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TTC Tips

Trying to get pregnant? Have lots of sex. I bet you knew that already, though, didn't you? And for some couples, month after month of "having lots of sex" isn't producing the results you're after.

There are so many people who get pregnant without trying, but for others it's more of an effort and can become, well, kind of not fun. I don't know all of the tricks of course but here are a few I've picked up along the way.

1. Get in tune with your body.

Start by tracking your menstrual cycle. Most important is noting the day when your period begins. This is important because if you do conceive this month the doctor will want to know this date to calculate your estimated due date (EDD).

The next step up is trying to pinpoint ovulation. After ovulation, the egg only lives a mere 12-24 hours, after which it disintegrates and cannot be fertilized. You will want to get in as many "sessions" as you can prior to ovulation, because conversely sperm can live for longer periods of time (as much as 5 days in a fertile environment). This way, the egg will be greeted in the Fallopian tube right away with sperm and fertilization is much more likely.

Knowing when you ovulate (want to know how? check here) is important for that reason but it's also good to know when you can expect your period. Not everyone ovulates on day 14 of a 28-day cycle, but most women tend to have the same luteal phase month after month (the average is from 12-16 days). This may cut down on stress because if you ovulate late you will know to expect your period "later" than you would had you not been aware of ovulation. Convoluted, but cool!

2. Keep the sperm closer to where it's going.

Each drop of semen contains millions of sperm, and you only need a single one to make it to your egg. Those are pretty good chances! But it wouldn't hurt to try to keep them going up instead of, well, coming out.

What a lot of women do is simply elevate their hips after sex. Prop your butt up with a pillow, grab a book, and chill out for 20 to 30 minutes. Of course this is not an option for those who are prone to UTI's and need to pee directly after intercourse, but rest assured - I got pregnant twice without even trying (i.e., oops!) and I certainly didn't prop my hips up. It definitely won't hurt, though, and if you've been trying for a few months you'll probably take all the help you can get!

3. Use an "intimate moisturizer" that doesn't murder sperm.

Believe it or not, regular lubricants can reduce the mobility of sperm and greatly reduce their chances of even getting into the uterus (much less to your tubes, where they have a date with your egg).

There is a product that was created with conception in mind. Its pH mimics that of semen and mimics natural body secretions to relieve vaginal dryness. So put away the K-Y and try some Pre-Seed.

4. Try the "every other day" rule.

Ok, it isn't really a rule, but sometimes having lots of sex (i.e., several times per day or even every day) can affect your partner's sperm count. Letting it build up by having sex every other day may increase your chances because you are increasing the amount of sperm that has a chance.

5. Keep it missionary.

While the missionary position may or may not be your favorite, the laws of physics dictate that it really is the best sexual position for conceiving.

6. Pretend you are already pregnant.

Completely eliminate bad things in your diet - be it caffeine, alcohol, smoking, drugs, or a poor diet in general. What I suggest is that while you are trying to conceive is to adopt a pregnant lifestyle. Don't take over-the-counter medications unless absolutely necessary. If you have to visit a doctor and need medication, tell him or her that you are TTC and see if they can prescribe you something that is prengnacy safe - just in case. Eat as if you were pregnant. Eating well allows you to be healthy from the inside out and provides a better conception and pregnancy environment for your child.

Same goes for dad! We need healthy sperm for healthy babies.

6. Relax, if at all possible.

Don't march your partner into the bedroom based on your chart. Try not to rigidly schedule your sex life. Enjoy having "unprotected sex" (after all, how many years have we tried to prevent pregnancy?) and simply keep these steps (and your fertility signs) in mind.