Tips to Help Get Pregnant
Getting pregnant can be daunting at times, especially when it doesn't seem to be happening right away. But, fret not, there are several things you can do to maximize your chances of conceiving. It is always also a good idea to make an appointment with a doctor to discuss getting pregnant.
Determine when You are Fertile
It is very important to try to have sex when you are at your most fertile. Ovulation calendars can help you try to figure out when you are ovulating, however, they are not always accurate, and do not take into consideration the fact that the body may not always be totally consistent. Like pregnancy tests, ovulation predictor kits can detect changes in your body with a simple urine test. When your levels of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) rise, and the kit detects the change, it means you will be ovulating in the next 24-36 hours. Learning fertility awareness techniques can also help you isolate your most fertile period.
Use Gravity to Your Advantage
There is little hard evidence to suggest that the male being on top during intercourse helps your chances of conceiving, but it couldn't hurt. The theory is that, when the female is on top, some semen is allowed to leak out, lessening the chances of conceiving. Also, after sex, it can be helpful to lie down for at least 15 minutes. Putting a pillow under your hips while you lie there may also be a good idea.
Don't Smoke, Drink, or do Drugs
Smoking, drinking, and doing drugs can have a huge negative affect on your chances of conceiving. Not only do these things negatively affect the female's ability to conceive, if the male partner smokes, drinks, or does drugs, his sperm count will most likely be reduced. All of these things also increase your chances of having a miscarriage, premature birth, and a low-weight baby. It may also be a good idea to avoid caffeine where possible.
Stay at a Healthy Weight
A woman's weight is a surprisingly big factor in her ability to conceive. The healthy BMI (Body Mass Index) range for women trying to conceive is between 20 and 30. Women who are extremely underweight may even stop ovulating altogether. Moderate exercise should be fine while trying to conceive, but overdoing it can interfere with your menstrual cycle and ovulation.
Have Sex Often
This may seem obvious, but many couples limit their sexual encounters to when they think the woman is ovulating. However, having sex more often than that is a good idea, as ovulation may not always occur at exactly the same point each month. Also, sperm can live in a woman's body for up to seven days, which means that having sex before ovulation can lead to pregnancy as well.
De-Stress!
Stress most definitely has a negative affect on ovulation. Severe stress can cause the body to delay or even skip ovulation altogether. Also, when men are stressed, they can experience sexual dysfunction and/or performance anxiety. Though the pressure of trying to conceive can easily cause stress, it is important to try to relax whenever possible. Click here for some tips for getting rid of stress.
Try to Eat a Healthy Diet
Keeping a healthy balance of vitamins and minerals in the body can also have a positive affect on your ability to conceive. New research shows that heavy consumption of fast carbohydrates (that is, carbs like white bread, potatoes, and pasta that are digested quickly) may decrease fertility in women. Slow carbs that are high in fiber may improve fertility. It is also a good idea to start taking prenatal vitamins when trying to conceive.
