Navigating the Maze of Fertility

Trying to get pregnant can seem complicated. There are so many different factors in play that can impact how quickly you conceive, and it’s important to keep them in mind once you decide you’re ready to have a baby. We’ve compiled some basic information to help you get started:

Health is Wealth
Before you start trying to get pregnant, your body needs to be as healthy as possible. Making certain lifestyle changes will not only increase your chances of pregnancy, but it will also help ensure that your pregnancy is a healthy one.

This includes:

• Losing any additional weight
• Cutting back on caffeine intake
• Consuming a nutritious diet
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake
• Finding an exercise routine that is fertility-friendly

Educate Yourself on Ovulation
You maximize your chances of getting pregnant when you have sex before you ovulate. Two to three days prior to ovulation are the best days, but the day of and the day after are also recommended. There are several ways you can detect ovulation, so you’ll want to speak with your doctor and choose the option that works best for you.

Regardless of the method you choose, signs of ovulation include:

• Changes in your cervical mucus
• Increased libido
• An increase in your body basal temperature
• Changes in the position of your cervix
• Tenderness in your breasts

Patience is Key
Looking for a positive pregnancy test right away is tempting, but fewer than 40 percent of couples get pregnant within their first month of trying to conceive. It is important to be patient and continue trying. If you spend more than one year trying to get pregnant without success, it is time to speak with your doctor about fertility treatment options. For some women, seeking support is the missing link when trying to conceive.

If you’ve decided the time is right to get pregnant, find out more about what preconception health Baptist Memorial Health Care offers and speak with your doctor for more information.