Strive For A Healthy Body Weight
A woman’s weight can also impact the chances of conceiving: Being overweight or underweight may reduce those odds. Research has shown that a woman who is overweight can take twice as long to become pregnant as a woman whose body-mass index is considered normal weight, Pavone said. A woman who is underweight might take four times as long to conceive, she said.
Having too much body fat produces excessestrogen, which can interfere with ovulation,according to the Cleveland Clinic. A 2017 study suggested that couples in the study in which both partners were very obese, with BMIs of at least 35, took from 55% to 59% longer to become pregnant, compared with couples who were not obese, the researchers reported in the journalHuman Reproduction.
In a study published in 2020 in the journal PLOS One, researchers looked at data from more than 50,000 couples in China trying to conceive over the course of a year they found that women’s ability to conceive within a given timeframe decreased as their BMI increased.
Male obesity, which can disrupt the male endocrine system as well as sperm viability and concentration, can also affect a couple’s ability to become pregnant, scientists reported in 2020 in the journalAndrologia.
Women who are underweight, with a BMI less than 18, might not be getting regular periods or could stop ovulating, which also hinders their ability to become pregnant, according to theUniversity of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority.
Truth: You Can Get Pregnant During Your Period
You can get pregnant if you have sex during your period. Your ability to get pregnant is dependent on when you ovulate, and not directly associated with menstruation.
Some women mistakenly believe that if they are still on their period, they arent yet in the “fertile window.” But if your cycle is short, and you ovulate on day 7 or 8, you can conceive from sex during your period.
Another misconception people have is that menstruation will “wash out” any sperm along with period blood. But thats not true. Your period wont stop sperm from swimming up to your reproductive system.
Reduce Your Caffeine Intake
Research shows that consuming too much caffeine while you are trying to conceive can increase the risk of miscarriage. The research shows that this applies to both women and men. Too much caffeine in pregnancy has also been shown to be harmful to the developing baby.
If youre planning to conceive, you and your partner should consider limiting your caffeine intake to 200mg a day.
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Why Do Teenagers Really Get Pregnant
Not all teenage pregnancies are unwanted nor are all young mums having babies to receive benefits, as a new survey conducted by former teenage mother and Telegraph writer, Prymface shows.
In September this year Conservative MP Amber Rudd officially launched a cross-party inquiry looking into the issue of unwanted pregnancy in the UK. The inquiry was set up in the backdrop of two apparently striking trends:
1. Abortion rates in some age groups have risen in the past few years, namely in the 30-34 age group.
2. Although teenage pregnancy in Britain has declined over the past decade, it remains the highest in Western Europe.
The inquiry has so far received little media attention, yet it is a real opportunity to ensure that new voices are heard. It seems to have replaced the proposed abortion counseling consultation, which has angered pro-life campaigners, but there is still a danger that those with strong opinions about how others should live their lives are given priority.
An assumption has been made that unwanted and teenage are inter-changeable when it comes to being pregnant, which brings into question whose values are being promoted and whether the term ‘unwanted’ is more about being undesirable to the Government or society rather than the women themselves.
What Can I Do To Get Pregnant Faster
You can increase your chances of becoming pregnant if you time intercourse for the day of or the days before.
Ovulation tests detect the surge of a hormone called LH which peaks 24 36 hours prior to ovulation. as soon as you start trying to conceive will help you understand your menstrual cycle and quickly identify any cycle length irregularities. While an ovulation test may not be able to remove your stress completely, it can give you confidence that you are maximising your chances of getting pregnant.
Clearblue Ovulation Tests are at least 99% accurate at detecting your LH surge.
If after three you have not detected ovulation , we would advise you to see your doctor.
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When Is The Best Time To Get Pregnant For Americans
BU researchers say the seasons could impact the odds of conceiving, especially for couples living in southern US states
North Americans hoping to conceive a child this year may soon be in luck. Boston University public health researchers say that although many factors likely go into the popularity of birthday months , seasons themselves may play a role in how easy it is to conceive.
A first-of-its-kind study, published earlier this year in Human Reproduction, found that couples in North America are most likely to start trying to conceive in September, but that they are most likely to succeed in getting pregnant in late November and early December, especially if they live in southern US states.
There are a lot of studies out there that look at seasonal patterns in births, but these studies dont take into account when couples start trying, how long they take to conceive, or how long their pregnancies last, says the studys lead author Amelia Wesselink, a BU School of Public Health postdoctoral associate in epidemiology.
