If you've just started trying for a baby, you are probably wondering how long it takes to get pregnant.

This page contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small amount of money if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our articles and reviews are written independently by the Netmums editorial team.

Unfortunately, there's no definite time scale for conception and whilst some women may get pregnant within a short space of time, others can take a lot longer with no real explanation why.

However, as a general rule of thumb:

• Around 70% of couples will have conceived by 6 months.
• Around 85% by 12 months.
• Around 95% will be pregnant after 2 years of trying.

Many other couples will take longer which could mean there is an underlying issue affecting conception or you simply need to have more sex!

If you've been trying for at least a year without any joy, it might be time to see a fertility expert who can assess you both and confirm any problems that might be hindering your chances.

Does timing intercourse work?

Many of us believe that timing intercourse close to when we ovulate is a sure-fire way to produce a baby. You can use an ovulation calculator to calculate your ovulation date and there are products around designed to help you pinpoint the right time for sex. No doubt, there are many couples out there who will claim this method worked wonders for them.

However, there is no solid evidence to prove this theory works and whilst it might help some to feel ‘in control' of conception, experts generally agree that enjoying relaxed, healthy and regular sex (every two to three days) that's free of stress and complications can actually be a better formula for having a baby.

Use our ovulation calculator to work out your next ovulation date