Tips for Falling Pregnant

But just because our bodies and emotions are made for it, doesn’t mean it’s always easy to reach milestones like falling pregnant, passing the first trimester and eventually holding your baby. For some it takes weeks to begin the journey, while others wait for years.

Are there any worthwhile tips to speed up the process if you’re in the phase of trying to fall pregnant? 

The good news is ‘yes’!

Of course, there’s no magic potion, but there’s a lot you can do to increase your chances of falling pregnant. Have you tried the following? 

Change Your Diet

Your general health and food intake can affect your fertility. For instance, too much caffeine can lower a woman’s fertility. So, change to a healthy meal plan and include items like leafy greens and citrus fruits that will assist with the baby’s development once you do fall pregnant. 

Monitor the Menstrual Cycle

Since the woman’s egg only stays viable for about 24 hours after ovulation, you must make sure sperm reaches it at the right time. You can use an app to start tracking the woman’s menstrual cycle. The software will give you a good indication of which days ovulation will take place. You can also use ovulation testing kits to confirm when it’s ideal to have intercourse. 

Tip: it does help to have intercourse on each day of the fertile window—which the app will show you—and the woman should lie on her back for a few minutes afterwards to increase the chances of sperm and egg reaching each other. 

Be Fit—Without Overdoing It

As mentioned, your overall health will play a role so being active is important. Start a light exercise program—even just daily walking—if you don’t have a fitness regimen yet. However, don’t overdo it by doing strenuous exercises, since these can affect your ovulation. 

Cut Back on Smoking and Drinking

Still on the subject of health, give yourself the best chance at conception by both parties committing to avoid smoking—also secondhand smoke—and keeping alcohol intake to a minimum. Smoking can affect men’s sperm as well as women’s ovaries. For example, the egg supply can deplete prematurely. Avoidance will also help you improve general health. 

After 1 Year, Consult an Expert

Even after implementing much of the above tips, you may be one of the couples who simply don’t get that second line on a pregnancy test. Understand that there’s no shame in getting professional assistance. In fact, studies show that as much as 15% of couples globally face infertility challenges. 

South Africans are privileged to have access to experts in the infertility field. If you’ve tried everything you can think of and you’re still unsuccessful after 12 months, your best option is to go to a South African fertility clinic. Experts also advise to pursue this avenue after six months of trying if you’re older than 35.

With expert diagnosis, advice and procedures, you’ll be given new options, such as IVF, IUI and more. Many couples experience their happily ever after using these resources. 

[Conclusion]

Even if you’ve been trying for a few months already, there’s no reason to give up hope. Both natural methods and professional fertility experts can help you realise your dream of holding your own little human in your arms. Where are you in your pregnancy journey? Share your experiences and let’s support each other.