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continued:

How to get pregnant

Maximizing fertility

When you're trying to conceive, consider these simple do's and don'ts.

Do:

  • Have sex regularly. If you consistently have sex two or three times a week, you're almost certain to hit a fertile period at some point. For healthy couples who want to conceive, there's no such thing as too much sex. For many couples, this may be all it takes.
  • Have sex once a day near the time of ovulation. Daily intercourse during the days leading up to ovulation may increase the odds of conception. Although your partner's sperm concentration will drop slightly each time you have sex, the reduction isn't usually an issue for healthy men.
  • Make healthy lifestyle choices. Maintain a healthy weight, include physical activity in your daily routine, eat a healthy diet, limit caffeine and keep stress under control. The same good habits will serve you and your baby well during pregnancy.
  • Consider preconception planning. Your health care provider can assess your overall health and help you identify lifestyle changes that may improve your chances for a healthy pregnancy. Preconception planning is especially helpful if you or your partner have any health issues.
  • Take your vitamins. Folic acid (vitamin B-9) plays an essential role in a baby's development. A daily prenatal vitamin or folic acid supplement beginning a few months before conception significantly reduces the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.

Don't:

  • Smoke. Tobacco changes the cervical mucus, which may keep sperm from reaching the egg. Smoking may also increase the risk of miscarriage and deprive your developing baby of oxygen and nutrients. If you smoke, ask your health care provider to help you quit before conception. For your family's sake, vow to quit for good.
  • Drink alcohol. Alcohol is off-limits if you're pregnant — or hope to be.
  • Take medication without your health care provider's OK. Certain medications — even those available without a prescription — can make it difficult to conceive. Others may not be safe once you're pregnant.

When to consult a doctor

With frequent unprotected sex, most healthy couples conceive within one year. Others need a bit of help.

If you're in your early 30s or younger and you and your partner are in good health, try it on your own for one year before consulting a doctor. You may want to seek help sooner if you're age 35 or older, or you or your partner has known or suspected fertility issues.

Infertility affects men and women equally — and treatment is available. Depending on the source of the problem, your gynecologist, your partner's urologist or your family doctor may be able to help. In some cases, a fertility specialist may offer the best hope.

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References
  1. Before you start trying. The National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.4woman.gov/pregnancy/tryingtogetpregnant/before.cfm. Accessed Jan. 14, 2009.
  2. Trying to conceive. The National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.4woman.gov/pregnancy/tryingtogetpregnant/tryingtoconceive.cfm. Accessed Jan. 14, 2009.
  3. Stanford JB, et al. Timing intercourse to achieve pregnancy: Current evidence. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2002;100:1333.
  4. Jennings V. Fertility awareness-based methods of pregnancy prevention. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 14, 2009.
  5. Sackey JA. Preconception evaluation and counseling. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 14, 2009.
  6. Hornstein MD, et al. The initial fertility consultation in couples planning pregnancy: Lifestyle factors. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 14, 2009.
  7. Welt CK. Evaluation of the menstrual cycle and timing of ovulation. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 15, 2009.
  8. Robinson JE, et al. Increased pregnancy rate with use of the Clearblue Easy Fertility Monitor. Fertility and Sterility. 2007;87:329.

PR00103

April 18, 2009

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