Tips for Getting Pregnant

Once you’ve decided to have a baby it seems like you can’t get pregnant fast enough!

It can take a bit of time, which is not all bad as it gives you a chance to prepare. Here are our top tips:

• Start taking folic acid to reduce the risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect such as spina bifida. The current thinking is at least 3 months in the lead up to conceiving is ideal
• If you’re a smoker, you need to quit. It’s also a good idea to cut back or even cut out alcohol and caffeine
• Review your lifestyle. How’s your diet? In our experience, being fit definitely helps your body to cope with the changes of pregnancy as well as the birth.
• Make sure you’re getting enough sleep

For everything, you need to know about pregnancy, visit our sisters at Treasures.

If you’re using a hormonal contraceptive, you’ll need to have it removed or stop taking it and it can take up to 6 months for ovulation to start again. Although don’t think you definitely have a window where you won’t fall pregnant.  For some it happens immediately!

Once your periods have resumed, start tracking your cycle to see if you can identify your fertile days. On average, this is half way through your cycle – or day 14 – but as we know, very few of us are average! For some, it could be as early as day 8 and for others as late as day 22.  You can buy ovulation testers at the supermarket or you can consider the Billings Method which teaches you to ‘read’ the consistency and sensation of your vaginal mucus (discharge) to identify when you’re fertile.

 

Don’t forget

If you’re taking any regular medication, check in with your doctor about your plans in case any adjustments are required.

Some women like to visit their GP and get an overall health check before they start and that’s not a bad idea either.