The path from deciding to have a baby to conception can feel like a long one at times.
“Everybody’s journey is different, and there are a lot of emotions attached to it,” says Dr. Andrea Richmond-Mart, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Tidelands Health OB/GYN.
But there are things you can do to increase your chances of conceiving.
If you’re trying to get pregnant, remember to stop taking birth control pills or schedule an appointment to remove your IUD or implant.
While there aren’t any other medications that are known to affect your chance of conceiving directly, there are some that could affect the development of a fetus, like some medications for hypertension. Let your doctor know you’re trying to conceive so other medications can be reviewed.
The five days ahead of ovulation and the day of ovulation are called the fertility window — that’s when you’ll have the best chance of conceiving.
Ovulation devices, which measure your basal body temperature or cervical mucus, can indicate where you are in your cycle. There are also tests that work similarly to pregnancy tests by tracking a surge in LH, or luteinizing hormone. The pituitary gland produces this hormone and triggers the release of an egg from the ovary. A positive test, or LH surge, indicates ovulation is likely in the next 12-36 hours, making that a key time to have intercourse for the best chance of pregnancy.
Some apps can also help track your cycle and calculate the fertility window.
Prenatal vitamins help support fetal development. Like the name suggests, it’s important to begin taking them before you’re pregnant.
“We like to have them on board at least a month before pregnancy,” Dr. Richmond-Mart says.
One of the biggest components of prenatal vitamins is folic acid, which can reduce the risk of birth defects and support the growth of both the fetus and placenta. Prenatal vitamins also include iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and other nutrients you need to stay healthy.
If you’re trying to conceive, stop smoking and limit alcohol intake to no more than three drinks a week, Dr. Richmond-Mart says.
She also encourages patients to maintain a healthy diet to provide their bodies with all the necessary nutrients.
In terms of exercise, you should be able to maintain whatever level of activity you’re used to without impacting your fertility.
Most couples that have been taking all these steps should be able to conceive within a year. If not, it’s time to see your OB/GYN for an infertility assessment.
Your doctor can help you get a better sense of your and your partner’s fertility and tell you if it’s time to consult with a specialist. People over 35 may want to see a doctor if they haven’t conceived within six months.
But there’s nothing that says you can’t reach out to your doctor sooner if you have questions.
“If people are feeling frustrated or alone or like nobody else has gone through this, then that’s a good time to reach out to your OB/GYN,” Dr. Richmond-Mart says.