7 Tips for Getting Pregnant Faster
Expert Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Pregnant Quickly
You’re ready to get pregnant and start a family right now. Waiting can be frustrating, but while Mother Nature plays a role in the timing, there are steps you can take to boost your chances of conceiving quickly. Here are seven expert-approved tips to help you get pregnant faster.
1. Get a Preconception Checkup
Before you begin trying to conceive, schedule a checkup with your doctor. Discuss prenatal vitamins that contain folic acid, which helps protect against birth defects such as spina bifida. Folic acid is crucial during the early stages of pregnancy, so ensure you’re getting enough even before you conceive. Dr. Paula Hillard, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Stanford University, recommends getting a checkup a cycle before you start trying. Address any underlying medical issues to ensure a safe pregnancy.
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2. Understand Your Menstrual Cycle
Knowing your menstrual cycle can significantly enhance your chances of conceiving. Ovulation is the optimal time for pregnancy, so focus on having sex during this period. Recognize the signs of ovulation, such as changes in cervical mucus, which becomes thin and slippery when you’re fertile. Some women may also experience a one-sided twinge of pain. Ovulation prediction kits can also help by indicating your most fertile days. Dr. James Goldfarb, director of the infertility service at the Cleveland Clinic, advises starting ovulation testing on day nine of your cycle and continuing until you get a positive result.
3. Don’t Stress About Positions
There are many myths about the best sexual positions for conception, but scientific evidence doesn’t support them. The missionary position is not necessarily better than any other. However, gravity-defying positions like sitting or standing may hinder sperm from reaching the egg. Dr. Goldfarb mentions that while certain positions might matter for women with unusual cervical positions, for most, it’s not a significant factor.
4. Stay in Bed After Intercourse
While the idea of lying with your feet in the air is a myth, it is beneficial to stay in bed for 10 to 15 minutes after sex. This helps ensure sperm stays in the cervix. Avoid going to the bathroom immediately after intercourse to give sperm the best chance of reaching the egg.
5. Don’t Overdo It
Having sex every day during ovulation doesn’t necessarily increase your chances of getting pregnant. Instead, aim for every other night around your ovulation period. Sperm can live up to five days in your body, so regular sex throughout your cycle is beneficial. Also, men should avoid tight clothing, hot tubs, and excessive cell phone use near their testicles, as these can negatively affect sperm quality. Additionally, men might consider reducing soy food intake, which can lower sperm concentration.
6. Manage Stress
Stress can interfere with ovulation, so staying relaxed is crucial. While it might be annoying to hear, “Just relax and it will happen,” there is some truth to it. Find healthy ways to de-stress, such as yoga, meditation, or acupuncture, which has been shown to reduce stress and increase the chances of pregnancy.
7. Lead a Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential when trying to conceive. Regular exercise can help, but too much can hinder ovulation. Aim for moderate exercise, like brisk walking, for about 2.5 hours per week. If you’re a heavy exerciser, monitor your cycle; if your second half shortens, it might be a sign to reduce your workout intensity. Also, quit smoking, as it affects estrogen levels and ovulation. Dr. Hillard notes that smoking decreases fertility and affects overall health.
Conclusion
While you can’t control everything about the conception process, these expert tips can increase your chances of getting pregnant faster. Understanding your cycle, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and staying relaxed can significantly enhance your fertility. Remember, most women will conceive within a year of trying, so stay positive and patient.
