Once a woman decides she is ready to conceive, she should schedule a pre-conception visit with her doctor or midwife. At this appointment, she will discuss her personal and family histories, as well as any current medical and general lifestyle issues. Once her health care provider is satisfied with her well-being, she may begin the conception process. A preconception visit provides an important foundation for a successful pregnancy. It is the first of many tips for trying to get pregnant.
Fertility Chart
Author Toni Weschler, MPH, popularized the Fertility Awareness Method in her bestselling book “Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health.” It involves recording body temperature and changes in cervical fluid to indicate when a woman is fertile. The body temperature dips slightly just prior to ovulation, and this is when intercourse is most likely to be effective. If a woman waits until she sees her post-ovulation temperature surge to have intercourse, it is too late to achieve pregnancy. Similarly, her cervical fluid will thicken and develop the consistency of egg whites just prior to ovulation. Afterward, it will thin out considerably or dry out altogether.
Diet and Supplement
Diet and supplements are instrumental to healthy pregnancy achievement. Women should eat a balanced diet of whole grains and proteins, fruits and vegetables. Whole foods are better than processed foods. Caffeine, sugar and alcohol should be avoided. Prenatal vitamins should include at least 600mcg of folic acid and should be started several months before conception. Folic acid deficiency is directly tied to severe neural tube defects including spina bifida, according to the Mothering.com article “How Much Does Diet Matter During Pregnancy?”
Exercise
If a woman wants to conceive, she should avoid overly strenuous exercise which may interfere with ovulation. Walking, swimming and yoga are good choices. Exercise is important as it helps relieve the stresses that sometimes come with trying to conceive, and it also helps prepare the body for carrying and delivering a baby.
Acupuncture
The use of traditional Chinese medicine to treat female health issues dates back to 200 BC when plants were used to treat fertility problems, according to the online textbook article “Acupuncture and Infertility Research” by Debra Betts, RN. These methods have been adapted by modern day practitioners and are often applied as treatments for fertility. Acupuncture, likewise, increases male and female fertility, regulates hormones and builds blood. Treatments vary in frequency and may be ongoing.
About this Author
Jordan Bucher started writing and editing in 1998. Her work has appeared in “Austin Woman Magazine,” “Michigan Chronicle,” “Food & Wine” online and syndicated newspapers nationwide. Bucher specializes in health, psychology & self-help, food, sports and women’s issues. She holds an Bachelor of Arts in English from Carleton College and a certificate from The University of Denver Publishing Institute.
