what are the changes of the cervix before and after conceiving, and how can you tell if pregnancy is possible?

Question

I have been trying to conceive for 13 years but withing the last year I have been with a different partner other than the one i was trying to conceive with during this time i have noticed that in the last year my period has been on schedule and ive also noticed other changes in my body. Ive noticed changes in discharge and other changes . Right now im wondering if i am pregnant but ive also noticed during intercourse lately that sometimes i have minor spotting is this a sign that i am pregnant and if not what could be causing this. I am also 34 years old and i really want to conceive before im to old to conceive a child my body has been so messed up for so many years that now at the age of 34 everything seems to be working right will my chances of getting pregnant still be hard with my age category ?

Answer 1

I've been there too and I really do feel your pain. Having been there, let me give you the complete infertility guideline. This will cover your partner as well as you. Good luck!

These are the usual tips given when trying to conceive:
1. Do limit movement after intercourse. Stay lying down with a pillow under your hips for a half hour.
2. Do try to make sex enjoyable. More enjoyable sex means higher sperm count and better “swimmers”.
3. Limit intercourse and male m@sturbation prior to the days you are trying to conceive.
4. Take vitamins. Folic acid and other vitamins are very important.
5. Don’t drink alcohol or use drugs at the time of conception. This applies to both of you. There is strong evidence that alcohol can effect your chances of getting pregnant.
6. Don’t douche after having intercourse.
7. Don’t have oral sex prior to intercourse. There is some evidence that the bacteria in the mouth can cause damage to male sperm.

There are only a few true ways to determine ovulation:
1. get a basal thermometer (bbt) and plot your temp daily
2. there are OTC kits to check if you are ovulating
3. check your vaginal mucus daily

For the basal thermometer:
You take your temp daily...as soon as you wake up and before you get out of bed. You take it for a full 5 minutes. The day your temp is the highest is the day of ovulation. For more info:
http://www.early-pregnancy-tests.com/bbt-basal-body-temperature.html

For mucus check:
At time of ovulation, mucus resembles egg whites: it will be thin, clear, generous in amount and stringy when pulled apart. To learn more about it: http://www.babyhopes.com/articles/cervical-mucus.html

This site may also help. It provides an ovulation calculator to help you determine your fertile times: http://pregnancy.about.com/cs/gettingpregnant/l/blcalovulate.htm

The ways to improve sperm count:
1. no tidy whiteys! wear only boxers
2. if he has a job that requires a lot of sitting, take more breaks to stand up
3. no alcohol
4. no masturbation
5. avoid hot baths
6. no smoking or recreational drugs
7. take antii-oxident vitamins
8. no caffeine
9. save intercourse for the time of ovulation
10. make love in the morning...more sperm is produced during the night and man's sexual peak is in the morning

I also recommend the book: Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler

Good luck!