulation.

1. Hormonal measurement. A precise determination of ovulation requires the measuring the main hormone associated with ovulation i.e. Luteinizing hormone. Ovulation kits are now been sold in stores that could be used by every woman to determine the time of ovulation. Women with more serious problems will need to consult their doctor for more precise lab tests.
2. Basal body temperature measurement. At ovulation, the basal temperature rises by 0.5 degrees Celsius. Consistent measurement over months can enable a woman have a good clue of the time of ovulation and the length of the luteal phase. All that is needed is a chart, a pencil/pen, basal thermometer and your body!
3. Cervical mucus Some women have used the consistency of the cervical mucus to determine the likely time of ovulation. The mucus becomes thin, thready and watery during the moment of ovulation.

Once the time of ovulation is known, the number of days between this day and the day before menses in the length of the luteal phase. For women who are unsure about the length of the DPO, they can use the average of 14 days or use the range 12 to 16 days.

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