How to Get Pregnant Fast
Starting a family is one of the biggest decisions anyone can make, and before hearing the pitter-patter of those adorable little feet, there is one hurdle everyone has to clear – getting pregnant. For those impatiently awaiting the arrival of that new bundle of joy, here are some tips on how to get pregnant fast.
- Stop smoking. There are numerous harmful effects associated with cigarette smoking, but one not often stressed is the link between cigarette smoking and infertility. Smoking can damage a woman’s ovaries and advance the rate with which her body enters into menopause. Men who smoke can have lower sperm counts, decreased motility, and a higher number of abnormal sperm.
- Learn to detect ovulation. Women ovulate one time each month and are fertile one to two days before ovulation and about one day afterward. This is a relatively short timeframe. Having sex during this fertile period greatly increases the odds of becoming pregnant.
- Get romantic. Trying to get pregnant the natural way requires one specific activity – sexual intercourse. Increasing the frequency of lovemaking also increases the likelihood that one of these sessions will happen during a fertile period.
- Ditch the caffeine. Study results on the effects of caffeine on a woman’s reproductive system and fertility levels are inconclusive, but why take the risk? When trying to conceive, eliminate caffeine altogether. Quitting caffeine prior to conception will also make it easier to avoid the substance once pregnant. Caffeine has been shown to increase the risk of miscarriage and stillbirths. It can also exacerbate heartburn symptoms common among pregnant women.
- Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet full of vitamins and minerals is a good idea at any time, including when trying to conceive. Avoid eating large amounts of meat as it can lead to elevated ammonia levels within the body which impede the ability of the egg to implant in the lining of the uterus. Foods high in chemicals such as preservatives and artificial sweeteners should also be avoided as they can affect blood sugar levels and hormonal balance.
- Take fertility supplements. Fertility supplements typically contain nutritional and herbal ingredients designed to increase the reproductive health in both women and men. Most fertility supplements can be purchased over the counter, and none of these supplements have been shown to increase the risk of multiple embryos upon conception. Even with scientific studies showing these supplements to be safe, however, it is still best to consult with a physician before starting any regular supplement regimen.
- Throw out the birth control. This may seem like common sense, but it is worth noting. Birth control methods like the pill, IUD, condoms, etc. are specifically designed to prevent pregnancy. Discontinue the use of all birth control when trying to conceive.
- Check your weight. Being overweight does not only decrease the fertility level within women, it can also lead to complications once pregnancy is achieved such as an increased change of miscarriage, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, birth defects, high birth weight babies, and increased likelihood of Cesarean section deliveries. Maintain a healthy weight now to avoid all of these problems.
- Manage your stress. Although there is not enough scientific data to support a definite link between anxiety and infertility, many couples thought to be infertile have conceived after incorporating stress-reduction techniques. Lowering stress levels is never a bad idea, regardless.
- Lose the briefs. A high body temperature can decrease sperms motility, and as a result, a man’s fertility levels. Boxers are typically looser and more comfortable than briefs, offering a cooler environment in which sperm can thrive. Avoid hot tubs and saunas for the same reason.
- See your doctor. A couple is considered to have fertility problems after trying to get pregnant for one year with no success. Consult with a physician to make sure no physical problems exist which could be preventing conception.
- Be patient. Those are probably the hardest words to hear for anyone anxious to become a parent, but they need to be said. Worrying and fretting over not conceiving is not going to make it happen any faster, and could actually have the opposite effect.
Having a child is a life changing, miraculous event, and it all begins with conception. Staying healthy, focusing on both mind and body, and working with trusted health professionals will all lead to a positive end result.