Getting Pregnant: The Guide

Part: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

This is part three of the getting pregnant guide!

Allow gravity a chance to work its magic! Remain lying down in bed for a short while after you’ve made love. Although sperm is designed to know the way, it’s worth giving it a helping hand!

• If you’re concerned that you may struggle to conceive because you only have one functioning ovary, it’s worth taking note of these encouraging words. Ovulation is a completely random monthly event; both ovaries compete to release an egg each month. If you only have a single ovary, it wins the draw every time.

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• Ensure you have both been properly tested for sexually transmitted diseases. Over one million women in North American are affected by pelvic inflammatory disease each year. The main cause for this condition is an untreated STD.

Trying on Getting Pregnant? Here's How...

• You may have heard of some couples charting body temperature to help predict their fertile days. The truth is that if you’re already having intercourse at least two to three times a week, then you’re already doing all you can to increase your chances of conceiving.

• If you do decide to track your basal body temperature, try using a modern digital thermometer. You’ll find this much easier to read than a mercury thermometer.

• Don't eat or drink or even get out of your bed before checking your temperature. These actions can affect the accuracy of your temperature readings when attempting on getting pregnant.

• If your partner has a low or marginal sperm count, it may be advisable to have sex on alternate days to allow your partner’s sperm to build up. Your doctor may even recommend that your partner refrain from ejaculating in the days prior to your most fertile period.

• Studies have shown a decrease in male fertility after abstaining from sex for more than seven days. Any increase in sperm counts from lack of use is counteracted by the increased number of aged sperm cells with lower fertilization potential.

• Lack of sleep can affect your basal temperature reading. Having less than three hours of consecutive sleep can cause unreliability in your BBT reading.

• If you don’t see any shift in temperature when charting your BBT, don’t be too concerned about not getting pregnant. Some women don’t experience this classic temperature rise even when ovulating normally. Their BBT remains consistent throughout their menstrual cycle.

• Being physically active will help you develop strength, stamina and cardiovascular health. Taking a brisk walk for twenty to thirty minutes is fantastic for your prenatal health. If you aren’t already active, seek advice from your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

• Studies have shown that women are at their most fertile in the five days leading up to ovulation.

Click here for the next chapter of advice on getting pregnant.