Husband Working Abroad? How to Plan a Pregnancy
When a husband visits home for a short time, timing the visit around ovulation and getting both partners checked in advance improves the chance of pregnancy.
In this article 5 sections
When your husband works abroad, the most important part of planning a pregnancy is to time his visit home with your ovulation and to get the necessary health checks done for both of you before his leave. This is because each month there are only a few days when pregnancy is possible. In the video, Dr Sharmin Afroz explains this topic briefly. Many couples in Bangladesh face this situation, so here is a more detailed guide.
01Why timing matters so much
In each menstrual cycle, usually one egg is released, and it can be fertilised for only a short time. Sperm, on the other hand, can survive in a woman’s body for a few days. So the few days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself are called the fertile window. If your husband comes home for a few days outside this window, the chance of conceiving that month is much lower. Not getting pregnant in such a month does not mean something is wrong.
02How to tell when you ovulate
- Track your periods: note the start date of your period for at least a few months, on paper or in a phone app. In a regular cycle, ovulation usually happens about two weeks before the next period starts.
- Body signs: around this time, many women notice vaginal discharge becoming thin, clear and slippery.
- Ovulation test kits: these urine tests can indicate when ovulation is near.
- Ultrasound: if your periods are irregular, your doctor can monitor egg follicle growth by ultrasound (follicle tracking) to help pinpoint the right time.
Having sex every day or every other day during the fertile window makes the best use of the opportunity.
03How to prepare before he comes home
- Have basic tests for the wife on your doctor’s advice, such as blood group, haemoglobin, thyroid, blood sugar and, if needed, an ultrasound.
- Start folic acid as advised by your doctor before you begin trying.
- Your husband may have a semen analysis done abroad and bring the report, especially if you have tried before without success.
- Smoking, high stress and poor sleep affect fertility in both partners, so try to reduce them.
- If either of you has diabetes, high blood pressure or a thyroid problem, get it under control beforehand.
04What to do if it does not happen
For couples living apart, ‘how many months you have tried’ needs to be counted differently, because you are not together during the fertile window every month. So if the wife is 35 or older, has irregular periods, or has tried a few times at the right time without success, see a fertility specialist without delay. In some cases, the doctor may discuss sperm freezing followed later by IUI (intrauterine insemination) or other assisted options. The right approach is decided after looking at both partners’ test results.
When to see a doctor
- Very irregular periods, or periods stopping for several months
- Severe period pain or very heavy bleeding
- A history of miscarriage, pelvic infection or abdominal surgery
- After a positive pregnancy test, severe lower abdominal pain, bleeding or dizziness: go to hospital urgently
Planning ahead helps you make the most of your husband’s limited time at home.
Q & A
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if that week falls within your fertile window. Check your cycle record before fixing the leave dates.
Yes, it is available in most countries. Showing the report to your doctor helps with planning.
No. Couples living apart do not get a chance every month. But if you are over 35 or have tried several times at the right time, seek advice.
No, it is considered only in certain situations. Your doctor can advise whether it suits you after reviewing your tests.
Article & video by
Dr. Sharmin Afroz
Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Infertility Specialist and Laparoscopic Surgeon
Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Anwer Khan Modern Medical College & Hospital.
