It is always better to start planning for family as early as possible because the chances of conception decrease after the age of 35 years and the risk and complications of pregnancy increases. But getting pregnant is not as easy as it appears in movies or text books as various factors play a role in achieving conception.
When you and your partner decide to get pregnant, here are some of the simple tips that you can follow to increase your chance of conception.
1. Having a prenatal checkup.
It is better to get a prenatal checkup done once you and your partner decide to start a family. Get yourself and your partner checked and treated for any medical problem that might hinder your chances of getting pregnant. Ask your doctor about supplements like folic acid, iron etc to make sure you are as healthy as you can be.
2. Getting the timing right.
The best way to increase your odds of getting pregnant quickly is to make sure that you are having sex at the right time in your cycle. If your cycles are regular, then the ovulation will be around 2 weeks before your period. According to American College of Obstetrician and Gynecologists (ACOG), this means your fertile window will be approximately 5days before your expected ovulation to one day after. A number of techniques are available that can precisely pinpoint your ovulation and fertile window.
However, it is little more difficult to predict the fertile window or ovulation in case of irregular cycles.
3. Regular unprotected sex.
Having regular and unprotected sex twice or thrice a week can significantly increase one’s chance of getting pregnant by 84%. It is best to have regular and unprotected sex especially around the fertile window (2 days before and 2 days after ovulation). Try to eliminate stress by using any forms of relaxation techniques. It is a myth that there is any best position for sex to get pregnant. However, lay back and relax after sex for 10 – 15 minutes.
4. Change your lifestyle.
Exercise is a healthy habit especially if it helps you reach your ideal weight. Any form of moderate exercise like taking a brisk walk of at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week help in increasing your chances of conceiving.
Quitting habits like smoking
and alcohol consumption significantly increases the chances of conception. These adversely affect the fertility both in men and women. Cut back on caffeine as well and avoid recreational drugs.
Eating healthy food at proper
timings can significantly enhance one’s chances of getting pregnant. Include foods high in protein, calcium, iron, green leafy veggies and fruits in your daily diet.
5. De – stress in any way that you can.
Stress can interfere with ovulation. So, try not to get stressed out about starting a family. More relaxed you are, the better chances of getting pregnant. Try calming techniques like yoga, meditation or acupuncture to help in reducing stress.
The takeaway:
It can be challenging when pregnancy doesn’t happen right away as it can be a normal event. Not being able to get pregnant immediately doesn’t mean that you will never be able to conceive. So it is important to be patient and stay relaxed. For any further queries and assistance, contact our experts at Fertility Foundation/ SISU Hospital.
