Planning And Preparing
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How To Calculate Safe Period To Avoid Pregnancy?
For thousands of years, people have been determining infertile days or safe periods for intercourse to avoid pregnancy. Once you understand the menstrual cycle and what happens in each phase, you can calculate safe days more accurately. The significance of infertile days is relevant to ensuring a safe and responsible approach to sexual intimacy, empowering individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about contraception. In such situations, a period calculator is invaluable for understanding your menstrual cycle and identifying safe sex periods. The premise behind a safe period calculator is to prevent an unwanted pregnancy naturally, without any side effects. This article will help you discover the art of timing and knowledge to navigate a safe period and prevent unplanned pregnancy.
What is a Safe Period (Unfertile Period)?
As a woman grows older, her menstrual cycle often changes. A normal cycle lasts between 24 to 38 days. ‘Safe period’ refers to the days when a woman has reduced chances of getting pregnant. So, if you do not want a baby and do not want to use contraceptives either, this is the time you should have sex with your partner.
Biologically speaking, this is the time when the egg is not present to be fertilised. If you have intercourse with no egg, you cannot get pregnant because this is the unfertile period in a menstrual cycle.
For most women, ovulation occurs approximately 14 days before the next menstrual cycle starts. It isn’t easy to know exactly when you will start your next menstrual cycle. However, if your periods are mostly regular, it is easy to calculate ovulation days. To do this, you need to use the date of the previous menstrual cycle as a starting point. It is important to note that an egg can be fertilised only four days before and three days after ovulation. In other words, this is not a safe period, so you should avoid intercourse.
Why Should You Calculate Your Safe Period?
Calculating your safe period is advantageous because it will help you understand what days it is favourable to have sex without protection and with no pregnancy scares. Knowing how to calculate your safe period is essential if you do not wish to have a child right away. However, more importantly, safe period calculation is a great method of birth control because it does not involve ingesting hormonal birth control pills, using an IUD, or hormone injections which can have different effects on different women, ranging from extreme mood swings to weight gain and other problems that hamper one’s well-being.
How to Calculate Your Safe Period to Avoid Pregnancy?
To calculate your safe days, you need to understand the various phases of the menstrual cycle.
Phases of the Cycle
The menstrual cycle can be divided into three phases: the follicular phase (pre-ovulation phase), the ovulation phase, and the luteal phase (post-ovulation phase). The duration of each phase varies from woman to woman. However, the average menstrual cycle is believed to be 28 days. The menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of menstrual bleeding. Let’s look at what happens in each phase.
1. The Follicular Phase / Proliferative Phase
The follicular phase occurs before ovulation. In this phase, the maturation of the follicles in the ovary takes place. This phase ends with ovulation. In this stage, estradiol is the hormone at work, and the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is secreted.
2. The Ovulation Phase
It is in the ovulation phase that a mature ovarian follicle ruptures and discharges an ovum (also known as an egg). The time just before and after ovulation is usually referred to as the ovulation phase. A woman could get pregnant on the days she is ovulating.
3. The Luteal Phase / Secretory Phase
The luteal phase is the last phase of the menstrual cycle. It is marked by the creation of the corpus luteum and terminates in either pregnancy or degradation of the corpus luteum. The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine structure that helps produce oestrogen and progestogen. The body needs oestrogen and progestogen to maintain the endometrium, the inner lining of the uterus.
The safe days for a woman after a period depend on the lifespan of both the sperm and egg. In most cases, ovulation happens on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle if the menstrual cycle is of average length (28 days). The ovulation time varies for each woman and can occur from the 12th day to the 19th day of the cycle. A sperm usually lives for 3 to 5 days in the reproductive tract. Therefore, it is possible to become pregnant unprotected sex is had five days before ovulation. The lifespan of the egg is quite short- only about 24 hours. If fertilisation does not occur within that time frame, the egg will die.
Safe Period Chart to Avoid Pregnancy
Here is a quick look at the breakup of safe days and unsafe days which simplifies the calculation for you and explains how to count your safe days:
Safe times using the calendar method
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Start of period 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Safe Days
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Unsafe days
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Unsafe Days
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Safe Days
Start of period 29
30
1
2
3
4
5
Safe Days
When to Have Sex to Avoid Pregnancy?
1. What Is a Safe Period to Have Sex?
A thumb rule – If you are having sex, you can get pregnant! Despite all calculations and theories, there is no definite way to determine when a woman will ovulate, so many factors come into play. Most women ovulate 12 to 14 days before their period, but some ovulate at a different time. So, figuring out when it is safe to have sex yet avoid pregnancy is quite a guessing game.
2. How Long Is a Safe Period?
Based on their experiences, many women believe it is safe to have sex and avoid getting pregnant just after their period starts or before it begins. Beware, fluctuating hormones and changing schedules can make these calculations inaccurate. As a general rule, if your cycle is a regular one (28 days), the seven days before your period should be the safe period. But do not forget that this calculation works only if your periods are regular. Here’s what a missed period may mean.
3. How to Calculate the Time of Ovulation?
Safe period and ovulation are related because safe days are calculated based on ovulation. According to the popular Safe Period Calculator method, days 1 to day 7 are safe and unfertile in a regular menstrual cycle which lasts 26 to 32 days. This considers the premise that the lifespan of the sperm in the reproductive canal is 3 to 5 days. This method calculates that ovulation occurs on the 19th day. Therefore, fertilisation can occur until the 20th day of the cycle. Since all these calculations are approximated, the results can vary from woman to woman.
This calculation is adjusted to reflect WHO (World Health Organization) data that shows that approximately 80% of menstrual cycles range between 26 to 32 days.
Different Methods to Calculate Safe Period
Here are some methods you can use to calculate your safe period:
Safe Period Calculator or Menstrual Cycle Calculator
Cycle calculators are accurate in most cases. However, many people find these calculators and apps very complex. Also, most of the information they ask to calculate the infertile period – for example, months of data about body temperature, cervical mucus and dates of menstruation – may not be readily available to every woman. Put, to use these calculators, you would need data about your periods as well as body temperature handy. Therefore, many prefer using simpler period calculators like the ones below, which do not ask for months of data but still give accurate results.
1. Avoid Your Fertile Days
Avoid your fertile period. Remember, safe days depend on different cycle lengths. The following table lists the most fertile days for various cycle lengths. If you do not want to get pregnant, you need to avoid intercourse on the following days:
Length of Cycle
Most Fertile Days
24 days
Days 5 to 10 of the cycle
28 days
Days 9 to 14 of the cycle
30 days
Days 11 to 16 of the cycle
35 days
Days 16 to 21 of the cycle
2. Calculate When You Are Less Likely to Get Pregnant
Keeping track of your periods for at least six months will help map your fertile days.
Step 1:
Use this formula: Subtract 18 days from the total days of your shortest cycle. Using the resulting number, count from the first day of your next period and mark that date on your calendar.
Step 2:
Subtract 11 days from your longest cycle. Using that number, count forward from the first day of your next period. Mark that date on the calendar.
Step 3:
Your most fertile period is between those marked dates. It should be safe to have unprotected sex other than on those dates. However, bear in mind that sperm live up to 4 days so counting four days on either side is risky too. Note that this only works if your periods are regular.
3. Who Can Use the Safe Period Calculator?
You need to ask your doctor about the efficiency of natural family planning methods. The doctor will do a check-up and let you know if these would be effective for you. Use the safe period calculator as a natural birth control method only after your doctor gives the go-ahead.
Suppose your menstrual cycle is regular and falls in the average range of 26 to 32 days, and the variation between your longest and shortest cycles is about seven days. In that case, you should be safe using the safe period calculator method as birth control.
4. Who Cannot Use the Safe Period Calculator?
Applying the same rule as above–if you are in the regular 26-day to 32-day cycle and the variation between your longest and your shortest cycle is more than eight days, then it would be risky to use this method.
Do remember that because of hormonal changes, it would be wiser to wait for six months after childbirth to use this method.
Also, because of erratic cycles, this method is unsuitable for teenagers or women in menopause. This method might not work for women with erratic cycles because of conditions like PCOS and hormonal imbalance.
5. Examples of Calculating Safe Periods
Calculating a safe period can be confusing. Here are two examples of calculating the same.
Take the example of a woman who has 24 days between 2 menstruating cycles. This means that her ovulation would be ten days after the first day of her last period. Based on this (24 minus 14) calculation, her safe period would be from day one to day six after her last period and from day thirteen to her next period.
Let’s take another example of a woman with 32 days between 2 menstruation cycles. Her ovulation would be 18 days after her last period. Based on this calculation (32 minus 14), her safe period would be from day one after the last period to day 14 and from day 21 to the next period.
Safety: Women with regular menstruating cycles have an 85% safety ratio for not getting pregnant in 12 months. However, the success rate depends on how well you calculate the safe period and how religiously you follow it.
Handy Technology: In today’s world of technological advancement, numerous apps can help you chart your menstrual cycle, calculate your infertile days and store all this data for your quick reference!
Many tools, like a menstrual cycle calculator, are available. These tools will give you a rough estimate of your ovulation period. As a result, you can calculate ovulation and the safe period with higher accuracy and greater ease.
Natural Family Planning (Fertility Awareness-based Methods)
Basal body temperature is the lowest non-pathologic, natural temperature recorded after rest. Your body demonstrates various signs in the ovulation phase. If you recognise these signs and avoid sex when you see these signs, you can avoid pregnancy. This is also called natural family planning.
Various fertility awareness-based methods are:
1. Basal Body Temperature Method
Charting your basal body temperature is quite easy. To put it simply, what you do is take your temperature first thing every morning and plot it on a chart.
Some women experience a drop in body temperature when they are ovulating.
If you see a temperature shift lasting at least three days or occurring at the end of your cycle, you can draw a line between your follicular phase and luteal phase temperature. You might also observe a clear shift and be able to track the path between the lowest luteal phase BBT and the highest follicular phase BBT.
Analyse the chart at the end of the month to find the pattern.
Create a chart for 3-6 months to see a clear pattern.
If your temperature does not decrease for more than 18 days, we recommend you do a pregnancy test at home or see a doctor.
2. Charting Basal Body Temperature
Keep these 4 rules in mind when charting your basal body temperature:
First 5 days rule: For the most part, you can assume that you are infertile during the first five days of your menstrual cycle. This may not be accurate if you have had a cycle that was shorter than 25 days. To determine this, track your menstrual cycle for about six months.
Dry day rule: You might be infertile when you don’t observe any cervical fluid.
Peak plus 4 rule: Your infertile period starts on the 4th evening after your most fertile cervical fluid (CF). This is when your CF becomes infertile again, and there is a clear BBT shift.
Temp plus 3 rule: You might be infertile on the evening of the 3rd day after your BBT shift.
Women with regular menstruating cycles have an 85% safety ratio for not getting pregnant. However, the success rate depends on how well you calculate the safe period and how religiously you follow it.
Once you figure out how to track the signs of fertility, you can safely indulge in unprotected sex during the infertile period. If you think you are at risk of being fertile, use protection or abstain.
It is important to remember that no method is foolproof. While most methods are accurate and time-tested, hormonal ups and downs in a woman’s body can make your calculations go awry. It’s best to follow the golden rule: assume you’re fertile when in doubt.
3. Cervical Mucus / Ovulation Method
The colour of cervical mucus changes when you are ovulating. Note the colour of cervical mucus every day. A colour change would indicate that you are in the ovulation phase.
Here is how you can interpret your cervical mucus:
The flow masks the mucus during menstruation.
No mucus is produced for a few days after menstruation. These ‘dry days’ are safe.
When the ovum ripens for the next cycle, mucus production increases. It appears yellow, white, or cloudy and feels sticky.
Clear, slippery mucus, which is stretchable, indicates the most fertile days of the cycle.
A few ‘dry days’ after clear mucus indicates the onset of the next period.
4. Sympto-thermal Method
A combination of multiple methods involves tracking ovulation symptoms like pain in the abdomen, heaviness and tender breasts, body temperature, and mucus colour. Using different methods simultaneously ensures that the safe days are predicted more accurately.
5. Cycle Beads App
The Cyc leBeads smartphone app is available for both Android and iPhone users. It is based on the same name’s highly effective family planning method.
Enter the start date of your most recent period.
The screen will show you where you are in your menstrual cycle and the chances of pregnancy on that day.
This method is most effective for women with a menstrual cycle from 26 days to 32 days.
Women with a cycle falling outside this range should use a different method of family planning.
Here is how to use the cycle beads:
Place a rubber ring in the red bead on the first day of the period.
Move the band over the beads in the direction of the arrow.
The brown beads indicate safe days. The white beads indicate unsafe days.
6. Standard Days Method
Similar to the calendar method, this method involves tracking your cycle for eight to ten continuous cycles and is effective only if your cycle is more than 27 days.
Here is how you can predict safe days using this method:
Consider the shortest cycle for the calculation of the first fertile day.
Subtract 18 from the total number of days.
Use the result to count from the first day of your cycle to mark the first fertile day.
Consider the longest cycle for the calculation of the last fertile day.
Subtract 11 from the total number of days.
Use the result to count from the first day of your cycle to mark the last fertile day.
When you have identified your first and last fertile days, it is easy to track the safe sex days too.
Standard assumptions:
Sperm lives for 4-6 days in the reproductive tract and can fertilise an egg during this period.
Only one egg is released per cycle and lives for 24 hours, during which time it can be fertilised.
