If you’re reading this, chances are that you’re trying for a baby. You might have been planning your pregnancy for a while, thinking about the best time of year for your baby’s arrival, or even plotting the ideal age gap between your baby and their sibling. When it comes to being parents, we generally like to try and plan ahead, and therefore probably one of the most googled questions when it comes to parenthood is “How do I get pregnant fast?”
If only it was that easy.
Sadly, as much as we’d love to say there is a sure-fire technique that guarantees pregnancy every single time, the reality is somewhat different. Everybody – every couple is different and how long it takes to get pregnant can vary hugely. Whilst some people can get pregnant first time without even really seeming to try, for others the journey to conceive can be quite a long and drawn out process. A lot of getting pregnant fast can be down to luck, however there are some basic steps you can follow to ensure you give yourself and your partner the best chances you can of getting pregnant.
First things first, know your body. Take some simple steps to understand your cycle and recognize the signs and symptoms that are normal for you. Track your periods, and keep a note, either physically or using an app, of when your period arrives, as well as any symptoms you get throughout your cycle. By understanding things like your cycle length and the duration of your periods, you will be in a better position to predict the most appropriate time to get pregnant based on your estimated ovulation dates, and the “window of opportunity” where you are likely to be most fertile. Of course these dates are just estimates, and its not an exact science, however if your cycle is very consistent, then it can be a useful predictor.
In order to get pregnant, you (and your partner!) should ensure you have a healthy diet and lifestyle, avoiding eating in excess, drinking heavily or smoking. It is recommended to also keep an eye on your caffeine intake and avoid having excessive amounts. Take some time to consider your diet and aim for a well balanced range of foods rich in iron, vitamin D and vitamin C.
Try and exercise regularly. Don’t panic, you don’t need to be in the gym 24/7 in order to get pregnant, but some gentle exercise that fits in with your normal lifestyle for 30 minutes at a time, five times a week can do wonders for your overall health and well-being. Supplements to increase your vitamin intake (particularly folic acid) are also recommended during early stages of pregnancy and whilst trying to conceive, in order to ensure your body is in its optimum condition for pregnancy.
Most importantly, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Try and stay calm and enjoy spending time with your partner – sex isn’t just about getting pregnant, and maintaining that level of intimacy and affection with your partner will ensure your mood stays positive overall. The last thing you want to do is make sex all about a baby making mission, as it can become disheartening for both of you if you don’t get the results you are hoping for right away. Remember too, you don’t have to have sex every day to get pregnant – sperm can live inside the body for up to 5 days, it’s ok to want a break no matter how much you love your partner!!
As for trying different sex positions, working through the kama sutra, staying lying down after sex and eating aphrodisiacs, most of these methods for getting pregnant are likely to be myths, but hey, it doesn’t hurt to experiment!!
