She Strengthens

Getting Pregnant 101: Timing, Positions, and More

Are you and your partner ready to start a family? Congratulations! Getting pregnant can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience, but with the right knowledge, you can increase your chances of conceiving.

Understanding Your Fertile Window

The key to getting pregnant is to have sex during your fertile window, which is the 6-day period leading up to ovulation and the day of ovulation itself. To determine when you’re ovulating, start tracking your menstrual cycle. You can use an app, calendar, or even count the days yourself. Generally, ovulation occurs around day 14 of a 28-day cycle.

Signs of Ovulation

So, how do you know when you’re ovulating? Look out for these signs:

• Vaginal fluid that resembles raw egg white (slippery, stretchy, and clear)
• A slightly higher basal body temperature (BBT)
• Tender breasts
• A positive ovulation predictor test
• An increased libido

How Often to Have Sex

When it comes to getting pregnant, having sex regularly is crucial. Research suggests that sperm quality is best after just 1 day without sex, and diminishes dramatically after 11 days without an ejaculation. Aim to have sex every 1 to 3 days to increase your chances of conception.

Best Baby-Making Positions

While there’s no one “best” position for getting pregnant, some configurations can give sperm a head start. Deep penetration through missionary or doggie-style positions puts sperm closer to the cervix. However, it’s possible to get pregnant in any position, and gravity isn’t always on your side.

Sperm-Friendly Lubricants

If you’re one of the many women who use lubricant, don’t worry – you can still get pregnant. Just opt for a spermicide-free version, and remember that comfortable, stress-free sex is more likely to result in pregnancy.

Boosting Your Fertility

In addition to great, well-timed sex, here are some ways to boost your fertility:

• Relax and reduce stress
• Maintain a moderate weight
• Cut out bad habits like smoking and excess caffeine
• Eat more veggies and swap out processed snacks for veggie-based protein
• Have more orgasms – they can speed up sperm movement!

When to See Your Doctor

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a while and haven’t had any luck, it might be time to talk to a medical professional. Make an appointment if:

• You’re under 35 and have been trying for over a year
• You’re 35 or older and have been trying for over 6 months
• You have irregular periods or no period at all
• You’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis or PID
• You’ve had a miscarriage or hernia surgery
• Your partner has a diagnosed testicular issue

The Bottom Line

Getting pregnant takes time, patience, and understanding. By tracking your cycle, having regular sex, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can increase your chances of conceiving. Remember, it’s normal for it to take a few months to get pregnant, especially if you’re in your late 30s. If you’re concerned about your fertility, talk to your doctor – there are many non-life-threatening conditions that can affect fertility.