Getting pregnant may take a few months or longer - especially if you're in your 30s and older. So if a pregnancy isn't happening for you right away, don't pressure yourself or your partner.
The process takes time.
However, instead of waiting around for that baby bump, you may feel eager or anxious to improve your chances of conception. Here are 4 tips for you to consider to increase your chances of having a baby.
Preconception
1. Start early
Females in their 20s have peak fertility. Their fertility slowly declines from age 32 and rapidly falls from age 357 onwards.
Males have slightly more time, with their fertility declining from age 40 onwards.
However, whether you're male or female, start trying for a baby as soon as you and your partner are ready.
When starting early, there is more time to plan for alternative conception treatments like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) if there are any potential health problems preventing you or your partner from conceiving.
2. Count your cycles
Conception can only occur during the female's fertile period, which is when an egg is released from the ovaries (ovulation). If you have regular menstrual cycles, ovulation will happen 12 to 14 days before your next period.
There are certain patterns and signals your body displays when you are going to ovulate.
- Cervical fluid: Produced naturally by your body, cervical fluid is dry or thick at the beginning of the cycle. It becomes thin and stretchy once ovulation begins.
- Basal body temperature: Your body temperature will dip just prior to ovulation and will sharply spike immediately after. Measure your temperature in the morning with an oral thermometer for the most accurate ovulation date.
- Ovulation tests: An ovulation test searches your urine for the presence of the luteinising hormone (LH), a hormone that instructs your ovary to release an egg. The test will let you know when you're ovulating. If you rely solely on ovulation test strips, it halves your fertile window as the test is only accurate only a day or two in advance.
For women who are on birth control, you can start trying to conceive right after you stop birth control. A downside is that tracking ovulation may be difficult because your cycle is not stabilised. You may also get pregnant before you get your period and it will be harder to figure out your due date.
3. See a fertility doctor early
If you or your partner have any underlying health problems like diabetes and hypertension, it is recommended to visit a
fertility service clinic in Singapore to ensure these conditions don't get in the way of conceiving.
Females who have irregular periods (consistent cycles less than 21 days or greater than 40 days apart) may also consider seeing a
fertility doctor in Singapore sooner.
A fertility doctor will help to identify some causes of you or your partner's inability to conceive. Some causes include low sperm count (for the male), polycystic ovarian syndrome (for the female), and unexplained fertility.
Conception
4. Lie in bed after intercourse
There is no need to put your legs in the air but it is recommended to lie in bed for 10 to 15 minutes after intercourse. Standing causes gravity to pull the sperm away from the cervix while lying down can help keep sperm going in the right direction.
Conclusion
What works for some couples may not work for others. The most important mindset to adopt when trying to conceive (TTC) is moving at your own pace and not comparing with others.
If you're feeling stressed out about trying to get pregnant, why not speak to a fertility doctor in Singapore about your concerns?
Seng's OG Practice is a fertility clinic in Singapore that focuses on providing professional, compassionate and comprehensive care to help you fulfil your dream of building a family. We offer male and female screening and various assisted reproductive technology. Contact us now at 6472 7988 to schedule an appointment.