Having a baby is an exciting life changing event and once you’ve decided you’re ready to become parents and start trying to conceive, there is plenty of help and advice readily available. Here are a few things to think about and try:
Pregnancy can take its toll on your body, so adopting a healthy lifestyle can not only prepare your body for pregnancy, it can also help speed up your chances of conceiving. Give up or reduce smoking, alcohol and the amount of caffeine you consume. These can affect both you and your partners fertility. Try herbal teas or caffeine free coffee and drinks.
Although there isn’t any reason you can’t start trying for a baby straight away, remember that some contraceptives like the pill which contain hormones, can take longer for your body to get back to normal regular cycles.
Taking 400 micrograms of Folic Acid is widely recommended for women trying to conceive and up to 12 weeks into pregnancy. Keeping to a healthy weight by eating a balanced diet and getting regular moderate exercise can not only aid fertility but can also lessen the risk of pregnancy problems such as high blood pressure and gestational diabetes.
Trying to conceive can become an obsession and can become quite stressful. Try to live in the present rather than focusing on the end goal and have fun. Make time as a couple and enjoy other activities together. Having sex regularly every two or three days throughout the month is recommended as having too much or too little can have adverse effects on sperm quality and quantity. If you’ve struggled to conceive in the past there are different things to try such as using an ovulation test to identify your peak fertile times.
All in all, around 85% of couples actively trying to conceive do so with 1 year.
If you’re struggling and nothing seems to be working, consult your GP. They’ll be able to assess you both to check for any problems that may be hindering your chances and offer more help and advice.
Good luck.