For some, getting pregnant happens surprisingly quickly, while for others, it takes a bit longer. It’s never entirely within your control, but there are several pieces of advice and tips that may help you fulfill your desire to have a child.
A healthy lifestyle is always a good idea, but it's even more important if you're trying to conceive. Eating well, regular exercise, enough sleep, and avoiding harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco not only improve your overall health but also boost fertility. This increases your chances of conception and contributes to a healthy pregnancy and baby development later on.
This tip aligns closely with the first one, as alcohol and smoking don’t fit into a truly healthy lifestyle. However, it's essential to emphasize it separately because alcohol and smoking can significantly reduce both your fertility and your partner's.
If you roughly know when you're fertile, and you and your partner have sex on those days, the chance of getting pregnant naturally increases. An ovulation test predicts your ovulation quite accurately, so you know when your most fertile days are. You can read more about your fertile period here.
This also connects to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity can boost fertility. So, try to bike more often instead of driving, or go for a nice walk during the day.
Of course, you and your partner should choose a sexual position that you both enjoy. However, if you want to get pregnant, some positions may be more effective. The sperm needs to reach your uterus, and positions like missionary or doggy-style are the most favorable for this. After sex, it’s a good idea to stay lying down for a while with your legs or pelvis elevated, to help the sperm go in the right direction. Although a 2016 study suggests this is actually a myth, many still follow this advice.
If you're following a healthy lifestyle, you're already getting many essential vitamins. However, if you're trying to conceive, it's a good idea to supplement your diet with folic acid, a form of vitamin B9.
Folic acid helps in the healthy development of your baby. It reduces the risk of serious birth defects in the spine and brain, which can occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy. Additionally, folic acid plays a role in cell growth and development and the production of blood, which is crucial for both you and your baby. It’s recommended that you start taking folic acid at least a month before trying to conceive and continue during the first three months of your pregnancy.
Stress affects your body in many ways, including the hormones necessary for conception. High levels of stress can lead to irregular periods or even prevent ovulation altogether. Stress can also reduce your sex drive or make you feel less well, which can further decrease your chances of getting pregnant.
Avoiding stress is easier said than done, especially when you're desperately trying to conceive, but it’s essential. A healthy lifestyle with good nutrition, enough sleep, and regular exercise can help. Try relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises to stay calm. Talk to your partner, friends, or family about your feelings, so you feel supported. Be patient and have realistic expectations, as getting pregnant can take time.
If you're feeling very stressed, it might help to talk to a counselor or therapist. Additionally, make time for fun and relaxing activities to take your mind off things, like watching a movie or enjoying a warm bath. And perhaps the most important tip: stay positive and keep hope that it will happen!