Having a baby is without a doubt one of the most exciting times for any family.
If you’re aiming for a new little one in your life, how do you know how to increase your chances of getting pregnant?
Approximately 10 percent or 6.1 million women in the United States deal with infertility. Read on to learn more about how you can increase your odds for having a baby.
Timing is Important
One of the best ways to increase your odds of conception is to know when you are ovulating. For most women, ovulation occurs around two weeks before you get your period.
Fortunately, there are tools available that can help you track your body’s unique ovulation times so you can time everything just right. An ovulation predictor test is similar to a pregnancy test. You’ll urinate on the test and it will tell you when you’re ovulating.
Another way to measure ovulation times is by taking your basal temperature. If you notice that your basal body temperature is rising for about three days in a row, you’re likely in ovulation.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
If you’re overweight, it can decrease your chances of getting pregnant. Now is the time to start practicing healthier eating habits so you can lose a few pounds.
The fat cells in your body are related to estrogen production, so if you have too many or too little, it can throw your hormonal balance off. Work on eating healthier foods and limit caffeine.
Being underweight can also affect your ability to conceive, so ultimately, the goal is to ensure that your weight is at a stable, healthy level overall. Plan your meals weekly in advance and avoid going out to eat to keep your diet in check.
When in doubt, talk with your doctor. They can help you come up with a target weight that will work best for women who are trying to conceive.
Keep Stress at Bay to Increase Chances of Getting Pregnant
Stress affects the body and mind in many ways, and one of those includes causing hormonal imbalance. Stress can also throw your periods off, causing your ovulation cycle to get out of whack.
When you’re under a period of heavy stress, you’ll also likely lose sleep, and getting proper sleep also helps keep your hormones at the right level. Luckily, there are lots of things you can do to keep that pesky stress at bay including:
- Start practicing yoga or meditation to clear your mind.
- Enjoy some “me” time with special friends or family.
- Take warm bubble baths to soothe aching muscles and allow the stress to melt away.
- Try out a new exercise. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress and keeps your body strong and healthy.
- Use a journal and write down your feelings every day, noting times of high stress. This can also be helpful when trying to pinpoint any conception issues.
- Start taking a prenatal vitamin, even if you’re not pregnant. These vitamins will give you the nutrients you need while getting your body prepared for pregnancy.
If the stress you’re dealing with is still too much to handle, it might be time to seek some professional help. Speak to your doctor and let them know about your pregnancy plans. They may be able to refer you to a therapist or offer some safe alternatives for stress management.
Stop Smoking Immediately
Not only is smoking terrible for you, but it’s also horrible for your odds of conception. If you or your partner smoke, now is the time to quit.
Smoking decreases your odds of getting pregnant and can also have an effect on your partner’s sperm count. There are also cases where smoking causes serious issues to unborn babies such as low birth weight, a higher risk of miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy.
When you quit smoking, you’ll feel a lot better and your lungs will thank you, too. In addition, your home will start to smell better and you’re creating a happier, healthier environment for yourselves and your new baby.
Don’t be Afraid to Get Help
If you and your partner are doing everything right and are still struggling to conceive, it may be time to seek out professional help. Sometimes, couples need a full fertility assessment so they can get a better idea of why they are running into trouble.
There are a variety of fertility treatments available, and your doctor can help recommend one that will work best for you. In many cases, patience is the key and you’ll just need to keep trying until you finally get pregnant.
Seek out support groups geared toward couples who are having trouble conceiving. With the right emotional support, you’ll have the resources you need to stay positive and on track. It’s also an excellent way to vent your frustrations and worries with others who sympathize.
Keep the Faith
Most couples who want a baby do conceive within a year. If you can keep your stress and weight under control, stop smoking, and track your ovulation, your chances of getting pregnant are greatly increased.
Physical health is important, but so is your mental health, so don’t be afraid to express your doubts or frustrations with others who will understand. When all else fails, it’s imperative to talk with your doctor who may be able to help you achieve your new baby dreams.
For more information about getting pregnant, ovulation, and all things pregnancy, be sure to visit our website.
No Comments