How to get pregnant. That is the question so many of us are asking.
From the research I’ve done, the average woman takes 3 months to get pregnant. That’s without any infertility problems. I was surprised when I found that out because the first time I got pregnant it was with one try. However, it’s not always that easy. Everything has to align perfectly in order to get pregnant. It’s all about timing.
Here are 7 tips I’ve found of how to get pregnant.
First, if you are thinking (and hopefully talking to your spouse about getting pregnant) you’ll want to know when you ovulate. If you don’t know already, that’s okay. What I did was track my periods for a few months. What this does is give you an average of how long your menstrual cycles are. It’s important to know how long your menstrual cycles are in order to figure out when you ovulate. Your menstrual cycle starts on the first day of your period. Count the days until your next period. The average cycle is about 28 days. I average about 35 days. You ovulate about half way during your cycle. If you have a 28 day cycle, you will ovulate on day 14. However, it gets a little tricky the longer your cycle is. I actually ovulate on day 21 (of my 35 day cycle), not day 17. HERE is an ovulation calculator to help you figure out your time frame.
Second, timing. When you know when you ovulate, it’s easier to know when is the golden time frame of when you can get pregnant. So, have sex when you ovulate. The best time frame is from 3 days before you ovulate to 1 day after. But remember when I said everything has to align in order for you to get pregnant? It’s true, timing is everything. Sperm can live for two to three days, but the egg is around for only 12 to 24 hours. A good recommendation would be to have sex two days before you ovulate, then again on the day you ovulate. You want to have a healthy sperm ready for when the egg is released.
Third, Gravity. Let gravity work with you toward your advantage. Lay down with a pillow under your bum after intercourse to help give the sperm a “boost” you could say. The goal is to get the sperm from the cervix into the vagina. You don’t have to lay there long, just 10 or so minutes would be fine.
Fourth, don’t use lubrication. Research has show that lub can kill sperm. You need sperm to have a baby. Also, don’t over do it. Pun intended. You don’t need to tire you and your spouse out with stressing about having sex all the time. For those of you who haven’t figured it out yet, having sex takes effort. Good effort that is needed, but that can be exhausting for both hubby and wife if they are trying too hard way too much. Which leads me to my next thought –
Fifth, lifestyle. Haven’t you heard those stories where that couple is trying to get pregnant, and month after month they don’t find any success. As soon as they stop trying, they get pregnant? Or the story of that family that is trying to have another baby but just can’t for whatever reason and they finally adopt, as soon as they get that other baby, they have one of their own? The answer: stress. Stress can do crazy things in our bodies and we don’t even realize it. It has been proven that stress will decrease your chances of being able to have a baby. So stop worrying so much about it. Allow yourself to not be anxious, and allow time for self-care (in my husband’s words).
Make sure your lifestyle not only has low stress, but eat healthy and exercise too. You need your body to be able to handle making another human! It will need to be well nourished, well slept, and happy enough to preform such a huge task.
Sixth, caffeine. You’d think I’d couple this in with lifestyle, right? Nah, it’s big enough it deserves it’s own explanation. This one I just feel is bad to have anyway. The occasional soda won’t be harmful, but the addiction to caffeine is setting your whole body out of whack. I know you could say that my opinion is so strong simply because I have my degree in Health Education, but I truly believe it. I’ve read so, so much research about caffeine. I guess without getting too much on my soap-box, I’ll just say that caffeine is not natural, don’t put it in your body, especially while trying to get pregnant.
Last, connect with your deity. If you believe in a higher power, talk to Him. Maybe it’s been a while, but creating another human and bringing that human into this world is a very serious and very sacred thing. Have faith that getting pregnant will happen when He knows is best.
Don’t get too worried, your body was MADE to have babies! About 1 in 10 couples struggle with fertility issues, if you feel that could be you, there is no harm in talking to a fertility specialist. Here is one in Utah. If talking to a fertility specialist intimidates you a bit, just start by talking to your OB/GYN.
Think positive!! And as always, let me know what you’ve learned! I’d love to learn from YOU! Comment below to add your advice on how to get pregnant!
