Deciding to have a baby can be exciting! It can also be overwhelming. Some couples are not sure where to begin when they want to conceive. Others may have difficulty with fertility. There are many things to consider before you begin trying for a baby. The following tips will help you get started.
Talk to Your Doctor First
Your OB/GYN should be consulted before you attempt to get pregnant. They can discuss risk factors, genetic testing, lifestyle changes, and more. They can also review any medications you take to ensure they are safe to continue taking during pregnancy. Your doctor will most likely also recommend taking prenatal vitamins months in advance.
Understand the Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle can vary for some women. Some are very regular, while others are not. Understanding this process will help tremendously with conception. The cycle begins on the first day bright red blood appears and can last between 21 and 35 days on average. This will affect the timing of conception, so you need to know what’s happening internally to determine when to have sex.
Plan to Have Sex – A Lot
If you want to have a baby, then you need to have sex. Some couples get lucky and conceive quickly. Others must try for a while, so plan to have sex often. The best time is during ovulation.
Studies show maximum fertility occurs 3 to 5 days prior plus the day of ovulation. That means you should plan to have sex 1 to 2 days prior to ovulation. Doctors usually suggest having intercourse every other day during the week before ovulation or after the end of your period.
An OB/GYN can help you learn more about getting pregnant and staying healthy. Give Women’s Health a call to schedule an appointment.
