Trying to get pregnant? Here’s What You Need to Know

Trying to get pregnant is such an exciting, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming journey. Whether you’re just starting out or have been trying for a while, knowing what to expect can make the process feel a little easier. From questions like “What should I do after sex?”, “Is it okay to pee after?”, “What foods should I avoid?”, to “What vitamins should I take?”, we’ve heard it all, and we’ve got the answers you’re looking for!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• Understanding your fertility window and tracking ovulation
• Lifestyle changes that can boost fertility for both partners
• What Vitamins and Nutrition supplements can I take when trying to conceive?
• Managing stress and emotions when trying to conceive (TTC)
• When to seek medical advice and available fertility treatments
• Most asked questions about trying to get pregnant

While no two journeys are the same, there are essential steps and lifestyle changes that can improve your chances and make the experience more empowering.

Understanding Your Fertility Window

One of the most crucial steps in trying to get pregnant is knowing when you’re most fertile. Ovulation typically occurs mid-cycle, around days 12–16 in a regular 28-day cycle, but this varies for everyone. Tracking your cycle using ovulation predictor kits (OPKs), basal body temperature (BBT) monitoring, smart underwear or fertility tracking apps can provide insights into your peak fertile days. Understanding ovulation is very important and requires you knowing your body better.

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Fertility

While you may not know it, your daily habits play a big role in reproductive health, which is why its advisable to lead a healthy lifestyle long before you begin the journey of starting a family.

Consider the following:

Maintaining a healthy weight especially when trying to get pregnant

Your weight plays a bigger role in ovulation than you might think. If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is too high, excess body fat can lead to higher estrogen levels, which may throw off your cycle and make it harder for your body to release an egg. On the other hand, being underweight can have the opposite effect – your body might go into conservation mode, slowing down or even stopping ovulation altogether. The good news is that even small, steady changes in weight, whether it’s gaining a few pounds or shedding some, can help regulate your cycle and improve fertility.

Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake

Consuming alcohol during a menstrual cycle significantly reduces the chances of conception by over 50%. While caffeine alone doesn’t affect fertility, it may worsen alcohol’s negative impact. One study showed that women who abstained from alcohol and had less than one cup of coffee a day conceived 26.9 pregnancies per 100 cycles, compared to just 10.5 per 100 cycles for those who drank alcohol and more than one cup of coffee daily.

Quitting smoking helps when trying to get pregnant

Smoking can make the journey to parenthood more challenging, even with treatments like IVF. It can lead to fewer eggs, lower pregnancy rates, and a higher risk of miscarriage or birth complications. It also affects the genetic health of both eggs and sperm, increasing the chances of chromosomal abnormalities and preterm labor. Even alternatives like vaping and smokeless tobacco carry risks. If you’re trying to conceive, taking steps to quit could be one of the most powerful things you do for your future little one.

Getting enough sleep

Poor sleep patterns can affect hormone levels and ovulation.

Exercising in moderation

Too much or too little exercise can interfere with your cycle.

What Vitamins and Nutrition Supplements Can I Take When Trying to Get Pregnant?

A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can support conception.

Focus on:

• Folic acid – A must-have for preventing neural tube defects and supporting early pregnancy.
• Omega-3 fatty acids – Found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, they help regulate hormones.
• Iron and vitamin D – Deficiencies in these nutrients can affect ovulation and overall reproductive health.
• Antioxidant-rich foods – Berries, leafy greens, and nuts combat oxidative stress that may impact egg and sperm quality.

Managing Stress and Emotions When Trying to Conceive (TTC)

The emotional toll of trying to conceive can be significant. Stress can interfere with ovulation and disrupt hormone balance. Incorporate stress-reducing practices like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or therapy to maintain a healthy mindset throughout your journey. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends, family, or online TTC communities can also provide encouragement and reassurance.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a year (or six months if over 35) without success, consulting a fertility specialist can help identify any underlying issues. Common assessments include hormone testing, ultrasound scans, and semen analysis. Depending on the diagnosis, treatments like ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination (IUI), or in-vitro fertilization (IVF) may be options to consider.

Most Asked Questions About Trying to Get Pregnant

1. What’s the best time of the month to get pregnant?
   • The most fertile days are typically the five days leading up to and including ovulation. This is when sperm has the best chance of meeting the egg.
2. Does it matter what position I use during sex?
   • No, there’s no specific sex position proven to increase the chance of conception, but lying down for 15-20 minutes afterward may help the sperm get to the egg.
3. How soon after sex should I try to get pregnant?
   • Sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so timing your sex to coincide with ovulation is key.
4. Is it okay to pee after sex?
   • Yes, peeing after sex can help prevent urinary tract infections, but it doesn’t affect your chances of getting pregnant.
5. How soon can I take a pregnancy test?
   • You can test for pregnancy as early as the first day of a missed period, but waiting a few days after the missed period will give more accurate results.

Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster

Practicing self-care, maintaining open communication with your partner, and setting boundaries with well-meaning but intrusive questions can help manage the emotional ups and downs. Remember, your journey is unique, and taking care of your well-being is just as important as the end goal.

Trying to get pregnant is a deeply personal journey that requires patience, education, and self-compassion. While there’s no guaranteed formula, taking proactive steps in understanding your fertility, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking support when needed can make all the difference. Stay hopeful, take things one step at a time, and remember, you are not alone on this path.