6 Essentials When Trying to Conceive
For many people, becoming pregnant isn’t something that comes easily. There is only a 25% chance of conceiving with each cycle for women under thirty years of age. Unfortunately, even though our society has made huge advances in fertility treatments, discussing the struggle to conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy and miscarriages is still somewhat taboo. If you’re TTC (trying to conceive), know that you are not alone; you’re in the majority! Whether you’re just starting your journey to try and become pregnant or are in the thick of it, some essentials can make the road easier to travel. Keep reading for all the TTC essentials you’ll need.
Tips To Follow If Your Are Trying To Conceive
A Great Doctor
If you’ve been trying for over six months to get pregnant and still haven’t gotten a positive result, the first step is to meet with a great doctor. Not every doctor will be a good fit for you or your partner, so interviewing and meeting with several before you find one is a good idea. This journey can sometimes take a lot out of you, so an OB or MD with whom you trust and have a great rapport is essential.
Healthy Habits
Once you become pregnant, many things you enjoy today are off the table. You’ll have to give up some things on your TTC journey, from too much coffee to sushi. It’s best to break bad habits to boost your health and fertility. If you’re a smoker, work with your doctor to quit ASAP; if you are a fast-food lover, opt for healthier food choices instead. Habits are beyond what we consume; getting plenty of sleep and regular physical exercise can impact your ability to conceive, so start prioritizing both. Healthy habits will also help your mental health, which is critical if you struggle with fertility issues.
Tracking Ovulation
Not every woman is as in tune with her body as some, so knowing when you’re ovulating is a critical first step when trying to conceive. Cycle tracking apps can help you identify potential ovulation windows, but they’re not as foolproof as other methods like ovulation test strips. If you’re TTC, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for signs of ovulation, like monitoring your basal body temperature and changes in cervical mucus and abdominal cramping, but nothing will tell you the way ovulation tests can.
Smart Supplementing
While a small percentage of women trying to conceive will need medical intervention, sometimes a more natural approach is preferred and works wonders. Supplements can be a gentler answer to fertility issues than pharmaceuticals and have shown serious benefits. Taking prenatal vitamins when TTC is a baseline, but adding other supplements like Selenium and Folic Acid is essential. CoQ10 is another supplement that can aid in fertility and Vitamin D3. In addition to supplements, herbs like Ashwagandha and Chasteberry have also been shown to boost fertility.
Stress Less
In today’s society, taking time for self-love and care is on everyone’s mind. Trying to conceive can be a stressful time in general, so practicing mindfulness and learning to stress less can be hugely beneficial to your overall health and fertility. Try not to worry about your fertility issues, and learn to relax and enjoy the process of trying to conceive.
Stay In Bed
While it’s a myth that lying with your legs up in the air after sex can increase your chances of conception, it’s not a myth that it helps to relax and lay low for a few minutes. Staying in bed for several minutes or longer after the act gives sperm a better chance of finding an egg. So, while you can skip holding your legs up, it’s a good idea to relax and cuddle for fifteen to twenty minutes and give sperm the chance to find and get into your cervix. The same will be true if you’re doing insemination. Enjoy some quality time and visualize conception and implantation.
While the pregnancy journey isn’t quick and easy for most people, applying the above ways to boost fertility and successful conception could make your journey easier. If you’re still struggling to conceive naturally after six months of trying, it’s important to book an appointment with your regular GP or OB. You’ve got this, mama!
