How can I increase my chances of getting pregnant?
Follow these simple tips for how to get pregnant:
- Have sex regularly. The highest pregnancy rates occur in couples who have sex every day or every other day
- Have sex near the time of ovulation. If having sex every day isn’t possible — or enjoyable — have sex every 2 to 3 days a week starting soon after the end of your period. This can help ensure that you have sex when you are most fertile
- Maintain a normal weight. Overweight and underweight women are at increased risk of ovulation disorders.
Also, consider talking to your doctor about preconception planning. He or she can assess your overall health and help you identify changes that might improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy. Your doctor will recommend taking folic acid a few months before conception to reduce the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.
Maximising fertility – what to avoid
To improve your odds of conceiving:
- Do not smoke. Tobacco has multiple negative effects on fertility, not to mention your general health and the health of a foetus. If you smoke, ask your doctor or pharmacist to help you quit before you start trying to conceive.
- Do not drink alcohol. Heavy alcohol use might lead to decreased fertility. Generally, it is best to avoid alcohol if you are hoping to conceive.
- Curb caffeine. Research suggests that fertility is not affected by caffeine consumption of less than 200 milligrams a day. That is upto to 2 cups of coffee a day.
- Do not overdo strenuous exercise. Strenuous, intense exercise of more than five hours a week has been associated with decreased ovulation.
Also, talk to your health care provider about any medications you are taking. Certain medications — even those available without a prescription — can make it difficult to conceive.
When to talk to a doctor if you are not getting pregnant
With frequent unprotected sex, most healthy couples conceive within one year.
If you are age 35 or older and you have been trying to conceive for six months or more, or if you or your partner has known or suspected fertility issues, see your GP.
Infertility affects both men and women – and treatment is available. Your GP might be able to help. Depending on the source of the problem, you may be to be referred to a gynaecologist (who specialises in infertility), or your partner to a urologist (ditto).
Summary
We have described ‘how can I increase my chances of getting pregnant’. We hope you understand it better now.