In their paper, Wesselink and her collaborators suggest that couples may time their pregnancy attempts for a variety of reasons, including employment schedules , comfort , or personal choice .
These studies follow women with detailed surveys every two months until they either conceive or have tried to conceive for 12 menstrual cycles, gathering data from intercourse frequency and menstruation to smoking and diet to education and income.
Cdc And Medical Professionals Recommend Covid
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for people who are trying to get pregnant now or might become pregnant in the future, as well as their partners.
Professional medical organizations serving people of reproductive age, including adolescents, emphasize that there is no evidence that COVID-19 vaccination causes a loss of fertility.14 These organizations also recommend COVID-19 vaccination for people who may consider getting pregnant in the future.
Professional societies for male reproductionexternal icon recommend that men who want to have babies in the future be offered COVID-19 vaccination. There is no evidence that vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause male fertility problems.
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Should I Have An Abortion
There is only one way to answer this question. An article you read online cant answer it for you and neither can your parents, friends, other family members or even your babys father. Whatever your reasons are for considering abortion, know that they are valid, and that this is ultimately a choice only you can make.
However, that doesnt mean that you are alone. Remember, millions of women have asked this same question, and there is help available to you. If you are struggling to make a decision about your unplanned pregnancy options, consider reaching out to a professional options counselor for unbiased information and support.
People With A Uterus And Ovaries
People who have a uterus and ovaries can become pregnant and give birth.
However, some AFAB people may take testosterone. Testosterone therapy helps suppress the effects of estrogen while stimulating the development of masculine secondary sex characteristics, including:
- muscle growth
suggests that menstruation usually ends within 12 months after starting testosterone therapy and often within 6 months, which can make conceiving more difficult but not impossible.
Although testosterone therapy does not make people infertile, a person may have a higher chance of placental abruption, preterm labor, anemia, and hypertension.
In a 2014 study, researchers surveyed 41 transgender men and gender nonconforming AFAB individuals who became pregnant and gave birth.
Of the individuals who reported using testosterone before pregnancy, 20% became pregnant before their menstrual cycle returned.
The authors of this study concluded that prior testosterone use did not lead to significant differences in pregnancy, delivery, or birth outcomes.
The authors also noted that a higher percentage of transgender men who reported previous testosterone use had a cesarean delivery compared with those who had no history of testosterone use.
These findings do not suggest that testosterone therapy makes people incapable of vaginal delivery, as 25% of the transgender men who had a cesarean delivery chose to do so based on their comfort levels and preferences.
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Endometriosis Can Contribute To Fertility Problems
Endometriosisa condition in which the endometrial tissue, which should be growing inside the uterus, grows outside of it on places like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and elsewhere in the pelvic cavityis not only incredibly painful, but it can hurt your chances of getting pregnant. This causes inflammation and pain when the tissue breaks down each month but cannot be drained from the body, and over time can cause scar tissue and adhesions that impact fertility, such as tubal blockage, Dr. Uhler adds.
Women with endo typically deal with infertility in about 30 to 50 percent of cases, per the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Its not at all impossible to get pregnant naturally if you have endometriosis, but it often causes extreme pain during both periods and sex. You can have the endometrial tissue surgically removed, Dr. Uhler points out, but you also may need to turn to IVF or other assisted reproductive plans to have a baby. You doctor can guide you through this if you have endo.
Truth: You Can Get Pregnant After 40
All that said, getting pregnant after 40 is entirely possible. Plenty of women have babies after 40 and even 41. Your risk of infertility increases at 40, along with your risks of miscarriage and pregnancy complications. It may also take a little longer for you to get pregnant. But youre not sterile just because you celebrated your 40th birthday. Even if youve started perimenopause, until youve actually completed menopause, you should use contraception if you want to avoid pregnancy.
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Begin Basic Fertility Treatment
Based on the results of your fertility tests, your doctor may advise you to go ahead with some form of fertility treatment. You could have success, for example, by taking a medication such as Clomid , Femara , a breast cancer drug that increases estrogen levels, or Metformin, an insulin-sensitizing drug that is used to treat infertility, sometimes along with Clomid.
If testing reveals you have structural abnormalities , or endometriosis, your doctor may suggest surgical treatment. They may refer you directly to a fertility specialist or reproductive surgeon.
