advice on trying to conceive - Trying to Conceive (TTC) Message Board

lilgrl · 10-17-2004, 01:09 PM

I going to start trying to conceive. I am at my ideal weight, I have a regular cycle, but I was wondering if there is anything I could do to increase my chances on getting pg quicker. All advice is greatly appreciated.

rhian_catrin · 10-17-2004, 04:52 PM

just relax. Oh, and orgasms also help ( that's you of course ! ). I'm also trying for the second time. First time around I conceived within a fortnight, this time not so lucky. I think that an important factor was that the first time around I didn't expect to conceive within the first 6 months anyway, so I was very pleasantly suprised. Although the making of a baby is purely physical, I do believe that over expectation can just cause too much stress. So don't put too much pressure on yourselves too soon. Also, ovulation predictor tests will help confirm that your putting in that extra effort at all the right times. Good luck!

Lawgirl · 10-17-2004, 09:49 PM

The short version is:
If you have regular cycles, odds are that your fertile time is 10-16 days BEFORE you expect your next period. So, if for example you always have a 34 day cycle , your most fertile days would likely be cycle days 18-24 (34-16= 18, 34-10=24). Count the first day of your period as day one, and be sure to have sex like crazy starting a few days before your projected fertile time, and every day of your fertile time.

The long version is:
Charting your temperatures and fertility signs can be a really good way to know when your most fertile time is, especially if you have irregular periods. The book Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler is a great resource for learning how to tkae notice of and chart your symptoms. I've recommended it to more people than I can count (in person and online), and I really think there's no way I would have gotten pregnant so quickly without it.

The REALLY short version is:
Pay close attention to your cervical fluid. This is the white/yellow/clear stuff that shows up on your undies. You may not have noticed (I never did!) but there is a pattern to the texture and amount of stuff that shows up. It changes color and texture depending on the phase of your cycle. Be sure to make love when your cervical fluid is most wet and clear, kind of like egg whites. This is a really good sign that you are about to ovulate. Cervical fluid is present at any time, and is different from arousal fluid.

Good luck!

Hope that helps!

jenn.e · 10-17-2004, 10:08 PM

I have heard before that if you stop ttc it will happen. My husband and I wanted one from the second we got married but as soon as he decided to change careers and head back to school we decided to take it easy, next thing we knew Baby on the way! My sister was the same, she adopted after 8 years of ttc and was working on adopting #2 and got pregnant.
Thats probably not good advice because wanting a baby sticks with you.
Good luck

jmcummins3 · 10-18-2004, 09:13 AM

Too much sex can cause the sperm count to be lower, so they recommend having sex every other day around your ovulation time (for a 28-day normal cycle, ovulation is typically around 14 days before your next period is due, give or take a day or 2). Sperm can live for a few days, so this should increase your odds. Good luck!