A woman's chances of getting pregnant vary depending on the phase of her menstrual cycle. This is because her fertility depends on ovulation, which occurs only once during the monthly cycle [1].

The female egg is very short-lived, meaning that the sperm needs to meet the egg at the right time for conception to occur. However, determining the right time can be confusing for many women. This confusion raises questions like, "What are the chances of getting pregnant 2 days before period?"

When Are the Chances of Getting Pregnant the Highest?

The most fertile time in a woman's cycle is during ovulation when her body releases a ready-to-be fertilized egg. When the cycle is 28 days, ovulation usually occurs on day 14, although the exact date can vary depending on the length of your cycle [1].

Sperm can survive in the female body for about 5 days, while an egg cell can only live for 12 to 24 hours [2]. This means that the days leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself are when a woman is most fertile and has the highest chance of pregnancy.

Here is a brief breakdown of the chances of pregnancy on different days within the fertility window:

• 5 days before ovulation: Pregnancy is possible since sperm can live up to 5 days, but the chances are relatively low.
• 2 to 3 days before ovulation: High chance of pregnancy.
• Day of ovulation: The highest chance of pregnancy.
• 1 day after ovulation: Pregnancy is still possible but less likely, as the egg only survives for about 12 to 24 hours.

If you're trying to conceive, this window of 5 to 6 days is the best time to have unprotected sex. Also, if you want to avoid unwanted pregnancy, using protection during these days is important.

If you're curious about peak fertility, consider reading our article "What Are the Chances of Getting Pregnant on Ovulation Day?" to explore in depth the chances of getting pregnant on ovulation day.

When Are the Chances of Pregnancy the Lowest?

The least fertile time in a woman's cycle is usually during her period and the days right before and after it. During your period, the chances of pregnancy are very low as the uterine lining is shedding, and the body isn't prepared for pregnancy [3].

The chances are also low with intercourse soon after the periods end since the sperm may not be able to survive until ovulation. However, if you have a short cycle, sperm could survive long enough to meet an early-released egg.

If you're interested in a broader perspective on fertility trends, consider reading "What Are Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Each Month?" for more insights on the chances of getting pregnant each month.

Chances of Getting Pregnant 3 Days Before Period

By the time your period is just three days away, your chances of getting pregnant are very low. This is because ovulation has already passed, and the egg is no longer available for fertilization.

If you have a regular cycle, your body is already preparing for menstruation, and the uterine lining is breaking down. Even if sperm enter the body at this time, there is no egg for them to fertilize. However, if you have irregular cycles, there is a very small chance of late ovulation that could lead to pregnancy [4].

Chances of Getting Pregnant 2 Days Before Period

Two days before your period, the chances of pregnancy are extremely low, especially for women with regular cycles. By this point, hormone levels have dropped, and the body is getting ready to shed the uterine lining.

However, if a woman has an unusually short cycle or ovulates much later than expected, there is a tiny possibility of conception. But for most women, this is one of the least fertile times in the cycle.

Signs That You Are Most Fertile

When you are most fertile, your body gives you a few signs [5]. Your cervical mucus will become clear, stretchy, and slippery, like raw egg whites, which helps sperm travel more easily. You might also notice a slight increase in your basal body temperature after ovulation.

Some women feel mild cramps on one side of their lower abdomen, which is called "mittelschmerz." These signs typically happen a few days before ovulation. Paying attention to these changes can help you know when you are most fertile and have the highest chances of getting pregnant.

The Bottom Line

Your fertility and chances of getting pregnant vary throughout your cycle, and understanding the pattern can help whether you're trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy. The highest chances of getting pregnant are a few days before and during ovulation, while the lowest chances are just before and during your period.

A common question that women ask is, what are my chances of getting pregnant 2 days before period? Two days before the period is when typically no egg is present in a regular cycle. This means your chances of getting pregnant with intercourse 2 days before your period are lowest.

Resources Used

1. Holesh, J. E., Bass, A. N., & Lord, M. (2023c, May 1). Physiology, ovulation. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441996/ 
2. Pregnancy - identifying fertile days: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.-b). https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007015.htm 
3. Thiyagarajan, D. K., Basit, H., & Jeanmonod, R. (2024b, September 27). Physiology, menstrual cycle. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500020/ 
4. Irregular periods. (2025, March 19). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14633-abnormal-menstruation-periods 
5. Ovulation symptoms - Am I ovulating? American Pregnancy Association. https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/infertility/signs-of-ovulation/