How do I get pregnant (2024)

Some couples seem to get pregnant just by talking about it. For others it takes time. If you're looking for tips on how to get pregnant, here's what you need to know.

How to predict ovulation

Knowing when you're ovulating — and having regular sex five days before and on the day of ovulation — can increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Ovulation is the process of releasing a mature egg from the ovary. After it is released, the egg moves through the fallopian tube and remains there for 12 to 24 hours, where it can be fertilized. Under the right conditions, sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for up to five days after intercourse. The chance of becoming pregnant is greatest if there is live sperm in the fallopian tubes during ovulation.

In an average 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. However, each person's cycle length can be different, and the time between ovulation and the start of the next menstrual period can vary. If, like many people, you don't have a perfect 28-day menstrual cycle, you can determine the length and midpoint of your cycle by keeping a menstrual calendar.

In addition to the calendar, you can also look for signs and symptoms of ovulation, including:

• Change in vagin*l discharge (cervical mucus).Just before ovulation, you may notice an increase in clear, wet, and stretchy vagin*l discharge. Immediately after ovulation, the cervical mucus becomes thinner and thicker, cloudy and less visible.
• Change in basal body temperature.Your resting body temperature (basal body temperature) rises slightly during ovulation. Use a thermometer specifically designed to measure basal body temperature and take your temperature every morning before getting out of bed. Record the results and look for a pattern that may emerge. You are most fertile during the 2 to 3 days before your temperature rises.

You can also try an over-the-counter ovulation kit, which can help you determine when you are most likely to ovulate. These kits test your urine for the increase in hormones that occurs before ovulation. Ovulation occurs approximately 36 hours after a positive result.

Maximizing fertility: what to do

Follow these simple tips to get pregnant:

• Have sex regularly.The highest pregnancy rates occur among couples who have sex every day or every other day.
• Have sex just before the time of ovulation.If having sex every day isn't possible or enjoyable, have sex every 2 to 3 days a week, starting shortly after your period ends. This can ensure that you have sex when you are most fertile.
• Maintain a normal weight.Overweight and underweight women have an increased risk of ovulation disorders.

Also consider talking to your healthcare provider about preconception planning. He or she can assess your overall health and help you identify changes that could increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy. Your healthcare provider will recommend taking folic acid a few months before conception to reduce the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.

Maximizing Fertility: What to Avoid

To increase your chances of becoming pregnant:

• Do not smoke.Tobacco has several negative effects on fertility, not to mention your overall health and the health of a fetus. If you smoke, ask your healthcare provider for help quitting before trying to become pregnant.
• Don't drink alcohol.Heavy alcohol consumption can lead to reduced fertility. In general, it is best to avoid alcohol if you hope to become pregnant.
• Combat caffeine.Research shows that fertility is not affected by caffeine consumption of less than 200 milligrams per day. That's about 1 to 2 cups of 6 to 8 ounces of coffee per day.
• Don't overdo strenuous efforts.Strenuous, intense exercise of more than five hours per week has been linked to reduced ovulation.

Also talk to your healthcare provider about the medications you are taking. Certain medications, even those available without a prescription, can make it difficult to become pregnant.

When should you talk to a doctor?

With frequent unprotected sex, most healthy couples become pregnant within a year.

If you are 35 years or older and have been trying to get pregnant for six months or more, or if you or your partner know or suspect fertility problems, you may want to consider seeing a healthcare provider.

Infertility affects both men and women – and treatment is available. Depending on the cause of the problem, your gynaecologist, your partner's urologist or your GP may be able to help you. In some cases, a fertility specialist offers the best hope.

11 december 2021

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