The most fertile period is 7 days before ovulation and 3-4 days after your period.
How Effective Are Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs) to Avoid Pregnancy?
Because of many variable factors, the safe-days method is not 100% reliable. Some women trust this method completely. Hormonal changes (that you are not aware of) and irregular periods can cause errors in calculating the infertile period. Condoms are the easiest option, but if you dislike using them, then the next best choice is oral contraception.
FAMs will work only if:
You are meticulous with the safe period calculation and follow it accurately.
Your partner is willing to follow the safe-days-only sex method.
You use other forms of contraception on your fertile days.
What Are the Advantages of Using Fertility Awareness Methods to Avoid Pregnancy?
If used correctly, FAMs can give you reasonable protection from unwanted pregnancy.
Some advantages of using FAMs are:
No expense
No medication, therefore no side effects.
Greater understanding between a couple.
Some religious beliefs do not allow artificial contraception, so the safe day’s method is preferred.
By opting for fertility awareness methods, individuals contribute to a sustainable approach to contraception, reducing the environmental impact associated with the production, packaging, and disposal of traditional contraceptives.
Fertility awareness methods foster a deeper connection with one’s body, promoting self-awareness and empowerment as individuals better understand their unique reproductive cycles.
What Are the Disadvantages of Using Fertility Awareness Methods to Avoid Pregnancy?
Difficult to implement if your partner is unwilling to follow this method.
No protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
Some medicines (even over-the-counter ones) can cause errors in calculation.
Sometimes the tracking of periods becomes cumbersome, and calculations can be inaccurate because of hormonal changes.
Tracking and calculating fertility cycles can sometimes add stress and anxiety to individuals or couples relying solely on fertility awareness methods for contraception.
Fertility awareness methods require careful planning and adherence to specific windows of fertility and infertility. This can limit the spontaneity and freedom of engaging in sexual activity.
Things to Remember About Having Sex During the Safe Period
First and foremost, there is no such thing as a 100% safe period.
It works best if your periods are regular because fluctuating cycles can cause an aberration.
If your menstrual cycle days fluctuate by more than eight days in a six-month period, the safe day calculation will not work.
Sometimes you might need to use emergency contraceptive pills to avoid a pregnancy.
Other Ways to Have Sex Without Worrying About Getting Pregnant
Looking for other ways to have sex without worrying about conception? We’ve got you covered.
1. Use a Condom
The easiest method of contraception, condoms also protect you from STDs.
2. Try New Positions, Places and Tricks
Spice up things by having intercourse in different positions and places in the house!
3. Invest in Sex Toys
With couples shedding their inhibitions in the bedroom, it is easy to find a sex toy which you both love. Choose from vibrators, dildos and more for a pleasurable experience.
4. Sexy Foreplay
Engage in a game of strip poker or invent a game of your own to add fun to foreplay.
The FAM is one birth control method, but it has disadvantages. So, ensure you are vigilant and thorough with your calculations to avoid an accidental pregnancy.
FAQs
1. Can You Have Sex While on Period?
Yes, it is possible to have sex while on your period. However, some individuals may find it messy or uncomfortable. It’s important to note that even during menstruation, there is still a slight risk of pregnancy, especially if you have a shorter menstrual cycle.
2. How Many Days After My Period Will I Ovulate?
If your cycle is regular, ovulation happens 14 days before your subsequent period. If you have a healthy reproductive system and a typical 28-day menstrual cycle, you will ovulation around the 14th day. You may ovulate at any moment between the eighth and nineteenth day in a cycle that lasts between 26 and 32 days.
3. Can I Get Pregnant If Having Sex Immediately After My Period?
While the chances of getting pregnant immediately after your period are relatively low, it is still possible. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days. If you have a shorter menstrual cycle, you will likely ovulate shortly after your period ends. Therefore, it’s important to use contraception consistently to avoid pregnancy.
4. When a Woman Can’t Get Pregnant?
Various factors can contribute to a woman’s inability to conceive, such as underlying medical conditions, hormonal imbalances, age-related factors, or issues with the reproductive organs. If a woman has been actively trying to conceive without success for a prolonged period (typically one year), it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation.
5. How Many Days Are You Safe in a Month?
The length of periods and the ovulation date, which are subject to alter due to several circumstances, determine the safe sex period within each month. Therefore, any period extending past the fertile window may be considered safe, but not fully, as pregnancy risks still exist.
6. Is There a Health Risk of Unprotected Sex During the Safe Period?
Unprotected intercourse poses hazards for the development of unintended pregnancy, STDs, and other infections (such as UTIs), necessitating contraceptives at any time of the month.
7. What to Do When You Become Pregnant During the Safe Period?
It may be unexpected but not impossible if you become pregnant during the safe period or while using fertility awareness methods. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to confirm the pregnancy and discuss your options, whether it is continuing the pregnancy or considering other alternatives. They can provide guidance and support throughout the decision-making process.
References/Resources:
1. Fertility Awareness Based Methods; Emergency Contraception In India; All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences; https://www.aiims.edu/aiims/events/Gynaewebsite/ec_site/manual/1_fertility_awareness.htm
2. Your menstrual cycle; OASH; https://www.womenshealth.gov/menstrual-cycle/your-menstrual-cycle
3. Safe Days Calculator; icliniq; https://www.icliniq.com/tool/safe-days-calculator
4. Physiology, Ovulation And Basal Body Temperature; NIH; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546686/
5. Su. HW, Yi. YC, Wei. TY, et al.; Detection of ovulation, a review of currently available methods; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5689497/; September 2017
6. LACTATIONAL AMENORRHEA AND OTHER FERTILITY AWARENESS BASED METHODS; Health Maryland; https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/mch/FP_Guidelines_2016/1.6,Contraception,LAMandNaturalFamilyPlanning,Final,2012.pdf?Mobile=1&&Source=/mch/_layouts/mobile/dispform.aspx?List=f396a900%2D4316%2D484d%2Dacb0%2Ddaaa3ea27815&&View=fc60c706%2D8e28%2D4618%2D8efa%2D9e39bf027ec3&&ID=786&&CurrentPage=1
7. Can I get pregnant just after my period has finished?; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/pregnancy/can-i-get-pregnant-just-after-my-period-has-finished/
8. Anzillote. AW; When’s the Best Time to Have Sex and Avoid Pregnancy?; Nemours Teens Health; https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/avoid-pregnancy.html
Also Read:
Calendar Based Methods of Contraception
Can You Get Pregnant on Your Period?
Calendar Method of Family Planning
Read more
What Should Be the Best Age Gap Between Siblings?
It’s not new that most parents think of having a second child when their firstborn is still growing up. The joint family culture can further fuel the thought in the minds of new parents of having another child. Almost all parents who have had at least one sibling want a sibling for their child. But, they may also be stressed thinking about whether it is too early or too late to have a second child. What is the best age gap between kids? If you have these questions in your mind too, then this article is for you. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of keeping a certain age gap between two kids.
What Is the Best Age Gap Between Siblings?
Wondering what’s the ideal sibling age gap? Age gaps between siblings can vary from a year to about 5 years or more. Each age gap between 1st and 2nd child has its own share of benefits and challenges. We have broken this article in three age-gap categories – small, medium and large to provide better insights into each group. The pros and cons given below should help you decide how soon or late you want to have your second child.
1. Small Age Gap
An age gap of 18 months or less is considered a small age gap. In this case, the second child is conceived within a few months after the birth of the first child.
Pros
Your children will practically grow up together, provided you have enough energy to cope with the demands of both the children.
The years of changing soiled diapers and listening to whiny babies will extend from a few months to a year. However, this would all end completely in a short time, allowing you to come back to your normal life.
Your older child will start feeling like an elder sibling and proceed to do things by himself. The younger sibling might learn a few things quickly by observing the elder child.
Since both the children will nearly grow together, they will learn to share things with each other. There might be fights also, but a strong bond of friendship will develop between them. They will have a partner to play with most part of their childhood.
With the right kind of parenting, the short difference in their age won’t give rise to a feeling of jealousy or rivalry between them.
Once they grow up to a reasonable age, you might get to focus on your career and make other choices in your life as you might not have to worry about their needs.
Cons
Giving birth to a second child within a year after the first one is born can be extremely tough. The initial years will be absolutely filled with the same routine of waking up in the middle of the night, wading through soiled diapers, breastfeeding, washing dirty linen endlessly, etc.
The opportunities you will get to enjoy watching your babies grow up will be fewer since you will always be occupied with one child or the other. This can get quite exhausting for both the parents.
The sleep schedules of your elder child might not be regularised by the time the younger child is born. This could then result in clashes as both children might require attention in different ways at the same time.
Having two children one after the other can strain your finances since it calls for an extra crib, an extra pram, seats, all of which could be reused if the second child is born after a few years.
Since both the children will be growing up simultaneously, the expenses to meet their demands and the money required for their education will all take place at the same time, and your budget may fly out the window.
2. Medium Age Gap
A medium age difference between siblings is around 2 and 3 years. Most parents prefer having a medium age gap between two children as it allows the mother to recover completely.
Pros
Having a decent age gap of 2-3 years between each kid will allow you to focus on your child and be involved in the growth years of each child.
By the time you have the second baby, your elder one will start becoming independent – he will start eating or playing on his own. You will be done with his share of soiled diapers and nappies too. Your elder baby would also be able to communicate his needs in a better manner. This will provide quite some relief, especially when you are looking after the second child.
Your first child would be extremely excited to get in the role of the elder sibling. He might even take the responsibility of looking after his younger sibling and keeping him engaged, while you take care of other things.
With a gap of 2-3 years, your body would have recovered from the stress of your first pregnancy. In 2-3 years, your body will be healthy and ready to give birth again. Nursing the second child will also become convenient as you will have weaned your firstborn onto solid foods.
You will be able to schedule your infant’s activities better when your toddler starts going to preschool.
Cons
With a 2-3 year age difference, there will be a few years before the siblings could play with each other.
Over the years, the age gap can create problems. The younger child might want to join the elder one and learn from him. But the elder one may refuse to play with the younger one, as he lacks the skill to understand the game. This can lead to arguments, fights, and endless crying. These differences even out in their teenage years.
As the life of the elder child changes, the younger one might inevitably become a part of it. For example, if you have to feed your younger child and at the same time drop the elder one off at school, you might have to take your toddler along. If this happens too often, the younger child might not always get the rest he needs.
Sometimes, you might not be able to leave the younger baby. You might then need to hire a nanny or employ daycare for your elder child, which could eat into your expenses.
3. Large Age Gap
An age gap of 5 years and above is defined as a large age gap. This age gap is preferred mostly by young parents as age and health play an important role when it comes to having a child. However, with proper planning and with the help of artificial insemination, couples who have been diagnosed with declining fertility may also choose to have a large age gap between their first and the second born. Let’s examine some pros and cons of keeping a large age gap between two children.
Pros
You get the chance to experience complete growth and development of both your children until they reach school. This allows you to focus on each child until they turn independent.
Having handled one entire cycle of pregnancy, delivery, and caring for your firstborn, you will be able to handle the second pregnancy in a better manner. You will have enough energy and loads of time on hand to be able to focus on the new baby completely.
The elder sibling will be more than happy to help you take care of the baby. It’s best not to load him with the responsibilities of a parent, but you must allow the dynamics of an elder sibling with the younger one develop by itself.
Cons
A large age gap puts each child in a completely different developmental stage, which might result in them having little in common.
Schooling will be different for both of them since one might still be in school while the other goes to college.
Each child will make his own set of demands to you, and making them feel they are equally important will be a tightrope walk. The younger one might want to play when you are busy helping the elder one with schoolwork. Or the elder one might need your help to complete his homework when you are occupied with the younger one.
In your heart, you may feel ready to have the next baby. But, your body might take its time to get pregnant. Certain medical risks are also involved with a large gap between pregnancies.
The groups you made when your first child was a toddler might not exist anymore. Therefore, for the younger child, you might have to start from scratch and get used to the novelty all over again.
While taking care of your first child, you might have made the shift to working part-time or socialising with your friends. Choosing another child would mean taking a break from work and socialising yet again. The social conversations might also revolve around future plans for the growing kids, while you are still engrossed in choosing the right kind of diaper for your newborn.
When to Have Another Child – Deciding Factors
Here are some factors you should consider before you decide to have your second child:
1. Age and Fertility
Age and fertility are inversely proportional to each other. The more the couples’ age, the less fertile they become. Therefore, when making a decision to have a second child, think about these two factors.
2. Previous Delivery
The time from the previous delivery is also a deciding factor in some cases. Women who have had a normal delivery prior to conceiving for the second time can have a short gap, whereas, for those who have had a cesarean, medium age gap is a must.
3. Financial Condition
A smaller gap between consecutive children can put quite a load on the finances in the present as well as in the future. A larger gap helps space out expenses in a better way.
4. Age Gap
The difference in age between siblings has its own share of pros and cons. Take them into account when you want to have your second baby.
5. Babies Within a Short Period of Time
This allows you to get done with the infantile care of both children in a comparatively short period. When your kids have grown up, you are then free to pursue other goals. But, it can get quite taxing physically and emotionally, while raising the babies.
6. Babies With a Larger Age Gap
This allows you to have time for each child in a focused manner but at the cost of your career and social life.
7. Emotional Preparation
Of course, you will plan everything, you will be rational and think about your finances when planning for a second child. But, it is extremely important to know whether you really want a second child and if you are prepared to handle it all. More than anything else, being ready emotionally is necessary.
