Fertility Guides

Advice for Getting Pregnant

These fertility guides are for the woman who is serious about getting pregnant. While it's possible to decide one month to get pregnant and achieve a positive pregnancy test at the end of that same month, many women takes months and even years to conceive. To give it your best shot at early success follow these guides from the very beginning.

Fertility Guides number one: Schedule an exam with your healthcare provider.

This is to insure that you are in top condition to get pregnant. While tests for infertility issues won't be run this early, at least you'll have your annual pelvic exam and will be granted a go-ahead by your doctor. Ask them about a time limit for pregnancy to occur before starting infertility tests. The answer will depend on a number of things from your age to your current health.

Fertility Guides number two: Practice proper good nutrition.

This is ideal for both you and your partner. The old saying “you are what you eat” holds true. Give your future baby the best start possible by practicing proper nutrition to ensure both healthy eggs and healthy sperm. Limit your intake of caffeine. Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and the use of any drugs. During the reproductive cycle you could be pregnant for up to two weeks before knowing.

Fertility Guides number three: Chart your fertility signs.

Purchase a basal body thermometer and learn how to properly chart your basal body temperature. This helps you to know where you are in your cycle and if you are ovulating. It can alert you to possible infertility problems. Most healthcare providers will want to see 3 months of charts to help them come to a diagnosis sooner.

To chart your basal body temperature, start taking your temperature at the same time when you awake each morning. Start the first day of your cycle - day one of bleeding. Print off a good fertility chart. Record the temperature on the chart - recording the time you took it too.

The first half of your cycle estrogen is predominant and therefore your temperatures will be in the low range, normally in the 96 - 97 degree range. The day after ovulation your temperature should rise about .4 a degree. This is caused by the release of progesterone. This shift should continue on until the cycle is either over - or will remain high throughout pregnancy.

You can also chart your cervical fluid and your cervix if you choose. See the articles in the Fertility Charting section for more detailed information on these and for a downloadable fertility chart.

Fertility Guides number four: Have sexual intercourse around ovulation.

Of course, this is a given, that sperm must be present when the egg is released from the ovary in order for conception to take place. It's always best to have sex up to 5 days (every day to every other day) and for one day past ovulation. Sperm can live normally 72 hours, but have been shown to live up to 5 full days. The egg, on the other hand, will only live from 12 to 24 hours.

Fertility Guides number five: Drink plenty of water and take prenatal vitamins.

Fertility Guides number six: Use ovulation predictor kits or fertility monitors.

This step is optional. It's a nice way of double confirming ovulation. Always follow the instructions for proper usage. It's nice to pinpoint ovulation, but not necessary. The kits can be pricey - and the monitors add another step to your daily routine.

Check out our line of exclusive designer maternity T-shirts and journals. click here to learn more

Fertility Guides number seven: Financing the pregnancy - insurance, etc.

Before you conceive is the best time to iron out the details of how you will pay for the prenatal care and the birth. If you have insurance, make sure that maternity care is covered. If you don't - find out the costs for a cash paying patient, or see if you qualify for Medicaid aid. Most doctors and hospitals expect the bill to be paid in full by the 7th month of pregnancy.

And the last

Fertility Guides