Sometimes, conception is frustrating. In schools, sex education makes many people think they will get pregnant at the drop of a hat; however, the reality is often quite different. For some women who are struggling to conceive, they may think to themselves, “please, please get me pregnant.” However, the best way to get pregnant is to know your body. To make the most of your fertility, it is very important to take care of your health; that said, there are other ways you can improve the odds. In this article, we list five simple tips for getting pregnant.
Tips for Getting Pregnant
1. Monitor your Menstrual Cycle
One of the most important tips for getting pregnant is to monitor your menstrual cycle. Primarily, you should establish if your periods are regular; this will help you to accurately identify when you ovulate. Generally, women with regular cycles will ovulate about two weeks before they menstruate. This is when a woman is most fertile, and although the egg will only survive for 12–24 hours, sperm can survive for up to five days – which increases the chance of conception.
However, if your periods are irregular ovulation is more difficult to predict. Therefore, you may find it useful to try out ovulation prediction kits. These kits test urine for luteinizing hormone, which increases when you ovulate. According to the American Pregnancy Association, the optimum time for conception is three days after a positive test.
2. Aim for a Healthy Body Weight
Being over or underweight can reduce your chances of conceiving. Studies have shown that overweight women can take twice as long to fall pregnant. Extra weight produces excess estrogen, which can interfere with ovulation. Meanwhile, a woman who is underweight can take as much as four times as long. This is because women with low BMI may have irregular periods and may not ovulate at all.
3. Take Prenatal Vitamins
It is recommended to take a daily multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid while attempting conception. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises women to take folic acid daily at least a month before getting pregnant to reduce the chance of birth defects. Essential parts of the nervous system develop 3 to 4 weeks after conception, which is before many women realize they’re pregnant. There are, of course, many brands and types of prenatal vitamins and supplements available. You can even get them at the grocery store. It’s important, however, to do your research and read the labels. This article on the “Best Prenatal Vitamins Based on In-Depth Reviews” is a good place to start, but the best thing you can do is talk with your healthcare provider.
4. Eat Healthily
While trying to conceive, it is important to have a healthy diet. This means consuming plenty of fruit and vegetables, plant proteins, whole grains, full-fat dairy, and omega 3. Furthermore, women can obtain folic acid from dark green leafy vegetables, cereals, beans, and citrus fruits. However, it’s not only about what you do eat; it’s also what you don’t. For example, women who want to get pregnant should reduce their intake of mercury-rich fish, caffeine, and alcohol.
5. Know When to Consult a Specialist
If you are 35 or older, both you and your partner should consider undergoing a fertility evaluation if you have not fallen pregnant after six months of regular intercourse without birth control. This is because women’s fertility declines throughout their thirties, followed by a steep decline after 40. Furthermore, this also applies to women under 35 if they have failed to fall pregnant after a year. Often, with the help of a reproductive endocrinologist, couples can achieve their fertility hopes.