FAQs
1. How does the ideal age gap between children affect parental stress levels?
Surprisingly, studies indicate that a larger age gap, such as 4-5 years or more, may lead to lower parental stress levels. Parents may have more time to focus on each child’s developmental needs and may experience less strain juggling the demands of multiple young children simultaneously.
2. Are there any cultural or societal factors influencing the ideal age gap between children?
Cultural norms and societal expectations vary widely, impacting preferences for the age gap between children. In some cultures, a larger age gap may be preferred to allow parents to devote more attention to each child’s early development, while in others, a smaller age gap may be encouraged to foster strong sibling bonds.
3. How does the ideal age gap between children impact family dynamics during adolescence and beyond?
While the ideal age gap can influence sibling relationships during childhood, its effects can extend into adolescence and adulthood. A smaller age gap may lead to closer relationships and greater emotional support between siblings, while a larger age gap may result in more independent relationships with less rivalry but potentially fewer shared experiences.
Every family handles the choice of a second child in a different manner. No choice is better than the other, except for health issues. Choose what works best for you and take the leap in expanding your family.
References/Resources:
1. Dhamrait. G, O’Donnell. M, Christian. H, Pereira. G; Is early childhood development impeded by the birth timing of the younger sibling? (PLOS One); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9089893/; May 2022
2. Interpregnancy Care; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/obstetric-care-consensus/articles/2019/01/interpregnancy-care
3. Preconception Care (Position Paper); American Academy of Family Physicians; https://www.aafp.org/about/policies/all/preconception-care.html
4. Hutcheon. J, Nelson. H, Stidd. R, et. al.; Short interpregnancy intervals and adverse maternal outcomes in high-resource settings: An updated systematic review (Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology); National Library of Medicine; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30311955/; January 2019
5. What’s the best age gap between siblings?; NCT; https://www.nct.org.uk/pregnancy/having-another-baby/whats-best-age-gap-between-siblings
6. Family planning: Get the facts about pregnancy spacing; Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/family-planning/art-20044072
7. How to Prepare Your Older Children for a New Baby; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/Pages/Preparing-Your-Family-for-a-New-Baby.aspx
Also Read:
Getting Pregnant in Your 30s
How to Prepare Your Body for Pregnancy?
Pros and Cons of Having a Third Child
Read more
16 Best Sex Position to Get Pregnant
When you and your partner are ready to start a family, maximising your chances of conceiving becomes an exciting priority. While there’s no surefire way to guarantee pregnancy, certain sex positions can help optimise the chances of sperm reaching the egg. From classic positions to creative variations, experimenting with different techniques can add a sense of fun and adventure to your journey toward parenthood. In this article, we’ll explore 16 of the best position to get pregnant. Remember, the key is to find what feels comfortable and enjoyable for you and your partner, as the ultimate goal is to foster intimacy and connection during this special time. With that in mind, let’s look at some good positions for getting pregnant that can help you feel connected, comfortable, and confident as you try to conceive.
Also Read: When and How Often to Have Sex to Get Pregnant?
Do Sex Positions Play a Role in Getting Pregnant?
Although there is no scientific evidence to prove that some sexual positions are more effective than others for getting pregnant, there are many age-old beliefs that say this (1).
The male sperm should be ejaculated and deposited as close to the female cervix as possible. Therefore, a couple who wants to conceive should avoid positions that don’t allow exposure of the cervix to the male sperm.
Is It Essential to Have an Orgasm to Conceive?
An orgasm is a feeling of intense pleasure for both partners. Some describe it as a tingling sensation, while others describe it as an explosive feeling. In men, orgasm leads to the ejaculation of sperm whereas, in women, it involves lubricated vaginal walls and a swollen clitoris along with the release of built-up tension.
Many women wonder whether an orgasm makes it easier for them to get pregnant. The answer is – no. Orgasm helps a woman feel relaxed and enjoy sex, though gentle contractions in the uterus may help the sperm move towards the fallopian tubes. But these contractions happen even without an orgasm taking place. Therefore, it isn’t a must to have an orgasm to conceive (2) (3).
Good positions for Getting Pregnant
There have been debates over the existence of sex positions for pregnancy. But as they haven’t been proven scientifically, all you can do is hypothesise and try different positions. Here are some best intercourse position to get pregnant:
1. Missionary Position
The missionary position is one of the most popular and common sex positions for getting pregnant. It can be said that most babies in the world are born because of this sex position. That’s because the sperm is deposited closer to the cervix in the upper vagina, facilitating easy access to the uterine and cervical canal (1) (3). The woman lies on her back while the man is on top.
2. Glowing Triangle Position
This sex position is similar to the missionary position but is slightly different. Although the woman lies on her back with the man on top, the man is on all fours. The woman’s pelvis is raised, and her legs are wrapped around her partner. The glowing triangle position allows deeper penetration and increases the chances of conception.
Also Read: How to Get Pregnant Without Sexual Intercourse
3. Doggy Style
The doggy position increases the chances of pregnancy as it involves deep penetration. It requires both partners to be on their fours. The man penetrates the woman from behind. This position opens up the cervix and makes it easy for the sperm to fertilise the egg (1) (3).
4. Magic Mountain Position
Source: Pinterest
The magic mountain position is a variant of doggy style. In this, the man bends over the woman such that the woman’s back is against his chest. For better balance and support, the woman can use cushions or pillows under her upper body. The magic mountain position allows faster and deeper movement of sperm and is effective for achieving an orgasm.
5. Anvil Position
The anvil position is a variant of the classic missionary pose. In this position, the woman has to raise her legs above her head. It offers good chances of conceiving because of deep penetration. The raised legs help in stimulating the woman’s G-spot, as well.
6. Plough Position
The plough position not only gives you a better chance of conceiving but also adds zing to your sex life. The woman is positioned like a wheel burrow with her legs in the air. Gravity does its trick and pulls the sperm deeper into the cervix.
7. Spooning Position
Source: Pinterest
This is a romantic and effective position in which the woman lies to her side and the man spoons her from behind. Spooning allows the woman’s cervix to be angled at 90 degrees and provides better accessibility to the sperm.
8. Butterfly Position
Infuse some excitement and adventure between the sheets by making love in this position. In the butterfly position, the woman lies on a table and her partner raises her hips while penetrating her. It’s one of the best and most effective sex positions to conceive as it allows the sperm to stay in the woman’s vagina for longer.
In this sex position, the woman stands with her back to her partner. He penetrates her from behind while holding her waist. The woman leans forward so that the sperm have better access to her cervix.
10. Sphinx Position
This sphinx sex position requires the woman to lie on her tummy with one leg bent to the side and the other straight. The man straddles her from behind with his weight on his forearms. This is an excellent position for conception as it allows deep penetration.
11. Peg Position
In this position, the woman is on top while the man lies on his back. The peg position not only helps the woman orgasm but also conceive. It’s suitable for women who have heavier male partners.
12. Reverse Cowgirl Position
The reverse cowgirl is another position that has the woman on top. This is excellent for couples who want to have a baby. It involves the man lying on his back with the woman sitting on top of him, facing his feet. She can control the depth of penetration.
13. Splitting Bamboo Position
The splitting bamboo position is an extremely adventurous pose that provides great sexual satisfaction and improves the chances of conception. This famous Kamasutra pose requires the woman to raise one of her legs and place it against her partner’s shoulder. The man straddles the woman.
14. Standing
Engaging in intercourse while standing allows for different angles and deeper penetration, giving the sperm a direct path to the cervix.
15. Side-by-Side
Lying on your sides facing each other, this position allows for deep penetration while providing intimacy and closeness.
16. Elevated Hips
Placing a pillow under the woman’s hips during any position can help tilt the pelvis and allow for better access to the cervix.
These are some of the best sexual positions to get pregnant. While what works for a couple might not seem to work for others, the journey to creating a baby is different and unique for everyone, and we hope this list of compiled best positions to get pregnant helps ease the journey for you and your partner.
Tips
Apart from the above sexual positions to fall pregnant, these tips will help you conceive faster (1) (4).
Consuming alcohol affects ovulation, the menstrual cycle and hormones, making conceiving difficult.
Consuming too much tea or coffee affects reproductive health and fiddles with conception.
Refrain from smoking. Smoking interferes with the quality of the eggs and sperm and increases the chances of genetically defective embryos.
Keep your body and mind healthy to improve your chances.
Being either underweight or overweight on the BMI scale can affect your fertility.
Can Lying Down After Sex Boost Your Chances of Conceiving?
As gravity affects lovemaking, lying down after sex will ensure the semen stays in and around your cervix. If you’ve been trying to conceive to no avail, try lying down for ten minutes after intercourse with your hips raised to encourage the sperm to travel to the egg (3). There’s no guarantee that doing this will make you pregnant, but trying doesn’t hurt. However, don’t try this if your doctor has advised a visit to the restroom immediately after lovemaking.
What Is the Right Time to Conceive?
To become pregnant, you need to have sex at the right time. The fertility period lasts for six days in a month. These six days include the ovulation day and the five days leading up to it. The egg released on the ovulation day only survives for 24 hours, but the sperm can stay as long as 7 days in your vagina (5). Therefore, the sperm has a six-day window to wait for the egg and fertilise it.
Irrespective of the length of your menstrual cycle, ovulation usually happens 14 days before your next menstrual cycle (6). You’re likely to get pregnant if you have sexual intercourse a day or two before ovulation. As it’s not easy to predict the ovulation date, it is a good idea to enjoy sex every two or three days.
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
If you’ve been making love with the above sex positions and at the right time, you should soon hear good news. How long you need to wait depends on your age. You should go to a doctor if (7):
You’re below 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for one year.
You’re above 35 and have been trying to get pregnant for six months.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to seek medical help immediately.
Irregular or missed periods
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Endometriosis
History of miscarriages
Hernia surgery or issue with the testicles (in male partners)
FAQs
1. How often should we have intercourse when trying to conceive?
Most experts suggest every 1-2 days during the fertile window, especially in the days leading up to ovulation (3).
2. Do lubricants affect chances of pregnancy?
Some lubricants can slow sperm movement. If needed, choose a sperm-friendly or fertility-safe lubricant (8).
3. What’s the best position to get pregnant with tilted uterus?
A tilted uterus rarely impacts your chances of conceiving (9). Still, many people find that rear-entry positions feel more comfortable and may provide a better angle, making them a commonly suggested choice.
Getting pregnant is one of the biggest joys every couple looks forward to. Although there’s no guarantee, you can try different sex positions to increase your chances of conception. We recommend getting a complete health check-up before starting a family.
Also Read:
How to Get Pregnant Fast?
Most Common Baby Making Mistakes
Does Orgasm Boost Your Odds of Getting Pregnant?
Read more
15+ Simple & Reliable Homemade (DIY) Pregnancy Tests
The journey of parenthood is a profound and life-altering experience, one that often begins with the anticipation of a new life. As couples or individuals embark on this transformative path, the need for accurate and accessible methods of confirming pregnancy becomes crucial.
Before modern pregnancy test kits were invented, women would use homemade pregnancy tests. A lot of these natural pregnancy tests are useful and can be easily done with kitchen ingredients. While commercial pregnancy tests are readily available today, there’s a growing interest in exploring alternative options that are not only cost-effective but also rely on everyday household items. Read on to learn the various home remedies for pregnancy tests.
Benefits of Natural Pregnancy Tests
There are some obvious and some not-so-obvious benefits of a natural pregnancy test. Here are some of them:
A natural pregnancy test is useful in case of an unplanned pregnancy.
You don’t need to buy a pregnancy test kit. So, you can keep your pregnancy a secret.
These tests can be done using the ingredients available at home.
They are cheaper as compared to kits.
You do not need to worry about the expiry date of the test.
How to Check Pregnancy at Home?
A visit to a gynaecologist is the most reliable way of checking for pregnancy. You can also use a DIY pregnancy test, though it’s not very reliable.
Most DIY pregnancy tests analyse the urine, so make sure you collect the urine as soon as you wake up in the morning. Drink plenty of water and wait till your bladder feels full before collecting.
Note that the sample should be sufficient to perform the test a second time.
16 Pregnancy Tests You Can Perform at Home
Here are 16 DIY natural pregnancy tests.
1. Sugar Pregnancy Test
Sugar has been used to check for pregnancy since time immemorial. It’s the most common natural pregnancy test among women.
What You Need:
A clean bowl
Sugar
A sample of urine collected as soon as you wake up in the morning
Method:
Add one tablespoon of sugar to a bowl and pour the collected urine sample on it. Now, wait and watch.
Positive Sign:
The urine of a pregnant woman contains the hormone hCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin). This hormone prevents sugar from dissolving. If the sugar doesn’t readily dissolve and forms clumps instead, it is a clear sign of pregnancy.
Negative Sign:
If the sugar readily dissolves in the urine, it means that the urine does not contain hCG. You aren’t pregnant.
Caution:
This test is relatively harmless, and no special safety measures need to be followed.
2. Toothpaste Pregnancy Test
For a toothpaste pregnancy test, only white toothpaste should be used.
What You Need:
A clean bowl
Toothpaste – 2 tbsp
A sample of urine collected as soon as you wake up in the morning
Method:
Take two tablespoons of toothpaste in a bowl, and add a tablespoon of the collected urine sample. Wait and observe.
Positive Sign:
In the case of pregnancy, the toothpaste will react with the urine to become blue in colour. It may also turn frothy.
