How To Get Pregnant

A planned pregnancy is not as simple as some may think. It takes time, learning your body, and tracking your menstrual cycle. These step by step instructions should help make it as fun and easy as possible. So, let's get pregnant!

If you are taking any type of birth control, stop. Besides the obvious that you will probably not get pregnant, if you do, some birth control methods can have a negative and even dangerous effect on a pregnancy. Once you stop using birth control you can become pregnant as soon as your next cycle.

Begin tracking your period. Start with the 1st day of your last menstrual cycle, this is Day 1. This is vital to getting pregnant because you need to get a general idea of when you are fertile (ovulating). Ovulation typically occurs around Day 14 (a little over a week after your period has ended). Keep in mind that factors such as stress, diet, and exercise can alter when you ovulate. You can track your menstrual cycle using a calendar or go to a great website, mymonthlycycle.com.

Get a digital thermometer and take your basal body temperature each morning before getting out of bed (you want to be fully rested when you take it). Your temperature averages about a degree or two higher when you are ovulating, so if you see that your temperature is elevated for three consecutive days you can be fairly sure you are fertile. You can also pick up an ovulation kit at the local drugstore or pharmacy to determine exactly when you are ovulating. It works much like a home pregnancy test and is pretty accurate.

Have Sex and lots of it! Be sure to have sex regularly, about 3 times a week, and you will probably hit during your ovulation. To increase your chances of getting pregnant, try to have sex at least once a day when you expect to ovulate.

Stay healthy! Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a proper diet, and exercising regularly will increase your chances of getting pregnant. You should also consider taking prenatal vitamins. While this will not increase your likelihood of getting pregnant, once you are it will give your baby a healthy head start. Do not drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes while trying to get pregnant. They are harmful to a growing fetus and may even cause miscarriage.

If you have not done so already, find an Obstetrician/Gynecologist you are comfortable with. You can schedule an appointment and address any concerns or question you may have about preconception. 

While not everyone can conceive naturally, do not be alarmed if it doesn't happen immediately. Keep in mind, you are only fertile a couple of days each month. If you are otherwise healthy, it may be normal to take up to a year to get pregnant. So, sit back, relax and try to enjoy making a baby with your partner.