Become pregnant now!

Book a Pre-Conception Appointment

Scheduling an appointment with your doctor to make sure you are healthy is important when trying to conceive. The doctor will ask about any previous or on going health issues, about any medications you are taking that might impede or affect fertility or an ensuing pregnancy as well as questions about your diet and fitness routines.

Know Your Cycle

Keeping track of when you ovulate is one of the most important things to do when trying to become pregnant. For most women, ovulation occurs approximately two weeks after the first day of their last period. However, not all women have 28 cycles so when trying to conceive it is a good idea to widen this time period. Start having unprotected sex about eleven days after your LMP (last menstrual period) if you have a short cycle (25-28 days) and continue to have sex a few days later than recommended if you have a longer cycle (29-35 days).

In addition to paying attention to the calendar, pay attention to your body. When ovulation occurs your basal body temperature, (your temperature when you wake up in the morning) will increase. A normal BBT (prior to ovulation) is approximately 97.2 to 97.7 and this will increase by .05 to 1.6 degrees during ovulation. Make sure to chart your BBT at the same time every day. In addition, your cervical mucous will increase and have a clear, slippery consistency. If you are confused about when you ovulate, there are ovulation kits available to help you determine your most fertile time of the month.

Help the Conditions for Conception

Avoid using vaginal sprays or creams that may have spermicides or other chemicals that can harm sperm and hinder conception. Women hoping to conceive should avoid the use of scented tampons as they can affect the pH level of the vagina, making it an unfriendly environment for sperm survival. Couples hoping to conceive should check any lubricants for sperm-harming chemicals. Many contain spermicides and couples may unknowingly be killing sperm before they get a chance to fertilize the woman’s egg.

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Eat Healthy

Eating well is one of the most important tips for getting pregnant and preparing your body for pregnancy. After all, your baby will be eating the same foods you eat so it is imperative to adopt a healthy diet. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as lean protein, calcium and whole grains to get your body into prime shape for pregnancy.

Aside from eating well, women who hope to become pregnant should be taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams) of folic acid in it, months before trying to conceive. According to the experts at babycenter, folic acid reduces the risk of neural-tube defects, such as spina bifida by up to 70 percent. Cutting down on caffeine is also advised. While most doctors agree that moderate consumption of caffeine is fine, keep it to one or two cups a day.

Women who are trying to conceive should avoid alcohol. Studies suggest that alcohol can impede fertility and once a pregnancy is established, can cause serious defects and fetal alcohol syndrome.

Quit Smoking

If you smoke, now is the time to quit. Not only does smoking seem to affect fertility, should you become pregnant it will be necessary, for the health of your baby, to kick the habit. Smoking exposes a fetus to many harmful chemicals, such as tar and nicotine that can stunt his or her growth and affect brain development.

Smoking increases the risk of many pregnancy complications such as preterm labor, miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy. If you are looking to get pregnant and have a healthy baby, quitting smoking is essential.

The above tips for getting pregnant are a great way to prepare your body and provide the healthiest environment for a growing baby.