Tips for Getting Pregnant
So you want to have a baby. It's a giant step that should not be taken without a great deal of discussion, thought and planning. Once you're sure that having a baby is what you really want, there are some things you can do to help the process along. Here are the top ten tips for getting pregnant:
Top 10 Tips for Getting Pregnant #1 - Ban birth control
The pill, condoms and all other pregnancy prevention props should be tossed when you are trying to get pregnantÉobviously.
Top 10 Tips for Getting Pregnant #2 - Figure out fertility
Pregnancy without ovulation is impossible, so find out when you will be most fertile with a pregnancy calendar that calculates when you will be ovulating. You can even get an ovulation predictor or fertility monitor to help pin down the exact day when pregnancy is most likely.
Top 10 Tips for Getting Pregnant #3 - Start up the sex
Obviously, you have to have sex to get pregnant. Some experts even claim that position can influence your pregnancy chances. Although not lab proven, it is thought that the good old missionary position gives the best results.
Top 10 Tips for Getting Pregnant #4 - Bring on the boxers
Getting pregnant is not just about the woman. Tighty whiteys have been known to restrict the little swimmers, but wearing boxers will encourage a nice, healthy sperm count.
Top 10 Tips for Getting Pregnant #5 - Cut out caffeine
Caffeine can interfere with iron absorption and negatively affect your chances of getting pregnant. Too much caffeine may also increase the chances for a stillbirth. So be safe and replace that caffeine-filled cola with a milkshake. You may even up your pregnancy odds by boosting your calcium level.
Top 10 Tips for Getting Pregnant #6 - Stop smoking (drugs too)
Both cigarette smoking and taking drugs lower your chances of getting pregnant, so you will want to quit all of that nonsense right from the start. Smoking is known to increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth, and it contributes to low birth weight. Smoking can even cause low sperm count. So just quit already.
Top 10 Tips for Getting Pregnant #7 - Watch your weight
Women who maintain a healthy weight are most likely to get pregnant, so get yourself in shape if you are trying to become pregnant. Being at the appropriate body weight - that means not too overweight or too underweight - will help during pregnancy as well.
Top 10 Tips for Getting Pregnant #8 - Manage your mind
Depression and stress can cause problems with fertility. In fact, depressed women are two times more likely to encounter fertility issues than women who are not depressed.
Top 10 Tips for Getting Pregnant #9 - Add folic acid
Taking folic acid before you get pregnant helps reduce birth defects and lowers chances for miscarriage. So fuel up on folic acid!
Top 10 Tips for getting pregnant #10 - Don't forget the doctor
It is a good idea to see your doctor for a preconception checkup to make sure your body is healthy and ready to become pregnant. Your doctor can also give you some tips on fertility and hopefully you will be pregnant soon.