Know your menstrual cycle
Day one is the first day of your period. Ovulation happens around 14 days before the end of your cycle, but it varies from woman to woman. Your most fertile time is just before ovulation so it's a good idea to start keeping a diary.
How to give yourself the best chance of conceiving
Drinking
Alcohol can lower the sex drive of men and women, and it can reduce the number of healthy viable sperm. The current advice is for women to stop drinking alcohol when trying to conceive and throughout pregnancy.
How to give yourself the best chance of conceiving
Caffeine
There is some evidence that large amounts of caffeine can affect fertility, so if you or your other half drink four or five cups of coffee a day you need to cut down now.
How to give yourself the best chance of conceiving
Have a checkup
If you or your partner suffer from any long term illnesses or conditions it might be a good idea to make an appointment at the doctors so you can assess your medication. They can also check your German measles immunity; you could need a booster vaccination.
How to give yourself the best chance of conceiving
Diet
NICE recommends that obese women, with a BMI of over 30, should try to lose weight before getting pregnant. This is because being this overweight brings an increased risk of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and even miscarriage.
How to give yourself the best chance of conceiving
Sex education
If you want a cute baby, we can't forget sex of course! it may help for the woman to have an orgasm after the man, as the muscle contractions are supposed to help the sperm on their journey.
How to give yourself the best chance of conceiving
More bedroom tips
Another tip to help the stork on his way; try having sex in the missionary position. And after sex you should ideally stay lying down for a few minutes with a pillow under your hips and your legs in the air.
How to give yourself the best chance of conceiving
Exercise
Carrying a baby is hard work for your body, and so is giving birth! You will cope better if you are in good shape. Being healthy and fit really does increase your chance of conceiving and going on to have a problem-free pregnancy.
How to give yourself the best chance of conceiving
Food and Vitamins
Try to eat a healthy varied diet so that you get plenty of vitamins from your food. Folic acid is a very important supplement for pregnant women as it helps to prevent spina bifida and other neural tube defects in growing babies. Start taking it as soon as you stop using contraception.
How to give yourself the best chance of conceiving
Smoking
Cigarettes have been shown to reduce the fertility of both both sexes, and of course smoking while pregnant is not good for your baby anyway, so now is the perfect time to quit! See your GP for advice and help.
