We all assume it'll just happen...until we actually decide to try for a baby. Yep, unfortunately, getting pregnant isn't as straight-forward as your younger self once thought. Here are a few of the more common thoughts that hopeful mums have...
1. This will be quick
While it's good to be optimistic, you need to be realistic too, and the reality is that just 20% of women will conceive in the first month.
By six months, 70% will be pregnant and by one year, that jumps to 85%.
2. I never had a pregnancy scare. Is there something wrong with me?
Not having a pregnancy scare isn't strange. A healthy couple in their 20s only has a 25% change of conceiving each month. This continues to drop as women get older.
By the time you're in your 30s, you have a 20% chance of getting pregnant each month.
3. Will I 'just know' when it finally happens?
Maybe. Some women swear they can tell when it happens, others feel pain akin to period pain.
But most women haven't a clue until they take a test.
4. Do we have to do it every single day?
Well, given that there are only around five days every month when sex is likely to lead to conception, there's really no need.
Those days occur in the lead-up to ovulation and on the day you actually ovulate.
5. Should I do my research?
It's always good to know when you're ovulating, but some couples find that the less they try to control things, the more relaxed they are. And the more relaxed you are about it, the more likely you are to conceive. The human body doesn't deal well under stress.
6. How long does it take your body to prepare for pregnancy?
If you have a healthy diet and exercise regime in the months leading up to trying to conceive, you'll ensure your body is in the best shape it can be in.
Start taking a pregnancy vitamin supplement three months before you start trying, and go off the pill one month before you start trying for a child. This gives your natural cycle a chance to re-establish itself.
7. Is it too early to start thinking of baby names?
It doesn't hurt to be prepared. However, miscarriage is more common than you might think, especially during the first trimester. For that reason, it might be a better idea to put off the baby names until a bit later on.
8. Does it matter what underpants my other half wears?
It might help. Research has shown that men who wear boxer shorts during the day and slept naked at night had healthier sperm compared to those who wore tight underpants day and night.
9. Should I change my diet?
You should be taking folic acid for at least one month before trying to conceive, although experts recommend all women of child-bearing age to take the supplement.
Apart from that, it's recommended that you follow a healthy diet and to stop drinking alcohol. If you're already getting your five a day, and plenty of protein too, then you should be fine.
SHARE if you can relate to these.
