Are you ready to start a family? There’s a lot to consider when trying to get pregnant, from preparing your body to conceiving to the early signs of pregnancy. This guide will cover everything you need to know about what to expect while trying to conceive.
Understanding the Signs of Ovulation
When trying to conceive, it is vital to be aware of the signs of ovulation so that you can time intercourse correctly. Ovulation occurs when an egg is released from the ovary. In most cases, people ovulate between days 10 and 17 of their cycle according to Forbes Health. During the first phase of the menstrual cycle, called the follicular phase, levels of estrogen increase. This causes the follicles in the ovaries to grow. One of these follicles will eventually mature into an egg. The hypothalamus, a part of the brain, sends a signal telling the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH). LH causes the egg to break free from its follicle and travel down the fallopian tube towards the uterus. The time when this happens is known as ovulation.
Several signs can indicate ovulation. One sign is a change in cervical mucus. Cervical mucus becomes thin and slippery right before ovulation, making it easier for sperm to travel through it. Another sign is a rise in body temperature. Your body temperature will typically be lower than normal during the first half of your cycle and then rise after ovulation. You can also use an over-the-counter ovulation predictor kit to help determine when you are most fertile.
Preparing for Conception
Start taking a prenatal vitamin at least three months before trying to conceive. This allows your body to receive adequate amounts of folic acid, which is essential for fetus growth. Both partners should also get their overall health checked out by their doctor before trying to conceive, as health concerns may need to be addressed. Couples should also avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and caffeine. Of course, it’s also important for couples to have regular sex while trying to conceive. This helps increase the chances of getting pregnant. Lastly, try to remove or mitigate any significant stressors in your life. When you are trying to conceive, it is important to take care of yourself. This means eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise.
Initial Consultation
Once you’ve prepared for pregnancy, make an appointment with your gynecologist or a fertility specialist. These medical professionals will ask you various questions about your health and menstrual history to better understand your situation. You may also need to have some tests done, such as a semen analysis or a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). The purpose of these tests is to help identify any potential problems that could be preventing you from getting pregnant. If no issues are found, you and your doctor will develop a plan specifically tailored to your needs.
Early Signs of Pregnancy
There are several early signs of pregnancy, but not all women experience them. The most common early sign is a missed period, but other symptoms can include nausea, fatigue, and breast tenderness. If you think you may be pregnant, you can take a home pregnancy test. Home pregnancy tests are accurate if you follow the instructions and use them correctly. Don’t worry if you don’t get pregnant right away—conception commonly takes months, if not years, to occur for many women. You should also consider your birthing options and whether you want to work with a doula or midwife. These professionals guide you during your pregnancy and provide physical, emotional, and informational support to a woman before, during, and after childbirth. A doula’s role is not to replace the woman’s partner or doctor but to supplement their guidance.
From preparing your body to getting adequate guidance, conceiving doesn’t have to be daunting. As you try to conceive, recall the tips in this guide and stay relaxed throughout the process. Also, don’t hesitate to contact your trusted medical professionals for additional guidance.
