From sexual positions to special diets, everyone will have an opinion if they know you’re trying to conceive. But as you’re preparing to conceive, what you really need to know is this:
Timing is Everything
When you’re trying to get pregnant, timing is everything. Most couples conceive within a year of trying, according to the Mayo Clinic, meaning if you’re still not pregnant at five months, you shouldn’t be worried. Even if you want to let things happen naturally, there’s nothing wrong with giving yourself an advantage. For most women, ovulation occurs at about day 14 of a 28-day cycle. According to WomensHealth.gov, you’re most fertile two to three days before ovulation and 12 to 24 hours after. Three common ways to track your fertility window include:
- Using digital ovulation tests — they can help you chart your fertility pattern by detecting your luteinizing hormone (LH).
- Tracking your basal body temperature — it rises slightly with ovulation.
- Recording your cervical mucus discharge — just before ovulation the mucus increases to be clear, slippery and stretchy, like raw egg whites, according to WomensHealth.gov.
Regular Exercise Can Help
Not only does exercise help you maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it can improve your chances of conceiving. Women who exercise at a moderate pace are more likely to conceive more quickly than those who exercise vigorously, according to FertStert.org. In part, that’s probably because over-exercising can lead to amenorrhea, a condition where a woman who has had normal periods temporarily stops getting them, according to Web MD. Instead, gradually work yourself into a steady routine of swimming, brisk walking, and other light exercises.
Focus on Eating Right
Kick any bad habits and prepare to carry a baby. Remove alcohol and tobacco from your diet, and consider cutting back on your caffeine intake. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage women to take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day at least one month before they’re pregnant, and then during their entire pregnancy. Part of the vitamin B family, folic acid can help prevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine that occur within the first few weeks of pregnancy.
Surround Yourself With Positivity
Even if you’re nothing but smiles now, that could all change in a month or two if you aren’t where you expected or hoped to be. Trying to conceive can be an emotionally, mentally, and physically draining time — prepare for it. Surround yourself with positivity. Eliminate unnecessary stress and negativity from your life and surround yourself with supportive and happy people. According to WomensHealth.gov, stress can have a negative effect on a woman’s fertility. If you find yourself overwhelmed, Web MD suggests using any of these six relaxation techniques to ease (and prevent) the tension:
- Meditate
- Visualize yourself relaxed
- Breathe deeply
- Take a time out
- Show some love
- Give yourself a massage
Build Your Relationship
A baby will change your relationship even before it’s born. The decision to start a family includes accepting and preparing for the emotional and physical changes that come with trying to conceive, pregnancy, and parenthood. While on the road to conception, nurture your relationship with your partner. Show each other appreciation, attention, and support. While you both may be anxious to conceive, remember to discuss topics other than fertility every once and awhile. Keep doing the things you love and have sex even when you’re not ovulating.
