Having a baby: What you should know when trying to conceive

Do get to a healthy weight

Body Mass Index is a number that is calculated using a person’s height and weight, and is used as an indicator of obesity and weight issues. Extra weight causes hormonal shifts that can affect ovulation and semen production, and can also make achieving a pregnancy more difficult. Conversely, being underweight can cause irregular or absent periods. The ideal Body Mass Index (BMI) falls in the 20-25 range. The CDC provides a BMI calculator to help assess your BMI number. The positive news: losing as little as 5-10 percent of body weight can significantly improve fertility potential in overweight patients. Also, being a little overweight is better than being underweight.

Do chart ovulation and periods

Every month when a woman releases an egg into the fallopian tubes during ovulation, it only survives 24 hours. Sperm can survive in the uterus for up to three days after sex, therefore regular sexual activity during ovulation and in the days leading up to ovulation will greatly increase conception odds. In order to know when you’re ovulating, track your cycle every month using an ovulation calendar. If your period is irregular, you may not be ovulating regularly. If you are concerned about whether you are ovulating regularly, consult a physician to learn more.

Do aim to have sex every other day

Couples often wonder when and how often they should be having sex, and if they should “save up” for sex during ovulation. A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that having sex every day only slightly increases pregnancy versus having sex every other day. In men who have a normal sperm count, sex every day will not decrease the sperm concentration. There is no need to “save up” sperm for sex during ovulation, or have intercourse multiple times per day leading up to ovulation. Don't let trying to conceive interfere with a pleasurable sex life. Aim to have sex two to four times per week when it feels right.

Do get basic fertility testing

Couples can get basic fertility testing done to give a snapshot of fertility potential, all at no more than the cost of a nice dinner out for two. Men can undergo a semen analysis performed by specialized laboratory professionals to evaluate semen count, shape (morphology) and movement (motility). Women can undergo simple blood tests known as FSH, AMH and Estradiol to help evaluate ovarian function, how many eggs a woman may have, and fertility potential, as well as an ultrasound to evaluate fertility.

Do take prenatal vitamins

It is important for both men and women to take prenatal vitamins. It has long been known that women should take folic acid while trying to conceive, as well as during pregnancy to prevent certain birth defects, but folic acid is now known to be an important supplement in male fertility. Researchers at the University of California found that men had a higher rate of chromosomal abnormalities in their sperm when their diet was low in folic acid. Coenzyme Q10 has also been found to increase sperm count and sperm motility, while Vitamin E also improves low sperm count.

Do not expect to be pregnant immediately

Contrary to popular belief, getting pregnant usually doesn’t happen right away. In any given month, a couple only has a 20-25 percent chance of conceiving. It takes most couples six months to a year to become pregnant. Don’t be discouraged if a pregnancy doesn’t happen immediately.

Do not smoke cigarettes and drink excessively

We all know smoking is unhealthy, but there are numbers to prove it. A report by the British Medical Association showed that smokers may have up to a 10-40% lower monthly fecundity (fertility) rate. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine has estimated that up to 13% of infertility may be caused by tobacco use. Smoking as few as five cigarettes per day has been associated with lower fertility rates in males and females. Smoking, whether tobacco or marijuana, is also associated with miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, pregnancy complications and stillborn births – even if it's the male partner doing the smoking.

High alcohol intake of more than nine drinks per week is associated with decreased fertility. Low alcohol use (four drinks per week) seems to have no impact on fertility while moderate alcohol use (4-9 drinks per week) appears to be associated with an increased chance of conceiving. Drinking is ok – but don’t drink more than moderately.

Do not use water-based lubricant

If you’re trying to conceive, water-based lubricant may be working against your efforts. Water-based lubricants such as Astroglide and KY Jelly may inhibit sperm movement by 60-100 percent within 60 minutes of intercourse. The swimmers can’t win the race and reach the prize if they can’t move. Opt for natural oils, oil-based lubricants or even cooking oil, but be sure to keep any potential allergies in mind. If you’re allergic to peanuts, then peanut oil may not be for you. Pre-Seed lubricant is a commercial product that may even enhance motility (movement) of sperm.

Do not overdo it on caffeine

Even though up to two cups of coffee have been shown to be safe in pregnancy, exceeding that when trying to conceive may be counterproductive. One study showed that “women who consumed more than the equivalent of one cup of coffee per day were half as likely to become pregnant, per cycle, as women who drank less.” Better to use decaffeinated or half-caffeinated coffee, and remember there is caffeine in tea, cola and chocolate.

Do not wait to see a specialist

If you’ve been trying for a year and you’re under 35, or if you’ve been trying for six months and you’re over 35 and have not yet achieved a pregnancy, it’s time to talk to a specialist. Fertility can decline rapidly for women over 35, therefore it is important to see a specialist as soon as possible if you suspect fertility issues. If you are under 35, having basic testing done which returns normal results may allow for a few more cycles of trying without pursuing treatment. Knowledge is power, and there may be simple changes you can make to help achieve conception. A consultation and basic fertility evaluation is an affordable way to get a snapshot of fertility potential.