When you make the decision to get pregnant, you’re probably anxious to get started. You’ve stopped taking birth control, you’re taking daily prenatal vitamins, and you and your partner are getting busy, so why the heck aren’t you pregnant yet?
You may start to ask yourself all sorts of questions. Is there something wrong with me? Is there something wrong with my partner? Is it time to start looking into surrogacy or IVF?
However, before you start calling the doctor, remember that there are a variety of factors that come into play. Conception isn’t as easy as you might think. Depending on your age, health, and daily habits, it may take longer than you hoped.
The good news is, there are ways to increase your chances of getting pregnant. Take a look at some of the best tips to get you started.
Get Some Ovulation Strips
You are most fertile during the period of the month when you ovulate. Most women ovulate around the 14th day of their cycle. You’ve got about seven days around this window of time when you’re at your peak fertility.
Consider buying an ovulation kit so that you know exactly when you’re ovulating. By using a strip each day, you’ll know exactly when it’s time to start getting busy with the baby making.
Reduce Your Alcohol Intake
Most fertility experts will recommend limiting your alcohol consumption when you’re trying to conceive. When you consume alcohol, you may be affecting your hormone levels.
This may come as bad news for those who love their evening martini. However, if getting pregnant is taking longer than you’d like, then your alcohol intake may be a factor.
Limit Your Exposure To Stress
Stress isn’t good for anyone. However, it’s especially bad news for women trying to get pregnant. The more pressure that you put on yourself, the more that you may have trouble conceiving.
Try to keep a lighthearted lifestyle and clear your head as much as possible. Don’t turn sex into an item on your to-do list either. Relax, and try to keep a positive attitude.
Get Plenty Of Sleep
Sleep can have a significant impact on your hormone levels. If you’re fatigued, it can seriously throw off your ovulation. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep a night.
Not only is sleep good for your health, but if you do plan on having a baby in the near future, you should appreciate all the sleep you can get for the moment!
Skip The Lube
Lubricant is thick and can inhibit the sperm from being able to travel to where they need to go. You’re better off going “au naturale” while trying to get pregnant!