Certain lifestyle changes may greatly increase your chances of conceiving while you go through treatment . These include:
- Quitting smoking
- Cutting back on drinking alcohol
- Losing weight if you’re overweight or obese
- Reducing the amount of exercise you do if you tend to work out excessively or are underweight
Ive Already Had A Child But Am Struggling To Conceive Again
Professor Michael Thomas
A number of factors can impede your ability to get pregnant even after having had a child in the past. The most common issue is your current age. If you had a child in the past and you are now over the age of 35 years, your ability to get pregnant may be decreased. You may also have developed a problem with your ability to ovulate consistently or a polyp or fibroid in the uterine cavity that may impact an embryo’s ability to implant and thrive. Also, your male partner may have a sperm abnormality that has caused a decrease in his sperm count, motility or shape. If you are at all concerned consult your healthcare professional.
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Truth: Fertility Declines After Age 35
Unfortunately, no matter how good you look, and how healthy you are, your fertility declines with age. Your odds of getting pregnant at 40 are not as good as they are at 30. In fact, female fertility begins a steep downward path around age 35. This is why experts recommend that women who are over age 35 and trying to conceive should seek help for getting pregnant sooner than younger women.
Why Do Some Some People Get Pregnant Faster Then Others Even If They Have No Fertility Issues
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Too Much Or Too Little Sex
Sex is probably the most basic human need for pleasure and reproduction. And, people can be in the extremes when it comes to this .
Having too much sex: Some people believe that having more sex could lead to conception. But this may not always be true. Though frequent sex will not decrease the vigor of a mans sperm, it can cause potential health problems such as fatigue, dizziness, weak knees, and frequent urination. If you indulge in a lot of sex only to have babies, it could lead to BURNOUT . In this case, when the actual fertile window is open, either partner may not be interested in sex. And, as a couple you lose an opportunity to conceive.
Having too little sex: You may be cutting down on intercourse to save the sperm or you only have sex during ovulation. But staying without sex for many days may affect your conception. You could miss your fertile phase when sex is limited as you may not always be correct about your ovulation.
What next?
Try to have sex frequently and keep a close watch on your ovulation dates. If you have irregular periods or problems tracking your fertile window, use an ovulation kit. If the result shows that ovulation is due in one or two days, have sex during that time. Keep in mind not to have sex just for having a baby, because then you cant enjoy the process.
Can You Get Pregnant At Any Time Of The Month
It is not possible to get pregnant at anytime of the month. You must be ovulating in order to conceive. This means that you should have sex in the days leading to and around ovulation. The two to three days before ovulation and the day you ovulate are most fertile days .
You must, however, understand that fertile days do not necessarily mean that everything is functioning well.
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Where To Go For Help
Start with your GP. They can provide you with pre-conception advice and tests, and if youâve been trying for a while without success, they may conduct some fertility tests.
Your GP can also help you with advice on making the appropriate adjustments to your lifestyle, and help you work out which days of the month you are most fertile, to give you the best chances of getting pregnant. There are also apps and information online which can help you work out your âfertility windowâ.
Your GP can also refer you to a fertility specialist for further testing and discussion around your treatment options. You may be referred to a private clinic or a public hospital.
Truth: Trying Too Hard Doesn’t Cause Infertility
“Youre trying too hard to get pregnant,” someone may say, “If you stop trying so hard, youll get pregnant.” Thats not true.
Theres no evidence to say that “trying too hard” will make it take longer to get pregnant. In fact, someone who is trying to get pregnant is likely using fertility awareness methods to track ovulation and is more likely to have sex when they are most fertile. If anything, they may be more likely to get pregnant.
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Why We Keep Accidentally Getting Pregnant
A fundamental misunderstanding about the nature of sex and the function of birth control appears to underlie the country’s remarkable rate of unwanted pregnancies.
A fundamental misunderstanding about the nature of sex and the function of birth control appears to underlie the country’s remarkable rate of unwanted pregnancies.
Thirty-seven percent of babies born in the U.S. are the result of unplanned pregnancies. The National Survey of Family Growth, released this week by the CDC and the National Center for Health Statistics, suggests a number of possibilities for why this is, all of which merit further attention. But the leading reason that women eschewed birth control? They “did not think they would get pregnant.”
Because the survey looks only at unintended births — and not unintended pregnancies that ended in miscarriage or abortion — this means that there are 290,000 babies born each year to mothers who believed their coming into existence was a statistical improbability. Other data has indicated that 60 percent of women who gave birth to unplanned babies had not used contraception when they became pregnant the survey indicates that a majority of them must misunderstand either the connection between sex and childbirth or how strongly correlated the two actually are, seeing pregnancy instead as an “it can’t happen to me” scenario.
There are 290,000 babies born each year to mothers who believed their coming into existence was a statistical improbability.