Negative Sign:
In the case of a negative result, the toothpaste will not react with the urine at all.
Caution:
While this test is useful and can be easily done at home, it has certain drawbacks. One, there are no prescribed guidelines on how much urine needs to be added to the toothpaste. Secondly, the time it takes for the reaction to happen can vary from woman to woman.
3. Soap Pregnancy Test
This test can be easily done at home. Almost any soap can be used regardless of the brand, colour or addition of fragrance.
What You Need:
A clean bowl
A bar of soap
A sample of urine collected as soon as you wake up in the morning
Method:
Place the soap in a bowl, and pour two tablespoons of urine on the soap.
Positive Sign:
If the soap froths and bubbles appear, then it’s likely that you are pregnant.
Negative Sign:
If you aren’t pregnant, there won’t be a reaction between the soap and the urine sample.
Caution:
None
4. Mustard Powder Pregnancy Test
If you’ve missed your periods and suspect that you’re expecting, consider the mustard powder test for pregnancy.
What You Need:
Warm water in a bath tub
Mustard powder – 1/2 – 3/4 cup
Method:
Add mustard powder to the water in the bathtub, and immerse yourself in it for twenty-five minutes. Wait for two to three days.
Positive Sign:
Since mustard induces a period, you should get your periods in two to three days. If the periods don’t kick in, then it’s likely that you’re pregnant.
Negative Sign:
The onset of periods within three days of this test would indicate that your periods were delayed for reasons other than pregnancy.
Caution:
None
5. Shampoo Pregnancy Test
This test is as convenient as the toothpaste and soap pregnancy tests. The results can be observed instantly.
What You Need:
A clean bowl
Two drops of shampoo
Water
A sample of urine collected as soon as you wake up in the morning
Method:
Put two drops of shampoo in a clean bowl, add some water to form a soapy solution, and whisk gently. Now add a few drops of the collected urine and observe.
Positive Sign:
If the shampoo solution froths or forms bubbles, it’s a sign of pregnancy.
Negative Sign:
If there’s no reaction, you can safely assume that you are not pregnant.
Caution:
Mixing shampoo and water to form a soapy solution without frothing is tricky as the presence of froth can interfere with the results.
6. Dettol Pregnancy Test
Dettol is a commercially available mild antiseptic for treating minor cuts and bruises at home. This product may also be used to conduct a natural pregnancy test. Here’s how.
What You Need:
A clean glass
Dettol – 1 tbsp
A sample of urine collected as soon as you wake up in the morning
Method:
Pour one tablespoon of Dettol into a glass, and add 3 tablespoons of urine such that Dettol and urine are in the ratio of 1:3. Sit back and observe for five to seven minutes.
Positive Sign:
If the urine forms a separate layer on top, it means you are pregnant.
Negative Sign:
If the solution mixes, then the result is negative.
Caution:
None
7. Salt Pregnancy Test
Table salt can also be used to check for pregnancy. It’s one of the cheapest and most reliable tests.
What You Need:
A clean glass
A pinch or two of salt
A sample of urine collected as soon as you wake up in the morning
Method:
Pour some urine sample into a glass, add a pinch or two of salt, and observe for at least three minutes.
Positive Sign:
If you’re carrying a baby, creamy white clumps will form.
Negative Sign:
If there’s no reaction, the result is negative.
Caution:
None
8. Vinegar Pregnancy Test
Vinegar can also be used to test for pregnancy. You can use plain white vinegar which is low priced and readily available in grocery stores.
What You Need:
A clean glass
White vinegar
A sample of urine collected as soon as you wake up in the morning
Method:
Pour some vinegar into a glass and add the urine sample to it. Let the solution sit for 5 minutes and observe the results.
Positive Sign:
Any change in the colour of vinegar is an indication of pregnancy.
Negative Sign:
If there is no visible change in the colour, it means there’s no pregnancy.
Caution:
Add the urine sample slowly to the vinegar to avoid frothing. Bubbles and frothing would affect the accuracy of the test.
9. Pine-Sol Pregnancy Test
Pine-sol is a common household antimicrobial agent. It’s made from needle-like leaves and other parts of the pine tree. A pine-sol pregnancy test is considered accurate.
What You Need:
A clean glass
Pine-sol
A sample of urine collected as soon as you wake up in the morning
Method:
Pour some pine-sol into a glass, add the urine sample and observe.
Positive Sign:
In the case of pregnancy, the pine-sol will change to a bluish-green colour.
Negative Sign:
No change in the colour means that you aren’t pregnant.
Caution:
For this test, unscented, regular golden-brown pine-sol should be used.
10. Wheat & Barley Pregnancy Test
An ancient recipe holds that wheat and barley seeds germinate three times faster in a pregnant woman’s urine than water. This test is based on the above theory.
What You Need:
A bowl
Wheat and barley seeds
A sample of urine collected as soon as you wake up in the morning
Method:
Put some wheat and barley seeds in a bowl, add the urine sample and wait for a couple of days.
Positive Sign:
If the seeds germinate in a couple of days, you could be pregnant.
Negative Sign:
No germination of seeds means no pregnancy.
Caution:
None
11. Bleaching Powder Pregnancy Test
Bleaching powder is also an effective substance to check for pregnancy. The advantage of this test is that the results can be observed quickly.
What You Need:
A clean glass
Bleaching powder
A sample of urine collected as soon as you wake up in the morning
Method:
Add bleaching powder to a glass, pour the urine sample into it and observe.
Positive Sign:
If there is a fizzing sound, lots of bubbles and frothing, it’s an indication of pregnancy.
Negative Sign:
If the solution settles down with no bubbles, then there is no pregnancy.
Caution:
Fumes produced by the reaction of urine and bleaching powder are toxic, so avoid inhalation.
12. Baking Soda Pregnancy Test
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is an ingredient that can also be used to test pregnancy at home.
What You Need:
A clean bowl
Baking soda
A sample of urine collected as soon as you wake up in the morning
Method:
Put some baking soda in a bowl, pour the urine sample over it and observe.
Positive Sign:
If there’s a reaction with bubbles and fizz, then you’re pregnant.
Negative Sign:
If there are no bubbles, then there is no pregnancy.
Caution:
This test is relatively safe and the reaction of baking soda with urine will not produce any fumes or harmful gases.
13. Storing Urine Pregnancy Test
The urine in a jar test has been used for centuries. You can predict whether you’re pregnant by just storing and observing your urine.
What You Need:
A clean glass jar
A sample of urine collected as soon as you wake up in the morning
Method:
Collect a sample of urine in a glass jar and let it stand for a day.
Positive Sign:
If you observe a thin film or layer on the surface after twenty-four hours, then there is a strong likelihood of pregnancy.
Negative Sign:
If there is no such layer, then you’re not pregnant.
Caution:
None
14. Tuna Juice & Vinegar Pregnancy Test
Considered to be one of the most accurate do-it-yourself tests at home, the tuna and vinegar pregnancy test has the highest probability of yielding accurate results.
What You Need:
A clean glass jar
White vinegar
Canned tuna
A sample of urine collected as soon as you wake up in the morning
Method:
Strain some juice out of the canned tuna into a glass jar, and add an equal amount of white vinegar. Mix and let it sit for a day at room temperature. On the next day, add the urine sample to it.
Positive Sign:
If the mix turns dark green, it indicates that you are pregnant.
Negative Sign:
Yellow colour indicates that you’re not pregnant.
Caution:
None
15. Wine Pregnancy Test
Did you know that you can also use wine to test for conception?
What You Need:
Wine
A sample of urine collected as soon as you wake up in the morning
Method:
Take half a cup each of wine and urine, and mix them. Wait and observe.
Positive Sign:
If the colour of the wine changes, it is a sign of pregnancy.
Negative Sign:
If there’s no change in colour, you may not be carrying a baby.
Caution:
None
16. Dandelion Leaves Pregnancy Test
This is one of the homemade pregnancy test that actually works.
What You Need:
Dandelion leaves
A plastic sheet
Urine sample collected early in the morning
Method:
Take a sheet and place a few dandelion leaves on it. Make sure that it is not directly under the sunlight. Pour your urine sample over the leaves and wait for 10 minutes.
Positive Sign:
If the leaves turn reddish-brown or bubble formates, assume you are pregnant.
Negative Sign:
If there are no changes in the leaves, then you are not pregnant yet.
Caution:
None
Tips to Increase the Accuracy of Homemade Pregnancy Tests
In general, DIY pregnancy tests are a good way to determine the presence of hCG in the urine. To enhance the accuracy of the tests, do these things.
Keep all the bowls, jars, cups and other utensils that you use for these tests clean and free from germs.
The sample of urine should be taken when you first visit the restroom in the morning. That’s because this urine sample has a greater concentration of the hCG, which is crucial for accuracy.
Ideally, the test should be done in the morning, as soon as you wake up.
Drink enough water the previous night to ensure that you have sufficient urine to conduct multiple tests, if necessary.
Some tests may take longer to show a reaction.
Use a plastic container and spatula to maintain hygiene during the test. Avoid metal containers as they may interact with chemical ingredients and reduce the accuracy of the result. Use disposable containers for the bleach and pine sol tests.
Don’t shake or disturb the sample while waitiing for a reaction.
Are These Tests 100% Accurate?
The simple answer is no! DIY pregnancy tests are never 100% accurate. Though these tests are similar to pregnancy test kits, the results could be inaccurate for various reasons.
There are no clear guidelines about the tests. Some tests don’t mention the ratio in which the ingredients should be added. Furthermore, the quantity and quality of ingredients could delay the time taken for a reaction.
DIY pregnancy tests should always be followed by a visit to the doctor, regardless of the results.
When Should You Take a Homemade Pregnancy Test?
If you’re wondering when you should take a DIY pregnancy test, we have the answer! As missed periods are a reliable sign of conception, you can use these tests a day or two after your missed period date. Some signs you can also look out for before taking the test are nausea, vomiting, tender and sore breasts, frequent urination, fatigue and bloating.
FAQs
1. Which Homemade Pregnancy Test Is More Reliable?
The wine pregnancy test is one of the most accurate homemade pregnancy tests.
2. Can You Perform a Home Pregnancy Test at Night?
Yes, DIY pregnancy tests can be done anytime at home. But it is recommended to do the test early morning urine to increase the accuracy of results.
3. Can a Home Pregnancy Test Detect One Week Pregnancy?
Home pregnancy test DIY may not be able to detect one-week pregnancy since the placenta begins to make the hCG hormones ten days post fertilization.
These tests are very useful if you want to keep your pregnancy a secret. The ease of conducting these tests and the ready availability of ingredients makes them very convenient for women who wish to know whether there’s good news.
References/Resources:
1. Signs of Pregnancy/The Pregnancy Test; stanfordchildrens.org; https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=signs-of-pregnancythe-pregnancy-test-85-P01236
2. Pregnancy Tests; my.clevelandclinic.org; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9703-pregnancy-tests
3. Home pregnancy tests: Can you trust the results?; mayoclinic.org; https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940
4. C. Gnoth, S. Johnson; Strips of Hope: Accuracy of Home Pregnancy Tests and New Developments; National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4119102/; July 2014
5. 17 Homemade (DIY) Pregnancy Tests To Try; hmhb.org; https://www.hmhb.org/homemade-diy-pregnancy-tests/
Also Read:
When to Take a Pregnancy Test?
How to Confirm Pregnancy at Home
Digital Pregnancy Test: How it Works?
Easy Ways to Confirm Pregnancy Without Doing a Test
Read more
How to Test for Pregnancy With Salt?
Expecting a little baby along life’s journey is a joy for most people. But a lot of trying, patience and preparation goes on before this phase begins. At such times a couple may want to increase their chances of getting pregnant as much as possible by following the right diet, the right sleep patterns, tracking for ovulation, the right sex positions, etc. Still, pregnancy may not happen easily for some. A skipped period is one of the biggest signs of pregnancy, but sometimes the excitement may lead you to purchase a pregnancy test earlier than the expected period dates. However, if you have been trying for a while, buying multiple tests can be an expensive affair. In fact, there are even ways to check for pregnancy without taking a test. Along with store-bought tests and kits, there are certain homemade pregnancy tests too that have been passed on for years. Pregnancy salt test, tests with sugar, bleach, toothpaste, vinegar or soap water are the most common ones.
What Is Pregnancy Test Using Salt?
Home pregnancy tests are non-medical methods of testing for pregnancy and were formulated when pregnancy testing kits were not available. As mentioned earlier, people use pregnancy tests with salt, sugar, bleach and many other ingredients to check for conception. All tests work on one principle – they detect the level of hCG hormone in urine. The salt pregnancy test involves a homemade approach using just two ingredients: salt and urine, mixed in a transparent and sanitized container. Advocates of this method suggest that if pregnancy is present, the salt may interact with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that becomes detectable in both blood and urine following embryo implantation in the uterus. Notably, this hormone is also targeted by commercial home pregnancy tests available in stores.
Let’s look at DIY pregnancy tests with salt in this article. How does salt help detect the hCG hormone in urine? Read on.
When Should You Do the Test?
If you are opting to try the salt and pee pregnancy test, you also need to also when it would be most effective. To get the most accurate results with this salt pregnancy test, you need to try it on the fifth day of ovulation. Since you will already be tracking your ovulation dates, this should not be a problem to figure out. However, before you try this method out, let’s look at exactly what the process is and how do you go about testing for pregnancy using salt.
How Accurate Is Pregnancy Test by Salt?
