This is day 9 of your menstrual cycle

While you wait to ovulate, your follicles are maturing in your ovaries, ready to release an egg.

271 days until your due date

Before ovulation later this week, the most advanced follicle moves to the surface of the ovary, ready to release its egg. Around 15–20 follicles started developing during your period. Both ovaries grow follicles, but usually only one brings a follicle to ovulation, and which one seems to be down to chance. The follicles swell as they fill with fluid. Some women release more than one egg in a month, and if both are fertilized, the result is nonidentical twins. By ovulation the follicle is about 1 in (2 cm) across, while the egg is only just visible to the naked eye.

Follicles need FSH from the pituitary gland to mature, although their early growth doesn't seem to depend on it and may rely on other hormones and chemicals instead.

Good to know

Specialized medical advice

If you have an ongoing medical problem, see your doctor before trying to conceive. Diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, heart problems, a past deep vein thrombosis (DVT), thyroid conditions, sickle-cell disease, and epilepsy can all affect a pregnancy.

The effect depends on the condition, and you'll need a specialist's advice and care. If you're unsure how your medical history might affect a pregnancy, check with your doctor first.

Focus on

Dads: Your diet counts too

It's never too late for a dad-to-be to eat well, but sperm take weeks to mature, so ideally start a healthy diet at least three months before conception. Real food generally works better than supplements.

Antioxidants: vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, and zinc help protect sperm DNA from damage.
Selenium may also help sperm get through the egg's outer layer. Eat tuna, wheat germ, whole grains, and sesame seeds.
Zinc is found in large amounts in semen. Eat fish, lean meat, shellfish, turkey, chicken, eggs, whole grains, rye, and oats.
Manganese may also help male fertility. Eat leafy vegetables (including broccoli), carrots, eggs, whole grains, and ginger.
Essential fatty acids may help sperm swim better. Eat oily fish such as mackerel, salmon, and sardines, plus flaxseed and kiwi fruit.

This is general information based on NHS guidance, not medical advice, and every pregnancy is different. Talk to your midwife or GP about anything that worries you. If your baby's movements slow down or change, or you have bleeding, severe pain or leaking fluid, call your maternity unit straight away. In an emergency, call 999.