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Great Tips For Getting Pregnant
Getting pregnant is an exciting and life-changing event. There are many ways to prepare the body for conception, and to increase the likelihood of pregnancy. The female body is designed to conceive and nurture a fetus, but there are things that every woman can do to make conception easier and prepare the body to carry a healthy baby.
Birth control pills prevent pregnancy, and those on such medications should cease taking them as soon as the decision is made to become pregnant. It may take several months for the menstrual cycle to resume its normal schedule, depending on the type of birth control that was used, so some patience is required.
It is important to get familiar with your menstrual cycle, as this is an indicator of when ovulation is imminent. Typically, ovulation takes place fourteen days before the next menstrual period. Paying attention to certain signs and symptoms may also indicate ovulation. Abdominal cramps and a change in vaginal secretions are two such indicators. Vaginal secretions may become clear and thin during ovulation. In addition, the basal body temperature is another sign of ovulation; it usually rises before ovulation occurs. There are also ovulation detection kits that can be purchased over-the-counter.
Men can make some changes that increase chances as well. Wearing boxers instead of briefs is helpful. Briefs may decrease sperm count. Smoking also decreases sperm count. Mom should cease smoking as well to avoid increased risk of miscarriage and low birth weight babies. Having sex once a day during the ovulation period is beneficial.
Caffeine should be decreased or eliminated if possible. Caffeine is in foods like chocolate and coffee. In moderation it is ok, but too much may make it difficult for the body to absorb iron and cause stillbirths.
Drink plenty of orange juice. This is because it contains folate, an ingredient known to reduce the risk of certain birth defects. Supplements that contain folic acid are a great option. Prenatal vitamins do not have to be taken just during pregnancy, they may be taken before to help create a nurturing environment for the potential baby.
Maintaining or obtaining a healthy weight is helpful, as women with a body mass index over 30 may have a difficult time with conception. A healthy weight is necessary to avoid complications once pregnancy is achieved because it will help avoid health issues like pregnancy induced hypertension and gestational diabetes. Exercise should be limited to a few times per week. This seems contradictory to the advice to obtain a healthy weight, but excessive exercise may cause delays or complete cessation of the menstrual cycle, making pregnancy impossible. Mild exercise like biking or aerobics is acceptable.
Birth control pills prevent pregnancy, and those on such medications should cease taking them as soon as the decision is made to become pregnant. It may take several months for the menstrual cycle to resume its normal schedule, depending on the type of birth control that was used, so some patience is required.
It is important to get familiar with your menstrual cycle, as this is an indicator of when ovulation is imminent. Typically, ovulation takes place fourteen days before the next menstrual period. Paying attention to certain signs and symptoms may also indicate ovulation. Abdominal cramps and a change in vaginal secretions are two such indicators. Vaginal secretions may become clear and thin during ovulation. In addition, the basal body temperature is another sign of ovulation; it usually rises before ovulation occurs. There are also ovulation detection kits that can be purchased over-the-counter.
Men can make some changes that increase chances as well. Wearing boxers instead of briefs is helpful. Briefs may decrease sperm count. Smoking also decreases sperm count. Mom should cease smoking as well to avoid increased risk of miscarriage and low birth weight babies. Having sex once a day during the ovulation period is beneficial.
Caffeine should be decreased or eliminated if possible. Caffeine is in foods like chocolate and coffee. In moderation it is ok, but too much may make it difficult for the body to absorb iron and cause stillbirths.
Drink plenty of orange juice. This is because it contains folate, an ingredient known to reduce the risk of certain birth defects. Supplements that contain folic acid are a great option. Prenatal vitamins do not have to be taken just during pregnancy, they may be taken before to help create a nurturing environment for the potential baby.
Maintaining or obtaining a healthy weight is helpful, as women with a body mass index over 30 may have a difficult time with conception. A healthy weight is necessary to avoid complications once pregnancy is achieved because it will help avoid health issues like pregnancy induced hypertension and gestational diabetes. Exercise should be limited to a few times per week. This seems contradictory to the advice to obtain a healthy weight, but excessive exercise may cause delays or complete cessation of the menstrual cycle, making pregnancy impossible. Mild exercise like biking or aerobics is acceptable.
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Getting pregnant takes planning and patience. While it may not happen immediately, there is no cause for concern unless conception efforts have been taking place for a year or more. A physician may be able to prescribe medication or suggest procedures such as IVF to increase chances.
