Having a baby is one of the most wonderful things that can happen in a woman’s life. For some couples, getting pregnant and starting a family is easy. But for others, it may take months or even years of trying before they are successful.
There are many things that can influence a couple’s ability to conceive. Age, lifestyle choices, and underlying health conditions can all play a role. Prenatal assessment is as important as postnatal assessment, especially if you and your partner are looking to start a family.
Fortunately, there are things that couples can do to increase their chances of getting pregnant. Here are 10 tips and facts on how to get pregnant and boost fertility:
Don’t Wait too Long to Conceive
If you’re hoping to conceive, don’t wait too long to start trying. According to experts, the best time to get pregnant is actually before you turn 30. After that, fertility starts to decline relatively rapidly.
In your early 30s, you still have a good chance of conceiving, but by 35, your odds begin to drop significantly. By 40, your chances of getting pregnant are only about 5 percent.
There are a number of reasons why it’s better to conceive before 30. For one thing, younger women tend to have healthier eggs. Additionally, the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities increases with age, which can lead to problems like miscarriage and birth defects.
Have Intercourse Every Two to Three Days
For couples trying to conceive, one of the most important things to remember is to have intercourse regularly. While there is no “perfect” frequency, most experts agree that every two to three days is ideal.
This allows sperm to build up in the man’s body and increases the chances that one of them will fertilize the egg. It also ensures that there will be a healthy supply of sperm available when ovulation occurs.
In addition, frequent intercourse helps to keep the quality of sperm high. This is because sperm that has been stored in the testicles for too long can become damaged or defective.
Check your Thyroids
Many women who have difficulty conceiving are surprised to learn that their thyroids may be to blame. The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism.
When the thyroid is not functioning properly, it can throw the whole body out of balance, including the reproductive system. Women with thyroid problems often have irregular periods or may stop ovulating altogether.
They may also experience other symptoms, such as fatigue, weight gain, or hair loss. If you think your thyroid may be causing fertility problems, talk to your doctor about getting tested.
Get your Man Checked Out
Recent studies have shown that men’s health plays a role in fertility and pregnancy. This means that if you have difficulty conceiving, it may be worth getting your man checked out by a doctor.
There are a number of different male fertility tests that can be done to assess sperm health, and treatment is available for many conditions. For example, men with a low sperm count can be treated with medication or surgery.
Keep Track of your Ovulation
By knowing when you ovulate, you can time intercourse accordingly and maximize your chances of fertilization. There are a few different ways to track ovulation, including charting your basal body temperature or using an ovulation predictor kit.
You may also notice changes in your cervical mucus, which becomes thinner and more stretchy around the time of ovulation. This change in cervical mucus is often referred to as an “ovulation sign”.
See a Fertility Specialist
Every woman’s reproductive system is different, so it’s important to see a fertility specialist to understand what might be going on with your body specifically. They can help you determine if there is a problem with your ovulation or if your fallopian tubes are blocked.
A fertility specialist can also do blood tests to check your hormone levels and see how your eggs are maturing. If you have been trying to get pregnant for a year or more without success, you should definitely see a fertility specialist. But ensure you try everything possible you can naturally do before undergoing a fertility treatment or IVF treatments.
Take a Folic Acid Supplement
Folic acid is a nutrient found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, and nuts. It helps to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. Couples who are trying to conceive should take a supplement of 400micrograms of folic acid daily. You can also eat foods that are rich in folic acid, such as spinach, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Stop Using Birth Control
Couples who have been using hormonal birth control methods may find that it takes them longer to conceive once they stop using these methods. This is because birth control pills contain synthetic hormones that can disrupt the body’s natural hormone levels. It can take a few months for the body to adjust and return to its normal hormone levels after stopping birth control pills.
As a result, couples who are trying to conceive should consider stopping their birth control method several months before they start trying to get pregnant.
Manage Stress Levels
When a couple is trying to conceive, they may find themselves under a lot of pressure. There are many things that can contribute to stress, from work and financial worries to family drama.
It is important for prenatal and postnatal care to find ways to reduce stress and promote relaxation. This might include exercise, yoga, meditation, or simply spending time in nature. Reducing stress levels can improve your chances of getting pregnant.
Lose Weight or Gain Weight
Many couples who are trying to conceive focus on the woman’s health and fertility, but it is important to remember that a man’s health and weight also play a role in fertility. In fact, studies have shown that being overweight can decrease a man’s sperm count and motility.
On the other hand, being underweight can also reduce fertility. Therefore, if you are trying to conceive, both partners should aim for a healthy weight. Losing or gaining weight may seem like a daunting task, but even small changes can make a big difference.
Try making simple dietary changes such as reducing processed foods and increasing fruits and vegetables. And be sure to get plenty of exercise; even a moderate amount of activity can improve fertility.
Conclusion
If you are trying to get pregnant, there are many things you can do to improve your chances of conception. By understanding ovulation and tracking your cycles, you can increase your chances of timing intercourse correctly.
Additionally, taking a folic acid supplement and eating a nutritious diet can help promote a healthy pregnancy. And finally, managing stress levels and maintaining a healthy weight is important for both partners. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting pregnant and having a healthy baby.