The pregnancy test using salt is not scientifically reliable or accurate. This DIY method, which involves mixing urine with salt to observe any reactions, lacks scientific validation and has no standardized procedure. There’s no evidence to support that the interaction between salt and the pregnancy hormone hCG can accurately indicate pregnancy. For reliable results, it’s best to use commercially available pregnancy tests that are specifically designed to detect hCG or consult with a healthcare provider for confirmation and guidance.
How to Test Pregnancy With Salt?
Before we read about homemade pregnancy tests, we were surprised to know what reactions urine and common household supplies may cause! We know you are too. And while it’s tough to believe the authenticity behind a pregnancy test using salt, it could be a fun try!
So, how to check pregnancy at home with salt? The procedure for doing this homemade test is simple.
Materials Needed – Gather some table salt, a transparent container (preferably glass), and an alarm to ensure the use of the first morning urine, which contains the highest concentration of the pregnancy hormone hCG (if present).
Collecting the Sample – Upon waking, use the alarm as a reminder to collect the first urine of the day. This sample is believed to have the highest concentration of hCG.
Adding Salt – To the collected urine in the transparent container, add roughly three-quarters of a teaspoon of table salt.
Observation Period – Wait for about one to two minutes to observe any reactions within the mixture.
Interpreting Results – A milk-like curdling appearance or the presence of white, crumb-like particles in the mixture is interpreted by proponents of this method as a positive sign of pregnancy. You can follow up with another test to be sure!
In case you are still unsure about the procedure and what a positive result looks like, here’s a video with examples of both positive and negative test results using this salt pregnancy test!
Try this test with the first urine of the day, as chances of pregnancy detection are more accurate then.
The urine curdles and foams if you are pregnant and remains unchanged if you are not.
The high HCG levels in the urine of a pregnant woman react with the salt, forming the foam.
How to Read the Results of Pregnancy Test Using Salt?
Reading the results of a pregnancy test using salt involves observing the reaction between the salt and the urine after mixing them. Here’s an explanation of how the results are typically interpreted, bearing in mind the scientific accuracy of such a method is highly questionable:
1. Timing and Sample Collection
It’s suggested to perform this test with the first urine of the morning. The rationale is that the first urine is more concentrated and, if pregnant, would contain higher levels of the hCG hormone, which is believed to increase the test’s chance of detecting pregnancy.
2. Observation of Reaction
After mixing the salt and the urine in a clear container:
Positive salt pregnancy test: If the mixture curdles and foams, it’s taken as an indicator of pregnancy. The belief is that the hCG hormone in a pregnant woman’s urine reacts with the salt, causing this foaming effect.
Negative test results: If the urine remains largely unchanged without curdling or foaming, it’s interpreted as a sign that one is not pregnant.
3. Interpretation Nuances
The process of interpreting the curdling and foaming can be subjective. Without specific chemical indicators or measurements, what one might consider a “foam” or “curdle” could vary greatly from person to person.
Despite these instructions, it’s crucial to remember that the presence of hCG is what over-the-counter pregnancy tests are designed to detect, but they do so with specific chemical markers and controlled reactions that have been scientifically validated. The idea that hCG would cause salt to curdle or foam lacks a scientific foundation, and the salt pregnancy test results could be influenced by many factors, including the concentration of the urine and the type of salt used.
Expectations From a Salt Pregnancy Test
With the salt pregnancy test, you can expect to get early results of pregnancy by a cheap and effective method.
However, most couples feel like store-bought kits may provide a more accurate answer. The truth is much like these homemade pregnancy tests, the store-bought ones too do not give you a guarantee of accuracy. These tests must be done at your and your partner’s own discretion. Know that these can only satiate your curiosity and give you some hope as you wait to conceive. Eventually, an appointment with your doctor and an ultrasound will give you the most accurate result, you’ll just have to wait a little longer.
Alternative Options to Check Your Pregnancy at Home
Home-based pregnancy testing can be an early step in discovering if you might be pregnant. While over-the-counter pregnancy tests are the most common method, there are several alternative ways to check for pregnancy at home, each with varying degrees of reliability. Remember, for a definitive confirmation, consult a healthcare provider.
1. Commercial Over-the-Counter Pregnancy Tests
The most reliable alternative for home pregnancy testing involves using commercial over-the-counter pregnancy tests. These tests are designed to detect the presence of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone in your urine, which is produced after a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of your uterus. Over-the-counter tests are highly accurate when used correctly and after the missed period. They come with instructions, and results are usually easy to read, often showing lines, plus or minus signs, or digital readings to indicate if you’re pregnant or not.
2. Pregnancy Test Apps With Smart Technology
Some newer technologies involve apps that claim to work with traditional urine tests to help interpret the results more accurately using your smartphone camera. These apps can reduce the uncertainty of reading a traditional pregnancy test by providing clearer digital results. Users take a picture of their test strip, and the app analyzes the results. However, the accuracy of these apps largely depends on the quality of the traditional test used and the correctness of the test-taking process. While these apps can offer a modern convenience, the reliability of the results should be considered as variable as the tests they interpret.
3. Monitoring Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Another method involves tracking your basal body temperature (BBT) over time to detect early signs of pregnancy. Your BBT is your lowest body temperature in a 24-hour period. After ovulation, if you’re pregnant, there will typically be a slight increase in your basal body temperature, sustained for more than two weeks. You’ll need a basal thermometer to accurately measure these small changes. This method requires daily measurements over time to establish a baseline and identify the slight increase in BBT that can suggest pregnancy. While tracking BBT can indicate potential pregnancy, it’s not definitive and can be influenced by many factors, such as illness, sleep patterns, and alcohol consumption.
When to Consult the Doctor?
If you think you might be pregnant, it’s advisable to seek medical advice. Early signs of pregnancy, like abdominal discomfort, exhaustion, changes in appetite, nausea, increased need to urinate, and a darkening of the areolas, can indicate potential pregnancy. Furthermore, if you’ve skipped your menstrual cycle for two straight months and still receive a negative result from an at-home pregnancy test, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider.
FAQs
1. Is there a specific type of salt that should be used for a salt pregnancy test?
No specific type of salt is recommended for a salt pregnancy test because the method itself lacks scientific validation. Table salt is commonly used in anecdotal descriptions of the test, but there is no evidence to suggest that different types of salt would affect the outcome differently.
2. Can the salt pregnancy test detect early pregnancy?
The salt pregnancy test is not a reliable method for detecting early pregnancy or any pregnancy stage due to its lack of scientific basis. Over-the-counter pregnancy tests and medical consultations are the most reliable ways to determine early pregnancy.
3. How often should you repeat the salt pregnancy test for accurate results?
Given the salt home pregnancy test’s unreliability and lack of scientific backing, repeating the test is not likely to provide accurate results. For those seeking confirmation of pregnancy, using a clinically validated home pregnancy test or visiting a healthcare provider is recommended.
In the meantime, enjoy spending time together and enjoy each moment of baby making, after all these intimate moments may be harder to find when you have a little bundle of cuteness crying his eyes out all night!
Have a happy baby-making phase and a happier pregnancy!
References/Resources:
1. Pregnancy; US. Food & Drug Administration; https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/home-use-tests/pregnancy
2. Home pregnancy tests: Can you trust the results?; Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/home-pregnancy-tests/art-20047940
3. Nepomnaschy. P, Weinberg. C, Wilcox. A, Baird. D; Urinary hCG patterns during the week following implantation (Human Reproduction); National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5330618/; February 2008
4. Pregnancy Tests; Planned Parenthood; https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/pregnancy/pregnancy-tests
5. Knowing if you are pregnant; U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office on Women’s Health; https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/you-get-pregnant/knowing-if-you-are-pregnant
6. Pregnancy tests; U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office on Women’s Health; https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/pregnancy-tests
7. The Thin Blue Line: The History of the Pregnancy Test; National Institutes of Health; https://history.nih.gov/exhibits/thinblueline/timeline.html
Also Read:
Taking a Pregnancy Test at Night
Baking Soda Test for Pregnancy
Urine Pregnancy Test – At Home and Clinic
Digital Pregnancy Test – How Does It Works?
Read more
How Often Should You Have Sex to Get Pregnant
If you plan on having a baby, you have likely started preparing for it physically and mentally. The first step would be to have sex at the right times to ensure that you have the best chance of conceiving. When trying to get pregnant, many couples are curious about how often should you have sex to get pregnant. While there isn’t a universal rule, having sex at the right time, especially around when a woman is most fertile, can make a big difference. Statistics indicate that the average couple needs to have sex at least 78 times before they can get pregnant. This comes to about roughly six months! So, how often should you really be having sex to increase your chances of conception? Keep reading to find out!
Is It Necessary to Have Sex Every Day to Get Pregnant?
In the enthusiasm to conceive quickly, you might be inclined to have sex on a daily basis, and this can be fun and enjoyable for the initial one or two months. But, if you do not get pregnant by then, sex every day can become a monotonous chore. The frequency with which you need to have sex will depend on factors such as the method you choose and any fertility problems that might exist. In instances of low sperm count or poor quality of sperm, having sex every day can prove counterproductive. Getting the opinion of a qualified medical professional can help you decide on what is best for you and your partner (1).
How Often Should You Have Sex When Trying to Conceive?
You will definitely need to have sex more often to optimise your chances of conceiving quickly. If there are no fertility issues with either you or your partner, having sex every day is also a good idea. But after a while, this can become a tedious task as opposed to the fun activity it once was. So, try to retain the romance and ignite feelings by doing something special for each other every now and then.
Have Sex Often During Fertile Periods
During every woman’s cycle, there are a few days when she is most fertile. Identifying this period and having sex every day during it maximises the chances of pregnancy (2). Keeping track of your menstrual cycle and marking out possible days of ovulation can be useful in increasing the odds. Usually, the five days just before ovulation are considered extremely fertile with a 25% chance of conception during the window every month. There are plenty of ways in which you can determine when you are at your most fertile. Charting your basal body temperature, monitoring your cervical mucus, and using ovulation prediction kits can help you identify your fertile days every month. Fertility monitors and calendars are some other things you might want to use (5).
Doctors typically recommend sex every other day starting the week before ovulation, or the beginning of the end of menstruation. While the body does not work the same way every time, it’s important to remember when you had your last period, and how you should go from there (7).
Sex During Least Fertile Periods
While it is true that having sex during your fertile days increases your chances of pregnancy, it does not mean that you must simply stop having sex during the less fertile days. Though it might not directly affect conception, research indicates that having sex can modify the immune system of women in many ways, which can enhance the chances of conception (3) (4).
When to Limit Sex to Get Pregnant?
If the man or the woman is facing fertility issues and is undergoing or being evaluated for treatment, the doctor might suggest refraining from sexual activity until the tests are done. Usually, if the couple is facing issues with fertility, they are advised to have sex every day during the fertile period. According to a recent study, if ovulation is estimated to be close, having sex even twice in the same day can produce positive results, especially in the case of male infertility.
FAQs
1. Does age affect how often we should have sex to conceive?
Age can impact fertility, making it important to consider how often to have sex. As women age, especially after 35, the chances of conception decrease, so having sex more frequently during the fertile window becomes crucial (7).
2. What role does diet play in fertility?
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can support reproductive health. Certain nutrients, such as folic acid, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, can enhance fertility. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet can also improve the chances of conception (6).
What may start off as a fun and exciting project – making a baby – can lead to stress and have an adverse effect on your relationship with your partner if it has been more than a month or two. Having sex during your fertile period does boost your chances of pregnancy significantly. At the same time, it is also true that having sex often during each month will also eventually lead to pregnancy if there are no underlying issues. So, do what you think works best for the two of you, and if you find it difficult to get pregnant even after one year of regularly trying, seek a medical opinion without hesitation.
References/Resources:
1. How long does it usually take to get pregnant?; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/how-long-it-takes-to-get-pregnant/
2. Right time for sex; Fertility Coalition; https://www.yourfertility.org.au/everyone/timing
3. Timing of sex for pregnancy; Tommy’s; https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/planning-a-pregnancy/how-to-get-pregnant/timing-sex-pregnancy
4. Sciarra. F, Campolo. F, Franceschini. E, et al.; Gender-Specific Impact of Sex Hormones on the Immune System; PubMed Central; https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10094624/
5. Calculating Your Monthly Fertility Window; The Johns Hopkins Medicine; https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/calculating-your-monthly-fertility-window#
6. Shmerling. R. H, Shmerling. A; Fertility and diet: Is there a connection?; Harvard Health Publishing; https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/fertility-and-diet-is-there-a-connection-2018053113949
7. Dr. Witt. B; Trying to Get Pregnant? Here’s When to Have Sex.; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/trying-to-get-pregnant-heres-when-to-have-sex
Also Read:
Sex Positions to Get Pregnant
How to Conceive Baby Fast & Easily
Best Foods That Can Boost Your Fertility
How To Get Pregnant Fast With Irregular Periods
Read more
How to Get Pregnant Fast – Useful Tips to Conceive Quickly
As a couple, you may have spent many years trying not to conceive a baby by having protected sex. But now, if you have made a decision to get pregnant and start a family, waiting would be the last thing you would want to do. In good hope, you must have even typed on the search bar, “How can I get pregnant fast?” If you want to get pregnant quickly, there are certain things you will have to take care of to make the most of the baby-making process. This article discusses the best time to try getting pregnant and methods that you can use to conceive a baby, along with some useful tips and suggestions that you can use, as a couple, to conceive a healthy baby naturally.
