5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Try And Get Pregnant

Are you trying to have a baby? Well, here’s the thing you should know—getting pregnant is not as easy as it seems. While there are women who conceive easily, some woman may take more time. Although the method of conceiving may seem directly forward, it does take a lot of planning, many factors need to be considered, and there are preparations you and your husband need to make. Whether you are planning to do it now or later, it is good to be informed of the “need-to-know’s” when you are trying to start a family. You might have heard of common misconceptions or have a million questions running through your mind. So, we talked to some doctors to share their knowledge on how you can equip your body and mind and help you and your husband get ready for this next chapter in your life. Keep scrolling, and let’s get to the details, shall we?

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Try And Get Pregnant

Meet the Doctors:

Dr. Muriel Espana, MD

Dra. Francesca Jiao-Fernandez, MD

Dra. Kristine Nidoy-Pineda, MD

Are you at your reproductive age?

Age is one of the most significant factors when you want to have a baby. Dra. Nidoy-Pineda says the prime years of conception are during the mid-20s, and when you reach the early 30s, fertility starts to decline. The point is—age does matter when you are trying to conceive. Although, of course, it is entirely up to your timing, it is still good to know the various advantages and disadvantages of getting pregnant at the peak reproductive age. Thus, it is best to visit your doctor for a pre-conception appointment to ensure you are at the top of your health for baby-making, whether you plan to have one now or later. It is also recommended by all doctors that you start taking a Folic Acid supplement. It is encouraged women do so during their reproductive age, even if they do not plan to get pregnant soon. According to Dra. Jiao-Fernandez, take at least 400 mcg of Folic acid even before you try to conceive, at least a month before, to decrease risk of neural tube defects and other birth defects in the baby.

 

While having unprotected sex with your partner can get you pregnant, getting in bed at the right time can increase your chances even more. If you are thinking of trying, you need to learn how to track your menstrual cycle and know when you are ovulating. Ovulation is when your ovary releases egg cells for fertilization, and when the egg is released and meets the sperm, pregnancy happens. Hence, Dra. Jiao-Fernandez suggests that you monitor your red days ahead of time to know or estimate your ovulation period. Normally, if you have a regular monthly cycle, ovulation starts 14 days before the first day of your period. You will also notice a vaginal discharge that looks like raw egg white—it is called fertile cervical mucus. Thus, it is around that time that you are most fertile, which is the best time to try. So, start marking your calendars or downloading a period tracking mobile app to help you monitor your fertile days.

 

How often do you have sex?

Now you know that you have one week every month that gives you the highest chances of pregnancy. However, you must also be aware of the fact that even if you do the deed when you are ovulating, the egg may or may not be fertilized by the sperm. So, how do you increase your chances, then? The answer is simple—have frequent regular unprotected intercourse during your ovulation period. Dra. España said that, for most couples, the simple recommendation for intercourse is every 2-3 days. By doing this, you can avoid the unnecessary source of stress while also helping to ensure that coitus occurs during the interval of highest fertility. So yes, you don’t need to abstain from sex until you are fertile. But, remember not to overdo it too. At the end of the day, you must not feel stressed with the process and do what is best for you and your partner.

 

How is your health?

Another thing you need to keep in mind is you and your partner’s health. Of course, we have to ensure your partner is healthy too. Remember, a healthy husband has healthy sperm.  And for you especially, when you go through pregnancy, there will be several changes that will happen to your body. So, best if you both visit your local doctor to check where you stand with your overall health; to know how you are doing physically, emotionally, and mentally. Are you at your optimal weight? Have you been diagnosed with a disease or an illness? Are you a smoker? Do you drink alcohol excessively? Dra. España also conveyed that it is essential to get treatment for any pre-existing conditions or stabilize any medical conditions you may have before you try and have a baby. Thus, it is best to check yourself, revisit the factors affecting fertility, and get a ‘go’ signal from your doctor before you try and get pregnant.

 

How ready are you?

And last, but not least, you need to gauge your readiness as a couple! Are you really ready to take that next step of building a family? Are you willing to go for the necessary adjustments in life? Are you emotionally ready for the demands of being a first-time parent? The whole process of pregnancy plus having a baby can not only drain your body and mind, but it can exhaust your wallet too. You have to prepare for the expenses such as pre-natal check-ups, delivery, post-natal care, etc. Thinking about all of it—perhaps, it’s draining you even now. But, be kind to yourself, do not stress, and remember why you are doing this. You are building a family. Instead of worrying, get familiar with the basics of getting pregnant and be ready for it. You can do this by seeking advice from your family and friends that went through the same journey, researching for educational resources to get guidance about responsible parenthood, or see your doctor for further advice about family planning!

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