The American Pregnancy Association says that most couples have about a 25 percent chance each month of getting pregnant. The rate varies greatly with age, health status and timing. As you begin trying to conceive, be patient with the process, while using strategies that may help improve your monthly odds. Always follow your doctor's advice when trying to get pregnant.
Get a Check-Up
Schedule a preconception check-up with your general practitioner or obstetrician. Your doctor will discuss your health and diet, and determine whether your vaccinations are current. If you are using hormonal birth control, ask your doctor when you can try to conceive after stopping them. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests discussing your family history and any known genetic diseases during the check-up.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Make a concerted effort to achieve a healthy weight before trying to conceive. A 2007 study published in the journal "Human Reproduction" analyzed how long it took more than 64,000 women to conceive. Cecila Ramlau-Hansen found a relationship between weight and conception time. The higher the woman's body mass index, or BMI, the longer it took to conceive. Exercise regularly, eat the recommended number of healthy calories and avoid fast food to achieve a healthy weight. Encourage your partner to exercise and eat right with you.
Live a Healthy Lifestyle
When you do get pregnant, it takes about two weeks after conception for a pregnancy test to read positive. Because you may not know you are pregnant during those first weeks, practicing a healthy lifestyle before you are pregnant is vital. Avoid or severely limit your alcohol consumption while trying to conceive. Do not use recreational drugs and avoid any supplements other than those recommended or prescribed by your doctor, such as a multivitamin containing 400 mg of folic acid.
Pinpoint Ovulation
Pinpoint ovulation to time intercourse to your best advantage. Utilize the methods recommended by the National Women's Health Information Center. Take your basal body temperature with a basal body thermometer every morning before you step out of bed to learn when you ovulate. Your temperature is lower in the first half of your cycle, then shifts higher after ovulation. Use an ovulation predictor kit in conjunction with your temperature readings. The kits tell you when you are getting ready to ovulate and your temperature can confirm ovulation. Have regular intercourse from the time your menstrual cycle ends until your temperature remains elevated for three days.
References
- American Pregnancy Association: The Essential Guide to Getting Pregnant
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Good Health Before Pregnancy
- Human Reproduction: Subfecundity in Overweight and Obese Couples
- Baby Center: Five Changes to Make to Your Diet Now
- The National Women's Health Information Center: Trying to Conceive
