5 Things Every Couple Should Know About Trying to Conceive

Trying to conceive. Three words that, for most couples, really aren't that daunting. You try, you conceive. For couples dealing with infertility, however,

Trying to conceive. Three words that, for most couples, really aren’t that daunting. You try, you conceive. For couples dealing with infertility, however, “trying to conceive” becomes a lifestyle. At some point in your family planning journey, you go from being a regular couple who decided to become a trio to a TTCer, a part of an exclusive club you never asked to join. I was once part of that club for so long; I practically wrote the by-laws.

Sadly, that club is pretty big. While most couples dream of having a bag, the reality for many couples is that conceiving a child does not come as easily as they would have thought. In Canada, the incidence of fertility issues has risen in the past several decades, with one in six Canadian couples now experiencing fertility-related problems, according to the Ontario Ministry of Children & Youth Services. What is supposed to be an exciting and happy time can quickly become a significant source of stress and pressure for couples that experience challenges along the way?

With National Infertility Awareness Week around the corner (May 12th – 20th), Dr. David Greenberg, Family Physician at St. Joseph Hospital, has some tips for those trying to conceive.

5 Tips for Couples Trying to Conceive

Don’t “try”!

For couples “trying” to conceive, every month can be filled with anxiety and worry. Heightened stress can cause more challenges. Therefore, it’s important to live in the moment and just enjoy your partner.

I know what you’re thinking, this is easier said than done when you’ve been TTC for years. Dr. Greenberg is so right, though. Stress can wreak havoc on your cycles and make a challenging time even more difficult.

Remember: It’s not your fault

There are many reasons why conceiving a baby may be difficult, but it’s not anyone’s fault. Blaming yourself or your partner won’t fix anything and may lead to more problems, including tension in your relationship.

Live healthy

Don’t wait until you find out you’re expecting to start making changes to your diet or exercise routine. Once you decide to start trying to conceive, start behaving like you’re already pregnant by eating right, taking prenatal vitamins, avoiding alcohol, stop smoking and exercising sensibly.

Know yourself

know-about-trying-to-conceive

Improve your odds of conceiving by having sex on the days when conception is likeliest to happen. Every woman’s body is unique and, when trying to become pregnant, your individual cycle should be taken into consideration. The First Response™ Digital Ovulation Test detects and tracks your personal daily baseline levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) to detect your personal LH surge, unlike other ovulation tests that use a preset “average” level to determine an LH surge.

Know when to see an expert

Most couples who are trying to conceive will become pregnant within a year. For others, it can take longer. If it’s taking longer than you expected to conceive, it’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor about what you should be doing to improve your chances of conceiving.

For those who know someone trying to conceive, the most important thing is to be supportive and understanding. Please remember that every woman is different. It’s important to consult your doctor to find the best steps for you.

Did you deal with challenges in trying to conceive? If you’re comfortable doing so, please share your wisdom, tips and experiences below to help others going through the same problems.

Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Church & Dwight!

24 thoughts on “5 Things Every Couple Should Know About Trying to Conceive”

  1. I am 35 years old and I was diagnosed with poor ovarian reserve and very bad prognosis of having a baby with my own eggs. I was even given the option to consider donor eggs. That was around july 2014. I was absolutely devastated with the news and I arranged an IVF for November 2014 and it failed also, given that I had nothing to lose, I contacted on facebook (Oduduwa Ajakaye) and he send me his herbal product,. Believe it or not… I am already pregnant!

  2. Debbie Jackson

    I have something important to share, for over 4 years now of my marriage i have been trying to get pregnant, this almost made my husband to divorce me because my mother in-law was planning to get him another girl, i was always crying everyday because my marital life way going down. My mother in-law made my husband believe that i was the cause of us being able to give birth, i was always crying, my heart was broken into pieces. My husband and I have been seeing a fertility specialist. We have done one IUI with no luck. My husband has a sperm count which goes up and down, the doctor has recommended him taking the Preseed supplement which he is doing over 3 years with no change in the situation my husband who has low sperm count? It just seems to me that if the sperm are unable to fertilize the egg it will not matter how many are produced. I am was so confused until i contacted this powerful spiritual coven online who I saw a number of testimonies of how he has help so many of them so I sent fountain waters coven a mail and I told them all my sorrows and pain they replied me and ask me not to cry any more that they will help, the sent me some instructions and caution, fountain waters performed the ritual rights and send me a spiritual medicine, they told me to have sex with my husband within 2weeks of doing this I felt dizzy and I went to the doctor and it was confirm that I was pregnant thanks to fountain waters spiritual waters powers now am a mother of a bouncing baby boy and joy has been restored to my marital life and am very happy, no more stress from my mother in-law. If any one needs such help don’t wait all life time to get help in getting pregnant contact fountain waters now on his personal email : [email protected] Or whatsapp them on +2349054913842

  3. Amy Desrosiers

    I was blessed to never have any challenges. I did go through a ton of tests though checking each week!

  4. Fun fact: I used an ovulation kit and conceived in the first month of trying! These really do work.

  5. These are great tips for those trying to have a baby. This wasn’t something that affected me, but some of my friends struggled.

  6. It can be heartwrenching for those trying to conceive that are unable to do so. I do know two recent success stories though, and that makes me very happy.

  7. Ann Bacciaglia

    This is a great product for women who are trying for a baby. It could be used the other way as well for women who do not want to get pregnant. My friend has been trying to get pregnant for a year now, I will have to tell her about this.

  8. I have had many friends go through this struggle. I did not have any issues. I know how difficult it can be though, watching friends struggle. This is a great test

  9. What a great source of comfort for those trying to conceive. Knowing you’re not alone is huge. It’s great that there are products on the market to make life easier.

  10. Michelle Waller

    I have had various issues trying to get pregnant. I didn’t find out until 1r weeks I was RH negative. I was pregnant twice, but suffered twice between those pregnancies with a miscarriage and have experienced another three miscarriages trying for our third. I don’t think I have it in me to keep trying.

  11. It took us 2 years and 2 miscarriages before we had our first baby. It can be so trying, but a hug from a friend makes a huge difference. Just knowing those around you love and support you is a huge deal.

  12. I know so many couples who have struggled to conceive. These are great tips for people who are trying.

  13. Catherine Sargent

    This is great information. I have a friend that has been having difficulty getting pregnant. I will share this with her.

  14. This is a great resource. It’s important to remember that trying to have a baby shouldn’t be a point of stress. In fact, stressed couples actually have a harder time conceiving.

  15. I was able to get pregnant the first 6 times no issues, but trying for #7 was so difficult. We used these First response ovulation kits and I swear they were so good its all we needed!

  16. Robin Masshole Mommy

    I am so thankful that I had no issues getting pregnant, but happy there is help for moms who do :)

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