2.
Use an ovulation prediction kit or fertility monitor.
Using
an ovulation kit to predict when you are ovulating
will improve your chances of getting pregnant. For many women
charting or other methods of ovulation prediction are too
confusing. Ovulation
prediction kits work by reading LH surges prior
to ovulation. They are relatively easy to use and are generally
accurate for predicting ovulation. Fertility monitors, such
as the Clear Blue Easy monitor, are also a worthwhile investment
if you would like to get pregnant faster. Fertility monitors
are similar to ovulation prediction kits in that they read
changes in LH but they also read changes in other hormones
and don’t require any guesswork for couples. They are
easy to use and will tell you when the best time to get pregnant
is.
3.
Have sex before ovulation (not after).
Sometimes
couples get confused about the best time to have sex in relationship
to ovulation. You have a small window of time each month to
get pregnant. After a woman ovulates the egg will survive
approximately 24 hours. Sperm, on the other hand, will live
for up to three to five days. This is why having sex two to
three days before ovulation will increase your chances of
getting pregnant. Don’t wait until the day you ovulate
to have sex. Your partner’s sperm will last longer than
your egg and you don’t want to miss an opportunity by
waiting.
4.
Don’t rely on the Calendar method for predicting ovulation.
A
lot of couples have heard to have sex around day fourteen
of your cycle. This is based on the calendar method and assumes
that you have a regular 28-day cycle and ovulate mid-cycle.
Although this is better than just picking an arbitrary day
to have sex, it is not a very accurate way to predict when
you ovulate. Many women do not ovulate on day fourteen and
knowing precisely when you ovulate will help you time intercourse
better. Ovulation prediction kits, looking at previous months
bbt
charts, or watching for body
cues will help you to determine when you ovulate.
5.
Charting may not be the best way to predict ovulation.
Charting
is great for tracking your cycle but it does have disadvantages.
By the time you can see ovulation on a bbt chart, you have
already ovulated. It is good to chart so you can track your
cycles, see if you ovulate the same time each month, and also
so you can look back on your cycle and see if you timed things
right. But if this is your first cycle trying to get pregnant
or if you are not ovulating at the same time each month, an
ovulation prediction kit would be more helpful.
6.
See a doctor before you start trying to get pregnant.
Make
sure you are in good health and have had a regular check up
from your OBGYN or medical provider. Untreated infections,
sexually transmitted diseases, or poor health can affect your
chances of getting pregnant. Its good to see a doctor as well
as start taking prenatal vitamins prior to trying to conceive.
7.
Don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or abuse drugs when trying
to get pregnant.
This
may seem like common sense but many women do try to get pregnant
while smoking, drinking or using drugs. Smoking, drugs, and
alcohol can affect your fertility. It will also affect your
unborn child. It is important to stop
smoking or using drugs and alcohol before getting pregnant
and not wait until you find out you are pregnant.
8.
Have enjoyable sex.
Sometimes
when couples are trying to conceive, sex becomes a job or
function of reproduction and is not as enjoyable. Plan a romantic
evening or try something different to spice things up. How
you are feeling sexually may factor into your chances of getting
pregnant. Some researchers believe that having an orgasm during
sex increases your chances of getting pregnant. For women,
the spasmic movements of orgasm will help pull the sperm into
the uterus and for men a better orgasm may increase the man’s
sperm count.
9.
Have sex in positions that keep sperm inside the vagina longer.
The missionary position is a good position to use when trying
to get pregnant. Avoid positions where the woman is on top.
Gravity will allow sperm to leak out with these positions.
Also try placing a pillow under your hips to help tilt your
pelvis and keep the sperm in longer. Don’t get up right
after sex. Try to relax and allow the sperm to stay in the
vagina as long as possible.
Most
couples get pregnant within a year of trying. If you have
not gotten pregnant within a year consult your doctor for
advice.
