So you recently decided that you're ready to start a family. Congrats! However, you might realize that getting pregnant is not as easy as it seems. If you just started trying to conceive, here are nine helpful tips that could jumpstart the process.
- Okay, so stopping the pill is common sense. If you never took the pill in the first place, skip this step. If you took the pill regularly for even a couple months, your body still may need time to adjust. If you used the pill for less than a year, try three months. If more, try six months.
- Figure out when your ovulation cycle is to maximize efficiency. Just about a third of women under 35 who track their fertility windows are able to conceive within their first month of trying. Some ways to find your fertility window include fertility monitors, ovulation predictor kits, charting or by using all three. Calendar apps might be something you want to try too.
- So you're off the pill and having ovulation-aware sex for three months--What if it's your guy? Try not to be accusatory. Simply ask if he could get a sperm analysis. Male factors are responsible for almost half of all fertility issues.
- Try to eat fertility-boosting foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, soy foods and olive oil. Even better, try to avoid processed foods in general. It's best to avoid trans fats and partially hydrogenated oil--the FDA banned them for a reason!
- Prenatal vitamins are specially made vitamins to increase your fertility. They contain folic acid, vitamin B6 and DHA, and other essential vitamins that optimize your body for fertilization and mother-ready health. But guessing which over-the-counter vitamin would be best for you could be confusing, so consult your healthcare provider if possible.
- No, having sex every day doesn't lower sperm count. You do you. Also, maybe try Pre-Seed. It's specially made for couples trying to conceive. pH is balanced and isotonic so that it mimics a woman's fertile fluids and the pH of sperm, so it's like they're in their natural habitat.
- No caffeine. Non-smoking women who drink 2 to 5 cups of coffee a day lower their fertility by 12 percent. It's even worse for guys--5 drinks a day will cut his fertility in half. Instead of caffeinated beverages, consider a full eight hours of sleep. Sleep not only charges you with energy but could also enhance your mood and health.
- Soak up the sun for 15 to 30 minutes in the afternoon without sunscreen. Sunlight causes your skin to generate vitamin D, which boosts fertility. Plus, it'll help you sleep (sorry, caffeine).
- Get an effective first response kit so that when you finally think you've done it, you'll know as soon as possible. The sooner you know you're pregnant, the sooner you could make healthy choices for you and your baby.
