Increase your chances of getting pregnant

 

So, you’ve decided to take a leap of faith and try for a baby. What can you do to increase your chances of getting pregnant sooner rather than later?

 

If you are not having a period each month, or ovulating with your period, your chances of getting pregnant are reduced. Ovulation is when your body releases an egg from one of your ovaries. This normally occurs about day 14-16, after the first day of your last period. This egg needs to meet with the sperm for conception to occur.

 

 

If you want to be sure you are ovulating you can purchase an ovulation predictor kit at any drug store. Have intercourse daily, or every other day, 5-6 days before ovulation to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

 

 

Lifestyle choices can have a direct effect on fertility. Be sure you’ve had a physical exam with your care provider. They will check you for any signs of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which left unchecked, can permanently affect your ability to become pregnant. Many STI’s do not exhibit symptoms for some time.

 

 

Switch out those low fat lattes for full fat ones. Women who drink and eat full fat dairy foods boost their chances of getting pregnant. That is not to say you can go all out and eat for two! Also, keep your caffeine intake to 1 -2 cups per day or about 200 – 250 mgs of caffeine.

 

 

 

Starting pregnancy with a healthy weight not only increases your chance of getting pregnant, but also reduces problems in pregnancy and during delivery. An ideal goal for any woman is a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 20-25. Being underweight or overweight can affect your ability to become pregnant.

 

 

If you or your partner smokes, now is the time to quit. Smoking has a direct effect on the DNA of the cell and the ability for the egg to be accepted by the uterus. Smoking also increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in newborns. Your healthcare provider can offer suggestions and counseling on how to stop smoking.

 

 

Boosting fertility is not just a female issue. Sperms need to be at a cooler temperature! Boxer shorts were often recommended for men to help keep sperm at a cooler temperature. Although this still holds true, there is now new focus on avoiding prolonged laptop use and using hot tubs on a frequent basis. Any increase in temperature can affect sperm production, and therefore decrease your chances of pregnancy.

 

 

If you are under 35 years old and have been trying to get pregnant for a year, or over 35 years old and trying for 6 months, you and your partner should seek medical evaluation. Any woman who thinks she might become pregnant should start taking a multivitamin/prenatal vitamin and 400mcgs of folic acid daily.

 

 

In summary, try not to stress over getting pregnant and never underestimate the power of the reproductive system!