Get pregnant faster: Advice for boosting your chances of conceiving

Do remember eating healthy is your best chance for conception

For most people, eating a wide variety of good foods gives you the best chance of conception. However, unless a physician or registered dietician has told you to avoid certain foods or food groups, based upon specific medical testing, you should eat lots of lean meats, fruits and veggies, whole grain breads and cereals, good oils and nuts, and the occasional bowl of Ben and Jerry’s. The exception to this is gluten, for people who have tested positive for celiac disease.

Do think about your age

Everyone wants to know the magic number, and most people want to believe that age is not a factor, but pure science tells us that the number of eggs a woman has in her body decreases every year. At age 37.5, it drops exponentially. This is a key turning point in a woman’s body when discussing the possibility of pregnancy later in life. In addition, the quantity and quality of eggs begins to decline in the 10 to 15 years that precede menopause, which can affect some women as early as age 40. So while it’s certainly possible to get pregnant in your 40s, it’s important to understand the reality of what may be involved.

Do keep track of when you started trying to conceive

While you shouldn’t get caught up on the amount of time it might be taking you to conceive, keep track of the month you started trying. A good rule of thumb is to consult a doctor if you’re still not pregnant after several months or up to one year of trying. Your doctor will be able to help you get on the right track.

Do your research when looking into fertility experts

If you’ve decided you need the help of a fertility specialist, ask your doctor who they recommend. If you’re doing your own research, be sure the specialist is credible. Meet with the doctor and their staff to see if you’re comfortable with them. Don’t be afraid to ask for second opinions, and speak openly about your questions and concerns.

Do know all your fertility options

This is part of doing your research and openly asking your doctor questions. While IVF is a very common fertility treatment, it’s not the only one. Be sure to ask your doctor what all the options are so you can make the best decision for you and your family.

Do not change your diet based on hearsay foods that cause infertility

Every so often we come across misinformed patients who think eliminating a certain food group will help their chances of conceiving. Don’t think that certain foods cause infertility or that elimination diets can increase fertility. Speak with your doctor about your diet if you have concerns.

Do not rely on technology

While it’s true that there have been tremendous advances in fertility treatments over the years that could help you to have a baby in your 40s, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be easy to conceive. The number of eggs a woman has drops significantly at age 37.5, and while fertility treatments are available to help, it won’t provide you with more eggs.

Do not stress on how long it’s taking you to get pregnant

There is no set amount of time or specific schedule to conceive that couples should follow when they start trying to have a baby. Remember that just because you’re not pregnant yet, doesn’t necessarily mean there is something wrong with you. Every couple is different, and there are many different factors involved. If you haven’t had success after one year, than consult your doctor to see how they can help.

Do not assume fertility treatments are out of your price range

There are many affordable options when it comes to treating infertility. IVF is certainly on the costlier side, but check with your insurance company to see what they cover. In addition, there are many newer, less expensive alternatives that are quite effective. For example, IVM is a more affordable approach to fertility that is newer to the US, but has seen great results worldwide. It also requires fewer drugs, ultrasounds, and blood tests, making it ideal for women with hormone-sensitive issues like PCOS. Other options to consider may include IUI, IVF/M, and others.

Do not be misled by common fertility sayings

It only takes “one good egg” in order to get pregnant is a bit misleading – it’s similar to saying “it only takes one ticket to win it.” In reality, having more eggs increases the chances of your success, especially when undergoing fertility treatments. For treatments like IVF or IVM, for example, we take multiple eggs from the woman to fertilize and place back in the uterus. This helps raise the chances of how many eggs will stay in place and begin developing.