Tips for Getting Pregnant

Talk to your OB/GYN

A visit with your OB/GYN up to a year before you start trying to conceive can get you on the right track for becoming pregnant. From preparing you physically and mentally to getting you started on the right prenatal vitamin, a preconception visit will put you and your OB/GYN on the same page when it comes to your pregnancy. In addition, your OB/GYN will take a full medical history, including a gynecologic history, obstetric history, medications and allergies, vaccinations, emotional and social history, lifestyle questions, and a genetic screening. 

Get to know your body and menstrual cycle

If you know your body and menstrual cycle, you will know the best time to have sex and possibly get pregnant. You can use ovulation kits and keep track of your cycle to find out when you’re ovulating. Physically, cervical mucus may be thinner and more slick, and you might feel a slight pain on one side. To keep track of when you’re ovulating, the first day of your period is day one. Starting on day nine, take an ovulation test daily until it comes back positive. That is the day(s) you’re ovulating, but you could be fertile for up to a week.

Relax after intercourse

Stay in bed for 10-15 minutes after having sex to give sperm time to get to the cervix. 

What your partner can do

To make sure his sperm is healthy, your partner should stop smoking/chewing tobacco, quit doing recreational drugs, limit alcohol to three drinks per day, lose weight if overweight, and stay away from hot tubs and saunas (the heat can kill sperm). 

Schedule an appointment with BJC Medical Group of Illinois

If you are looking for an OB/GYN who’s part of Memorial, see our complete listing of providers and schedule an appointment today.