| Wishing upon a baby - tips on getting pregnant |
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Feb. 17, 2008
If you are trying to get pregnant, you have a 15-20% chance of being successful per cycle. Very few couples conceive on the first try.
Fortunately, there are ways to stack the odds in your favor.
- Schedule a "preconception" visit with your provider. At that time, you can get a physical exam, a pap smear, and be tested for your immunity to rubella and other diseases that can cause birth defects during pregnancy. During the appointment, your provider can look at your cycle pattern to see when you would be most fertile. It is especially important to talk to your provider if you are in your late 30's or your 40's or have irregular cycles or other medical concerns that might affect your ability to conceive.
- Take folic acid. At least two months before you start trying to get pregnant, take a prenatal vitamin that has at least 400 mcg (preferably 1000 mcg – 1 mg) of folic acid to help prevent birth defects.
- Stop smoking, alcohol and drugs. They can affect your chances of getting pregnant. Your partner should also quit – smoking reduces the viability and longevity of sperm. And, all are associated with miscarriage and pregnancy complications, such premature birth and low-birth weight babies.
- Limit caffeine. It may impair conception, and too much caffeine can reduce your body's ability to absorb iron and in very large quantities (over 8 cups/day), increase your risk for stillbirth. If you absolutely can't quit, a safe amount would be 2 cups a day of a caffeinated beverage.
- Learn when you are most fertile. An effective way to determine fertility is based on changes in vaginal discharge. Prior to ovulation, rising estrogen levels cause your cervical fluid to resemble an egg white 14 days before your period. It becomes clear, slippery and stretchy. Being able to identify that time will be your signal to begin sexual relations.
- Optimize sexual intercourse. You are most likely to become pregnant one to two days prior to ovulation rather than on the actual day of ovulation. When your vaginal fluid is slippery, have intercourse every other day (do NOT use a lubricant). Don't have intercourse more than once in 24 hours to allow the sperm count to build up. An egg must be fertilized within 12 hours; sperm are fertile for up to 72 hours once they have entered the vagina. After intercourse, recline and wait 15 minutes before getting out of bed.
- De-stress, Yes! If you are anxious to become pregnant or have been trying for a few months and are frustrated, remember how your body reacts to emotional stress. Stress alters normal physical function which can hinder conception. Research suggests that yoga, meditation and other relaxation techniques can help in getting pregnant.
- Enjoy sex. Having intercourse to become pregnant can feel mechanical and awkward. Although you are on a "schedule", making love to make a baby should be natural and enjoyable. And, some experts say that if a woman is highly aroused during sex, the sperm has a better chance of fertilizing the egg. It may not be a proven fact, but it sure can't hurt your chances!
May your baby dreams come true!
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