If you’re looking to conceive, there’s a lot of advice out there to help you along the way. However, not all of it is useful or accurate.

Here’s a round-up of advice from experts in the field to help you make informed decisions, protect your health, and optimize your chances of getting pregnant.

1. Make Key Lifestyle Changes

Before you start trying to conceive, it is best to make some important lifestyle changes.

The most important is to quit smoking, as smoking can significantly reduce your odds of getting pregnant and increase your risk of complications such as miscarriage, stillbirths, and birth defects.

You should also aim to reduce your caffeine and alcohol intake, eat a healthy and balanced diet, and take time to rest and exercise. Obesity can also decrease fertility, so losing weight can increase your chances of conceiving.

2. Understand Your Menstrual Cycle

Knowing when you ovulate is critical when trying to conceive. Ovulation is when your ovaries release an egg, which can then be fertilized by a sperm.

Women typically ovulate 14 days before their next period, so it’s essential to track your menstrual cycle to predict when ovulation is likely to occur.

You can track your menstrual cycle with the help of a menstrual calendar, fertility app, or an ovulation predictor kit.

Keeping track of your basal body temperature, vaginal discharge and cervical mucus, and other signs of fertility can also help you identify your most fertile days.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for both your general health as well as your reproductive health. Make sure to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night, and avoid working late or watching TV in bed.

Good sleep hygiene will improve your overall health, reduce stress, and improve your reproductive health. So make sure you prioritize your sleep!.

4. Manage Your Stress Levels

Stress is a common reason for infertility, and it can also make it challenging to conceive. When you’re feeling stressed, your body produces cortisol, which can interfere with your menstrual cycle and ovulation.

It’s essential to identify and manage your stress levels effectively. You could try meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or other relaxation techniques to keep your stress levels under control.

You could also take some time out every day to practice self-care, do something you enjoy such as reading, painting, or walking in nature.

5. Consult with a Healthcare Professional

It’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider when looking to conceive.

Depending on your individual situation, your healthcare provider may offer tailored advice, such as identifying any underlying medical conditions or recommending suitable prenatal vitamins and supplements.

Your healthcare professional will also screen you for any sexually transmitted diseases, genetic disorders, or other medical conditions that could affect your fertility.

If necessary, they may also refer you to a fertility specialist for more detailed fertility evaluation and treatment options.

6. Consider Fertility Treatments

If you’ve been trying to conceive for six months or more without success, you might consider fertility treatments.

Fertility treatments can increase your chances of getting pregnant and may include drugs to help induce ovulation or intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

It’s essential to discuss your options with your healthcare provider or a fertility specialist, as there are many different types of fertility treatments available, and each one has its unique advantages and disadvantages.

7. Stay Positive and Patient

Conceiving a baby can be a long journey, and it’s normal to feel frustrated, anxious, or discouraged along the way. Nevertheless, it’s important to stay positive and patient.

Keep in mind that most couples take around six months to a year to conceive naturally.

Don’t feel pressured and take things one step at a time. Enjoy the process of trying to conceive and don’t be afraid to enjoy your life in the meantime.