How to Get Pregnant Fast
If you are a young couple under the age of 35 and have unprotected sex regularly, it should take a maximum of 6 months to conceive a baby. However, if you have been trying for a year now and have not conceived, it is probably the time to seek medical help. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) offers the same recommendation for couples over the age of 35 who have not conceived after a period of 6 months (1).
Having said that, it is important that you remember that conceiving can take time. It is estimated that a healthy 30-year-old woman only has a 20% chance of getting pregnant any given month. Hence, as a couple, you must not stress about not getting pregnant and must continue to enjoy your sex life regularly.
Listed below are some of the basic steps you must take as a couple to increase your chances of conception:
1. Have Sex Regularly
According to fertility experts, you can have sex regularly, but not daily, as sperm can survive up to 5 days. Maintain a sufficient time gap between the incidences of sexual intercourse in order to give sperm enough time to build up. Have sex when you are most fertile, as your chances of conceiving during this time will be the highest. If you’re a female with a regular cycle of 30 days, your most fertile days will be from day 12 to day 18 from the first day of your period. If you have a cycle of 26-26 days, the ovulation will happen between 12 and 14 days in any given cycle (2). However, if your periods are irregular, your fertility days will differ.
2. Withdraw Birth Control Measures in Advance
Some hormonal forms of birth control can reduce your fertility even after you discontinue their use. In the case of birth control pills, their hormone effect should not be long-lasting, and you should be able to return to your regular menstrual cycles prior to the use of these pills. If you use intrauterine devices (IUDs), ensure that you get the device removed by a healthcare professional in order to regain your fertility. The effects of Depo-Provera can be more long-lasting; therefore, stop taking the shots at least a year prior to trying to conceive to improve your chances of pregnancy.
3. Learn About Your Cycle
You have been menstruating for over two decades now, but how much do you know about your cycle? If you want to get pregnant, it is important that you understand your cycle. By understanding your cycle, you will know when you’re most fertile and when would be the right time to get under the sheets with your partner (3).
Additionally, you must get rid of any unhealthy habits, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, to help you conceive a healthy baby. Following a regular dosage of folic acid (at least a month before trying to conceive) can improve your chances and reduce the risk of any birth defects in your baby. Maintaining normal body weight and limiting your intake of caffeine to around 16 ounces each day can also help.
When Is the Best Time to Conceive?
The best time to get pregnant is during the ovulation period, a period when a mature egg is released from the ovary. While sperm is able to survive for 48 to 72 hours after sex, the mature egg can only live for 12 to 24 hours after ovulation. This means that the female egg can only get fertilized 12-24 hours after it is released. Hence, to increase your chances of conception, it is best to have sex around 2-3 days before ovulation. This ensures that there is a healthy supply of sperm in the fallopian tube to fertilize the egg when it is finally released.
Predicting when your ovulation will happen can help immensely in conceiving your baby.
In the average 28-day menstruation cycle for any woman, ovulation happens only once and is generally around 14 days prior to the start of the next cycle. However, women with a 28-day menstruation cycle are in the minority, as most women have a menstruation cycle lasting between 24 and 35 days. As ovulation occurs 14 days before the last day of the cycle, or the day when you get your periods, it means that it could happen on day 10 for a woman with a 24-day menstruation cycle or on day 21 for a woman with a 35-day menstruation cycle.
Women with regular menstrual cycles can use devices such as the ovulation calculator to predict their ovulation time each month. Additionally, ovulation prediction kits that test your hormone levels throughout your menstruation period will be able to determine which day you are likely to ovulate.
For women with irregular periods, predicting when ovulation will happen can be a little difficult. If your menstrual cycle is irregular, you can look for the following symptoms that could indicate that ovulation is happening:
1. Note any increase in your basal body temperature.
Your basal body temperature is the temperature of your body at rest. This temperature increases slightly during the ovulation process. Take a measurement of your body temperature using a thermometer each morning before you get off your bed. You can detect your temperature patterns from your recordings. Fertility will be at the highest 2-3 days before the temperature rises.
2. Note any change in vaginal secretions.
Observe any increase in wet and sticky vaginal secretions, which happens just before ovulation. After ovulation, the cervical mucus lessens and appears to be thicker and cloudier.
How Long Does It Take to Conceive?
According to the Mayo Clinic, most healthy couples who frequently engage in unprotected sex conceive within a year (4). The American Pregnancy Association, on the other hand, say that 30% conceive in about one month, 60% in about three months, 80% in about 6 months, 85% within a year, and 92% within 4 years (3).
Have Sex Before the Ovulation Time Period?
Once you have estimated the monthly time frame of your ovulation, you should plan to have sex during the fertility window, which lasts two to three days before ovulation and on the day of your ovulation. The chances of pregnancy are high if you have intercourse between the five days leading to the ovulation and the ovulation day (5).
If you are unsure about the fertility window, aim to have sexual intercourse regularly during the second and third weeks of your menstruation cycle. This will ensure that there are enough healthy and active sperm in the fallopian tube before the release of the egg.
Additional tips about having sex before ovulation include ensuring that you, as a couple, have not gone through the long dry spell of not having sex prior to having intercourse during the fertility period. To prevent the build-up of dead sperm in the semen, the male partner should also ejaculate at least once in the days before having intercourse.
Best Ways to Increase Your Chances of Pregnancy
As a couple, you must both be in the best of physical health before you even try to conceive a baby. Most doctors would recommend that you fix an appointment with an obstetrician to discuss any health problems and to get screened for any genetic disorders. Additionally, your doctor can recommend you make some lifestyle-related changes, which can improve your chances of conception.
In order to increase your chances of conception, avoid the following:
1. Vaginal Lubricants
Many research studies have shown that the use of vaginal lubricants can damage the sperm and interfere with their movement to the uterus to fertilize the egg (6). This is because the pH level (acidity) of lubricants is high enough to kill the sperm. Instead of harmful lubricants, use foreplay activities such as sensitive touching, kissing, and hugging for 15 to 20 minutes before having intercourse. If foreplay does not work, it is better to use warm water as a lubricant, as water is not toxic to sperm.
2. High Caffeine
Women who consume caffeine in excessive amounts may find it hard to conceive. Many studies link high caffeine consumption to infertility issues in males; however, there is no clear evidence to make an association (7). While consuming around 200-300 mg of caffeine (equivalent to 2 cups of coffee) each day is fine, consumption of over 500 mg (or 5 cups of coffee) should be avoided, as it can reduce fertility in the long run.
3. Alcohol
Although there has been no research about the safe levels of alcohol consumption, couples, both men and women, who are trying to get pregnant must avoid its consumption completely. It is also recommended that women don’t drink during the second half of the menstruation cycle, after ovulation. In fact, heavy alcohol consumption is linked with an impact on men’s sperm count and quality, according to a 2017 research published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online (8).
4. Smoking
Couples who smoke may take a long time to conceive. Smoking must be strictly avoided by both partners when trying to have a baby. Not only can regular smoking impact your fertility, but it can also even impact your child’s future fertility level. Additionally, smoking can harm the female ovaries, cause low sperm count in men, increase the loss of eggs, and even result in early menopause for the woman (9).
Additional complications caused due to smoking include increased risks of miscarriage, along with premature or underweight babies.
5. Stress
High levels of stress can affect fertility in men and impact ovulation in women (10). Stress can cause a delay in the ovulation cycle, make you miss ovulation, or even increase the duration of the menstruation cycle. Stress due to financial problems or career issues that couples face can delay their conception efforts.
Stress-relieving exercises, such as yoga or any mind-body relaxation programs, can help you relax and improve your overall chances of conception.
While there is no scientific evidence of any particular foods or diet that can improve conception or help getting pregnant quickly, women are advised to consume a healthy and balanced diet to improve their chances of conception. You must avoid consuming fish such as swordfish, king mackerel, and more, which are high in mercury and have been known to be associated with infertility.
Useful Tips for Getting Pregnant Fast and Naturally
Getting pregnant fast naturally is possible with a little help. Here is a list of useful tips and suggestions that couples can follow to get pregnant fast and naturally (11):
You can try different sex positions to get pregnant faster. The classic man-on-top position would be the best recommendation. Avoid immediately leaping out of bed after the completion of the sexual intercourse. Take some time and enjoy with your partner. You can even keep a pillow under your hips or keep your legs raised after sex for about 20 minutes to improve the chances of the sperm entering the egg.
For healthier and stronger sperm, the man should incorporate some lifestyle changes. Strong and healthy sperm always have a higher chance of fertilizing an egg.
Avoid tobacco, marijuana, or any other drugs.
Limit the daily consumption of alcoholic drinks.
Maintain a healthy body weight.
Having a balanced diet comprising whole grains, fish, and vegetables can improve male fertility. Foods rich in Vitamin C can boost sperm motility (or movement), while foods such as oysters, beef tenderloin, and baked beans can supply zinc, which is necessary to avoid infertility. Additionally, low levels of Vitamin B can impact sperm health; hence, men must consume healthy breakfast cereals, leafy green vegetables, and orange juice daily.
Avoid the use of hot bathtubs or saunas, as high temperatures can kill sperm. It is recommended to take a hot water bath at around 94-96 degrees Fahrenheit, which is slightly lower than our normal body temperature.
According to experts, men should wear loose boxers or shorts instead of tighter briefs, which can help keep the testicles cooler and boost sperm production. Additionally, men should avoid keeping electronic devices such as laptops on their lap, which can increase the temperature of the testicles and can harm sperm production.
While achieving orgasms can improve the feel-good factor of having sexual intercourse, it does not impact conception in any way.
FAQs
1. Is it possible to conceive fast?
It is possible to get pregnant fast. About 80% of people get pregnant within 6 months of trying, while some conceive within a month. It all depends on your current health, medical history, lifestyle, age, when and how you try ot conceive and many other factors.
2. How many sperm are enough to become pregnant?
Millions of sperm are present in a single ejaculation, and you only need one sperm to fertilise an egg and to get you pregnant.
3. How to make the sperm stay inside?
No studies suggest you need to do things to keep sperm inside in order to get pregnant. You can move freely after sex. To increase your chances, you can try different positions.
4. Can exercise improve the chances of successful conception?
Yes, exercise is important for both partners to conceive successfully. It keeps the body flexible and hospitable for a foetus to grow. Obesity is associated with irregular ovulation and other complications that may arise when trying to conceive (12). Maintaining a healthy weight is also important to improve the chances of getting pregnant fast. However, excessive exercise may disrupt ovulation (13).
Infertility is a problem that can impact both men and women, hence seeking medical consultation and help from a qualified doctor is required and recommended at the earliest.
References/Resources:
1. Evaluating Infertility; ACOG; https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/evaluating-infertility
2. Trying to Get Pregnant? Here’s When to Have Sex.; ACOG; https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/trying-to-get-pregnant-heres-when-to-have-sex
3. How to Get Pregnant – Best Tips to Help You Conceive; American Pregnancy Association; https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/how-to-get-pregnant/
4. Getting pregnant; Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/how-to-get-pregnant/art-20047611
5. Optimizing Natural Fertility; American Society for Reproductive Medicine; https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/patient-fact-sheets-and-booklets/documents/fact-sheets-and-info-booklets/optimizing-natural-fertility/
6. Steiner. A. Z, Long. D. L, et al; Effect of vaginal lubricants on natural fertility. Obstet Gynecol.; PubMed Central; https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3427535/#:~:text=Commonly%20used%20vaginal%20lubricants%20have,concentrations%20(4%E2%80%938).; July 2012
7. Kumar. M, et al.; Effect of Stress and Caffeine on Male Infertility; Cureus; https://www.cureus.com/articles/109365-effect-of-stress-and-caffeine-on-male-infertility#!/; August 2022
8. Ricci. E, et al.; Semen quality and alcohol intake: a systematic review and meta-analysis; Reproductive Biomedicine Online; https://www.rbmojournal.com/article/S1472-6483(16)30560-0/fulltext; October 2016
9. Rehman. R, et al.; Relationship Between Smoking Habit and Sperm Parameters Among Patients Attending an Infertility Clinic; Frontiers in Physiology; https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2019.01356/full; October 2019
10. Rooney. K. L, Domar. A. D; The relationship between stress and infertility; Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience; https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.31887/DCNS.2018.20.1/klrooney; April 2022
11. How to Get Pregnant Naturally; American Pregnancy Association; https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/planning/how-to-get-pregnant-naturally/
12. Dağ. Z. Ö, Dilbaz. B; Impact of obesity on infertility in women. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc.; PubMed Central; https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4456969/; June 2015
13. Hakimi. O, Cameron. L; Effect of Exercise on Ovulation: A Systematic Review; Sports Medicine; https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-016-0669-8?cjdata=MXxOfDB8WXww&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=commission_junction&utm_campaign=CONR_BOOKS_ECOM_GL_PBOK_ALWYS_DEEPLINK&utm_content=textlink&utm_term=PID100047226&CJEVENT=a3af6615bbb011ef801902300a18b8f9; December 2016
Also Read:
A Guide to Fertility
Most Common Baby Making Mistakes
How to Increase Progesterone to Get Pregnant
Does Orgasm Boost Your Odds of Getting Pregnant?
Best Time of the Day to Get Conceive – Morning, Afternoon or Night?
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Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – An Overview
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects about 5 to 10 percent of women of child-bearing age, but the incidence of the condition may be higher in some ethnic groups. It is caused by a surplus of male hormones in a woman’s body. The name refers to the appearance of cysts on the ovaries of some women who have PCOS. Read on to know more about PCOS.
