Preconception: Tips to Conceive

According to the American Pregnancy Association, there are more than 4 million births a year in the United States. But having a baby isn’t just about the nine months of pregnancy. It takes planning and a healthy body to successfully conceive. Understanding ovulation and making healthy lifestyle changes can greatly increase your chances of getting pregnant.

Tips to Conceive

Ovulation

Ovulation is a part of the process in the female’s menstrual cycle and occurs when the mature egg is released from the ovary and is available to be fertilized. The lining of the uterus thickens each month to prepare for a fertilized egg. If conception does not occur, the uterine lining and the unfertilized egg will be shed at the time of menstruation.

There’s a small window of opportunity each month for the egg to be fertilized. This is about five days before ovulation and extending through the day of ovulation. Ovulation normally occurs about halfway through a woman’s menstrual cycle, counting from the first day of a period. If periods are irregular, there are other signs to look out for which may indicate ovulation is taking place.

Signs of Ovulation

1.     Cramps in the lower abdominal area.
2.     Basal body temperature increases dramatically as soon as ovulation         occurs.
3.     Cervical mucus will increase and become clearer in appearance.
4.     The cervix changes position.

Preparing for Pregnancy

You can increase your chances for conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy and delivery by making positive lifestyle choices and planning ahead.

Nutrition

A well-balanced and varied diet will help to provide couples with all of the nutrients they need to prepare the body for conception. The digestive system in pregnant women changes and becomes more efficient at absorbing certain nutrients, and most of the additional nutrients needed during pregnancy can be met by eating a well-balanced diet, although attention is needed for a few key nutrients that are especially important for a developing baby.

Source : www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy