What Time Of Day Should You Have Ttc Sex
If you’re wondering what time of day to have sex to conceive, the morning may be your best bet. Or, specifically, after your partner gets a good night’s rest, says Melissa M. Goist, M.D., Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University Medical Center.
When sleeping, their body regenerates the sperm lost during the day. Although the average sperm cell has a pretty short shelf life, even stalwart swimmers can hit their expiration date early if they get too warm from hot tubs or exercises like bike riding, Dr. Goist says.
According to one study in Zurich, the best time to have sex to conceive a baby is before 7:30 a.m. during the months of March, April, and May. That may sound odd, but it turns out that sperm may be at its healthiest during the spring months. Not only that, but sperm appears to have it’s own internal 24-hour clock that helps it determine the best time to travel to an egg.
Skip The Soda If You’re Trying To Get Pregnant
It might not seem obvious, but, if you’re trying to conceive, you might want to ditch drinking soda either regular or diet as noted by registered dietitian Kendra Tolbert. “We think it’s a combination of the inflammation and metabolic changes caused by too much blood-sugar-spiking sweeteners and gut-bacteria-changing artificial sweeteners,” she explained in an interview with Glamour.
As if you needed more motivation to quit the fizzy drinks, many of them come in containers that contain BPA, which can increase your chances of having a miscarriage, according to CNN.
As far as sugar in general is concerned, which is found in many juices and sodas, you’d be wise to cut back your consumption of the stuff when trying to get pregnant. As registered dietitian Lily Nichols told U.S. News & World Report, spiking your blood sugar . Plus sugar can cause weight gain, which may impact your fertility if you’re not at a healthy weight.
Don’t Forget The Dentist
It may seem totally unrelated to fertility, but getting your teeth and gums checked out before pregnancy is another wise move, says Dr. Greene. More research links oral health to a healthy pregnancy women with unchecked gum disease are more prone to miscarriage, preterm birth, and preeclampsia. “In fact, brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist regularly can cut your miscarriage risk by up to 70%,” he says. Having your teeth examined now gives you time to get gingivitis under control and get x-rays if you need them. If your oral health is less than stellar, your dentist may recommend you come in for cleanings every few months.
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Eat Fewer Refined Carbs
Speaking of carbs: Its not just the amount of carbs thats important, but also the type.
Refined carbs may be especially problematic. Refined carbs include sugary foods and drinks and processed grains, including white pasta, bread, and rice.
These carbs are absorbed very quickly, causing spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. Refined carbs also have a high glycemic index . The GI tells you if a carbohydrate-dense food will raise your blood sugar significantly.
Insulin is chemically similar to ovarian hormones. These hormones help our eggs mature. Consistent elevated insulin can cause the body to produce fewer reproductive hormones because it thinks it doesnt need it. This can contribute to a lack of egg maturation and ovulation.
Given that PCOS is associated with high insulin levels, refined carbs can make it even worse.
When To Start Discussing Infertility
It can be frustrating and even devastating to try to conceive and continue seeing just one line on repeated pregnancy tests. If youve been trying for six months to a year with no success, it may be time to see a doctor.
Infertility is defined as one year of unprotected intercourse without achieving pregnancy. If youre age 35 or older, though, that timeframe is shortened to six months.
Start having the dialogue with your partner and your healthcare provider sooner rather than later, Dr. Mooney says, So you can feel prepared and assertive in starting to get the care you require.
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Diet Exercise And Conception
There is no special diet that improves the odds of conception, but a healthy range of foods that includes lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats is recommended.
Vitamins and minerals are essential for the body to function. Read more about the benefits of vitamins and minerals for fertility and pregnancy health, including folate, iodine, vitamin D, zinc and selenium supplements.
Regular exercise also improves fertility. Australian and international guidelines recommend you do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity such as brisk walking, gardening or dancing on most but preferably all days of the week. If possible, do some vigorous activity such as running, fast cycling or fast swimming every week as well.
For men and women who are overweight or obese, exercise can help to prevent further weight gain or achieve a modest weight loss that improves general health and fertility.
As part of weight management, international guidelines recommend that overweight or obese adults do 225-300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week .
Begin Basic Fertility Treatment If You Cant Get Pregnant
The findings from your tests determine this step. If the doctor makes a diagnosis, they may need you to start some fertility treatment. For instance, you may be put on medications like Clomid, Femara, a breast cancer medicine to boost your estrogen levels, or an insulin-sensitizing drug that is sometimes used in treating infertility in combination with Clomid.
You may need surgery if there are structural problems in the uterus like endometriosis. In this case, your gynecologist will send you to a reproductive surgeon or fertility specialist for further treatment.
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Get A Handle On Your Stress
Stress reduction isnt directly correlated to improved rates of pregnancy, but theres a lot of value in it that can impact your overall well-being, which can affect your fertility.
Reducing stress can help you think more clearly, make life decisions with confidence, be able to weigh options rationally and improve your relationships at work, at home and beyond, Dr. Mooney says.
High stress levels can also have a direct impact on your menstrual cycle, causing you to stop having a period or even to have your period too often, which can affect your ability to get pregnant.
If You’re Trying To Get Pregnant Don’t Over
Getting regular exercise is a healthy activity for most people, according to the CDC, as it can help you age well and lessen your risk of developing diseases. That’s also the case for most pregnant people as well, as noted by Mayo Clinic.
However, the problem arises not with a specific exercise, but over-exercising in general. That’s something you should avoid if you’re trying to get pregnant, says certified personal trainer Sara Haley. “My recommendation would be to look at your workout schedule and see what you are doing too much of,” she shared with The List. “Are you a cardio junkie? Do you lift heavy multiple days of the week?” If so, check in with your doctor or fitness coach to make sure you’re not overdoing it.
Haley says it’s also important to treat your body as though you have already conceived as well. “Ask yourself, ‘Would I work out like this if I were pregnant?'” she continued. “If you want to be pregnant, start exercising like you are.”
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Avoid These Animal Products If You’re Trying To Get Pregnant
While meat and fish are a good source of protein and can be part of a healthy diet, if you’re trying to get pregnant, there are some foods that you should avoid, according to registered dietitian Suzanne Fisher. For one, she told Glamour magazine that it’s not a good idea to eat deli meats, as they are vulnerable to listeria but if you just can’t miss out on your turkey sandwich, heat it up until it’s steaming. Fisher also recommends abstaining from raw meats and seafood, as well as eggs, as they can contain bacteria that can infect the fetus via the placenta. So save the sushi for later.
If you’re not a meat eater to begin with, there’s some good news for you! According to a study in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, replacing some of your meat, fish, and eggs with plant-based proteins is linked to reduced infertility risk. Talk to your doctor about making any dietary changes, of course, but it looks like science sided with vegetarians here.
Put Off Starting A Family Too Long
If you’re in your late 30s, you are a little less than half as fertile as you were in your early 20s. A decline in the quantity and quality of eggs and sperm with age makes it harder to conceive.Talk to your doctor about your age and your baby-making odds so you aren’t caught off guard. Men should keep this in mind, too. While the mom’s age plays the biggest role, guys over 50 are less fertile, too.
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Cut Down Your Caffeine Intake And Cut Out Other Vices
Theres a whole host of studies showing that too much caffeine and alcohol can derail your campaign to conceive. So if you really want to get pregnant soon, limit your caffeine intake to about 200 milligrams per day which is the equivalent of about two cups of coffee.
But cut out alcohol altogether it can do a number on both female and male fertility. And though it probably goes without saying, nix nicotine now if you havent already. It can cause major cell damage to your eggs and increase the chances of miscarriage once you do get pregnant.
Will It Be A Boy Or Girl
Both the man’s sperm and the woman’s egg play a part in determining the gender of a baby.
Every normal human cell contains 46 chromosomes . Chromosomes are tiny threadlike structures made from DNA, which each carry human genes. Genes determine a baby’s inherited characteristics, such as hair and eye colour, blood group, height and build.
When a sperm fertilises an egg, 23 chromosomes from the father pair with 23 from the mother, making 46 in total.
The sex chromosome from a woman’s egg is always the same and is known as the X chromosome. But the sex chromosome from a man’s sperm may be an X or a Y chromosome.
If the egg is fertilised by a sperm containing an X chromosome, the baby will be a girl . If the sperm contains a Y chromosome, the baby will be a boy .
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Pick The Right Prenatal
Be sure to choose a prenatal vitamin that has at least 400 mcg of folic acid, per the
- magnesium
Your healthcare professional will also generally recommend you separately take an iron supplement as well.
Some prenatal vitamins also include choline, which is essential for brain development and placental function, according to .
They also may include docosahexaenoic acid , which is important for babys brain growth and function.
Make An Appointment With Your Ob/gyn If You Cant Get Pregnant
Many people will quickly rush to see a fertility specialist. However, there is no need for that cant get pregnant, especially if you dont have problematic symptoms. Your first checkup should be with a regular gynecologist. Its wise to tag your partner along, although it is not required in most cases. But it doesnt hurt anyway.
Before making your appointment, you must do various things to have a productive session. One, you need to track your period dates for at least six months, even for those with regular cycles. If you have a fertility calendar or track your basal body temperature, you also need to bring this information. Additionally, carry results from your home fertility testing if youve tried.
Its also important to take note of all the medications you and your partner have been using regularly. Remember that some over-the-counter medicines for allergies and some types of antidepressants can significantly lower your fertility.
Again, you may want to write down any infertility symptoms you are experiencing and your questions if you have them. When discussing your symptoms with your gynecologist, be as open as possible. Dont be shy to mention those that you think are embarrassing, like unwanted hair growth, low libido, or painful sex. The same applies to your partner as well.
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Counseling And Support Groups
If you’ve been having problems getting pregnant, you know how frustrating it can feel. Not being able to get pregnant can be one of the most stressful experiences a couple has. Both counseling and support groups can help you and your partner talk about your feelings and help you meet other couples struggling with the same issues.
You will learn that anger, grief, blame, guilt, and depression are all normal. Couples do survive infertility and can become closer and stronger in the process. Ask your doctor for the names of counselors or therapists with an interest in fertility.
Stop Smoking Alcohol And Drugs Limit Caffeine
If you smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs, you should stop before you get pregnant. They can:
- Make it harder for you to get pregnant
- Increase the chance of miscarriage
If you need help quitting smoking, alcohol, or drugs, talk to your doctor or midwife.
Alcohol can harm a growing fetus , even in small amounts. Drinking alcohol while you are pregnant can cause long-term problems for your baby, such as intellectual disability, behavioral issues, learning disabilities, and facial and heart defects.
Smoking is bad for unborn babies and puts your child at greater risk of health problems later in life.
- Women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to have a baby with a lower birth weight.
- Smoking also makes it harder for you to recover from your pregnancy.
Drugs that are not prescribed by a doctor can be dangerous for you to take at any point in your life.
You should also cut down on caffeine when you are trying to get pregnant. Women who daily consume more than 2 cups of coffee or 5 cans of soda that contains caffeine may have a harder time getting pregnant and a greater chance of miscarriage.
Limit unnecessary medicines or supplements. Discuss with your provider about both prescribed and over-the-counter medicines and supplements you take before you try to conceive. Most medicines have some risks, but many have unknown risks and have not been thoroughly studied for safety. If medicines or supplements are not absolutely necessary, do not take them.
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Record Menstrual Cycle Frequency
A woman who wants to have a baby should monitor whether the first days of her periods tend to occur the same number of days apart every month, which is considered regular. Conversely, her periods may be irregular, meaning her cycle lengths vary from month to month. By tracking this information on a calendar, a woman can better predict when she might be ovulating, according to research published in The New England Journal of Medicine . This is the time every month when her ovaries will release an egg. There are also some apps that can help with the tracking, such as GlowOvulation period tracker .
A woman’s egg is fertile for only 12 to 24 hours after its release, while a man’s sperm can survive in a woman’s body for up to five days according to the American Pregnancy Association .
Lose Or Gain A Lot Of Weight
Weighing too much or too little lowers your chances of becoming pregnant. Either can cause irregular menstrual cycles. When you don’t have a period every month, your ovaries won’t release an egg, or ovulate. When this doesn’t happen, you can’t make a baby.
Sometimes, weight changes cause swings in hormone levels that lead to infertility. Also, obesity makes you more likely to have:
- Miscarriage
- Gestational diabetes, a type that only happens during pregnancy
- Preeclampsia
- A baby with a high birth weight and certain birth defects
Your goal is to have a healthy weight before and during pregnancy. Experts suggest moms-to-be aim for a body mass index between 18.5 and 27.
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The Best Time To Get Pregnant
You are most likely to conceive if you have sex within a day or so of ovulation. This is usually about 14 days after the first day of your last period.
An egg lives for about 12-24 hours after it is released. For you to become pregnant, the egg must be fertilised within this time. Sperm can live for up to seven days inside a womans body. So, if you have had sex in the seven days before ovulation, the sperm will have had time to travel up the fallopian tubes to wait for the egg to be released.
Start Taking Folic Acid Now
Folic acid needs to build up in your body to provide maximum protection for your baby against neural tube defects. Many women conceive within one month of trying so it is ideal to start taking folic acid two months before you stop contraception. If you have already stopped contraception, start taking a 400mcg folic acid supplement daily until you are 12 weeks pregnant.
Some women may be prescribed 5mg of folic acid.
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