Deciding to have a baby and start a family is a big decision. But once you decide, you often don’t want to wait to get pregnant; you want it to happen now. Unfortunately, conception doesn’t always happen quickly. Sometimes, it takes planning and patience. Luckily, we have some tips to kick the process into high gear.
Know Your Ovulation Day
The most effective way to increase your odds of getting pregnant is to be on top of your ovulation schedule. That means planning sex around the days you’re most likely to get pregnant. Everyone’s cycle is different, but typically, ovulation happens 14-16 days after the start of your period. Once released, your egg can live for one day in the uterus, and sperm can live in the body for up to six days after sex. This equation means that you are fertile for about six days every menstrual cycle. Download an ovulation app on your phone for easy access to your ovulation schedule. You can also purchase over-the-counter ovulation tests like the ClearBlue Advanced Digital Ovulation Test ($30.49, shop here) that predict the best time to conceive. Want a test you can more on a daily basis? Try the Natalist Ovulation Test Kit ($25.00, shop here).
Start Taking Prenatals
It’s never too early to start! Prenatal vitamins, which include vital nutrients like folic acid, are essential to your health and well-being – and your baby’s. Folic acid not only develops the baby’s brain and spine but also promotes ovulation so you can get pregnant quicker. Ask your doctor for a prescription or advice about over-the-counter options.
Relax Your Stress Levels
It may sound easier said than done, but it’s critical to relax and de-stress. If you get worked up, your ovulation can fluctuate, which makes it harder to get pregnant. Try listening to music, meditating, exercising, or acupuncture. Whatever puts you in a Zen state will work – as long as it doesn’t involve drugs or alcohol.
Check For Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Sometimes, your fallopian tubes can become blocked from debris, disease or past surgeries, so the egg can’t reach the uterus! Ask your doctor if they can check your tubes – you might be a candidate for Fallopian Tube Recanalization (FTR). FTR is a nonsurgical procedure to clear blockages in the fallopian tubes.
Don’t Use Lubricants
Some lubricants make sperm die before reaching the egg for conception. So watch what you buy, or increase foreplay to get natural lubrication flowing. If you want lube to increase comfort, purchase a “sperm-friendly” brand, like pre-seed.
Additional Tips for Getting Pregnant
- Maintain a healthy weight; overweight and underweight women may have more trouble getting pregnant quickly.
- Ask your doctor about supplements that may increase your chances of getting pregnant.
- Get rid of tobacco and cigarettes, as they have adverse effects on fertility.
- Limit alcohol consumption, as heavy amounts of liquor can decrease fertility.
- Reduce caffeine intake; 200 milligrams a day should be your max, equal to 1-2 cups of coffee.