Before one actually tries to conceive, it seems like it will happen immediately! Truth be told, many women take up to a whole year to conceive. After that year, doctors may intervene with medical help.
Perhaps a good place to start is to determine if you are ovulating. Most women ovulate 14 days after the first day of their last period. You can do ovulation tests around that time to determine when you are ovulating. If you do not get a positive result, a doctor may help you to ovulate by starting you on a medicine called clomid.
Some women slightly elevate their hips for 20 minutes after intercourse, to ensure that more of the sperm comes in contact with the cervix. 20 minutes is an adequate amount of time, because after that time, any sperm that did not enter, will be killed by the differing pH of the vagina. Some women however, choose to use 'instead' cups, which are more commonly used for one's period.
There is also something called 'Fertility Tea', or a similar name. Apparently, it will help you to conceive.
Some women have also tried half a tablespoon of cough syrup for a few days before ovulation, claiming that it helps to thin out the lining of the uterus, hence making it easier for the baby to implant itself into the uterine wall. I'm not sure if it's safe to try, or even if it works - but it's just another tidbit of information for you!
For the average couple, having sex once per day provides the best chance of getting pregnant.
The woman-on-top position isn't great for pregnancy, since ejaculate may flow out.
FACTS:
Most women have a 15 to 25 percent chance of getting pregnant during their cycle.
Nearly 50 percent of couples conceive during the first 3 months.
About 75 percent of couples conceive during the first 6 months.
Up to 90 percent of couples conceive during the first year.
On the average, there are 280 days from the first day of your last period to your due date
Many women who have an irregular period aren't ovulating. There are a number of ways that you can determine if you are ovulating or not.
The first and easiest way is to get a blood test from your doctor.
You can also buy an at home ovulation predictor kit, although these aren't always 100% accurate.
You can also chart your body basal temperature. On the day of ovulation, and every day after that until the beginning of your next cycle, your temperature is one degree higher than normal. It is recommended that you take your temperature before you get out of bed in the morning, and at the same time as movement affects the reading.
You can also examine the position of your cervix. When you are ovulating, your cervix is low and soft like the inside of your cheek. At all other times, your cervix is high and hard like the tip of your nose.
When you are ovulating, you may feel slight twinges around your ovaries
When you are ovulating, you may notice a difference in your cervical mucus. It should be clear and sticky, and you may be able to spread as much as 5cm string between your thumb and your forefinger. Gross, I know! It needs to be sticky to draw the sperm.
The basic principles of a 'fertility diet' are to eat a wide variety of wholegrain cereals to provide zinc, folate and B-group vitamins. You should also include fresh fruit and vegetables to boost anti-oxidants to help immunity, and cut down on alcohol, particularly three months before you want to conceive (that goes for ou are your partner!). Maintaining a healthy weight will also help increase your chances of falling pregnant.
Fertility Foods
Here's a list of some of the foods which can help improve your chances of conception:
Oysters: Rich in zinc, oysters have long been known to help boost live and healthy sperm, which is important for male fertility. Oysters are also reputedly an aphrodisiac, so may help to get you in the mood for a little procreation!
Soy and linseed bread and cereals: These are a great source of phytoestrogens, which help maintain healthy hormone balance. Wth a healthy dose of omega-3 and soluble fibre for slow release energy (they have what's known as a low glycemic index or GI), the long lasting energy helps to maintain a steady release of insulin. This may be important for women who have polycystic ovary syndrome to help optimise ovulation and conception.
Red meat: Lamb and beef are good sources of protein and iron. Protein plays an important role in the formation of semen and the functioning of the testes. Protein and iron also help women maintain healthy hormone levels.
Salmon: And other oily fish such as mullet, trout and herring are high in omega- 3 fatty acids, which are essential for the formation of prostaglandins (present in semen) and the functioning of sex glands.
Green leafy vegetables: These leafy vegies are a great source of folate which is known to reduce the risk of spina bifida and protect against other congenital abnormalities. Other sources of folate include wholegrain cereals, orange juice and broccoli. It's important to boost your folate intake three months before conception.
7 Day Fertility Meal Planner
Day 1:
Breakfast: One serve of oats with honey, made with low fat milk served with canned peaches
Lunch: Sourdough bread with light cream cheese, smoked salmon and rocket, followed by a mandarin or orange
Dinner: Grilled lamb fillet with spinach and tomato salad and olive/canola oil dressing. Stewed fruit with low fat ice cream.
Day 2:
Breakfast: Baked beans on two slices of wholegrain toast. Plus one piece of fresh fruit.
Lunch: Wholemeat toasted sandwich with reduced fat cheese and tomato. A cup of fresh strawberries.
Dinner: Baked salmon fillet served with jacket potato and lightly steamed broccoli. Fresh fruit salad
Day 3:
Breakfast: Banana smoothie made with low fat milk, honey and a teaspoon of LSA*. One slice of soy and linseed bread with vegemite.
Lunch: One small can of tuna with cos lettuce, olives, low fat fetta and salad dressing and one small bagel
Dinner: Stir fried Asian green vegetables with sesame oil and marinated tofu. Followed by canned peaches and a tub of low fat yoghurt.
Day 4:
Breakfast: Poached egg on two slices of grain bread with margarine and grilled tomato
Lunch: Wholegrain pita bread with hummus, green salad and roast beef slices. One piece of fresh fruit.
Dinner: Grilled skinless chicken breast served with tomato and basil sauce and egg noodles. Side dish of green salad.
Day 5:
Breakfast: One cup of whole grain breakfast cereal flakes, low fat milk and canned peaches.
Lunch: Lentil based soup with sourdough roll spread with margarine.
Dinner: Spaghetti Bolognese with one cup of cooked pasta and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Side dish of a green salad.
Day 6:
Breakfast: Grilled low fat cheese and tomato and two grain based muffins. Fresh fruit juice.
Lunch: Pumpernickel bread or bagel lightly spread with cream cheese, canned salmon and baby spinach.
Dinner: 200g lean beef steak, grilled, served with large Greek salad. Fruit yoghurt.
Day 7:
Breakfast: Bircher musli (soaked overnight) of rolled oats, grated apple, silvered almonds, honey and low fat yoghurt. Serve with fresh berries.
Lunch: Homemade pizza with wholemeal pita bread, tomato pasta sauce or paste, mushrooms, low fat mozzarella and olives. Green side salad with olive/canola oil dressing.
Dinner: Lean lamb cutlets grilled with lemon juice, sprinkled with olive oil and fresh rosemary. Mashed sweet potato and steamed broccoli.
*LSA (Linseed, sunflower and almond meal) is avaiable from the refrigerated section of most healthfood stores.
2006-07-09 15:18:05
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answer #1
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answered by Jade 5
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Try to have intercourse around the middle of your monthly cycle, i.e when the chances of ovulation are maximum. If you are overweight loose weight to increase the chances of conceiving.
For multiples, if you want to wait for nature then its a pure chance. If you want to intervene, then go for ovulation induction drugs, they do cause multiple pregnancies, but beware they do also increase the chance of abortions.
2006-07-09 08:51:09
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answer #3
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answered by Ria 2
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