Updates to text, information, guidelines, formatting and sources, and new medical review.
Before youre in full-on baby-making mode, the process may seem pretty straightforward: Have sex,get pregnant.
But conceiving sometimes takes a little more planning than that.
For example,what should you do before trying to conceive?
Whens thebest time to try?
And is there anything you’re free to do toget pregnant faster?
To help, weve got all the best trying-to-conceive tips right here.
What are your chances of getting pregnant?
If youre wondering what your odds are of getting pregnant, your chances are pretty good when youre younger.
What affects your chances of getting pregnant?
A number of factors can contribute to infertility in women or impact your chances of conception.
Women who are over 40 and trying to conceive should see a specialist immediately.
Schedule a preconception visit
Book apreconception appointmentwith your doctor to verify youre in tip-top baby-making shape.
Learn how to tellwhen youre ovulatingto helppredict when youre most fertile.
Youll want to verify to work with your doctor to get your condition under control before you conceive.
Avoid environmental hazards
Some chemicals are potentially harmful to you and your developing baby.
Check out theOccupational Safety and Health Administrationfor the latest info onjob safety and pregnancy.
Make over your diet
What you eat matters before, during and after you give birth.
Learn how to begin (or continue)exercising while trying to conceive.
Sleep well
Skimping on shut-eye may make it more difficult to conceive.
Get help to quit smoking,avoid marijuana,stop drinkingandreduce your caffeine intake.
Thats because your futurepregnancy can affect your mouth and vice versa.
Hereswhat to look for in your prenatal vitamin.
They may suggest switching to another thats better for expecting women.
Also get your practitioners okay to continue any vitamins or herbal supplements youre popping.
See what can be done toincrease male fertility.
Toss your contraceptives
Obviously, birth control makes getting pregnant difficult if not impossible.
Hereswhen to stop birth control and how long it takes for fertility to return.
Be nice to yourself
This is perhaps the most important step of all!
Of course, youre excited about getting pregnant and, more than likely, a little stressed too.
But stress doesnt help your conception efforts.
The fix: Try relaxation exercises (yoga counts!
), meditate and cut down as much as possible on stress in your daily life.