Video: PCOS and Pregnancy
What Is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)?
PCOS, is caused by hormonal imbalances. It has an impact on the reproductive system and can also affect the heart as well as the body’s ability to handle blood sugar. It can cause difficulties in women trying to conceive and is considered one of the common causes of infertility.
This condition can lead to delayed periods and cause certain physical changes. In PCOS, the sex hormones can go awry, causing excess facial and body hair or leading to insulin resistance in the body. Though the name suggests that women with this condition will have multiple cysts, it is not necessary that everyone diagnosed with PCOS has cysts. Similarly, not every woman with cysts will be diagnosed with PCOS. These ‘cysts’, in fact, are partially formed follicles with an egg.
How Does It Affect Pregnancy?
Women with PCOS who conceive will have to be monitored carefully throughout their pregnancy. This is because such women are three times more likely to have a miscarriage. Gestational diabetes and premature delivery are some PCOS side effects that might arise during the pregnancy. A doctor might recommend the continuing of Metformin during the pregnancy to minimise chances of a miscarriage.
Regular exercise is required during pregnancy when the mother has PCOS. Light exercise will boost the body’s use of insulin, create hormonal balance, and help keep weight in control. Walking and mild strength training are considered the best exercises for expectant women. Diet is also of importance when pregnant with PCOS. Higher intake of protein and fibre can help keep insulin levels in check during pregnancy.
Although not compulsory, a caesarian section may be required during delivery, especially if the risk of complications is much higher when the mother has PCOS. In that case, a C-Section reduces the chances of things going wrong during the delivery.
Getting pregnant with PCOS is not impossible, but trying to conceive with PCOS can certainly be more difficult than it would be otherwise. This is because women with PCOS tend to have hormonal imbalances that can interrupt normal ovulation and the menstrual cycle. The condition can also adversely impact the quality of eggs resulting in problems with conception. The relation between PCOS and infertility has been discussed and studied for a long time.
PCOS and Pregnancy
Many women with the condition can get pregnant and deliver full-term without the need for medical intervention in any form. But for those who require medical assistance, obstetricians and reproductive endocrinologists can guide them on conceiving and having a problem-free delivery. The PCOS pregnancy rate is an optimistic one, especially with the kind of progress being made in science every day. A large number of women with PCOS go on to get pregnant and have healthy offspring once they undergo treatment. The following statistics shed light on PCOS conception without medical intervention; it may help to bear in mind that it’s best to get a Doctor’s informed opinion since every woman’s body is unique.
Chances of getting Pregnant With PCOS
Women with PCOS often face infertility issues and may find it difficult to get pregnant without medical intervention. As mentioned earlier, PCOS affects 8 to 10% of the women of childbearing age, and it is associated with a very high rate of infertility. Since it causes infrequent or no ovulation, PCOS makes unassisted conception very difficult.
Possible Reasons for Getting PCOS
No exact cause of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome has been found yet. But genetics is strongly believed to be one factor, alongside insulin resistance and hormone imbalance. A woman’s risk for PCOS is increased by nearly 50 percent if a family member such as her mother, sister or aunt has PCOS.
Insulin resistance is present in nearly 80 percent of women who are diagnosed with PCOS. This is where the body has to work overtime to produce extra insulin to break down sugar. This, in turn, can stimulate the ovaries to produce an excess of testosterone, which then interrupts the normal development of follicles. This often leads to irregularities in ovulation.
Lifestyle factors are common causes of insulin resistance, as are genetic factors. Being overweight is yet another cause of insulin resistance, which increases the chances of PCOS.
Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
The onset of symptoms of PCOS is gradual and often goes unnoticed. Though symptoms might start as early as the teen years, the condition may remain hidden until the woman gains a good amount of weight.
Menstrual problems such as infrequent periods or absence of periods, heavy, irregular bleeding during periods, loss of hair from the scalp while there is an increase in hair growth on the rest of the body such as the face, repeat miscarriages, depression, insulin resistance, and obstructive sleep apnea are some of the warning signs of PCOS.
Some other symptoms are darkened skin patches, mood swings, and difficulty in getting pregnant. Often, these are ignored or attributed to other reasons and result in a delay of PCOS diagnosis. In addition to these symptoms, women with PCOS might have health problems like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.
How Is PCOS Diagnosed?
Since every woman is unique, no one will display all the symptoms of PCOS. There is also no single specific test for PCOS, and as a result, the method of diagnosis will vary slightly from doctor to doctor.
Firstly, the doctor will review the medical history of the woman and list information such as weight, BMI, menstrual cycle, diet, and exercise regimen. Family history, especially with regard to hormone problems and diabetes, will be sought.
This is likely to be followed by a physical exam of the breasts, thyroid gland, skin, and belly. A PCOS ultrasound might be conducted to see if there is any abnormality of the ovaries. If signs of PCOS such as cysts and enlarged ovaries are present, they will show up during the examination.
The doctor might also ask for blood tests to check levels of testosterone, prolactin, triglycerides, cholesterol, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and insulin levels, among others. Lipid level tests, fasting glucose tests, and thyroid function tests will provide doctors with all the necessary information.
A diagnosis of this condition is arrived at if the patient satisfies at least two of the following three criteria:
Menstrual dysfunction which can mean the absence of periods or irregularity in periods.
Presence of high levels of male hormones in the blood which can manifest as acne or excess hair growth, especially on the body and face.
Ovaries that are polycystic show an increase in the size of one or both ovaries; or the presence of 12 or more follicles on a single ovary.
Treatment for Polycystic Ovarian Disease
There is no cure for PCOS, but it can be controlled through weight loss, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication. The treatment suggested will be based on the symptoms as well as the woman’s plans for pregnancy.
1. Weight Loss
For overweight women, loss of excess weight can often prove to be the best treatment. Losing even 5 percent of weight can bring about the normalisation of the menstrual cycle and thus, ovulation.
2. Exercise and a Balanced Diet
Low-fat dairy products, whole grains, vegetables and fruits constitute a balanced diet. Combined with exercise, a balanced diet helps balance your hormones.
3. Quitting Smoking
Androgens or male sex hormones are present in higher amounts in women in smoke. These are the hormones which are responsible for PCOS. Quitting smoking can help in the treatment of PCOS.
4. Medication
Medication is often prescribed to treat the symptoms of PCOS. Contraceptive pills might have to be taken to ensure regular periods. Excessive hair growth or hair loss can also be controlled through medicines that can counter the effect of male hormones.
5. Laparoscopy
Since infertility is a fall out of PCOS, those trying to conceive might benefit from a minor surgery known as laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD). Here, the ovaries are subjected to heat or a laser to eliminate the tissue that is producing androgens (male hormones). This can help balance hormone levels and lead the ovaries to function normally, increasing your chances to get pregnant. But in some instances, this might prove to be a short-term solution.
A majority of women with PCOS can get pregnant with the right treatment. This can include a course of Clomifene or Metformin depending on the individual’s symptoms and condition. IVF is also an option often offered to women with PCOS who fail to respond to medication.
Health Risks Associated With PCOS
Women with PCOS are more prone to conditions such as infertility, diabetes, endometrial cancer, heart attack, hypertension, high levels of cholesterol, sleep apnea, breast cancer, anxiety and depression. Sleep apnea can be particularly dangerous as the upper airway is obstructed during sleep. Metabolic syndrome is yet another condition that can occur as a result of PCOS while the cardiovascular risk is twice as much in women with PCOS.
When women with PCOS get pregnant, they are often referred to a doctor experienced in high-risk pregnancies. This is because possible complications of pregnancies with PCOS include a higher risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, and premature birth.
How to Get Pregnant With PCOS
Since PCOS is a hormonal disorder which can lead to infrequent ovulation and poor quality of eggs, the guidance of an obstetrician and a reproductive endocrinologist can help afflicted women get pregnant quickly. It is important to seek their suggestions the moment one decides to start trying to conceive. They are likely to suggest the following tips to a successful pregnancy:
1. Monitoring Periods
This helps to establish the pattern of frequency. Since PCOS can lead to irregular periods, it means fewer chances of ovulation which in turn translates to a reduced possibility of pregnancy every cycle. This is why doctors suggest charting periods to establish if ovulation is occurring or not.
2. Tracking Ovulation Patterns
Use of ovulation test kits and basal body temperature monitoring can be of great help in determining the presence and absence of ovulation in each cycle. This will have to be done for a minimum of six months for a doctor to interpret results correctly.
3. Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Excess weight can be the only hindrance to pregnancy for some women with PCOS. Eating a healthy diet and losing a few kilos can restore the hormonal balance and result in conception.
4. Eating Healthy
Since PCOS affects the body’s ability to regulate insulin, a diet for PCOS treatment should be rich in proteins and fibre, which can counteract the condition. Staying away from processed foods and sugars is one way of ensuring this and restoring the hormonal balance. This can lead to normal ovulation and thus, pregnancy.
5. Medication
If there is irregular or delayed ovulation, a doctor might prescribe Metformin to help regulate ovulation and ensure periods occur. The absence of ovulation might see the doctor prescribe Provera.
6. Gonadotropins
Treatment with gonadotropins is another option that doctors might suggest. Daily monitoring is required in this treatment.
7. IVF
When medications fail to produce results or are not suitable for a particular individual, the doctor might recommend opting for IVF or in-vitro fertilisation. In certain cases, PCOS might have an impact on the eggs, and then donor eggs might be required.
8. Laparoscopy
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is a minor procedure that might help pregnancy in certain cases of PCOS. The ovaries are targeted to destroy tissue that produces male hormones, and this can restore the body’s natural hormone balance leading to pregnancy.
9. Post-Conception Care
Once pregnant, it is important to take care to sustain the pregnancy because PCOS increases the risk of miscarriages. Medications might have to be continued throughout the pregnancy to ensure safe delivery.
When to Consult a Doctor If You Have PCOS
The symptoms of PCOS can be similar to those of other conditions, such as thyroid problems, obesity, and diabetes. So, it might be difficult to know when to see a doctor. Early detection and treatment of the condition can prove beneficial in the long term, especially in preventing heart disease and diabetes. Some warning signs to watch out for and to consult a doctor immediately are severe vaginal bleeding, depression or mood swings, and symptoms of diabetes.
Increased thirst, frequent urination, bigger appetite, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, and tingling in hands and feet are some symptoms that can indicate the presence of diabetes. Women who have regular menstrual cycles but fail to become pregnant after 12 or more months of trying should also consult their doctor immediately because a wait and watch approach does not help PCOS. Resorting to home remedies for PCOS might not be the best way for women wishing to conceive quickly.
Rising stress levels, pollution, late pregnancies and many other factors have led to PCOS becoming a common issue faced by women across the world. While it may lead to a delay in conception, and require extra care during pregnancy, it is a condition which can be addressed. It is important to avoid stress and maintain a positive attitude during the treatment for a favourable outcome.
Also Read: Guide to Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
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Family Planning 101: 7 Things You Should Invest In
So, you and your partner are ready for the next big milestone of your lives. Congratulations! You’re nervous, excited, and if our guess is correct, then perhaps a little confused too. Planning for a baby can be a bit overwhelming and requires mental, physical, and financial readiness. But there are certain things you can do and invest in to feel prepared for this big step!
7 Essentials to Keep in Mind When Planning for Pregnancy
Here’s what you need to keep in mind when family planning!
1. Start by investing in your health.
Now would be an excellent time to take up swimming, walking or any other form of exercise. Get in shape ahead of time, achieve the healthiest weight required to get pregnant, and increase your chances of having a comfortable pregnancy and labour. Pick a workout that you enjoy and watch how you slowly start to feel energized and fit! If you struggle with consistency, join a class! When you spend money, you are less likely to hit the snooze on your alarm and more likely to get up, put those sweat pants, and get going! Ask your partner to join in if the company helps! Working out together will also give the two of you extra quality time together.
Love browsing through the grocery aisle for those healthy treats? This time buy them for real! You won’t find a better time (or opportunity) to buy them! Buy leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, and fruits, and spend some quality time on the internet to learn how to incorporate them in your diet in one or more ways so that you’re not bored after a week. Also, cut back on caffeine, packaged foods, and oily food items.
2. Consider your reproductive health too.
Visit an obstetrician or a gynaecologist to get a preconception check up done. Timely checkups can help your doctor rule out any potential complications. She may also suggest some tests for you and your spouse, and prescribe prenatal vitamins to you.
If you’ve been on birth control, you can check with your doctor about when and how to stop it. She will most likely suggest that you stop using birth control a couple of months before you start trying to get pregnant, especially if you were on contraceptive pills. You can time sex with your partner accordingly to increase your chances of conception.
3. Buy the right pregnancy kit.
When trying to conceive, a missed period might be a good enough indicator of pregnancy. And although it might still be too early to visit a gynaecologist, the waiting game can be anxiety-inducing. You can put your worries to rest by taking a urine pregnancy test in the comfort of your home. With Mamaxpert’s Rapid Pregnancy Detection Test Kit, you can get results in just 5 minutes! It’s a one-step HCG test that detects hCG, the pregnancy hormone, in a urine sample to provide the correct result. The results are 99% accurate and the process of taking the test, fairly simple. If you get a positive result, you can visit a gynaecologist to confirm the same.
