Trying to Conceive

Preparing to Conceive

Before you begin trying to conceive your baby, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of having a healthy baby.

1. You should begin taking folic acid supplements.
2. You should eat a balanced, healthy diet.
3. You should exercise on a regular basis.
4. You should try and limit the amount of stress you have in your life.
5. You should avoid alcoholic drinks.
6. You should stop smoking.
7. You should limit your caffeine intake.
8. You should talk to your doctor about when you can begin trying to conceive if you have been using prescription birth control.

Know Your Body

Once you're ready to begin trying, it is essential that you know your own body. You should learn to recognize the physical signs which will point to the best time for conception each month. These signs include the following:

1. Monitor your mucus discharge. When the mucus changes from a cloudy, tacky substance to a clear, slippery substance, you are nearing ovulation and at your most fertile.
2. You can keep track of your basal body temperature to determine when you will ovulate. You will need to take your temperature every morning before you get out of bed and mark that temperature on a chart. Keep a thermometer on your night table. Your temperature will rise slightly as you near ovulation. You'll need a basal thermometer to get the most accurate readings and you must have had a minimum of three to four hours of sleep. You can download a free basal body temperature chart from the [Fertility Plus] web site.
3. You may feel lower abdominal pain as you begin ovulating.

Infertility

There are various reasons that a couple might have fertility issues. If you are struggling to conceive and not having any luck, your ob-gyn will talk to you initially, and then she may refer you to a fertility specialist. Some of the common causes of fertility include:

1. Ovulation problems-which may or may not be linked to stress, irregular menstrual cycles, excessive weight changes, and chromosomal problems
2. Cervical problems-which may include recurrent miscarriages
3. Fallopian tube problems-These problems may include blocked tubes, tubes damaged from scar tissue, such as endometriosis or pelvic infections, and fibroid tumors
4. Low or no sperm count
5. Sperm motility problems

Options Available

If you are having problems trying to conceive, there are several options available. You will need to discuss these options with your doctor. He may need to refer you to a specialist.

1. IVF (in vitro fertilizaton)-The father's sperm and the mother's egg are retrieved and placed together before placing the fertilized egg back into the mother's uterus.
2. IUI (intrauterine insemination)-Basically, the father's sperm is injected into the uterus of the mother at a specific time.
3. Clomid-This substance is a fertility hormone given to women to stimulate egg production and growth.
4. Egg Donation-You may be able to receive an egg from a donor which will then be fertilized with your partner's sperm.

Remember, there is hope. You will need to educate yourself and develop good communication with your doctor. There are numerous support groups on the Internet, and you may also find support groups in your area.

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