How to Get Pregnant

Posted on June 16th, 2009 by Carmelia

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Deciding to become parents is half the battle, but the other half of the battle-getting pregnant-are won easily by others, while some have a more difficult time. Here are some ways for you to be able to conceive successfully.

Stop Using Contraception.

Discontinuing your birth control methods are one of the first steps you should take, but don’t expect the effects soon. Your body needs to adjust back to become ready for pregnancy, and each contraceptive method have different ways and time periods to do just that.

Have Sex Regularly.

Having sex two or three times a week is enough for any healthy couple, but adding a few more rounds wouldn’t hurt. Having sex twice a day leading to ovulation also increases your chances of conceiving, which means you know when your ovulation cycle happens.

When are You Most Fertile?

Taking note of your ovulation cycle will only work if you have a regular menstrual period. If you have the average 28-day cycle, you may assume that your ovulation takes place on the 14th day since your period started. If your cycle extends a little over 28 days, you can simply subtract 18 and the difference would be the day when you are ovulating. For example, you have a 30-day menstrual cycle, you subtract 18 days, and the difference is 12. That means your day of ovulation falls on the 12th day since you got your period.

Basal Body Temperature.

You can also monitor the days leading to your ovulation period by observing your basal body temperature (BBT) daily. You can simply buy a thermometer made for this purpose, and you will have to graph the temperature changes daily. Look for the sudden rise of temperature, between 0.5 to 1.6 degrees F. This means that you are in your most fertile stage, or getting there, as you are most fertile one or two days before the ovulation period.

Check Cervical Mucus.

Your cervical mucus can also provide clues on when you are fertile. Following menstruation or shortly after, you may notice that your cervical mucus is dense, opaque and sticky. When you are near the ovulation period, the cervical mucus becomes transparent and slippery like raw egg whites. This is to assist the sperm to reach the egg more quickly.

Ovulation Kit.

If you still feel that the previously-mentioned ways to identify your ovulation period are not accurate enough, you may purchase an ovulation kit that will help you monitor your cycle. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Ovulation kits can also be quite pricey, so don’t be surprised to be paying $20 to $50 per kit!

Be Healthy.

It goes without saying that your body’s health affects your fertility. You’re not just preparing yourself for conception, but you’re also preparing your body’s readiness at supporting an unborn child. With this in mind, you should:

Eat a well-balanced diet with food rich in anti-oxidants
Choose organic food and lessen seafood. Organic food is for you to avoid ingesting pesticides and limiting seafood is to avoid higher mercury levels in your body.
Stop smoking. Smoking can affect your body’s production of cervical mucous, which assists sperm into reaching your egg. Tobacco can also lessen your sperm count as well as sperm production.
Sleep More. Getting enough hours of sleep can help regulate your hormones, making your more fertile.
Cut back on the caffeine. Studies show that drinking two cups or more of caffeine-rich substances such as coffee, tea or chocolate can increase your chances of miscarrying. Try to keep it down to at a cup a day or less.
Take vitamins and mineral supplements. If you’re still unsure if you’re getting the right amount of nutrients daily, take vitamin and mineral supplements. Folic acid supplements are especially important because they are needed to lessen the risk of your unborn child getting neural tube defects.
Take vaccination shots. If you’re really sure you want to have a baby, best take some vaccination shots to protect you from illnesses. Remember, you can’t just take medication for illnesses when you are already pregnant.
Relax. Stress and depression can be major factors why you are having difficulty conceiving.

See a Doctor.

Pregnancy is no joke and pre-conception planning session with your doctor is important. The planning session will outline what you will need to do like lifestyle changes, medication if either you or your partner have special needs, and the risk factors that come with every pregnancy.

Assisted Reproductive Technology.

Science has made leaps and bounds into the realm of conception, and that includes assisted reproductive technology. Alternative methods of conception are available to you through this technology, which includes artificial insemination and having surrogate mothers carry your child for you if your body is unable to.