If you are tring to conceive, it may seem like everyone else can get pregnant without any concerted effort. It becomes hard to remember that there are others in the same position you are, trying to conceive and getting frustrated when months pass with no pregnancy. In truth, it is not unusual for it take several months for a couple to conceive a baby.
If you have not already done so, you may consider using these tips to success while trying to conceive.
Timing Is Key
A woman can only get pregnant during a four-day window around the time she ovulates. Chart your basal body temperature (BBT), utilize ovulation predictors, and look for your body's natural signs of ovulation to clue you in to the best times to have sex that will result in conception. The optimal time to make a baby is just before ovulation. During the four-day window, many doctors recommend intercourse every day or every other day. Also keep in mind that man's sperm count is at its highest during the morning.
Sperm Motivators
While most of the attention is usually on the woman when trying to conceive, don't forget that the man plays a key role in success. Sperm production is most active at a temperature slightly lower than the rest of the body. This is the reason the testes are located on the outside of the body. It is important for men to avoid wearing tight underwear or pants, which can raise the temperature of the testes and lower sperm production. While the couple is trying to conceive, he should consider wearing boxer briefs and loose fitting pants.
Sperm Killers
When having intercourse, avoid using petroleum jelly, glycerin, artificial lubricants, and saliva, as these can kill the sperm. Stress is another sure-fire way not only to turn lovemaking into a chore, but to also decrease a man's sperm count, so relax and enjoy the experience rather than concentrating on the task of making a baby. Avoid hot tubs, saunas, marijuana, and alcohol as well.
Create a Nurturing Environment
Since your body will house and feed the baby for nine months, it is important to do some housekeeping before you conceive.
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet;
- Begin taking a prenatal vitamin while you are trying to conceive;
- Don't smoke, and avoid secondary smoke, alcohol consumption, and the use of recreational drugs;
- Add a regular exercise routine to your daily schedule;
- Discontinue birth control and start tracking your cycles;
- Consult with your health care professional regarding the effects of any medications you are taking that may affect your ability to conceive;
- Reduce your stress level and learn relexation techniques.
Start acting 'as if' you are already pregnant even before you conceive. These are all positive lifestyle changes that you can make now that will last a lifetime.
Position Does Matter
When trying to conceive, it's recommended that couples have sex in a missionary position. The reason for this is because it allows for the deepest penetration, thereby depositing the sperm the closest to the cervix. It is also recommended that a woman reach orgasm because this further aids in carrying the sperm to the cervix.
Before You Give Up Trying to Conceive
Before you give up your dreams of having a baby, consider complementary therapies such as acupuncture, oriental medicine, herbs, and hypnosis. Discuss with your OB health professional further testing options and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Your OB health professional can also discuss alternate means of conceiving, such as hormone therapy and IVF: In Vitro Fertilization.
