I've written a previous blog post on what men can do to help the cause when they're trying to conceive and it got me thinking about what I would also tell women. With so much information out there on the latest and greatest "thing" to do in order to get pregnant, women are inundated with ideas. Some of them are good, some are complete myth and a waste of time and energy. So, to help the women out there who are trying to get pregnant, I've developed the following Top 10 Tips. Some you will find similar to the advice I would give to men and that's because there are some conception "rules" that transcend gender and truly stand the test of time. 1. Reduce Stress: When women are under extreme amounts of stress, studies have shown this to be linked to delayed or missed periods which can cause difficulty with tracking ovulation and getting pregnant. Limit any unnecessary amounts of stress as much as possible. Your body will be better for it. 2. Track Your Menstrual Cycle: Though it can seem like a pain, tracking your cycle will help you determine when you ovulate. Since pregnancy can only occur when a woman ovulates and cycles can vary from woman to woman, knowing when it will happen for you is important. 3. Don't Rely on the Calendar Method for Ovulation: The calendar method can seem easy, but can also be notoriously inaccurate and frustrating for women trying to pinpoint ovulation. Instead, purchase an ovulation prediction kit. It will better detect the actual hormone surge that occurs just prior to ovulation. 4. Be Aware of the Change in Your Cervical Mucus: During ovulation, cervical mucus appears clear or pale white in color, such as the white of an egg, and is thin and stretchy in appearance. During ovulation, your body produces much more cervical mucus than at any other time in the month. This change in mucus typically occurs when fertility is at its peak and chances of conception are at their highest. 5. Avoid Caffeine, Drugs and Alcohol: Use of these substances has been linked to an increased risk of delayed conception and possible birth defects when conception does occur. 6. Start a Pre-Natal Vitamin with Folic Acid: Studies have shown that folic acid can help reduce the risk of neural tube defects in babies when the mother takes it before conception and throughout her pregnancy. 7. Maintain a Healthy Weight: You are more likely to be infertile if you are underweight or overweight, so making sure your weight is just right for your height is an important factor in conception. 8. Take Vitamins: Related to tip #6, DHA, Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Vitamin D are important vitamins in keeping the female body healthy and in supporting a healthy pregnancy once it does occur. There are many supplements on the market that contain all three of these vitamins. 9. Maintain a Healthy Diet and Exercise: These tips seem simple, but they go hand-in-hand with a woman's overall health and are keys to a successful pregnancy. Starting healthy habits prior to conception that can be carried out during the entire pregnancy will help you maintain a healthy weight. 10. Visit Your Gynecologist or Reproductive Health Specialist: If you suspect a problem with conception or have been trying to conceive for a year if you are younger than 35, or six months if you are 35 or older, be sure to make an appointment to talk to your doctor. There are many tests available to women today that can aid in pinpointing problems and the sooner you know, the better. My most important advice to women on the subject of trying to get pregnant, is to relax and enjoy sex with your partner. Even when you're trying to have a baby, sex doesn't have to be a chore. Wishing you Most Success in Your Journey, Dr. Werthman
