You can never really predict how quickly you’ll conceive after you start trying.
Remember, doctors suggest that couples without known fertility issues try for 12 months before seeking further help. (Over 35 years old? Make it 6 months.)
Depending on how long it takes you, you might experience a roller coaster of emotions while trying for pregnancy. (Psst— see if a fertility doula can help!) It might help to take a closer look at your fertility wellness to prepare you.
If you’re ready to start TTC (that’s “trying to conceive” in fertility lingo!), ask yourself a few questions first.
1) Are you ovulating regularly?
This is the golden question when it comes to TTC. When you ovulate, you release an egg. When you release an egg and sperm meet it as it travels down your tubes toward your uterus, you have a shot at fertilization. When the fertilized egg implants into your uterine lining, you’re pregnant!
So, in order for pregnancy to be possible, you need to be ovulating.
Since you’re only fertile during the days leading up to ovulation and just after the release of an egg, you need to have well-timed sex in order to conceive. This is why Fertility Awareness is so helpful for many people TTC!
If you’re not TTC yet but plan to in the future, start tracking your cycles now so you can nail down your fertile window when you’re ready to go for it.
And, if you’re not ovulating regularly, you might have a harder time conceiving. If your cycles are super irregular (or if you’re not having a period at all), talk to a doc ASAP if you want to get pregnant.
2) How’s your sleep?
Y’all already know by now how much stress impacts your cycle. (Remember, times of intense stress can even make you stop ovulating!)
Sleep is a superhero that fights the villain of stress.
I don’t think you’re here to hear allll the benefits of getting enough sleep (at LEAST 7 hours per night regularly— preferably 8+), but know that it’s good for your fertility, too.
Good sleep helps your body recover from stress, regulates your hormones and makes you happier. It helps you recharge after a day of TTC thoughts (Will I get pregnant this month? When am I fertile again? Did I take my prenatal?) and wake ready to tackle your day with fewer worries.
If you need a little boost towards your sleep hygiene, consider regulating your circadian rhythm through light exposure and other tools.
Avoid blue light (light from electronics like your cell phone, sorry!) starting at least two hours before bedtime.
As soon as you can after waking in the morning, expose yourself to natural light (step out in the sun for a minute if you’re lucky enough to have it!).
Use blackout curtains (especially if you live in a place that has a lot of artificial light outdoors). The full moon is SUPER bright and can easily mess with sleep!
Try sleep meditations or yoga nidra if you have a hard time falling asleep.
Find a gentle alarm clock. I’m IN LOVE with my gradual light alarm clock and often wake from the warm glow before the bird chirping noises begin. Such naturey technology!
3) Are you taking the correct supplements?
This applies to several things. First, do you have any vitamin deficiencies? You want to build up those vitamin and mineral stores so you can stay optimally healthy during pregnancy. If you have any nagging symptoms that you think could be a vitamin deficiency (like being tired in winter from lack of Vitamin D!) then ask a doc for blood work and suggestions.
Also important: start taking a prenatal! Even if you don’t plan to start TTC for a few months, you can start taking a prenatal multi-vitamin now. Vitamins are not FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) regulated, so it can be hard to know what prenatals are truly beneficial. Check for “third party tested” options so you can see the standards for high quality vitamins.
Tip: Look for a prenatal with methylfolate (rather than folic acid). If you have a MTHFR gene mutation (you may or may not know if you do), then folic acid is harmful to you. Might as well avoid it just in case!
Of course, nothing is ever perfect!
Many people become pregnant without tracking cycles, and others need extra help even if they time sex correctly. Some people will conceive with terrible sleep, and some people begin prenatal vitamins once they discover they’re pregnant.
So figure out what you need right now, and take care of yourself. You’ll be an incredible parent. I know it.
Do you need help determining your fertile window?