Once you’ve made that big decision to start a family, you probably don’t want to wait, right? If you’re hoping to get baby on board as soon as possible, one of the best ways to get pregnant fast is to put a little planning into your baby making. Since getting pregnant is all about timing, you need to figure out the ideal moment for that egg to meet the winning sperm. If your timing is off, you’ll have missed your chance to get pregnant for that cycle. Don’t worry though—we’ve got helpful tips on how to get pregnant fast, and even better, we promise to make the process informative and fun. Read on and get one step closer to that positive pregnancy test.
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When is the best time to have sex if we’re trying to conceive?
You’re most likely to conceive if you have sex during the two days before you ovulate and on the day of ovulation. That way, it’s more likely there will be a healthy supply of sperm in your fallopian tubes when an egg is released.
How can I tell when I’m ovulating?
Read our article on predicting ovulation to learn more about the following three ways you can estimate when you’ll ovulate:
- If your cycle is the same number of days each time, you can try using our ovulation calculator to estimate your fertile window each month.
- You can use an ovulation predictor kit to test your hormone levels throughout your cycle, and the test will indicate which day you’re most likely to ovulate.
- You can track ovulation symptoms, such as changes in your basal body temperature and cervical mucus.
Sex positions for getting pregnant
You may have heard that some positions, such as your partner on top (missionary position), are better than others for getting pregnant. In fact, there’s no evidence to back these theories up. Experts just haven’t done the research yet.
What experts have done, though, is use scanning to show what’s going on inside when you’re doing the deed. The research looked at two positions: the missionary position and doggy style. (Doggy style being when you’re on all fours, and your partner enters you from behind).
Common sense tells us that these positions allow for deep penetration. This means that they’re more likely to place sperm right next to your cervix (the opening of your womb ).
The scans confirm that the tip of the penis reaches the areas between the cervix and vaginal walls in both of these positions. The missionary position allows the penis to reach the area at the front of the cervix. The rear entry position reaches the area at back of the cervix.
It’s amazing what some experts spend their time doing, isn’t it! Other positions, such as standing up, or woman on top, may be just as good for getting sperm right next to the cervix. Or they may make no difference at all. We just don’t know yet.
Ways to increase your fertility
To take measures into your own hands to boost your fertility and help increase your chances of getting pregnant, try the following expert tips.
Meet with your doctor
Your ob-gyn can talk to you about your overall health and suggest any necessary lifestyle changes to help you get pregnant fast. It’s also a good idea to meet with a doctor if you have a family history of infertility, since some fertility issues may be hereditary, says Dawn Stacey, M.Ed, LMHC (licensed mental health counselor).
Take vitamin
Your ob-gyn can prescribe a prenatal vitamin or tell you about the right over-the-counter one for you to buy. You also might want to take folic acid (or a prenatal vitamin with folic acid), which greatly lowers the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida in baby. Foods like strawberries, spinach, beans and orange juice are also high in folic acid.
Live a healthy lifestyle
That means maintaining healthy exercise habits, so you’re not at either extreme—over- or underweight. Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and manage stress to reduce tension and anxiety (consider trying yoga, meditation or acupuncture).
Visit your dentist
Gum disease is linked to underweight and premature babies. And once you’re pregnant, your mouth and teeth may go through the ringer. Your dentist can make sure you’re in good oral hygiene standing before you get pregnant.
Ways you might be hurting your fertility
You may have to give up a few things in the name of baby making. If you’re trying to conceive put the following habits on hold.
Don’t drink or smoke
Just skip these habits for the sake of your fertility and developing baby. While there’s no evidence to show that an occasional glass of wine can affect your fertility, consider playing it safe and passing on alcohol when you’re trying to conceive. And definitely ditch the drinks once you are pregnant—there’s no known safe level of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy. It’s also best for both partners to quit smoking if you want a healthy baby and pregnancy. Smoking is linked to increased risk of miscarriage, it makes you prone to ectopic pregnancies and lowers the quality and number of sperm.
Watch the java
Don’t break into a cold sweat at the thought of losing that morning pick-me-up. You don’t have to cut out caffeine completely. Stick to one to two eight-ounce cups a day; too much caffeine may lead to fertility issues.
Avoid strenuous exercise
Staying fit with moderate activity is fine. But overdoing it with vigorous and extreme exercise (think marathon running) may mess with your menstrual cycle and lead to infertility.
Check on your medications
Some prescription meds can make it harder to get pregnant or may be unsafe once you’re pregnant. Review your meds with your doctor before you start trying.
Skip the lube
They may make you more comfortable, but some lubricants can make sperm more likely to die before they reach the egg. Try a lubricant that’s “sperm-friendly” or consider canola oil. Or, maybe you just need to take the foreplay up a notch to pump up your own natural lubrication.
Don’t douche after sex
This sabotages your chances of getting pregnant and puts you at risk for pelvic infection. You should also avoid long runs, saunas, hot tubs or any activity that raises your body temperature right after you have sex.
