After making the decision to have a baby, many women think they’ll get pregnant in their next cycle. But becoming pregnant is more of a game of chance than a guarantee. Though it takes some time and work, you can increase your chances of conceiving using these tips.
Try to conceive during ovulation
It’s a good idea for all menstruating individuals to keep track of their menstrual cycle, whether they’re trying to become pregnant or not. Being in tune with your body can help you take better care of yourself and enjoy better reproductive health.But when you are trying to become pregnant, knowing the length of your cycle is crucial. Ovulation is the best time for you to try and conceive.
It’s when the egg is released, and it’s only fertile for 12-24 hours after. Ovulation usually occurs two weeks before your period. This is why it’s a good idea to track your period. You can use period tracking apps, or you can simply use a calendar and some pen. As you get better at predicting your period, you’ll also get better at predicting your ovulation.
Know that fertility declines with age
As fertility declines, it may take longer for someone to become pregnant. This also rings true for IVF success rates of older women. The steepest fertility decline is after reaching the age of 40.
Take note that, if it may be taking a while for you to conceive, you should take this factor into consideration. This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to conceive at an older age. It just means that it takes longer, and you’ll have to be more diligent in taking care of your and your baby’s health.
Become as healthy as you can
Being healthy can help you conceive, as well as aid your body in taking the strain of a pregnancy. Make an appointment with your obstetrician and talk about what you can do to improve your health. You’ll also talk about any pre-existing health problems and how to combat them, getting screened for genetic diseases, and any other health concerns that are making you lose sleep at night.
The general health advice that most doctors give you is something you should be taking a lot more seriously during this time. These include things like: having a healthy weight, eliminating alcohol, not smoking, cutting back on caffeinated products, as well as getting into good exercise habits.
Try folic acid
Although you shouldn’t take every strange pill that promises you to get pregnant on the spot, it’s a good idea to take a daily multivitamin with folic acid. As soon as you start trying to conceive, make sure to take a prenatal vitamin containing a minimum of 400 micrograms of folic acid every day. Folic acid greatly reduces the risk of some birth defects.
When you were younger, your parents might have made it sound like you’ll get pregnant as soon as you have sex. While this isn’t impossible, it’s very much an exception to the general rule. As you can see, it takes planning and dedication to prepare for pregnancy and try to conceive. With some of these tips, you’re hopefully now more well-informed on what you can do to increase your own chances of conceiving a healthy baby.
Photo’s: Unsplash.
Also read:
No more menstruation
Menstruation gone wrong
No more periods. Help?
Too little: also possible?
When is a lot, too much?
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