4. Invest in sound financial advice.
Pregnancy and babies are an expensive affair. Whether you’re planning to have a baby or are already pregnant, it’s never too late to start saving. From diapers to baby skincare to vaccinations, you’ll be shelling out a lot without even realizing it once your baby comes. Pregnancy medication, monthly checkups, and ultrasound scans, also cost a lot, which is why you must consider financial planning in advance. If you’re finding it difficult to manage your finances, seek professional help. Check with an accountant who can help you set a budget for everything. You can also check with them about maternity health insurance and maternity benefits programs that would be right for you.
5. Buy skincare and relaxation products.
Stretch marks are a common pregnancy occurrence, and not all women are comfortable sporting the stripes. They may appear around the stomach, hips, or breasts due to weight gain and a growing belly. Loss of elasticity may also cause itching, redness, or irritation around these areas. The best way to reduce their appearance or prevent them is by investing in good stretch mark cream and moisturizing the area where they are likely to appear, right from the first trimester. Mamaxpert’s Stretch Mark Cream contains ingredients that reduce the appearance of stretch marks, improve skin elasticity, and keep the skin nourished and protected. Buying a good stretch mark cream like Mamaxpert’s stretch mark cream will help you keep your skin hydrated and the appearance of stretch marks to a minimum.
Weight gain can also put undue pressure on your legs and cause leg pain during pregnancy. To deal with it, you can use the Legs Relaxing Gel by Mamaxpert which hydrates the skin and improves blood circulation to the legs. You can also do pregnancy-safe exercises under the guidance of a trained professional to relieve leg and back pain.
6. Don’t forget about hygiene.
If we’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it is maintaining hygiene and how!
Maintaining good vaginal hygiene can lower your chances of infections ‘down there’ and increase your chances of conception. As you will be more prone to infections during pregnancy, you will need something that is mild and safe to use. Use a good intimate wash like Mamaxpert’s Intimate Wash. It is safe, gentle, provides relief from itchiness and reduces any unpleasant odours.
7. Invest in baby essentials.
Your baby will need tons of stuff in the first year of their life, and buying baby essentials all at once can make your budget fly out the window. So once you get the ‘good news’, set up an account for your baby, list down the things they will need, and buy them over the period of nine months of your pregnancy.
Planning for a baby can seem like an uphill climb, but with a proper plan in place, you can increase your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy. And trust us, investing in your health, incorporating lifestyle changes, and budgeting will be worth it, once you have your baby in your arms.
Also Read:
Calendar Method of Family Planning
Family Planning Tips for Women
Natural Family Planning (NFP) – Fertility Awareness Methods
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15+ Best Home Remedies to Help You Get Pregnant
Giving birth to a baby is one of the most satisfying and ecstatic feelings for a woman. That positive pregnancy test, which is then confirmed by a gynaecologist, evokes happiness that knows no comparison! You eagerly wait for your little one to come into the world, and you hope that your 9 months of pregnancy pass as peacefully as possible.
However, the journey to getting pregnant is different for every woman. While some women get pregnant easily, others may have to wait a little longer to conceive. If you and your spouse have decided to take a plunge into parenthood, and want it to happen soon, then this article may help you! We’ll be discussing various home remedies to get pregnant and fulfil your dream of becoming a parent. Though there are no full-proof home remedies that are guaranteed to lead to conception, the following ways may help you to conceive faster.
What is the Role of Natural Remedies to Conceive Immediately?
Health plays a huge factor in getting pregnant, meaning you might need to take certain measures to ensure you are in the prime of health. Home remedies like eating certain foods, exercise, and more will help maintain hormonal balance and prepare your body for pregnancy to increase the chances of conceiving. Taking steps to manage stress, eat right, and stay active through the day will push you further along the journey of becoming a parent.
17 Natural Ways to Conceive Faster
There are a number of factors that need to be taken care of when you are trying to conceive, such as your ovulation period, your partner’s sperm quality, and your lifestyle and diet. There are plenty of natural and home remedies you can try, most of which are foods which you can include in your daily diet! So, if you are trying to get pregnant, the following foods may be helpful:
1. Dates
Dates provide Vitamins B and K, iron, potassium, folate, antioxidants, and other essential minerals. Iron and folate are super important nutrients to have during conception and pregnancy! Thus, nutrient-packed dates are a power food that may help you in conceiving and also during pregnancy. Grind 10-12 seedless dates with two spoons of coriander roots. You may add this paste to a cup of cow’s milk and boil it. Consume this mixture for a week after your period gets over, to improve your fertility.
2. Pomegranate
Pomegranates are packed with Vitamins C and K, as well as plenty of antioxidants, folate, and potassium. Pomegranates are very effective in increasing blood flow to the pelvic region. They are said to increase female fertility and also help in thickening the uterine lining, which reduces the chances of miscarriage. Take equal amounts of the bark of the pomegranate tree and seeds, and make a powder. Take half a teaspoon of this powder daily for a few weeks.
3. Maca Root
Maca root can be used to treat low fertility in both women and men. It is quite nutritious, as it contains Vitamins B and C, iron, and potassium. This root can help in balancing the hormonal levels of the body and increasing sperm count and motility, thus improving fertility. You may take half a teaspoon of maca root powder with a cup of warm water or milk. Consume the maca root powder for a few months, but avoid it once you get pregnant.
4. Vitamin D
A lack of Vitamin D in your body may lead to infertility and even miscarriage among women who may have lost a previous pregnancy. Vitamin D is a very important nutrient for the body: it strengthens bones, teeth and muscles, and improves calcium absorption. Many scientific studies have shown the adverse impact of Vitamin D deficiency on female fertility. The best way to get Vitamin D into your system is by basking in the early morning sunlight for 10 minutes (but be sure to apply sunscreen!), or you can even eat vitamin D-rich foods such as egg yolk and cheese. However, make sure not to take too much Vitamin D, as that can have an adverse impact as well.
5. Cinnamon
This wondrous spice helps in better functioning of the female ovaries and thus helps in warding off infertility. It is used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS, which is one of the prime reasons of infertility in women. You can add a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of warm water and drink this tea for a few months, or you can sprinkle it on top of some meals.
6. Banyan Tree Roots
Banyan tree roots have been an effective home remedy for conception. You may take the banyan tree root’s powder with warm milk for 3 consecutive days after your period finishes. You can follow this procedure for a couple of months to see results!
7. Garlic
One effective natural remedy to get pregnant is to eat garlic. Garlic is known for improving fertility in both men and women. It improves sperm and egg quality. You may take 4 to 5 cloves of garlic and chew it. Drink a glass of warm milk after chewing the garlic cloves. Follow this routine regularly in the winter months to improve fertility.
8. Alum
Alum works as one of the greatest home remedies to get pregnant fast. If your periods are regular but you are facing difficulty in getting pregnant, alum is your solution. You may take a small piece of alum and cover it with cotton. Insert it into your vagina at night. Follow this routine till the cotton comes out clean (without any milky layer on the cotton). The absence of white layer is a sign that you are ready to get pregnant.
9. Nutmeg
This spice is beneficial in enhancing female fertility. You may include nutmeg in your diet to increase your chances of getting pregnant. You may take equal amounts of nutmeg powder and sugar powder (approximately 3 grams each) and take it with one cup milk (preferably cow’s milk) during your periods.
10. Rock Salt
You can use rock salt to increase your chances of getting pregnant. Rock salt can be effective in fighting infertility in women, as rock salt has many essential minerals in it like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. You may take a spoonful of rock salt and soak it in 750 ml water. Drink this water early in the morning (before sunrise) for 3 to 6 months to see results.
11. Mustard Paste
You may increase your chances of getting pregnant by following this simple and easy home remedy. You may effectively add mustard paste to your everyday diet after the fourth day of your menstrual cycle. Mustard is very effective in enhancing fertility in women. But don’t overdo it.
12. Holy Basil
Holy basil has been used to cure various medical ailments and health conditions. Consumption of holy basil has also proved effective in curing female infertility. Few leaves of holy basil (three to four) can be chewed daily, followed by a glass of milk to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Alternatively, the seeds of basil can be eaten to enhance fertility.
13. Fennel and Rose Petals
Another home remedy for conception is the consumption of fennel and rose. If yoga and exercise is something that you cannot follow to increase your chances of getting pregnant, you can have fennel and rose essence to improve your fertility. Mix 10 grams of fennel and 50 grams of rose jam, and take this mixture every night with warm milk (cow’s milk).
14. Chasteberry
Chasteberry is very beneficial for women who struggle with hormonal imbalance. Increased prolactin levels in the body due to hormonal imbalance may lead to infertility. Consumption of chasteberry helps to combat PCOS and improve ovulation. Take a spoonful of dried chasteberry and infuse it for 10 minutes in boiling water. Drink this tea once a day for a few weeks to enhance fertility.
15. Fennel and Butter
This combination is ideal to improve fertility in women who are overweight or heavy. You may take fennel powder (approximately 6 grams) and mix it with 2 parts of pure butter and consume this mixture for three to four months.
16. Spinach
Spinach is rich in B vitamin folate, which is a natural form of folic acid. If you are trying to conceive, include spinach in your diet to get enough folate, which is a necessary nutrient added to prenatal vitamins, and it will help your chances of getting pregnant.
17. Salmon
Salmon is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which increases your chances of getting pregnant. As Omega-3 has a positive effect on fertility, it is encouraged to add more salmon and other seafood to your diet to get your fill of this nutrient and conceive sooner.
All the above-mentioned foods can effectively improve your chances of getting pregnant. You may try these remedies to get pregnant if you have irregular periods, too. However, it is suggested that you consult your doctor before adopting any of these home remedies to enhance your fertility.
Herbal Remedies to Help Get Pregnant
There are certain home remedies for conceiving that will help you along your journey to parenthood, especially if you are struggling. Try the below natural remedies to get pregnant fast, and stay consistent for the best results.
1. Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Free radicals are known to damage egg cells produced in the body. By eating food that is high in antioxidants, you can effectively reduce the negative effect of free radicals and improve fertility. Include foods that are rich in good antioxidants like Vitamin E, folate, Vitamin C, and more.
2. Increase Fibre Intake
Fibre helps remove excessive hormones in the body while controlling blood sugar levels, so your health is kept in check. Include foods rich in fibre in your diet, such as whole grains, beans, and fruits like guava, to improve ovulation and general fertility.
3. Up Your Iron Intake
Iron is an essential nutrient for pregnant and childbirth, especially for women in their reproductive years. Eat foods rich in iron, such as beetroot and spinach to improve fertility. If you find your iron levels to be low, consult a doctor about possible supplements.
Additional Tips to Keep in Mind
Apart from the above-mentioned natural remedies, the following tips may also help in getting you pregnant:
1. Limit your caffeine intake
Consuming high amounts of caffeine hinders the absorption of iron in the blood, and it may also cause dehydration. Collectively, these things may lead to infertility issues in women, which can result in problems conceiving and risks of miscarriage or preterm labour.
2. Avoid sugar
Sugar is found in carbohydrates. Eating more than required amounts of sugar may lead to disrupted insulin levels in the body. A carbohydrate-rich diet creates insulin resistance in the body, and may cause problems if you are planning to conceive. Switch to natural sweeteners or fruits as a healthy substitute for sugar.
3. Drink adequate water
You should drink good amounts of water if you are planning to have a baby. Water not only keeps the uterus healthy, but it also helps in increasing cervical mucus. The sperms attach better to the thickened cervical mucus and help you in getting pregnant.
4. Be healthy and fit
It is very important to exercise every day. If you are on the heavier side of the scale, it might be a good idea to lose some weight, as it would improve your chances of getting pregnant. However, if you are underweight, you may have problems with ovulation. Maintain a healthy and fit body, as it improves your chances of getting pregnant.
5. Sleep well
It is very important that you sleep well, for the proper functioning of all your internal organs. Irregular or erratic sleeping habits may take a toll on your hormones. A disrupted hormonal balance may lead to problems in conception.
6. Keep stress away
Stress may lead to many health complications and problems, and conceiving is one of them. Increased levels of stress may impact the hormones that are responsible for releasing the egg from the ovaries. Therefore, stress may lead to delayed ovulation or no ovulation at all.
7. Quit smoking
Women who smoke may take longer to conceive than women who do not smoke. Also, a pregnant woman who smokes is at great risk of delivering a baby with genetic abnormalities.
8. Don’t consume alcohol
Alcohol consumption may lead to irregular menstrual cycles, ovulation problems, and disrupted hormonal levels. All of this may lead to complications if you are planning to get pregnant.
You may benefit from the above-mentioned tips if you want to get pregnant. However, it is recommended that you seek your doctor’s advice before making any dietary or lifestyle changes!
References/Resources:
1. Foods for Fertility: Fact or Fiction?; Cleveland Clinic; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/foods-for-fertility/; January 2023
2. Skoracka. K, Ratajczak. A, Rychter. A, et al.; Female Fertility and the Nutritional Approach: The Most Essential Aspects; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8634384/; November 2021
3. Panth. N, Gavarkovs. A, Tamez. M, et al.; The Influence of Diet on Fertility and the Implications for Public Health Nutrition in the United States; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6079277/; 2018
4. Female fertility: Why lifestyle choices count; Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/female-fertility/art-20045887; December 2022
5. Trying to get pregnant; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/trying-for-a-baby/trying-to-get-pregnant/; December 2020
Also Read:
Best Foods That Can Boost Your Fertility
How to Conceive Baby Fast & Easily
How to Get Pregnant Fast with Irregular Periods
Best Sex Positions To Get Pregnant Faster
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