Maybe you're really eager to get pregnant, or maybe you're hoping to have a baby at a certain time of year. Here are five ways...
Maybe you're really eager to get pregnant,
or maybe you're hoping to have a baby at a certain time of year. Here are five
ways to boost your chances of conceiving quickly as well as some guidelines on
when to be concerned about a possible fertility problem.
1.
See your healthcare provider
You're more likely to have a successful
pregnancy when your body is up to the task. Lay the groundwork for a healthy
pregnancy by scheduling a preconception checkup with a doctor or
midwife to find out whether you're in your best baby-making shape – and to
learn what changes could help.
You may not be able to resolve any health
issues immediately, but taking these steps as soon as possible prepares you for
a healthy pregnancy.
2.
Plan for a healthy pregnancy
Begin taking folic acid at least
one month before you start trying to conceive. This nutrient can dramatically
reduce the risk of certain birth defects.
Other good advice that may help you
conceive a healthy baby: Kick any unhealthy habits (like drinking,
smoking, or using drugs), get yourself to a healthy weight, and limit your
caffeine intake to less than 300 milligrams a day (about 16 ounces of
coffee).
Find out what else you can do ahead of time
to give your baby a healthy start.
How can I get pregnant quickly?
3.
Figure out when you ovulate
The key to getting pregnant quickly is
figuring out when you'll ovulate, or release an egg from your ovary.
You ovulate only once each menstrual cycle.
If you can tell when you'll ovulate, you and your partner can time intercourse
for the best chance of getting pregnant that cycle.
You can use a few different methods to
determine when you ovulate. Our article on predicting ovulation walks
you through them.
(If you have irregular periods,
pinpointing ovulation could be difficult. Ask your provider for advice.)
4.
Have sex at the right time
Once you know your time frame for
ovulation, plan to have sex during your most fertile window, which is two
to three days before ovulation through the day you ovulate.
If you're not sure when your fertile period
will be, aim to have sex every day or every other day during the second and
third weeks of your cycle. That way you're likely to have healthy sperm in your
fallopian tubes whenever your body releases an egg.
Another tip: If you and your partner are
waiting to have sex until your most fertile time, make sure you haven't gone
through too long of a dry spell beforehand. Your partner should ejaculate at
least once in the days just before your most fertile period. Otherwise there
could be a build up of dead sperm in his semen.
(Note: Many vaginal lubricants,
including store-bought products as well as homemade versions like olive oil,
can slow down sperm. If you want to use one, ask your provider to recommend one
that's fertility friendly.)
5.
Give sperm a boost
Strong, healthy sperm have the best chance
of fertilizing an egg. Your partner can do several things to try to improve his
fertility:
·
Skip tobacco and recreational
drugs.
·
Limit alcoholic drinks to no
more than three a day.
·
Get to a healthy weight if
significantly overweight.
·
Get enough of certain key
nutrients – like zinc, folic acid, and vitamin C – that help produce
strong and plentiful sperm.
·
Don't use hot tubs and
saunas or take hot baths because heat kills sperm. (Testicles function
best at 94 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit, a couple degrees cooler than normal body
temperature.)
The sooner your partner makes these
changes, the better: Sperm take a while to mature, so any improvements now will
yield better sperm specimens in about three months.
How
long to try before getting help
If you're younger than 35 and haven't
gotten pregnant after trying for a year, it's time to see a fertility
specialist. If you're 35 or older, talk to a specialist after you've tried for
six months with no luck.
Of course, if you know there's a reason you
or your partner are more likely to have a fertility problem, it's a good
idea to see a specialist even before you start trying.
