Couple after discovering unplanned pregnancy. [Photo/istock]
Ladies if you are sexually active and not ready to be a mom then it is very important for you to know ways to avoid unplanned pregnancies. Kids are an important part of our lives but no one wants kids when they are not ready. So it better to prepare your self to avoid scary situations.Know your menstrual cycle.You have to study your menstrual cycle for at least 6 months consistently to be sure of yours.Your menstrual cycle starts from the first day of menstruation to the first day of the next menstruation.The average menstrual cycle for most women is approximately 28 days.Know your ovulation period.This is the time when a woman is most fertile.Ovulation occurs on the 14th day of your menstrual cycle in most cases.Signs of ovulation include slight cramping or pain on one side of your pelvis, increased sex drive, light spots, changes in cervical mucus and breast soreness. Ovulation time is not the safest time to have unprotected sex.Avoid unprotected sex 3 days before and 3 days after ovulation for the most safety.Know your safe period.This is the time where there is the least chance of getting pregnant.For example, a woman with a 28-day menstrual cycle who menstruates for 5 days, is said to be safe on the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th day of her cycle, but unsafe on her 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th day. However its just safe to use birth control or condoms.Use two or more types of birth controlYou might use birth control and also a condom, for example.Do not depend on only one method because none of them are 100% guaranteed to prevent pregnancy!Know your body.Try to to familiarize yourself with the changes that may occur.For example, noting any abnormalities, such as absence of menstruation, heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods etc. Talk to your Doctor.Talk to your partner.Sit down and talk to your partner about the different ways you are both going to approach this topic to avoid unplanned pregnancies.