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If you're hoping to conceive, don't leave it to luck. Know how to get pregnant — starting with predicting ovulation and do's and don'ts for maximizing fertility. By Mayo Clinic StaffSome couples seem to get pregnant simply by talking about it. For others, it takes time. If you're looking for tips on how to get pregnant, here's what you need to know. How to predict ovulationUnderstanding when you're ovulating — and having sex regularly five days before and on the day of ovulation — can improve the odds of conceiving. Ovulation is the process in which a mature egg is released from the ovary. After it's released, the egg moves down the fallopian tube and stays there for 12 to 24 hours, where it can be fertilized. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract as long as five days after sexual intercourse under the right conditions. Your chance of getting pregnant is highest when live sperm are present in the fallopian tubes during ovulation. In an average 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. However, each person's cycle length may be different, and the time between ovulation and the start of the next menstrual period may vary. If, like many people, you don't have a perfect 28-day menstrual cycle, you can determine the length and midpoint of your cycle by keeping a menstrual calendar. Beyond the calendar, you can also look for ovulation signs and symptoms, including:
You also might want to try an over-the-counter ovulation kit, which can help you identify when you're most likely to ovulate. These kits test your urine for the surge in hormones that takes place before ovulation. Ovulation occurs about 36 hours after a positive result. Maximizing fertility: What to doFollow these simple tips for how to get pregnant:
Also, consider talking to your health care provider about preconception planning. He or she can assess your overall health and help you identify changes that might improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy. Your health care provider will recommend taking folic acid a few months before conception to reduce the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects. Maximizing fertility: What to avoidTo improve your odds of conceiving:
Also, talk to your health care provider about any medications you are taking. Certain medications — even those available without a prescription — can make it difficult to conceive. When to talk to a doctorWith frequent unprotected sex, most healthy couples conceive within one year. If you're age 35 or older and you have been trying to conceive for six months or more, or if you or your partner has known or suspected fertility issues, consider consulting with a health care provider. Infertility affects both men and women — and treatment is available. Depending on the source of the problem, your gynecologist, your partner's urologist or your family doctor might be able to help. In some cases, a fertility specialist offers the best hope. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Dec. 11, 2021
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. What care should be taken after ovulation to get pregnant?Here are some tips that can really make a difference to your level of fertility.. Water. When trying to conceive it is very important to drink lots of water (about 8-10 cups a day). ... . Avoid alcohol. ... . Caffeine. ... . Smoking. ... . Exercise. ... . Stress less. ... . Supplement. ... . What can I do after ovulation to help implantation?Think lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, good quality proteins, nuts and seeds, healthy fats and whole grains. The key here is blood sugar control to support implantation and early embryo development, so limit the junk and focus on real, nutrient-dense food.
Do and don'ts after ovulation?At a minimum, have sex every other day during the fertile period (the week to 10 days after ovulation). It takes one to two days for sperm to regenerate, and you don't want it to be older than four to five days.
How can I enhance my chances of getting pregnant?How to get pregnant: Step-by-step instructions. Record menstrual cycle frequency. ... . Monitor ovulation. ... . Have sex every other day during the fertile window. ... . Strive for a healthy body weight. ... . Take a prenatal vitamin. ... . Eat healthy foods. ... . Cut back on strenuous workouts. ... . Be aware of age-related fertility declines.. |